SAFETY AUDIT REPORT CARD SUMMARY

Transcription

1 SAFETY AUDIT REPORT CARD SUMMARY AUDIT DATE: October 10, 2013 AUDIT GROUP: Community members living in Dorset Park AUDIT AREA: Dorset Park, Kennedy Rd. and Ellesmere Rd. Ward 40 Scarborough - Agincourt Neighbourhood 119 Wexford/Maryvale EXECUTIVE SUMMARY METRAC s Safety Audit looks at how social and physical environments can make an area safe or unsafe. METRAC defines safety as freedom from the threat, fear, and experience of all forms of violence, oppression, and discrimination. The Community Safety Audit was organized by the Dorset Park Community Hub, Tenants Involved Educated and Ready to Respond (TIERR) program. Two audits were conducted on October 10, 2013 at 1:30pm in the afternoon. One audit was carried out on Kennedy Rd. north of Ellesmere Rd. and the other audit was conducted in the area south-west of Kennedy Rd and Ellesmere Rd. The audit aimed to particularly address some of the traffic concerns raised by residents in the neighbourhood. Thirteen individuals participated in the two audits. Ward 40 has a higher population of people whose ages are: less than 5 (5.7%), 5-9 (5.1%), (5.9%), (8.2%), (4.3%), (4.1%), (3.8%), (3.1%), and 85+ (2.8%) compared to the City s averages of 5.4%, 4.9%, 5.7%, 7.9%, 3.9%, 3.3%, 2.8%, 2.3%, and 2.1%, respectively. 1 The Ward has a higher population of visible minorities (69.3%) compared with the City at 46.9%. 2 The Ward has a higher population of people living in apartment buildings of 5 or more storeys (48.7%) compared to the City at 41%. 3 The top safety priorities identified by participants were as follows: Street lighting on Delbert Dr. Right turn and pedestrian crossing at Dundalk Dr. and Ellesmere Rd. Electrical wires on Ellesmere Rd. Jay walking along Kennedy Rd. No signage near construction areas along Kennedy Rd. Lack of visibility between buildings due to lack of lighting Safety Audit Report Card Kennedy Rd. and Ellesmere Rd. 1

2 SAFETY PRIORITIES AREA PRIORITIES RECOMMENDATIONS Kennedy Rd and Ellesmere Rd. 1. Street lighting on Delbert Dr. There is not enough street lighting on Delbert Dr. Contact City Councillor about adding additional lighting on Delbert Dr. 2. Right turn and pedestrian crossing at Dundalk Dr. and Ellesmere Rd. Drivers do not see pedestrians while turning right at Dundalk Dr. and Ellesmere Rd. 3. Electrical wires on Ellesmere Rd. Electrical wires were on the ground on the south west side of Ellesmere between Kennedy Rd. and Wye Valley Rd. 4. Jay walking on Kennedy Rd. Many people jay walk across Kennedy Rd. 5. No signs near construction areas along Kennedy Rd. Construction areas along Kennedy Rd do not have enough signs for drivers and pedestrians. 6. Lack of visibility between the buildings due to lack of lighting Need more lighting between buildings to increase visibility. Contact City Councillor and the City transportation department about adding an additional stop or yield sign for drivers so they are aware of pedestrians. Contact 311 and City Councillor to clean up electrical wires. Contact City Councillor and the City transportation department about possibility of adding crosswalks where most people are jay walking. Contact construction company and City Councillor about the need for more signage near construction sites. Contact City Councillor and property managers of buildings about installing more consistent lighting between buildings. Safety Audit Report Card Kennedy Rd. and Ellesmere Rd. 2

