Wednesday, August 07, 2013

City asks residents to help keep streets safe by reporting vegetation growth near stop signs, traffic signals

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
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News Release:  August 7, 2013 

City asks residents to help keep streets safe by reporting vegetation growth near stop signs, traffic signals

The City of Toronto is asking residents to contact 311 to report locations where summer vegetation growth is obstructing traffic signals and stop signs. 

Callers should be able to provide the precise location of the vegetation that needs to be cleared such as nearest cross streets, closest street address and/or other relevant details so staff can be dispatched to clear the obstruction.

"To protect public safety, we are asking residents to act as our eyes on the street to help us identify and address situations that are potentially unsafe for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers," said Councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong (Ward 34 Don Valley), Chair of the City's Public Works and Infrastructure Committee.

Staff from Transportation Services and Parks, Forestry and Recreation routinely perform proactive maintenance, but the large volume of rainfall has led to more vegetation growth than usual.

"Toronto has a healthy urban forest and we have to manage the impact of the large volume of rain we've had this year," said Councillor Paul Ainslie (Ward 43 Scarborough East), Chair of the City's Parks and Environment Committee. "This summer our trees and plants are seeing tremendous growth, so we may need to do some pruning to keep things safe for those travelling within the City."

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. Toronto's government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

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Media contact: Steve Johnston, Senior Communications Co-ordinator, Strategic Communications, 416-392-4391, sjohnsto@toronto.ca

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