January 30, 2026
Posted by SVRA
After combining its 2018 data and the results of the Councillor's 2025 Seaton Village survey, City Transportation Services felt the emphasis on Barton should be to reduce westbound afternoon traffic. To confirm the utility of any changes to Barton, including another pilot project, CTS recommended traffic counts before and after signal-light changes are implemented. The resulting motion made by Councillor Saxe was approved by City Council on January 14, and includes:
1. Undertaking a count of all vehicles driving on Barton Street half-way between Bathurst and Christie over a 72-hour midweek period. This should provide a good baseline of conditions, as well as information regarding specific directions or time periods as needed.
2. Prohibiting right turns on red onto Christie from Barton Avenue westbound, and adjusting signal timing at the intersection of Barton and Christie to give priority to traffic and transit on Christie Street.
3. A year after the initial count, and after the implementation of turn restrictions at Barton, Bathurst and Christie, Transportation Services will complete a second count at the same location to provide what they consider a good and direct comparison of the effects of any turn restrictions.
The Councillor’s fourth proposal was deferred until the City Council meeting in February. That is:
• Prohibit left turns from northbound Bathurst Street onto westbound Barton Avenue from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday.
There is still time to contribute to the Barton traffic-calming discussion. Join SVRA executives and members of the Traffic Calming Committee when they meet in early February to clarify and confirm our vision.
E-mail seatonvillageto@gmail.com to get involved. Please put “Barton Street Traffic” in you subject line to hasten forwarding.