However, following its most recent annual engineering assessment, it has been determined that the bridge must close due to deterioration and potential safety hazards for pedestrians.

As a result, CNIB’s bridge has been closed until further notice as of December 5, 2011.

A community consultation was held on November 29, 2011 to discuss the current state, closure and options for the bridge’s future. CNIB was pleased and invigorated to hear strong unanimous support from our clients, neighbours, government officials and community at large to raise the necessary funds to repair the bridge and enhance its structure to meet modern accessibility standards.

CNIB has heard your desire to save the bridge and we are now considering our next steps toward that end. We will continue to update the public on progress.

In the meantime, numerous accommodations have been implemented to ensure the safety of our clients, staff and volunteers when crossing Bayview Avenue. 

A crossing guard is stationed at the nearest pedestrian crosswalk at Bayview Avenue and Kilgour Road during regular business hours – Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This crosswalk is also equipped with an Accessible Pedestrian Signal. 

CNIB is working with the City of Toronto to enhance the safety of the intersection at Bayview Avenue and Kilgour Road. The crossing time has been lengthened, and railings are being installed along CNIB’s pathway from the corner sidewalk all the way up to access our front door.

Additionally, an audio message activated by motion sensor is being installed at the CNIB TTC bus stops to communicate information about the bridge’s closure and to provide alternate directions to CNIB’s building. The TTC will also have a recorded stop announcement on the bus reminding passengers that the bridge is closed.

All of these accommodations will be in place by the week of December 19, 2011.

For guided, step-by-step instructions for TTC passengers, please adhere to the following:

When travelling from the east side of Bayview Avenue:

Upon exiting the bus, turn right and walk south towards Kilgour Road following the grass line on the left. Turn left at Kilgour Road, and left again at the path to the building. Follow the railing on the left to the building line. Make a final right turn and proceed along the front of the building to locate the entrance on the left.  

When travelling from the west side of Bayview Avenue:

Upon exiting the bus, turn left and walk south, following the grass line on the left until you locate the Audible Pedestrian Signal Tone and Post. Turn left to face Bayview Avenue, activate the Audible Pedestrian Signal, cross Bayview when you hear the chirp and only cross at the beginning of the cycle. 

After crossing Bayview, locate the grass line in front of you, turn right and walk a short distance towards Kilgour Road, following the shore line (or grass line) on the left, making a left at Kilgour Road, and left again at the path to the building, follow the railing on the left to the building line. Make a final right turn and proceed along the front of the building to locate the entrance on the left.  

For Further Assistance and Information:

Please contact CNIB’s newsline at 416-486-2500 ext. 206 or ext. 207 to receive regular updates about the bridge and safety provisions as they may change over the course of the coming months.

You may also call CNIB’s toll free helpline at: 1-800-563-2642 to receive guided, step-by-step instructions for safe access of CNIB’s building prior to your next visit.

For general comments, questions or for those interested in learning how to support the bridge project, please email: BayviewBridge@cnib.ca
​