SAFETY AUDIT REPORT - METRAC

Safety Audit Report Card – Cabbagetown Ward 28 1 Audit conducted on 23rd of November 2011

SAFETY AUDIT REPORT CARD AUDIT DATE: November 23, 2011 AUDIT GROUP: Residents and TCHC tenants AUDIT AREA: Between Parliament St., Carlton St., Ontario St. and Wellesley St. E. Ward 28 – Toronto Centre‐Rosedale

Neighbourhood 71 – Cabbagetown ‐ South St. James Town

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 kinds of violence, oppression, and discrimination.’ The Community Safety Audit was organized by Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) and local residents in the Cabbagetown ‐ South St. James Town area. Approximately 11 individuals, ranging in age from 45‐60 years participated in the safety audit walkabout on the evening of November 23, 2011 from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. There were eight men and three women who participated in the audit, and two representatives from TCHC. The audit was conducted as a part of TCHC’s continuing effort to engage and evaluate safety concerns in the area. The area has a population of individuals between the ages 25‐44 that is higher than the average for the city of Toronto. 1 More than 70% of the population in the area live in high rise buildings.2 However, the participants in the safety audit identified as living in mixed housing that included owned and rented homes, and rooming houses. The Cabbagetown ‐ South St. James Town is an ethnically diverse neighbourhood located in Ward 28, which is home to approximately 60,0003 residents the majority of whom are working class4. The top four safety priorities identified by participants were as follows:

• Loose wiring and exterior lights • Trimming overgrown trees • Fixing uneven pavement • Social environment: recycling animator, fear and intimidation

1 http://www.toronto.ca/wards2000/pdf/2006/ward28_popn_page.pdf

2 http://www.toronto.ca/wards2000/pdf/2006/ward28_households_page.pdf

3 http://www.toronto.ca/wards2000/pdf/2006/ward28_popn_page.pdf

4 http://www.toronto.ca/wards2000/pdf/2006/ward28_income_page.pdf


SAFETY AUDIT PHOTO SUMMARY


• Along Wellesley Street and Winchester Street

• 220 & 222 Carlton Street • 38 Prospect Street needs lights • 245 Wellesley Street the back

alley needs more lighting • 267 Wellesley Street need more

light in the back yard (2nd floor fire escape)

• 271 Wellesley Street broken security light needs to be repaired

• 279, 281, 283 Wellesley Street the front of these houses need timer switches for the lights

SIGNS and MAPS

D Some participants said there are enough signs identifying the area. Other participants said signs and maps are not easy to see and find or easy to read and understand. Although they generally agreed that there are signs that show where to go for help in emergencies, participants also said that they were unsure about where to find emergency exits in buildings.

Add signs in the area, including: ‐ Directional signs ‐ Washroom signs ‐ Room signs in buildings (3, 4, 7,

and 8 are missing in a building) ‐ Exit signs

Remove leaves/branches covering one‐way sign at Rose Ave and Winchester St. Repair loose sign on southeast corner of Parliament St. and Winchester St.

‐Contact property managers of buildings to add signs in and around buildings and to make emergency signs more visible and easy to see.

‐Contact 311to get trees cut around signs and to repair loose sign.


TRAFFIC

C Some participants said there needs to be more crosswalks and traffic lights throughout the area because there is “too much traffic in the area”. In addition they said that traffic in the area is too fast and the area needs speed bumps or lower speed limit. Some people said that bike lanes were “not relevant”, while others said there need to be more bike lanes in the area on the following streets:

• Parliament Street, • Carlton Street, • Wellesley Street

A traffic assessment of the area needs to be done to see if the area needs more traffic lights and crosswalks and also if speed bumps or lower speed limits need to be put into place. Assessment for the need of bike lanes should be done.

‐ Contact Councillor about having a traffic assessment done in the area and to assess the need for bike lanes to be added.

TTC

B Participants use public transit in the area and generally feel safe. However, some participants do not feel safe waiting for the bus at night because there is not enough lighting at bus stops. Some participants said there are bus routes that need to run later in the night or more frequently e.g. Parliament Street and Wellesley Street. In addition, some participants said there are signs showing who to call in case of emergency on the TTC, but some were unsure.

Ensure that all bus stops are properly lit. Install emergency signs at all TTC stops and on TTC stations and vehicles. Assess if there is a need for increased bus service at night.

‐Contact TTC about the need for proper lighting at bus stops and emergency signs ‐ Contact Councillor about the need for more lighting at bus stops in the area. Also ask about the need for increased service.


ISOLATION

E Participants were unsure whether the area looks/feels abandoned mainly because in the day‐time the area is full of people. Some persons felt that at night‐time there are few people in the area. They stated that people could hear them if they were screaming for help in the area and some said that there are enough working telephones in the area. Some participants stated that there are different safe routes for people to use that are well lit, but there are areas where someone could block their path (e.g. hidden doorways, tunnels), while others said if they were in danger there are no places close by to go for help.