3 WALKABOUT PHOTO SUMMARY Safety Audit Report Card Kennedy Rd. and Ellesmere Rd. 3

4 OVERVIEW OF SAFETY AUDIT RESULTS The information below is based on the results of the survey and comments made during the safety audit walkabout. Recommendations for action were both stated by participants and based on their concerns. A - Very Good B - Good C - Ok D - Substandard F Poor GENERAL IMPRESSIONS B- More than half of the participants (66.7%) stated they feel safe in the area, while 33.3% stated they sometimes feel safe in the area. Half of the participants (50%) stated they felt safe in the area alone, while the other half (50%) stated they sometimes feel safe alone in the area. Many participants stated they feel safe leaving their home after dark, while some stated they do not feel safe. More than half of participants (55.6%) stated they sometimes avoid doing activities in the community because they feel unsafe. While 44.4% stated they do not avoid doing activities. Some participants stated they generally feel safe in the area, while one person stated they feel unsafe due to their colour/race and another person stated they do not feel safe because they usually go out with their children and they are the only adult. Some participants (44.4%) stated there are specific areas where they feel unsafe, while 11.1% stated there are areas where they sometimes feel unsafe. These areas included: Dim spaces on the road and sidewalk Areas where signs are not visible Glamorgan 6 parking lot, as there is a lot of people who smoke and gather in that area Bus stops on street and subway stops Antrim Crescent Safety Audit Report Card Kennedy Rd. and Ellesmere Rd. 4

5 A - Very Good B - Good C - Ok D - Substandard F Poor SAFETY GRADE SAFETY CONCERNS RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACTION CONTACT FEATURES LIGHTING C+ Some participants (37.5%) stated that the lighting in the area is good, while another 37.5% stated lighting is not Ensure lighting is consistent, and that all lights are working and bright throughout the area including in the following areas: good and 25% of participants were unsure if the lighting is good. - - Kennedy Rd between Ellesmere Rd and Brigstock Rd On Kennedy Rd the space A majority of participants (87.5%) stated that there are broken lights or areas that need more lighting. - - between 2 buildings On Dundalk, pathway between the back of the townhouses Areas between strip mall plazas More than half of the participants (62.5%) stated they know who to call when lights are out/broken, while 37.5% stated they did not. - - Increased lighting on Delbert Dr. as there are only 2 street lights for the entire road Dundalk Dr. - In the walkway - On the streets - More lighting in between traffic light signs Safety Audit Report Card Kennedy Rd. and Ellesmere Rd. 5 More than half of participants (62.5%) stated they were unsure if lights are blocked by trees and/or bushes, while 25% stated they are blocked and 12.5% stated that lights are not blocked by trees and/or bushes. Half of the participants (50%) stated that paths and sidewalks are well lit, while 37.5% stated they are not and Ensure that trees and bushes are not blocking lights, particularly on Wye Valley Rd. and along walkways. Ensure all paths and sidewalks are well lit. Contact property manager to ensure all lights on property are working, including near buildings and plazas. Ensure paths, signs and entrances are well lit. Report lights that need to be replaced on public property at this website: hydro.com/sites/elect ricsystem/residential/ customercare/pages/ reportastreetlightout. aspx Contact Councillor to request more lighting on Kennedy Rd.,

6 12.5% were unsure. Some participants (37.5%) stated signs and maps are not well lit, while another 37.5% stated they are, and 25% were unsure. Ensure all signs are well lit in the area. Delbert Dr., walkways and near signs in area. SIGNS and MAPS B- Many participants stated there are enough signs identifying the area. More than half of participants (62.5%) stated signs and maps are easy to see and find, while 25% stated they are not easy to see and find. Ensure that all signs are easy to see, read and understand, written in clear and large enough font, and in locations that are easy to see. Ensure there are emergency signs throughout buildings and parks in area. Contact Councillor regarding the need for additional signs as noted. Many participants stated signs and maps are easy to read and understand. More than half of participants (62.5%) stated there are no signs showing where to go for help in emergencies, while some participants (25%) were unsure if there are signs. Half of participants (50%) were unsure if emergency exits were easy to find in buildings, while 37.5% stated they are easy to find. Add the following signs: - Signs to caution against jaywalking near heavy traffic areas - More signs in construction zones - Yield to pedestrians - Exit door signs with brighter lighting - Bigger signs for elderly Safety Audit Report Card Kennedy Rd. and Ellesmere Rd. 6

