SAFETY AUDIT REPORT CARD SUMMARY

Transcription

1 SAFETY AUDIT REPORT CARD SUMMARY AUDIT DATE: June 17, 2013 AUDIT GROUP: Shoreham Community Members AUDIT AREA: 17 Shoreham Court Ward 8 York West Neighbourhood 24 Black Creek EXECUTIVE SUMMARY METRAC s Safety Audit examines 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 City of Toronto s Community Development Officer, in conjunction with the residents of Shoreham Court. The area was audited as part of the Light Up the Night Event with Toronto Hydro to install energy efficient lighting in the area. The Safety Audit was conducted on June 17, 2013 at 4:30pm. Nine individuals between the ages of 27 and 70 years old participated in the audit. Shoreham Court townhouse complex is located in Ward 8. Ward 8 has a higher population of people whom are: less than 5 years old (7.3%); 5-9 years old (6.6%); years old (6.1%); years old (7.2%), years of age (9.9%); and years old (8.9 %) compared to the City s averages of 5.4%, 4.9%, 5.1%, 5.7%, 7%, and 8.1%, respectively. 1 The Ward has a higher percentage of lone-parent families (36.3%) compared to the average for the City (21.3%). 2 The Ward has a higher population of visible minorities (74%) compared with the City at 46.9%. 3 The Ward has a higher percentage of people living in apartment buildings of 5 or more storeys (55.3%) compared to the City at 41% Safety Audit Report Card Shoreham Court- Ward 8 1

2 WALKABOUT PHOTO SUMMARY Safety Audit Report Card Shoreham Court- Ward 8 2

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5 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 Three-quarters of participants (75%) stated they sometimes feel safe in the area. Feelings of safety changed when asked about being alone and at night. More than half of participants (55.6%) stated they do not felt safe when they are alone in the area, while 22.2% of persons reported they feel safe and 22.2% said they sometimes feel safe alone in the area. A majority of participants (75%) do not feel safe leaving their home after dark. Some participants (44.4%) stated they avoid doing things in their community because they do not feel safe, while onethird of persons reported they sometimes avoid doing things and 22.2% do not avoid doing things. Reasons for avoiding doing things in the community were as follows: selfish people who do not want to be a part of things; too many people in the community that do not belong; people standing in other people s doorways where they do not live; people hanging out in area who do not live there; poor lighting that makes it hard to see; the bushes are not maintained; and not wanting to put themselves and their kids in danger. Half of participants said there are specific areas where they feel unsafe, including: The walkway that leads out to Jane St., that is overgrown and very unsafe. People can hide in the bushes and there may be wild animals there. Areas where lights do not stay on at night The park gets dark at 10pm Parking lots Pathways Entrance to Shoreham Safety Audit Report Card Shoreham Court- Ward 8 5

6 A - Very Good B - Good C - Ok D - Substandard F Poor SAFETY GRADE SAFETY CONCERNS RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACTION CONTACT FEATURES LIGHTING B 66.7% of participants said the lighting is not good in the area, while 33.3% were unsure if the lighting is adequate. Ensure all lights are working and bright throughout the housing complex including in the following areas: - All areas in Shoreham Court A majority of participants (77.8%) stated that there are broken lights or areas that need more lights In backyards In the front and between houses Parking lot tunnels At the front of Shoreham Court A majority of participants (85.7%) do not know who to call when lights are out/ broken Side light of Unit #17 Units #19-3, #19-9, #23 above 3 Sidewalk between units 23/25/19 Light under #25 walkway Half of participants (50%) were unsure if lights were blocked by trees and/or bushes, while 37.5% stated lights are blocked. - - Between backyards of units #11 and #9 More light between units #15 and #11 - Between #3-5 and #7 - At parking lot F (light broken) Safety Audit Report Card Shoreham Court- Ward 8 6 A majority of participants (88.9%) reported paths and sidewalks are not well lit. A majority of participants (77.8%) said signs and maps are not well lit. One person stated due to poor Ensure that trees and bushes are not blocking lights, particularly in the following areas; - Everywhere - 3 Shoreham Court (3-1) - 25 Shoreham #13 manager to ensure all lights on property are working. Report lights that need to be replaced on public property to Toronto Hydro at this website: hydro.com/sites/elect ricsystem/residential/ customercare/pages/ reportastreetlightout. aspx Ask property manager and TCHC staff to provide residents with information about who to contact when lights are out or broken.

