The Esplanade which runs from Yonge to Berkeley is an integral part of the St. Lawrence neighbourhood which forms part of Old Toronto. This architecturally significant stretch, which runs from Yonge to Jarvis, consists of condos (5), public and co op housing, senior’s residences, a landmark hotel, schools, the famous St. Lawrence Market, a performing arts centre (The Meridien) and lodge (PAL), local businesses, restaurants, pubs, shops and Postal Station A. There is public parking as well as residential. It is a vibrant, and busy street accessed by residents and visitors as it is a large tourist area. There are TTC buses, as well as many tour buses and emergency vehicles. Full two-way access is essential for all.

Along the north side moving east from Yonge are:

The L Tower (C1), Meridian Centre (E1), London Lofts (C2), several pubs and restaurants including Eggspectation (E2) The Keg (E3), Shoeless Joes (E4),  Spaghetti Factory (E5),  Scotland Yard (E6), The Biere Market (E7) and Goose Island Brewery. All this between Yonge and Church. The next block houses a public parking lot (P1), the Performing Arts Lodge-Seniors (R1), and the loading bay to the Market Street LCBO, plus Market Street restaurants and businesses. Finally, the south end of the St. Lawrence Market (SLM), and it’s entre loading zone.

On the South side from Yonge Street are:

The Backstage (C3), Gateway News (B1), a public parking garage entrance (P2),Esplanade Dry Cleaners (B2), Postal Station A (B3), 25 The Esplanade (C4), Kaplan International (B4), Clutch Market (B5), entrance and exit to public and private parking (P3), The Novotel (B5), 55 The Esplanade (R2), 75 The Esplanade (C5),public parking entrance and exit (P4),  York Towers (C6 and R3) which includes, Senior’s residence, condos and housing, and finally the temporary North Market, now South (SLM) which houses the Farmers Market and the Antique Fair.

Every single one of these requires access to The Esplanade for deliveries, drop off,s pick ups, Uber, taxis, quick stopping, loading. There are bus routes and emergency vehicles  all of which  need easy access. Emergency services, police, fire and ambulance, needs to be able to arrive and depart to save lives. Bike lanes would congest the street and hinder access for emergency vehicles, and public transportation. Bike lanes and one ways would have a huge negative impact on all the businesses and residences.

The Esplanade is no place for bike lanes or one way traffic especially from Yonge to Jarvis.