7 TRAFFIC C+ More than half of participants (62.5%) stated area needs more crosswalks/ traffic lights, while 37.5% were unsure. Many participants (62.5%) stated traffic in the area is not too fast, while 25% were unsure. Safety Audit Report Card Kennedy Rd. and Ellesmere Rd. 7 More than half of participants (62.5%) stated the area needs speed bumps and/or a lower speed limit, while 25% stated it didn t. Around half of participants stated there are not enough bike lanes/paths in the area, while some stated there are enough bike lanes/paths in the area. Participants noted that the intersection at Dundalk Dr. and Ellesmere Rd. is very dangerous as cars turning right onto Ellesmere Rd from Dundalk Dr. cannot see pedestrians crossing Ellesmere road. During the audit there was a car blocking Gladeside Rd. and was noted cars often block the road. Assess the need for more crosswalks and traffic lights in the following areas: - Along Kennedy Rd between Progress Ave. and Ellesmere Rd. - A flashing light between Ellesmere Rd. and Progress Ave., as many people jaywalk in this area - Church at 1792 Birchmont Rd. to the bus stop, as participant noted it is dangerous when the traffic is coming up the Hill from Ellesmere Rd. Assess the need for additional speed bumps and/or a lower speed limit in the area. Assess the need for more bike lanes in the area including; - On most major roads such as Kennedy Rd and Ellesmere Rd. - In Agincourt One participant noted that there should be bike racks added to the plaza at 1354 Kennedy Rd. Assess the need for a yield sign or another way to ensure drivers turning Contact transportation services at the City to assess for more crosswalks, traffic lights, speed bumps and lower speed limit in the area. Contact Councillor to assess if area needs more bike lanes. Contact property manager at 1354 Kennedy Rd. to install bike racks. Contact Councillor and city transportation services about assessing the intersection and right turn on Ellesmere Rd. and Dundalk Dr. Contact Councillor and city transportation

8 right can see pedestrians crossing at Ellesmere Rd and Dundalk Dr. services about sign on Gladeside Rd. Assess need for no blocking/parking sign on Gladeside Rd. TTC B A majority of participants (87.5%) stated they use public transit. A majority of participants (87.5%) stated they generally feel safe on public transit, while 12.5% said they sometimes feel safe. Half of participants (50%) stated they feel safe waiting for the bus at night, while 25% said they did not and 25% stated they were unsure. One person stated they did not feel safe because of lighting and another person stated there are always groups of people at the bus stop. Assess bus routes and frequency to determine if buses should operate more frequently in the area, particularly at night and on the following routes; - 43 Kennedy - 9 Bellamy - 51 Leslie - 42 Cummer - 17 Birchmount - 68 Warden Markham Rd Scarborough Centre Rocket Ensure all TTC bus stops are well lit and have signs showing who to call in case of an emergency. Contact TTC to assess need to add lighting and emergency signs at bus stops and to increase service. Contact Councillor to advocate for increasing bus service in the area. More than half of participants (66.6%) stated there are buses that need to run later in the night or more frequently, while 33.3% stated they were unsure. Safety Audit Report Card Kennedy Rd. and Ellesmere Rd % of participants stated there is

9 not enough lighting at bus stops while 33.3% stated there is enough lighting. 44.4% of participants stated there are no signs showing who to call in the case of emergencies on the TTC, while 33.3% stated there are signs and 22.2% were unsure. ISOLATION C More than half of participants (55.5%) said the area does not look/feel abandoned, while 33.3% were unsure. A majority of participants (88.8%) stated in the day-time the area is full of people. Safety Audit Report Card Kennedy Rd. and Ellesmere Rd. 9 More than half of participants (55.5%) said the area is not full of people in the night; while33.3% were unsure. A majority of participants (77.7%) stated they were unsure if people could hear them if they were screaming for help in the area. 55.5% of participants stated they are unsure if there are enough working payphones in area, while 22.2% stated there are, and 22.2% stated there are not. Install emergency phones throughout the area, including in parks. Ensure all community members know about the different well lit walking routes in the area. Assess areas where people could get trapped and what can be done to block these areas off. Create a community watch group in conjunction with the local BIA and small business to form a network of places where people can go to if they need help. Ensure community members know who to call in case of emergencies in the area. Contact Councillor and about installing emergency phones in area. Work with property managers, and Councillor to block off areas where people could get trapped or blocked n the area. Contact Councillor to inform people in the area about well lit walking routes. Contact Councillor, Business Improvement Association (BIA) and