7 lighting it s not safe to walk around the neighbourhood at night. Participants noted that Shoreham park can be very isolated as lights go out in the park before 11pm and they would like the lights to be kept on all night. Participants stated that yellow low sodium light bulbs are not bright and that bulbs should be switched to white high sodium or LED bulbs. - Down at the bottom of Shoreham Court - From 5-15 Shoreham Court - Pathway to Jane beside Black Creek Farm Ensure all paths and sidewalks are well lit. Ensure all signs and maps are well lit in the area. Ensure all residents know who to contact when lights are out or broken. manager about installing more lighting in Shoreham park. manager about replacing low sodium light bulbs with high sodium or LED bulbs. Ensure that Shoreham Park is properly lit in the night. Look into getting sensor lighting. Look into changing bulbs to brighter white bulbs. SIGNS and MAPS C- A majority of participants (87.5%) stated there are not enough signs identifying the area. 77.8% participants (77.8%) said signs and maps are not easy to see and find. 75% of participants said signs and Add signs and maps in the area to identify important locations, directions, etc. Ensure that all signs and maps are easy to see, read and understand, written in clear and large enough font, and in locations that are easy to see. manager to ensure signs around neighbourhood are located in easily seen locations and that they are easy to read. Safety Audit Report Card Shoreham Court- Ward 8 7

8 maps are not easy to read and understand. Majority of participants (77.8%) reported there are no signs showing where to go for help in emergencies. 62.5% of participants stated emergency exits are not easy to find, while 25% were unsure and 12.5% said they are easy to find in buildings. Participants said there needs to be clear signs on unit doors. Install emergency signs throughout the area. And ensure that emergency exits are easy to find. Add the following signs in the area: - Exit signs and emergency meeting areas - Signs on townhouses - Multiple updated location maps of the area that are easy to read - A sign for block 1 - A no garbage sign should be added in Creek area. manager to install additional signs as noted. manager to install maps and to also ensure emergency exits and meeting areas are clearly identified. Participants noted there is an old map near block 1 that needs to be updated. TRAFFIC B Half of participants stated the area needs more crosswalks and/or traffic lights, while 25% disagreed and 25% were unsure. Safety Audit Report Card Shoreham Court- Ward 8 8 Many participants (71.4%) stated traffic in the area is too fast, while 28.6% were unsure. Many participants (62.5%) reported the area needs speed bumps and/or a lower speed limit, while 25% disagreed Assess the need for crosswalks and/or traffic lights in the following areas; - Shoreham Drive and Shoreham Court - From Shoreham Drive to Shoreham public school and retirement centre. Assess the need for speed bumps and lower speed limits in the parking area and in the entrance and exit areas of the property. manager and Councillor to assess the area for traffic lights, crosswalks, speed bumps, and lower speed limits. manager to install bike paths in the property.

