SAFETY AUDIT REPORT CARD SUMMARY

Transcription

1 SAFETY AUDIT REPORT CARD SUMMARY AUDIT DATE: June 13 th, 2011 AUDIT GROUP: Taylor Massey ANC AUDIT AREA: 10, 20, 30, and 40 Teesdale Place Ward 35 Scarborough Southwest Neighbourhood 121 Oakridge 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 Taylor Massey ANC because of residents concerns about their safety in the area. The Safety Audit was conducted on the evening of July 13 th, 2011 between 6 8pm. Eleven people participated, including 2 men and 9 women between the ages of 16 and 70 years old. The areas audited included the exterior areas around the apartment buildings at 10, 20, 30 and 40 Teesdale Place. This neighbourhood has a higher population of children under 4 years old at 23% of the population and youth years old accounting for 13% of the population in comparison to the rest of the City. 1 A majority of residents, 70%, live in rented units while 30% live in privately owned dwellings. 2 Over half of the area s population (72.7%) are visible minorities and 21.9% are recent immigrants. 3 The area has a higher percentage of lone parents and lone seniors in comparison to the rest of the City. 4 Slightly over half of youth (51.5%) aged are low income, in comparison to 30% for the City of Toronto. 5 The top three safety priorities identified by the participants were as follows: Lighting Accessibility of the walkway to the Victoria Park TTC Station Potholes and cracks in the sidewalks

2 WALKABOUT PHOTO SUMMARY

3 SAFETY PRIORITIES AREA PRIORITIES RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Lighting Increase lighting in the entire area around Teesdale Place apartment buildings. 10, 20, 30, 40 Teasdale Place Contact property manager to ensure all lights in the area are working and bright enough. Contact property manager to add more lights in areas that are not well lit. Contact Toronto Hydro about lights that are not working on city property. 2. TTC Walkway There are concerns about the walkway from Teesdale Place to the Victoria Park Subway station and the accessibility of the walkway. 3. Potholes and Sidewalk Cracks Streets and sidewalks around 10, 20, 30 and 40 Teesdale Place need to be maintained. Streets need to be repaved and sidewalks need to be filled and levelled where there are cracks. Contact your City Councillor and the TTC about safety and accessibility concerns. Have a community meeting about the safety of the walkway where people can voice their concerns and solutions can be discussed and implemented. Contact property manager to repave roads and sidewalks inside the complex. Contact your City Councillor and 311 if streets or sidewalks are on City property.

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 made by audit participants and based on participants concerns. GENERAL IMPRESSIONS C Many of the participants (55.6%) only felt safe in the area sometimes. Some participants felt safe while alone in the areas (33.3%) while others felt safe alone sometimes (44.4%). Half of the participants sometimes felt safe leaving their house after dark. An equal amount of participants (44.4%) stated they either don t or only sometimes avoid doing things in their community because they feel unsafe. Some reasons people stated why they don t feel unsafe is they mind their own business and be nice to others. Some people felt unsafe because the area is dark, does not have enough lights, has too much traffic without enough signals, there are people that make them feel uncomfortable, shootings in the area and no cameras for surveillance including on the walkway to the TTC. Participants stated that the following areas make them feel unsafe: the walkway to the subway, the sidewalk behind the buildings, near the pool and basketball court, and in the front of the building when there is a large group of youth. A Very Good B Good C Ok D Substandard F Poor SAFETY GRADE SAFETY CONCERNS RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACTION CONTACT FEATURES LIGHTING D Half of the participants stated that lighting is not good in the area. Many participants (77.8%) stated there are Increase and install brighter lighting throughout the area and fix broken lights in the following areas: broken lights and areas that need more lighting. Behind all of the buildings in Teesdale Place (10, 20, 30, 40) In the parking lots Half of the participants stated that they do not know who to call when Under balcony behind the buildings lights are out/broken; half said that First floors of buildings they knew. Main entrances Contact Toronto Hydro about broken lights and clearing trees blocking lights on City property. Contact property manager about installing more lighting on the