10 66.6% of participants stated they are unsure if there are different safe routes for people to use that are well lit in the area, while 33.3% stated there are not. Over half of participants (55.5%) stated there are areas where someone could block their path, while 33.3% were unsure. 37.5% of participants stated that if they were in danger there are places close by they could go for help, while another 37.5% stated they were unsure, and 25% said there are no such places close by. community members to create a community watch group in the area. Contact Crime Prevention Association of Toronto for assistance in creating community watch groups. VISIBILITY C Majority of participants (66.6%) stated they are able to clearly see ahead of them, while 22.2% were unsure. Safety Audit Report Card Kennedy Rd. and Ellesmere Rd % of participants stated sharp corners and blind-spots do not block their views, while 33.3% were unsure and 22.2% stated they do block their views. An equal number of participants stated that walls or fences block their view (33.3%), do not block their view Add security mirrors in areas where there are sharp corners, particularly in the following areas; - In areas where visibility is low Ensure trees in the following areas are trimmed to allow for clear visibility - On main roads - Trees on Dundalk Assess the following areas to assess how to increase visibility: - On Glamorgan the downhill slope Work with property managers, BIA, Councillor and community members to increase visibility and address areas where people could hide.

11 (33.3%) and were unsure if they block their view (33.3%). Some participants (44.4%) stated trees and bushes block their views, while 33.3% stated they were unsure and 22.2% stated they do not block their view. Over half of participants (55.5%) stated that cars and other vehicles block their view, while 33.3% stated they do block their view. Over half of participants (55.5%) stated they can see what is at the end of paths and walkways, while 33.3% were unsure. causes drivers and pedestrians not to be able to see over slope - The Pentecostal church in glade side area Look at areas where people can hide and work together as a community to find measures to put in place and reduce these risks, including adding more consistent lighting, trimming bushes/trees, installing security mirrors and having motion detection lights. Participants stated the need to have windows in stairway doors to increase visibility. Safety Audit Report Card Kennedy Rd. and Ellesmere Rd. 11 Half of participants were unsure if there should be mirrors to help see around corners, while 25% agreed and another 25% disagreed. Many participants (62.5%) stated there are places where people could hide and wait for people, while 37.5% were unsure. According to respondents some of the hide-out spots include the following areas; - Behind and in between the

12 plaza, building, and homes - Wherever it is dark - Near trees that don t have enough lighting - South of Ellesmere Rd beside Highland Farm, as there is a lot of bushes in need of cutting - Behind the bushes - In the dark bus shelters MAINTENANCE C A majority of the participants (66.6%) stated that the area is clean and maintained, while 22.2% were unsure. Safety Audit Report Card Kennedy Rd. and Ellesmere Rd. 12 A majority of the participants (62.5%) stated there is not a lot of garbage in the area, while 25% stated there is. Some participants (44.4%) stated there is not a lot of vandalism in the area, while 33.3% stated there was, and 22.2% were unsure. Many participants stated there are no hate slogans in the area. More than half of participants (55.5%) stated there are no signs showing who to call for maintenance issues in the area and 44.4% were unsure. The area had the following Create community murals to help deter vandalism. Add signs showing who to contact regarding maintenance issues on a public notice board in private buildings. Give residents information about who to contact about maintenance issues they see on public property. Ensure tenants know who their rights regarding maintenance in rental buildings. Contact Hydro to repair wires. Contact Councillor and local BIA to create community murals to help deter vandalism. Contact property manager to put up a sign stating who to contact for maintenance issues. Ask Councillor to send out information about 311 services. Ask Councillor to send out information about tenant s rights and maintenance.

