Bathurst Complete Street Project

Upon reviewing the North York map for the 2025-27 Bike Plan, one of the most significant projects in the pipeline is the Bathurst Complete Street from Bainbridge to Steeles Avenues. A cycling route which also shows up in York Region’s 2022 Transportation Master Plan. Ahead of the public consultation scheduled for Thursday, January 30 (6:00 – 8:30 PM) at Rockford Public School, let’s look at what this project has to offer, as well as what’s needed to further improve connectivity in the area.

Bathurst Complete Street rendering - Via City of Toronto

One side effect of Doug Ford’s Bill 212 is the disclosure on the presentation stating that “no vehicle lanes are proposed to be removed” for this project. The bikeway would provide a connection to the Finch Hydro Corridor and some trails by Earl Bales Park. The project also cites the Bathurst Manor Bikeway which doesn’t count since only sharrows were installed between Bathurst and Dufferin Streets. It will be installed in two phases with Phase 1 from Steeles Avenue to Yorkview Drive (south of Finch) to be installed in 2025-26 and Phase 2 from Yorkview to Bainbridge scheduled for 2027-28.

The project calls for unidirectional cycle tracks from Steeles to Sheppard Avenues except for the east side of the West Don River crossing which will have a multi-use path per the below diagram. The stretch from Sheppard to Bainbridge will only have a multi-use path on the east side.

The majority of the cycle tracks will be separated from the sidewalk by a grass median while some parts will be separated by a bevelled curb. Three protected intersections will be installed at Sheppard, Finch, and Drewry, while transit users will benefit from the addition of queue jump lanes at Sheppard and Finch. Eight parking spaces will be removed just north of the Finch Hydro Corridor which can be accommodated on nearby Kenton Drive and Transwell Avenue.

While this project acknowledges the need for north-south cycling routes in Toronto, there is the question of crossing Highway 401 to continue south. There are two options that are listed as a study for the 2025-27 Bike Plan. The first involves using Yonge Boulevard and Ridley Boulevard to be able to cross Highway 401 at Avenue Road; after which side streets can be used until you get to Bathurst and York Downs. A route which would require clear wayfinding. The second option involves going through Earl Bales Park and the Don Valley Golf Course. However, that option involves going up Hoggs Hollow on Yonge Street which – having done a few Cycling Good Cheer rides along it – is one brutal climb! Even with protected bike lanes from Yonge Boulevard to York Mills, I would not call it an AAA (all ages and abilities) cycling facility.

Toronto's 2025-27 Bike Plan with the Sheppard gap from Bathurst to Yonge highlighted in blue

As for east-west connectivity, a study is proposed on Sheppard Avenue from Bathurst to Jane Streets. Given the recently installed Sheppard bikeway from Bonnington Place to Bayview Avenue with an eastward extension to Leslie Street planned for this year, why not fill the two-kilometre gap from Bathurst to Yonge Streets? Another study is proposed along Steeles Avenue from Yonge to Jane Streets which is certainly worth doing. Last, but not least, the Finch Hydro Corridor needs that gap filled at G Ross Lord Park!

York Region's 2022 Transportation Master Plan includes Bathurst as a potential cycling route

If you can’t make it to the January 30 public meeting, you can complete the survey until Wednesday, February 5. The project is expected to go to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee – as well as City Council – later that month. Let’s ensure this project moves forward to help build a much-needed cycling grid in North York.