5 LIGHTING Over half of participants (55.6%) stated that lights are blocked by trees/ bushes. Many of the participants (77.8%) stated paths, sidewalks, are not well lit and 62.5% stated signs and maps are also not well lit. Behind the garage at 30 Teesdale Behind 30 Teesdale, near pool By the right side of the front door of 40 Teesdale The Princess playground needs white lights. Trees and bushes that are close to lights need to be trimmed in the following areas: In the parking lots Along the fences at the back of the buildings Around 30 Teesdale At 20 Teesdale playground area Walkway to the TTC station property, cutting trees that block lights, and informing residents about who to contact when lights are broken. Contact Councillor about increasing lighting near sidewalks, signs and at sidewalk going to Victoria Park Station. Need to enclose lights so that they cannot be broken, especially near pool. SIGNS and MAPS C Majority of participants (67.7%) said there are enough signs in the area, and they are easy to find (62.5%). Half of participants (55.6%) stated signs are easy to read and understand. A majority of participants (75%) stated there are no signs showing where to go for help in emergencies. Most participants (88.9%) stated emergency exits are easy to find in buildings. Add signs in the area including: Emergency signs, including at walkway to subway At the driveway entrance Entrance/Exit signs at buildings, particularly at 40 Teesdale On emergency signs include where the closest public telephone or emergency phone is located. Contact property managers of buildings To add signs on property. Contact Councillor to add signs that are on public property, including on walkway to the TTC

6 TRAFFIC D The majority of participants stated that there are enough crosswalks and traffic lights throughout the area. Most participants (88.9%) stated traffic in the area is too fast and the area needs speed bumps and/or a lower speed limit (77.8%). Some people stated there needs to be more bike lanes in the area, while others stated they are unsure or that there are enough. One person stated that the traffic lights take longer to change than a normal/regular interval time. TTC F Most of the participants (77.8%) use public transit in the area. Some participants generally feel safe using public transit, while others were unsure or did not feel safe. An equal number of participants (33.3%) stated they feel safe, unsafe or sometimes feel unsafe while waiting for the bus at night. One person reported feeling unsafe because the bus stop is isolated. Assess traffic in the area to determine if the area needs speed bumps or lower speed limits. Assess the need for bike lanes in the area. Assess if the traffic lights are changing at a time interval that allows people to easily cross the road in the area. Ensure that all bus stops are well lit. Ensure emergency signs are posted at all TTC stops, and stations. Install emergency payphones near TTC stops. Assess bus routes and frequency to determine if there should be an increase of bus frequency in the area, particularly at night. Contact your Councillor and 311 to have a traffic assessment done in the area and to assess the need for bike lanes to be added. Contact TTC about the need for lighting at bus stops, to add emergency signs at bus stops and to increase service. Contact Councillor about the need for more lighting at bus stops in the area and for emergency payphones to be

7 The majority of the people (62.5%) reported buses need to run later in the night and more frequently. Many people stated the 67 Pharmacy bus needs to run more often and one person stated it runs less after 7pm during the week and also on the weekend. One person also stated all areas need increased bus service. Half of the participants stated there is not enough lighting at bus stops. Half of the participants stated there are enough signs showing who to call in the case of emergencies on the TTC. ISOLATION D A majority of participants (75%) felt that the area is not isolated. All of participants stated that the area is full of people during the day. However some participants felt that the area is deserted at night. Over half of the participants (55.6%) were unsure if people would be able to hear them if they screamed for help in the area. Participants stated there are not TTC walkway has no ramp entrance for people using scooters or wheelchairs, or strollers. The following needs to be addressed on walkway to Victoria Park station: Garbage on walkway needs to be cleared Snow needs to be cleared in the winter in a timely manner A protection for the railing needs to be added at the automatic entrance Cameras should be added on walkway Garbage cans need to be added Install emergency payphones throughout the area. Start a community watch group in the community so there are places people can go/call if they have an emergency. Look at areas where people can get trapped and look at how to block off those areas. Work with community members and Councillor to create safe, well lit walking routes for people in the community. located near TTC stops. Also ask Councillor to advocate increasing bus service in the area. Contact both the Councillor and TTC about the walkway to Victoria Park station to address the various safety concerns. Contact Councillor about installing emergency payphones in area. Contact the Crime Prevention Association of Toronto (CPAT) and community members about starting a community watch group.