13 maintenance issues: - Bushes blocking the sidewalk at Ellesmere Rd. west of Kennedy Rd. - Wires hanging down near house at 77 Ellesmere Rd. Contact Hydro to fix hanging wires. One person stated that rental apartments are not safe and clean. ACCESSIBILITY C+ Less than half of participants (44.4%) stated it is easy to move around the area if you are using a wheelchair and/or stroller, while 33.3% were unsure and 22.2% stated it is not easy. Safety Audit Report Card Kennedy Rd. and Ellesmere Rd. 13 More than half of participants (55.5%) stated there are parking spaces for people with disabilities, while 44.4% were unsure. More than half of participants (55.5%) stated there are ramps to all buildings in the neighbourhood, while 33.3% were unsure. More than half of participants (55.5%) stated they were unsure if doorways to buildings are wide enough for people using wheelchairs or strollers, while Ensure that the area, including all sidewalks and paved surfaces are flat for people using wheelchairs and motorized vehicles. Ensure that buildings are accessible; including having parking spaces for people with disabilities, ramps to entrances, wide enough doorways, working elevators, and automatic doors to buildings. Ensure that there are signs with large print for people who have visual impairments. Ensure that mailboxes and doorbells are reachable by people using mobility devices. Contact property managers of buildings and local BIA to ensure buildings are accessible and that there are enough accessible parking spaces. Contact property manager to inform residents of the accessibility features in the building. Contact Councillor to ensure that sidewalks, paths, etc. are flat and that signs can be easily read by

14 22.2% stated they are and another 22.2% stated they are not. More than half of participants (55.5%) stated they were unsure if there are working elevators in buildings, while 33.3% stated there are working elevators. Inform residents about accessibility features in buildings and in community. people with visual impairments. 55.5% of participants stated that they are unsure if there are automatic doors in buildings, while 33.3% stated there are automatic doors. A majority of participants (77.7%) were unsure if signs are large enough for those with visual impairments. Many participants (66.6%) stated they are unsure if mailboxes and doorbells are located at heights that people using mobility devices can reach, while 22.2% stated they are. SECURITY C More than half of participants (55.5%) stated they are unsure if there are working security and fire alarms in the area, while 44.4% stated there are. A majority of participants (77.7%) stated they are unsure if there are Safety Audit Report Card Kennedy Rd. and Ellesmere Rd. 14 Provide information to residents about the security features in the area including information about security guards. Contact property manager about informing residents of the security features in buildings, including security officers.

15 security features in the area (e.g. cameras, intercom, mirrors), while 22.2% stated there were. Over half of participants (55.5%) stated they were unsure if there are security officers in the area, while 22.2% stated there are security officers, and 22.2% stated there are no security officers. Of the participants that stated there were security officers, they all stated the security officers were helpful and respectful to everyone. A majority of participants (77.7%) were unsure if the area is patrolled by police, while 22.2% stated the area is patrolled by police. Of the participants who stated the area was patrolled by police, all stated the police were helpful and respected everyone. COMMUNITY and PERSONAL SAFETY C Participants said the following community services are available in the area: community centre (100%), food bank (87.5%), schools (87.5%), library (87.5%), senior s services (75%), police (75%), housing (62.5%), community health centre (37.5%), youth services (37.5%) and thrift store. Residents reported the need for: community health centre, seniors services, youth services, community centre, library, police, food bank, and schools. Ensure that all residents know of community organizations that provide social services in the area. Contact all levels of government regarding increase in community services and programming. Contact local organizations and Safety Audit Report Card Kennedy Rd. and Ellesmere Rd. 15

