Toronto is taking steps to address the growing pains of its construction boom by imposing new fees on companies that obstruct traffic. The city aims to hold construction companies accountable for traffic disruptions caused by their projects, encourage better public space maintenance, and prioritize pedestrian safety.
Construction in the city continues at a rapid pace, with numerous sprawling residential complexes under development. While this growth brings progress, it also presents challenges, particularly in the form of increased traffic congestion during construction. Road and sidewalk closures are often unavoidable during building projects, but the City of Toronto has implemented measures to hold private construction companies accountable for traffic disruptions they cause.
These measures include requiring companies to better maintain public spaces surrounding their construction sites, prioritize safe, accessible, and clearly marked pedestrian routes, and post signage with project details and complaint channels. The City's 2025 budget, recently addressed by council, also includes new fees aimed at mitigating traffic obstruction caused by construction. Starting April 1, companies seeking to temporarily close roads for construction projects will face application fees ranging from $76.51 to $375.76, depending on the urgency of their request. Furthermore, additional charges, known as RoDARS fees (Road Disruption Activity Reporting System), will be imposed based on the length of the road closure and its classification (main road or local road). These fees can reach up to $40.71 per 50 meters per lane per day for main road closures and $2.54 per 50 meters per lane per day for local road closures. While these fees may seem relatively minor compared to the multi-million dollar budgets of large construction projects, the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD), representing home-building professionals, has expressed concerns. They argue that additional fees could hinder the construction of much-needed housing amidst the province's severe housing affordability and supply crisis. BILD also raised concerns about the short notice provided for these new fees, stating insufficient time for consultation with members and assessment of the impact
Construction Traffic Fees Toronto City Council Development
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ontario Lafarge plant implements ‘new wave of technology’ to combat CO2 emissionsCanada's construction news
Read more »
Toronto Public Health warns of possible measles exposure at Toronto Pearson AirportToronto health officials are warning that travellers at Toronto Pearson Airport Terminal 1 may have been exposed to measles this week.
Read more »
Injury-plagued guard Quickley impresses in return but Raptors fall to BullsTORONTO — Immanuel Quickley has suffered through a challenging second season with the Toronto Raptors.
Read more »
Injury-plagued guard Quickley impresses in return but Raptors fall to BullsTORONTO — Immanuel Quickley has suffered through a challenging second season with the Toronto Raptors.
Read more »
Another De Rosario to wear Toronto FC first-team colours this seasonTORONTO — Toronto FC will have another De Rosario wearing first-team colours this year.
Read more »
Man arrested in Guyana faces charges in 2018 Toronto assault and stabbingA Toronto Police Service logo patch is shown in Toronto on Sept. 5, 2023.
Read more »