What we're requesting, and why
A technical, evidence-based request for a proven safety intervention.
We are requesting that the City of Toronto conduct a warrant study and, if warranted, install a Level 2 Pedestrian Crossover (PXO) or Intersection Pedestrian Signal (IPS) at Dundas Street East and Dagmar Avenue.
Level 2 Pedestrian Crossover
A Level 2 PXO is a mid-block or intersection crossing with overhead amber flashing beacons and pavement markings. Drivers must yield to pedestrians who activate the crossing.
Key features
- Overhead beacons — rectangular rapid-flashing beacons visible from both directions
- Push-button activation — pedestrians trigger the crossing when ready
- Zebra markings — high-visibility pavement striping
- Yield requirement — under Ontario HTA, drivers must stop for pedestrians in a PXO
June 2025 policy update
In June 2025, Toronto's Infrastructure & Environment Committee introduced updated guidelines for Level 2 PXOs, specifically designed for multi-lane arterial roads like Dundas East. This policy update makes our request more viable than ever.
Intersection Pedestrian Signal (IPS)
An IPS is a full traffic signal that only activates for pedestrians. Unlike a PXO, it brings all traffic to a complete stop with red lights.
When IPS is the right choice
- Very high traffic volume — when vehicles won't yield reliably to PXO
- Wide roads — 4+ lanes where pedestrians need assured protection
- Complex geometry — where sight lines or turning movements create risk
We are open to either solution. Transportation Services engineers will determine which treatment is most appropriate based on the warrant study and site conditions.
The warrant study process
Here's how the City evaluates pedestrian crossing requests. Understanding this process helps explain why consistent 311 requests matter.
Request submitted
A 311 request triggers Transportation Services to review the location.
Initial screening
Staff assess basic eligibility: road classification, existing crossings, collision history.
Pedestrian counts
If screening passes, staff conduct 8-hour pedestrian and vehicle counts.
Warrant calculation
Counts are plugged into the warrant formula. The site either meets threshold or doesn't.
Design and budget
If warranted, the crossing enters the design queue. Budget is allocated.
Installation
Construction proceeds once funded and designed. Timelines vary by site.
Timeline: Once a warrant study is initiated, the process moves through screening, counts, design, budgeting, and installation. Actual timelines vary widely. We will update this page with specifics as the City communicates them to us.
Why not a full traffic signal?
A reasonable question. Here's why we're focused on PXO/IPS:
Dagmar is a minor residential street
Full signals are typically warranted where two arterial roads meet. Dagmar doesn't carry enough vehicle volume to justify signal-level infrastructure.
The need is pedestrian-specific
A PXO or IPS directly addresses the pedestrian crossing problem without adding complexity for through traffic on Dundas.
Cost effectiveness
PXOs and IPSs are substantially less expensive to install than full traffic signals. Requesting the right-sized tool for the problem improves the likelihood of approval and accelerates the funding path.
Cost and precedent
Comparable Toronto installations and cost ranges will be published here once we have verified them against City sources. We are not going to publish numbers we cannot stand behind.
Budget context:These installations are funded through Transportation Services' annual capital budget for pedestrian infrastructure.
Official references
The policies and studies that inform our request.
Toronto Vision Zero Road Safety Plan
The City's framework for eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2031.
City of Toronto Pedestrian Crossover Policy
Guidelines for when and where pedestrian crossovers are appropriate.
June 2025 Infrastructure & Environment Committee Report
The policy update introducing Level 2 PXO guidelines for arterial roads.
Ready to support this request?
Every 311 request matters. When the City sees consistent community demand, they prioritize the warrant study.
Take action now