16 Participants stated the community needs the following services: community health centre (71.4%), housing (57.1%), senior s services (57.1%), youth services (57.1%), community centre (42.8%), library (42.8%), police (28.5%), food bank (28.5%), and schools (14.2%). A few participants stated they felt unsafe entering parks, shops or stores and the community centre in the neighbourhood. Some participants stated they feel safe in the neighbourhood, while a few stated they were unsure. Some of the reasons participants felt unsafe were because of; drugs, gangs, gun violence, sexism, domestic violence, and immigration status. Some measures respondents took to feel safe were as follows; mind own business, speak kind and respectfully to all people, don t mix with bad people, avoid walking in dark spaces, bring phone at all times, let someone know when they are out, and visit police. Have a community forum with the Councillor, MP and MPP, and local organizations about increasing local services. Have a community meeting and workshop to address some of the issues people are facing in the area, including drugs, gangs, gun violence, sexism, domestic violence and immigration status. Work with local community organizations, BIA and councillor to address some of the discrimination people have seen based on speaking with an accent, economic status, race/ethnicity, gender/sex, sexual orientation, disability, religious beliefs, gender identity, and immigration status. Ask youth in the area if they are interested in discussing safety concerns in the area and if they would like to be trained as safety audit leaders. Councillor to discuss increasing programs in area. Contact Councillor to inform all residents about community services in area. Contact community members, Councillor, BIA and community organizations to organize community forum on antidiscrimination issues, such as sexism, antiimmigrant sentiments, racism, etc. Contact youth in the area through schools and youth programs about interest in safety issues. Safety Audit Report Card Kennedy Rd. and Ellesmere Rd. 16

17 More than half of participants (62.5%) stated they would know where to get help if they were harassed or faced an incident of violence while 37.5% stated they do not know. Participants stated they could get help from the following places: Dorset Park Baptist Church, police station, and legal aid. Some participants (37.5%) stated they have heard or witnessed people being discriminated against in the neighbourhood, while 37.5% were unsure and 25% stated they have not seen people being discriminated against. Of the people who have witnessed people being discriminated against the reasons were as follows; speaking with an accent (66.6%), economic status (66.6%), race/ethnicity (66.6%), gender/sex (50%), sexual orientation (50%), disability (33.3%), religious beliefs (16.6%), gender identity (16.6%), and immigration status (16.6%). One person stated they would like to see more safety trainings in the community for the youth in the area. Safety Audit Report Card Kennedy Rd. and Ellesmere Rd. 17

18 One person stated that Sometimes people are hesitant to call for help or to call police thinking it would only escalate matters. They may feel as though they caved in by calling police. I have seen immigrants being mistreated by people of the community in jobs, employment. Police don't always seem to want to help or be understanding. Police are very very sensitive. Participants also noted during the walkabout that there have been robberies at 6 Glamorgan. Safety Audit Report Card Kennedy Rd. and Ellesmere Rd. 18

19 CONTACT INFORMATION CITY CONTACTS City Councillor: Norm Kelly Ward: 40 Scarborough-Agincourt Address: 100 Queen Street West, Suite C43, Toronto, ON, M5H 2N2 Phone: Fax: Toronto Police Services Division 41 Division Address: 2222 Eglinton Av. E., Toronto, ON, M1K 2M2 Phone: Fax: Website: Community Response Unit Manager: Staff Sergeant Debra Houston Phone: (416) Toronto (formerly Access Toronto) Phone: 311 TTY customers: Website: Toronto (database of community services and organizations in Toronto) Phone: 211 TTY customers: Website: City of Toronto Parks and Recreation Website: City of Toronto Transportation Services Website: City of Toronto Solid Waste Management Website: Municipal Licensing & Standards (ML&S) Division Website: City of Toronto Apartment Standards Website: Toronto Hydro Electric System (Streetlights) Phone: Website: Note: Contact about lights that are out and blocked by trees/shrubs. Also try to have exact location of light (ie. poll # or area/road description.) Safety Audit Report Card Kennedy Rd. and Ellesmere Rd. 19

20 LOCAL COMMUNITY SERVICES Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario (ACTO) Address: 425 Adelaide St. W., 5 th Floor, Toronto Phone: Toll-free: Website: Agincourt Community Services Association Address: 4155 Sheppard Ave. E. Ste. 100 Phone: Website: Dorset Park Community Hub Address: 1911 Kennedy Road, Suite 105, Toronto Phone: Website: Kennedy Road Business Improvement Association (BIA) Address: 6 King Louis Cr., Toronto Phone: Website: Scarborough Community Legal Services Address: 695 Markham Rd., Unit 9, Toronto Phone: Website: Scarborough Housing Help-Centre Address: 2500 Lawrence Ave. E. Unit 205, Toronto Phone: Website: Urban Alliance on Race Relations Phone: Website: Safety Audit Report Card Kennedy Rd. and Ellesmere Rd. 20