Metal plates outside ACC a hazard
The city agrees and has promised to do something to fix it
Uneven, corroded metal plates covering a hole in the sidewalk just south of the Air Canada Centre are a trip hazard and could send pedestrians head first into traffic.
The Fixer went out to take a look after a reader posted a photo on SeeClickFix alerting us to the problem next to the column on the northwest corner of Bay St., and Lake Shore Blvd., under the Gardiner Expressway.
It’s a busy intersection buzzing with vehicles and pedestrians throughout the day and jammed with people attending events at the venue at night.
Some spots on the metal sheeting have rusted through, creating jagged gaping holes that expose a cavernous blackness beneath.
Heaven help those with their eyes glued to their mobile devices who aren’t paying attention to where they’re going and what’s under foot.
It wouldn’t take much for an unsuspecting soul to catch the heel of a Jimmy Choo or even the toe of a running shoe in the holes, spelling disaster not only for bank-breaking footwear but the wearer — who’d be up close and personal with the pavement.
It’s time to replace the plates, the reader advises.
A permanent solution would be
better because, if that metal snaps, it could cause serious injury. It needs to be fixed for safety’s sake.
STATUS: We contacted Kyp Perikleous, manager of traffic planning and right of way management who immediately dispatched a crew. Within a few hours he responded with an email saying staff confirmed “the steel plates on the sidewalk pose a trip hazard to pedestrians. Staff made the location safe and will investigate further.” We’ll keep you posted. What’s broken in your neighbourhood? Wherever you are in Greater Toronto, we want to know. To contact us, go to
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