Start a community watch group in the community so there are places people can go/call if they are in an emergency. Look at areas where people can get trapped and look at how to block off those areas.

‐Contact Crime Prevention Association of Toronto (CPAT) and community members about starting a community watch group. ‐Contact Councillor about blocking off areas where people could get trapped in the area.

VISIBILITY

C Participants said they can clearly see ahead of them except in situations where there are sharp corners and blind‐spots blocking their view. Some participants said they can’t see what is at the end of paths or walkways so they were unsure that

Add mirrors to areas where there are sharp corners. Add lights to the end of pathways and walkways. Look at areas where people can hide and work as a community to see what

‐Contact Councillor about adding mirrors to areas with sharp corners. Ask for lights to be installed at end of pathways. ‐ Have a community


there are places where someone could hide and wait for people. However, some said that in lane‐ways there should be mirrors to help you see around.

measures can be done to reduce risk in those areas.

meeting with Councillor to address the safety concerns regarding visibility and hiding areas near Ontario St. and Bleecker St.

MAINTENANCE

D Participants said that the area is clean and maintained and some said there are signs showing who to call for maintenance, although others stated that there is a lot of garbage in the area. Some people stated that alleyways become very dirty. Some residents have suggested having a recycling animator to address garbage issues in the area. Participants were unsure if there is a lot of vandalism in the area, but they stated that there are no hate slogans in the area. Certain buildings in the area are in need of repairs and many need better ventilation systems and fans, particularly for elderly. Some buildings also did not have proper heating systems and/or the heat could not be

Areas with garbage and litter should be cleaned, including:

• Garbage behind Rose Ave • In alleyways behind houses

Continue working with BIA to keep alleyways clean. Residents should elect a Recycling Animator. Rooming house tenants need to obtain information about tenant rights and who to contact for maintenance The following properties require repairs:

• Entire complex from Wellesley St to Carlton St.

• 257 Wellesley Street front entrance

• 267 Wellesley Street fire escape • 271 Wellesley Street front doors

‐Contact property manager or 311 to clear areas that have large garbage ‐ Contact community members and BIA to organize community clean up. ‐Ask Councillor to send out information about 311 services. ‐Contact tenants hotline, tenant’s advocacy centre and Councillor if repairs are not being done and about how to address ventilation and air conditioning


lowered. Some participants stated that they were not satisfied with the cleanliness of their buildings, including the common areas, bathrooms, kitchens and halls.

• 271 Wellesley Street ventilation system repairs

• 271 Wellesley Street 2nd floor top step

• 271 Wellesley Street replace glass window in 2nd door with peep hole

• 271 Wellesley Street 2nd floor banister needs repair

• 271 Wellesley Street uneven pavement

problems. ‐ Maintain ‘House Representative System’ for rooming houses. And look into starting a tenant’s association to address maintenance issues in buildings.

ACCESSIBILITY

C‐ Some participants said it is easy to move around the area if you are using a wheelchair and/or stroller, but some stated that there are no parking spaces for people with disabilities and not all buildings in the neighbourhood have ramps or doorways wide enough for people using wheelchairs or strollers. Participants said there are no automatic doors in buildings and not all buildings have working elevators. Participants said that mailboxes and doorbells are located at heights that people using mobility devices can reach, but were either unsure or said signs were not large enough for those with visual impairments.

Ensure there are parking spaces designated for people with accessibly needs Ensure all doors to buildings are accessible and have working elevators. Signs should be large enough for people who have visual impairments

‐Contact property managers of buildings to ensure all entrances are accessible and that elevators are working. ‐ Contact Councillor about having signs that are readable for people with visual impairments.


SECURITY

D‐ Participants said there are working security and fire alarms in the area, and some said there are security features in the area (e.g. cameras, intercom, mirrors). However some people said there need to be more security cameras installed. Some participants were unsure if there are security guards in the area. Those that stated there are security guards were unsure if they are helpful and respect everyone. Participants were unsure if the area is patrolled by police and some said it is not. Some participants said the police are helpful and respect everyone, while others were unsure. Many participants had concerns about people entering buildings who are not residents. Participants also stated that security doors were not maintained and alleyways behind houses need more security. One participant stated there is a “Crack Room” at 271 Wellesley St. E.

Security guard recommendation: “Install an intercom system for people who do not have a phone. He said the people on the other end could be TCHC or Primary Response” Another suggestion was to have emergency key system that is used at 504 Parliament St. to be installed in all of the houses. More security features should be installed in buildings. All doors should be properly maintained and have proper locks.

