Toronto Fire Chief Bill Stewart is raising alarm bells again about the St. Clair Avenue West streetcar project, saying the roadway will be too narrow for fire trucks to pass through.
Stewart says the dedicated right-of-way project should have been designed to accommodate emergency vehicles. He says the roadway won't be safe and could cause critical delays in response times.
He also says there is an increased chance of collisions between emergency vehicles and pedestrians waiting for streetcars.
The chief said he first raised his concerns before construction began.
Coun. Cesar Palacio and many residents who live and work in the area protested at the site on Wednesday. Palacio says the safety of thousands of residents is at risk by the project.
Since the project is still years away from completion, he says there is plenty of time to alter the plans.
TTC Chairman Adam Giambrone responded to the concerns on Wednesday, saying the fire department signed off on the project before it was approved.
"We worked very closely with the fire department from the very beginning and it was Fire that made some recommendations on the designs, and they signed off on it," Giambrone said.
Giambrone added the city will continue to work with the fire department to ensure the St. Clair neighbourhood receives adequate fire protection.
