This petition calls for the complete reversal of the recent conversion of Portland Street into a split one-way street and the full restoration of its former two-way traffic configuration. Residents and local businesses are seeking a return to the previous street design, which provided more direct access, improved traffic circulation, and reduced unnecessary detours. The requested revision is not a modification of the current arrangement, but rather a complete reinstatement of the traffic pattern that existed prior to the implementation of the split one-way system.

Given the significant impact these changes have had on residents, local traffic flow, and public safety concerns within a high-traffic nightlife district, we respectfully request a full reassessment and revision of the current street configuration.

Since the implementation of these traffic changes, residents have experienced increased congestion in their commutes, more complicated navigation within the neighbourhood, and concerns regarding accessibility and safety.  These changes have negatively impacted daily travel for residents, visitors, and local businesses. Many community members feel there was insufficient consultation and that the current configuration is not functioning as intended.

Visitors, rideshare drivers, and delivery vehicles frequently misunderstand the traffic direction changes, contributing to congestion and unsafe turning behaviour.

Residents have also been affected by new rideshare restrictions associated with the street redesign, where Uber and other rideshare services are now directed toward shared pickup locations rather than allowing direct residential pickup in certain areas. This has created additional inconvenience, accessibility concerns, and confusion for both residents and drivers.

While the intention of these changes may have been to reduce cut-through traffic within the neighbourhood, many residents are now experiencing significant difficulty entering and exiting their own area due to the reduced number of accessible routes. The current street configuration has resulted in longer travel times, increased confusion for drivers navigating the neighbourhood, and heavier congestion on Bathurst Street, which is already operating as a narrowed one-lane main roadway in several sections.

Residents who live in the area are the individuals most directly impacted by these changes, and many feel that their daily routines, accessibility, and overall quality of life have been significantly disrupted. The current traffic pattern has created unnecessary stress and confusion for community members simply attempting to travel to and from their homes, and we believe these resident concerns should be prioritized in any future review of the traffic plan.

In addition, the surrounding area is a well-known nightlife and entertainment district with significant evening traffic from clubs, bars, rideshare vehicles, taxis, and visitors unfamiliar with the neighbourhood. Many residents are concerned that the current split one-way street configuration increases the likelihood of dangerous driving behaviour, including wrong turns,  aggressive lane changes, and vehicles converging into the same narrow routes at the same time.

The confusion created by the opposing one-way sections, combined with high volumes of nightlife-related traffic and rideshare activity, has raised serious concerns regarding pedestrian safety, traffic congestion, and the potential for reckless or impaired driving incidents within an already heavily congested area.