8 enough working payphones in area. Over half of the participants (55.6%) did not think there were different safe, well lit routes people could use in the area. The majority of participants (77.8%) said there are places where they could get trapped and 75% stated that if they were in danger there is no place close by to go to for help. VISIBILITY C Some participants stated they are able to clearly see ahead or around them while walking, while others felt that they cannot. Over half of participants (55.6%) stated that sharp corners and blind spots block their view. Some participants stated that walls or fences blocked their view, while others disagreed. A few participants stated that mirrors should be added to see around sharp corners. Some people said they can see the end of paths and walkways while others cannot. Most participants said there should be Residents stated that the area behind 30 Teesdale Place leading to 20 Teesdale is very isolated. Add more lights and signs showing people where to go in case of an emergency. Add security mirrors in areas where there are sharp corners, particularly at the corners of all of the buildings. 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. Trim trees particularly in front of 40 Teesdale. Install more lights throughout area to increase visibility, particularly in the following areas; Behind all apartment buildings Between 30 Teesdale and the golf course Near the golf course at the end of Contact Councillor and property manager about blocking off areas where people could get trapped in the area. Contact Councillor to create safer walking routes in area. Contact Councillor and property manager to add more lighting in area. Ask to install mirrors to areas with sharp corners and for all trees and shrubs to be trimmed regularly. Have a community meeting with Councillor, property manager and golf course manager to address safety concerns in the area between golf course and the buildings.

9 mirrors to help them see, particularly at the corners of the buildings and at the parking lot behind 40 Teesdale. All participants said there are places people can hide and wait for people. According to respondents, some of the hide out spots include: untrimmed trees in front of 40 Teesdale area around 40 Teesdale in corners and behind the buildings, the pool and youth room in 30 Teesdale area between garage at 30 Teesdale and golf course, near the golf course at the end of the parking lot by the pool and near cage at front entrance to 40 Teesdale MAINTENANCE D Some participants stated that the area is well maintained while others felt that the area requires better maintenance. Some participants stated that there is a lot of garbage and litter in the area. A few participants stated there is a lot of vandalism in the area, while others the parking lot Near the pool Near the recycling bins at 30 Teesdale Place The basement entrance behind 30 Teesdale, next to the golf course Address the following maintenance issues: Ensure area is clear of garbage and litter. Have graffiti and hate slogans cleaned off buildings and walls in a timely manner Clear graffiti off of the wall in the basketball court Have cable box locked Contact property manager about maintenance issues on private property, including repairing items that have been vandalized and carrying out regular maintenance on the property.

10 were unsure. However, 75% stated there are hate slogans in the area. Many participants stated there are no signs showing who to call for maintenance issues in the area. One person stated that the gate to the basketball court should be locked, there is a cable box exposed in the back of the building and there is graffiti on the wall of the basketball court. ACCESSIBILITY D The majority of participants (62.5%) felt that it is not easy to move around Have basketball court locked when not in use Fix broken window to empty apartment visible from ground at 40 Teesdale Maintain balconies on buildings Lock electrical box at the back of 40 Teesdale, next to the 11 th floor Fill pot hole in parking lot behind 40 Teesdale Repair crack in sidewalk leading to pool Fix hole in the fence near pool Repair hole in driveway Close exposed sewer Fix door on back garage as it does not close Repair lock on back door of 40 Teesdale Remove graffiti from the following areas: Wall in the basketball court Inside of cage near front door at 40 Teesdale Inform residents about who to contact about maintenance issues. Ensure that all buildings are accessible, including having working elevators. Contact property manager to give residents information about who to contact about maintenance issues. Ask Councillor to send out information about 311 services. Call 311 about exposed sewer. Contact property managers of buildings