9 and 12.5% were unsure. One person stated there needs to be speed bumps in the parking lot because cars drive too fast in the parking lots, on the entrance and exit area and this makes it dangerous for children and elderly. Assess the need for more bike lanes in the following areas; - Inside Shoreham Court Assess the parking on Shoreham Court as many students from York University park there and sometimes cars block the road. Contact Councillor about parking on Shoreham Court. More than half of participants (57.1%) stated there are not enough bike lanes/paths in the area, while 28.6% said there were enough and 14.3% were unsure. No parking on one side of Shoreham Court. TTC B A majority of participants (77.8%) stated they use public transit. Safety Audit Report Card Shoreham Court- Ward 8 9 Half of participants reported they sometimes feel safe on public transit, while 37.5% stated they generally feel safe and 12.5% said they do not feel safe. A majority of participants (87.5%) said they do not feel safe waiting for the bus at night. Reasons for feeling unsafe Add bright lighting at all TTC bus stops and signs showing who to call in case of an emergency. Need bus stops to have bus schedules posted. Assess bus routes and frequency to determine if buses should operate more frequently in the area, particularly at night and on the 35 Jane route. Contact Councillor to install brighter lighting at bus stops. Contact TTC to add emergency signs and schedules at bus stops. Contact TTC and Councillor to increase to bus service on the

10 were for the following reasons: there are no lights at some of the bus stops; feeling isolated when standing at bus stop; the bus takes time to come; and the lack of police presence. 35 Jane route. Half of participants stated there are bus routes that need to run later in the night or more frequently, while 37.5% were unsure and 12.5% disagreed. Participants stated that the 35 Jane bus needs to run more frequently. A majority of participants (87.5%) stated that there is not enough lighting at bus stops. Three-quarters of participants (75%) stated that there are no signs showing who to call in the case of emergencies on the TTC, while 25% stated there are signs. ISOLATION B- More than half of participants (55.6%) stated the area looks/feels abandoned, while 33.3% disagreed and 11.1% were unsure. Safety Audit Report Card Shoreham Court- Ward 8 10 More than half of participants (55.6%) stated that the areas is not full of Install emergency phones throughout the area. Ensure there are different well-lit walking routes around the area and that residents know about these walkways. Contact Councillor and property manager about installing emergency phones in area, particularly in the park.

11 Safety Audit Report Card Shoreham Court- Ward 8 11 people in the day-time, while 22.2% stated it is and 22.2% were unsure. 42.9% of participants said that the area is not full of people in the night; while 28.6% stated it is, and 28.6% were unsure. 44.4% of participants stated they were unsure if people could hear them if they were screaming for help in the area, while 33.3% stated people would not hear them and 22.2% said people would hear them. All participants (100%) stated there are not enough working payphones in area. More than half of participants (55.6%) stated there are no different safe routes for people to use that are well lit in the area, while 44.4% were unsure. Majority of participants (85.7%) stated there are areas where someone could block their path. A majority of participants (75%) stated Assess areas where people could get trapped and what can be done to block these areas off. Create a community watch group and identify a network of safe places people can go to if they need help. Ensure community members know who to call in case of emergencies in the area. Maintain all of the pathways in the area, particularly the walkways to Jane St. by trimming trees and bushes regularly and having consistent lighting along the path. Work with property manager to create well lit walking paths throughout the complex. Work with property manager to block off areas where people could get trapped or blocked n the area. Contact residents to create a community watch group in the area. Contact Crime Prevention Association of Toronto for assistance in creating community watch groups. Contact Councillor to provide residents with a list of

12 Safety Audit Report Card Shoreham Court- Ward 8 12 that if they were in danger there are no places close by they could go for help, while 25% were unsure. One person stated there are no police stations, hospitals or EMS close by. Another person stated two shortest ways to get out to Jane Street are isolated areas. Pathways out to Jane St, bushes are not maintained on a regular basis. VISIBILITY C More than half of persons (62.5%) stated they cannot see ahead of them, while 37.5% stated they can see clearly ahead of them. Two-thirds of participants (66.7%) stated sharp corners and blind-spots, walls or fences, and trees or bushes block their views. Half of participants (50%) stated that cars and other vehicles block their view, while the other half stated these do not block their view. A majority of participants (77.8%) stated they cannot see what is at the Add security mirrors in areas where there are sharp corners, particularly in the following areas: - All around the area in Shoreham Court. - On buildings where there is a corner to walk around. - In all tunnels. - In corners where you have to go to get to your unit. - Every pathway and parking lot Ensure trees and bushes in the following areas are trimmed to allow for clear visibility: - Behind units #17-3, #17-2, #19 - Behind backyard fences of #17 emergency contacts in the area, including local EMS station, hospital and police station. manager and Councillor to maintain pathways to Jane St. manager to install security mirrors in areas where there are blind-spots and sharp corners. manager and Councillor about keeping trees and bushes maintained throughout the property and on the City paths and walkways near the property.