‐Contact property manager about installing intercom and key system in all of the houses and to properly maintain all doorways. ‐Contact Councillor about people’s safety concerns in the alleyways. ‐Contact community organizations, property manager to discuss drug problems in buildings


COMMUNITY and PERSONAL SAFETY

C‐ Participants said the following services are available in their community: housing, community centre, seniors’ services, police, food bank, schools, community health centre, youth services, and library. Participants said their community needs the following services: housing, community centre, seniors’ services, and police. Some participants said they were uncomfortable entering parks in this neighbourhood. Participants were unsure if they felt unsafe in the neighbourhood. However, the presence of the following issues made some participants feel unsafe: sexism, gangs, gun violence, and drugs. One participant said they feel safe in the area when “There are people walking on the street when I am out”. Another participant said they felt safe in the area because they “Grew up in the neighbourhood.” Some participants said that if they were harassed or faced an incident of violence they did not know where to

Residents report the need for more housing, community centres, seniors’ programming and community 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 where people can share their personal safety tips. Discuss different options such as having self defence classes for women. Meet with the local police department and community organizations to address the impact of drugs in the community.

• Drug dealing on Darling Lane and Parliament Street

Ensure that all residents know of organizations they can call when they have an emergency.

‐Contact all levels of government regarding increase in community services and programming. ‐Contact community members about holding community forum about safety concerns. ‐Contact WENDO about self‐defence classes for women and transpeople. ‐Contact the police, and community organizations to work together to address the drug problems in the area. ‐ Contact Councillor to provide residents with information about who to call in emergency situations.


get help, while others said they would call 911 to get help. Participants said they had heard or seen people being discriminated against in this neighbourhood because of disability, economic status, gender/sex, sexual orientation, drugs and/or alcohol use. One participant stated they knew of a tenant forcing another tenant to give them money. The main issues participants had in their buildings were regarding noise, safety, drugs, and intimidation. One participant had concerns about the number of people with physical and mental health issues in buildings with very few support systems. Another participant stated their concern with people having “alcohol‐buddies” visiting the building.


CONTACT INFORMATION

CITY CONTACTS

City Councillor: Pam McConnell Ward: 28 – Toronto Centre‐Rosedale Address: 100 Queen Street West, Suite A7, Toronto, ON, M5H 2N2 Phone: 416‐392‐7916 Fax: 416‐392‐7296 Email: [email protected] Toronto Police Services Division – 51 Division Address: 51 Parliament St., Toronto, ON, M5A 2Y5 Phone: 416‐808‐5100 Fax: 416‐808‐5102 Website: http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/d51/neighbourhoods.php Community Response Unit Manager: Staff Sergeant Rudy Pasini Phone: (416) 808‐5152 Toronto 3‐1‐1 (formerly Access Toronto) Phone: 311 | TTY customers: 416‐338‐0889 Email: [email protected] Website: www.toronto.ca/311/

Toronto 2‐1‐1 (database of community services and organizations in Toronto) Phone: 211 | TTY customers: 1‐888‐340‐1001 Website: www.211toronto.ca City of Toronto Parks and Recreation Website: http://www.toronto.ca/parks/ City of Toronto Transportation Services Website: http://www.toronto.ca/transportation/ City of Toronto Solid Waste Management Website: http://www.toronto.ca/garbage/ Municipal Licensing & Standards (ML&S) Division Website: http://www.toronto.ca/licensing/index.htm City of Toronto Apartment Standards Website: http://www.toronto.ca/apartmentstandards/home.htm


Toronto Hydro Electric System (Streetlights) Phone: 416‐542‐3195 Website: www.torontohydro.com Note: Contact about lights that are out and also that are blocked by trees/shrubs. Also try to have exact location of light (i.e. poll # or area/road description.

LOCAL COMMUNITY SERVICES Advocacy Centre for Tenants – Ontario (ACTO) Address: 425 Adelaide St. W., 5th Floor, Toronto Phone: 416‐597‐5855 Toll Free: 1‐866‐245‐4182 Website: www.acto.ca Central Neighbourhood House Address: 349 Ontario St., Toronto Phone: 416‐925‐4363 Website: www.cnh.on.ca Health Bus‐ Sherbourne Health Centre Address: 333 Sherbourne St. Phone: 416‐324‐4170 Website: www.sherbourne.on.ca Mid‐Toronto Community Centre Address: 192 Carlton St., 2nd Floor, Toronto Phone: 416‐962‐9449 Website: www.midtoronto.com Neighbourhood Legal Services Address: 333 Queen St. E., Toronto Phone: 416‐861‐0677 Old Cabbagetown Business Improvement Area Address: 237 Carlton St. Phone: 416‐921‐0857 Website: http://www.oldcabbagetown.com/busi_ocbia.php WEN‐DO Women’s Self Defence Phone: 416‐929‐3636 Website: www.wendo.ca

Documents

SAFETY AUDIT REPORT - METRAC