News Briefs: Illicit activity probed

How big a problem is prostitution in Parkdale-High Park?

It’s a question city hall wants the answer to.

A preliminary look examined how many licensed strip clubs, massage parlours, bars, nightclubs and hair and nail salons operate in the west end, along with the number of complaints regarding illicit activity at these establishments.

In the past two years, there have been about 140 investigations of these businesses, according to data from police and the city’s municipal licensing and standards division.

A report by licensing and standard’s Curtis Sealock on the issue came to the Etobicoke-York community council on Oct. 13. It focused on 11 wards collectively. It didn’t offer a breakdown by ward or the result of any charges laid against specific businesses.

A more detailed report broken down by ward is expected at community council in December or January.

Community council asked Sealock to report back on how a constitutional challenge before the Supreme Court of Canada regarding the legalization prostitution could affect existing establishments in the area.

Front yard parking restrictions

Residents wanting to construct a new front yard parking pad will have a tougher time if they live in Parkdale-High Park’s Ward 14 as council imposed a moratorium on accepting appeals for front yard parking in the ward, which is roughly framed by Keele Street to Dovercourt Road/Dundas Street West and the train tracks/Dupont Street to the lake.

If a resident has no other option, such as on-street parking or a garage, then appeals for a front yard pad may be considered by community council.

Queen streetcar split in west end

The 501 Queen streetcar route has been split on a trial-run basis with the aim of improving reliability and short turns and speeding up travel time.

Starting Oct. 19, the west portion of the route now runs from Long Branch Loop to Parliament Street and the east portion runs from Neville Park Loop to Shaw Street. Passengers wanting to continue their journey will need a transfer and a change of streetcars for the rest of the route.

The temporary route change will be in effect for all 501 Queen and 301 Queen service from Monday to Friday. Saturday, Sunday, and holiday service will not be changed.

The trial will run until Nov. 20. Results of the test will be evaluated in January.