13 Safety Audit Report Card Shoreham Court- Ward 8 13 end of paths and walkways A majority of participants (71.4%) stated there should be security mirrors to help see around corners, while 28.6% disagreed. More than half of participants (55.6%) stated there are places where people could hide and wait for people. According to respondents some of the hide-out spots include the following areas: - In Pioneer Village and walkway to Shoreham from the 35 bus stop. - Behind overgrown bushes. - On path to Jane St. - After tunnels. - In back of some of the yards. - On the pathways. - In parking lots. MAINTENANCE B A majority of participants (87.5%) stated that the area is not clean and maintained. - At unit # In front of # Between #11 and #9 backyards (dead trees) - Trees at unit #7 - Bushes at unit #5 Ensure pathways are clear of garbage/debris and have bright lighting so that people can see to the end of paths and walkways. Look at areas where people can hide and work as a community to see what measures can be taken to reduce risk in those areas, including adding more lighting, trimming bushes/trees, installing security mirrors and having motion detection lights. In particular; - Trim and keep the trees and bushes in the area maintained throughout the property and by Pioneer Village. - Install brighter and more consistent lighting. Ensure area is clean and maintained. Install additional garbage and recycling bins throughout the complex. Work with property manager, Councillor and community members to address areas where people could hide. manager about sending notifications to residents about

14 Safety Audit Report Card Shoreham Court- Ward 8 14 A majority of the participants (75%) stated that there is a lot of garbage in the area. More than half of participants (62.5%) stated there is a lot of vandalism in the area, while 25% were unsure. Half of participants (50%) stated there are no hate slogans in the area, while 25% stated there are hate slogans and 25% were unsure. All participants (100%) stated there are no signs showing who to call for maintenance issues in the area. One person stated the back walkway leading to Jane Street is not being maintained, bushes reach out to the walkway. And trees block your view making it very possible for anyone to grab you. Participants noted that walkways need to be repaved as there is not good drainage and water does not drain off of pathways. (area in front of unit #21-5) Organize a community clean-up day in the complex. Add signs showing who to contact regarding maintenance issues both in the complex and on public property, including graffiti tagging. Participants noted the following maintenance issues: - Trim trees/bushes on walkway going to Jane St. - Repave walkways and improve drainage system. - Clear garbage from pathway to Jane St. next to Black Creek Farm. - Fix ceiling above walkway at unit #25. - Repair broken fence and bench behind #25 - Replace rotting wood stairs in front of #11. - Remove metal fence in front of unit #15-8 and fence between 1#5 and 5 (near old children s water area). - Clear garbage between units #15 and 5 and add a no garbage sign in Creek area. - Clean mold from unit #11-8. keeping the complex clean and well maintained. manager, Councillor and residents to organize a community clean-up day. manager to give residents information about who to contact about maintenance issues. Ask Councillor to send out information about 311 services. manager about maintenance issues including trimming trees and bushes, fixing broken fences and benches, clearing garbage, fixing

15 - Cut vines at Unit #11-7 because they cover sign. - Cover air vent at unit #7. - Remove metal poles in bushes at unit #5 along Shoreham Dr. - Fix broken bench at #3-5 and #7 - Fill and level hole in ground at unit 1 along Shoreham Drive. - Replace old fence at unit 1 along Shoreham Drive. - Improve drainage throughout area. - Level walkway beside unit # Clean up metal on ground in front of #9-2 - Fix stairs and pathway at #9-8 - Fix leaning fence at #9-8 broken stairs and walkways and doing regular maintenance. ACCESSIBILITY F A majority of persons (77.8%) stated it is not easy to move around the area if you are using a wheelchair and/or stroller, while 22.2% were unsure. Safety Audit Report Card Shoreham Court- Ward 8 15 All of the participants (100%) stated there are no parking spaces for people with disabilities. Two thirds of participants (66.7%) said there are no ramps to all buildings in the neighbourhood, while 33.3% Ensure that the area, including all sidewalks and paved surfaces are flat for people using wheelchairs and motorized vehicles. Improve accessibility at all buildings, including having parking spaces for people with disabilities, adding ramps to entrances and widening doorways. Add signs with large print for people who have visual impairments. managers of buildings to ensure area is accessible and that there are accessible (such as having accessible parking spaces, slopped entrances to sidewalk, flat sidewalks, low doorbells, etc.).

16 were unsure. A majority of participants (85.7%) stated that doorways to buildings are not wide enough for people using wheelchairs or strollers. A majority of participants (75%) stated signs are not large enough for those with visual impairments, while 25% were unsure. Install mailboxes and doorbells at heights reachable by people using mobility devices. Add curb cut outs to sidewalks for people using wheelchairs, strollers or scooters. Contact Councillor and property manager to ensure that sidewalks, paths, etc. are flat and that signs can be easily read by people with visual impairments. Many participants (62.5%) stated mailboxes and doorbells are not located at heights that people using mobility devices can reach, while 37.5% were unsure. Participants noted that the area is not accessible and that there needs to be sloped entrances to sidewalks. SECURITY C Many participants (71.4%) stated there are no working security and fire alarms in the area, while 28.6% were unsure. Safety Audit Report Card Shoreham Court- Ward 8 16 Over half of the participants (62.5%) stated there are no security features or security officers in the area, while 25% stated there are security features and Provide information to residents about the security features in the area including information about security officers and fire alarms. Have a meeting with residents, the Councillor and community organizations to discuss concerns people have with the manager to inform residents of the security features in the buildings, including security officers and alarms.

17 officers, and 12.5% were unsure. Many participants (77.8%) stated that the area is patrolled by police. Of the participants who stated the area was patrolled by police, some (44.4%) stated police are not helpful or respectful to everyone, while 33.3% were unsure and 22.2% stated the police are helpful and respectful. police and how to build a better relationship. Have a meeting with police and the community to discuss how to build a better relationship. Contact Councillor, community organizations, and police to organize meetings with community members about the community s relationship with the police. COMMUNITY and PERSONAL SAFETY C Participants said the following community services are available in the area: schools (85.7%), police (57.1%), library (57.1%), community centre (42.9%), community health centre (42.9%), youth services (42.9%), housing (28.6%), food bank (28.6%), and two afterschool programs at Shoreham Court public school (11.1%). Persons reported the community needs the following services: community centre (77.8%), seniors services (77.8%), food bank (77.8%), youth services (44.4%), library (33.3%), community health centre (22.2%), housing (11.1%), and police (11.1%). Participants stated they felt Review need for: community centre, senior s services, food bank, youth services, library, community health centre, housing and police. Ensure residents know of community organizations that provide social services in the area. Organize and hold a community forum with the Councillor and local organizations about increasing local services. Have a community meeting with local organizations, schools, public officials and residents to discuss people s safety concerns when entering certain areas in the community and how residents can Contact all levels of government to increase community services and programming. Contact local organizations and Councillor to discuss increasing programs in area. Contact community members, community organizations and local representatives to organize a safety forum in the area for people to discuss Safety Audit Report Card Shoreham Court- Ward 8 17

18 uncomfortable entering the following places in the area: parks (85.7), community centre (57.1%), shops or stores (42.9%), schools (14.3%), and the pathway to Jane St. (14.3%). Many participants (66.7%) stated they feel unsafe in the neighbourhood. The reasons given for feeling unsafe were: gangs (80%), gun violence (80%), drugs (80%), police harassment (80%), racism (40%), sexism (20%), homophobia (20%), domestic violence (20%) and lighting (20%). Some measures respondents took to feel safe were: walk in groups, get home before dark, keep all gate and doors locked at all times especially at night, stay home, and stay in home or near my home. No participant knew where to go for help if they were harassed or faced an incident of violence. One person stated they would not call 911 because they do not trust the system. work together to create a safer community for everyone. Ensure people know who they can call in case of an emergency. Work as a community about what resources people could access when they have an emergency, if they feel uncomfortable calling the police. Partner with local community organizations to address some of the discrimination people have seen or heard. Work with TCHC, property manager and residents to discuss how the empty spaces in the complex can be better utilized. These areas may be used for community after-school programs and areas for seniors and youth programs. ways to create a safer community. Contact Councillor to inform all residents about emergency and community services in th area. Contact community members, Councillor and community organizations to organize community forum on antidiscrimination issues, such as sexism and racism. manager and community organizations about creating more programming in area using available space. Safety Audit Report Card Shoreham Court- Ward 8 18 Some participants (37.5%) stated they had heard or seen people being

19 discriminated against in the neighbourhood, while 37.5% were unsure and 25% stated they have not seen people being discriminated against in the area. Of the people who have witnessed people being discriminated against the reasons were: economic status (100%), race/ethnicity (100%), age (66.7%), speaking with an accent (66.7%), gender/sex (66.7%), disability (33.3%), religious beliefs (33.3%), sexual orientation (33.3%), gender identity (33.3%), and immigration status (33.3%). One person stated; As an immigrant I came to Canada with dreams but the more years I spend in this country I realize that it is just some people live the Canadian dream. There is a lot of empty space in the complex (in front of units #19, between #3-5 and 7 and unit 1-7). Safety Audit Report Card Shoreham Court- Ward 8 19

20 CONTACT INFORMATION CITY CONTACTS City Councillor: Anthony Perruzza Ward: 8 York West Address: 100 Queen Street West, Suite C41, Toronto, ON, M5H 2N2 Phone: Fax: councillor_perruzza@toronto.ca Toronto Police Services Division 51 Division Address: 40 Norfinch Dr., Toronto, ON, M3N 1X1 Phone: Fax: Website: Community Response Unit Manager: Staff Sergeant Richard Blanchard 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 Shoreham Court- Ward 8 20

21 LOCAL COMMUNITY SERVICES Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario (ACTO) Address: 425 Adelaide St. W., 5 th Floor, Toronto Phone: Toll Free: Website: Black Creek Community Health Centre Address: Sheridan Mall, 2202 Jane St, Unit 5 Phone: Website: Community and Legal Aid Services Programme Address: 4700 Keele Street, Osgoode Hall Law School, Room 118 Phone: Website: Conflict Mediation Services of Downsview Address: 95 Eddystone Avenue, Second Floor Phone: Please contact Michelle Suavé ext. 21 Website: Jamaican Canadian Association Address: 995 Arrow Road Phone: Website: Jane/Finch Community and Family Centre Address: 4400 Jane Street, Suite 108 Phone: Website: Northwood Neighbourhood Services Address: 2625D Weston Rd, 2nd Fl, Unit 27 Phone: Website: PEACH (Promoting Education and Community Health) Address: 95 Eddystone Ave, Unit 2 Phone: Website: Safety Audit Report Card Shoreham Court- Ward 8 21

22 Working Women Community Centre Address: 1 York Gate Blvd Phone: ext Website: Youth Without Shelter Address: 6 Warrendale Court Phone: Website: Safety Audit Report Card Shoreham Court- Ward 8 22