11 using a wheelchair, scooter or stroller. Participants (62.5%) stated there are parking spaces for people with disabilities. Many felt there are ramps to all buildings and doorways to buildings are wide enough. A few participants said elevators are not working in buildings, and others were unsure. Many stated there are automatic doors to buildings. Most participants did not think signs were large enough for those with visual impairments. Some people stated mailboxes and doorbells are located at heights that people using mobility devices could reach, however some participants did not agree. SECURITY D Participants stated there are working security and fire alarms, as well as security features in the area such as cameras, intercom or mirrors. Many participants (75%) said there are no security guards in the area. Slightly more than half of participants said the area is patrolled by the police Install signs with large print for people who have visual impairments. Ensure that mailboxes and other building spaces are accessible, particularly for buildings that have units for people with disabilities and those persons using wheelchairs Discuss if community members want security guards and additional cameras in the neighbourhood. Residents stated the following concerns: Need security camera facing the basketball court, as incidents have happened here in the past Apartment in corner near to ensure that elevators work and that mailboxes and other building spaces are accessible. Also ensure signs on private property can be easily read by people with visual impairments. Contact Councillor about having signs that are readable for people with visual impairments that are on city property. Contact property manager to ask about security guards in buildings.

12 and 62% said the police are helpful and respectful to everyone. basketball court might need bars on the windows, but speak to residents first Need a camera at the back of 30 Teesdale COMMUNITY and PERSONAL SAFETY D Participants said the following community services are available in the area: housing, community centre, seniors services, police, a food bank, schools, community health centre, youth services, library, and tenant representatives. Participants stated the community needs the following services; community health centre (60%), library (60%), housing (20%), seniors services (20%), and police (20%). Some participants felt uncomfortable entering parks, community centre, schools, and stores in the area. Some participants stated they felt unsafe in the neighbourhood while others were unsure or stated no. The people who stated yes said they felt unsafe because of drugs (100%), domestic violence (60%), gun violence (60%), racism (40%), sexism (40%), Consider the need for more community health centres, libraries, housing, seniors services and police in the area. Have a community forum where people can discuss some of their safety concerns/needs in the community, why they feel unsafe accessing/entering certain spaces, and how to address harassment in the area. People could also share their personal safety tips. Ensure that all residents know of organizations they can call when they have an emergency or have experienced violence. Have a community meeting about the drug issues in the community and how these can be addressed by working with local organizations and the police. Have a community meeting with local organizations to address the harassment that people are facing in the community. Contact all levels of government regarding increase in community services and programming. Contact community members, Councillor and community organizations to organize community forum about harassment in the area. Contact Councillor to provide residents with information about who to call in emergency situations and organizations who residents can call if they face harassment.

13 homophobia (40%), gangs (40%), immigration status (40%) and police harassment (20%). Some measures respondents took to feel safe were to not go out at night, not walk alone, walk with personal protection, mind one s own business, walk with others, carry a cellphone, and work with police and residents to enhance safety measures within the community. A majority of participants (71.4%) stated if they were harassed or faced violence, they knew where they could get help. Some participants said they could call 911 or the police. Work with the local ANC to develop community led workshops to address some of these issues including domestic violence, classism, etc. Discuss further the following concerns raised by residents: The need to have specific times the basketball court is opened and closed. Add more lighting and put up no loitering signs behind 30 Teesdale near the visiting parking, to try to prevent people from drinking and having sex there Many participants (62.5%) said they have seen or heard people being discriminated against. The harassment was due based on economic status (100%), speaking with an accent (83.3%), race/ethnicity (83.3%), disability (66.7%), religious beliefs (66.7%), immigration status (66.7%), age (50%), gender/sex (50%), sexual orientation (50%), and gender identity (50%).

14 CONTACT INFORMATION CITY CONTACTS City Councillor: Michelle Berardinetti Ward: 35 Address: 100 Queen Street West, Suite A8 Phone: Fax: Toronto Police Services Division 41 Division Address: 2222 Eglington Avenue E. Phone: Fax: Website: Community Response Unit Manager: Staff Sergeant Wade Alphonso Phone: (416) Toronto (formerly Access Toronto) Phone: 311 TTY customers: @toronto.ca 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:

15 Toronto Hydro Electric System (Streetlights) Phone: Website: Note: Contact about lights that are out and also that are blocked by trees/shrubs. Also try to have exact location of light (ie. poll # or area/road description. LOCAL COMMUNITY SERVICES Warden Woods Community Centre Address: 74 Firvalley Court Phone: ext 126 Website: Working Women Community Centre Address: 1527 Victoria Park Ave. East Phone: Website: services/community hub/ WoodGreen Community Services Address: 1533 Victoria Park Ave Phone: Phone Website: Action for Neighbourhood Change Address: 3079 Danforth Avenue Phone: Website: