Community Update: Honouring Christina Huang and Taking Action on Road Safety
Dear neighbours and friends,
On the morning of March 26, 2025, our Scarborough North community suffered a heartbreaking loss. Christina Huang, a Grade 9 student at Albert Campbell Collegiate Institute, was struck and killed by a vehicle near Bridley Drive and Brimwood Boulevard. Christina was a vibrant, bright young member of our community whose life was taken far too soon — and whose memory now moves us to act.
The incident occurred at a side street intersection, not a designated pedestrian crossover, and outside of the usual school start time due to a delayed opening. This occurred in a Community Safety Zone, a stretch of road where speed limits are already reduced and U-turns are prohibited — measures that were implemented years ago following concerns raised by Brimwood Boulevard Junior Public School.
Despite these precautions, distracted and careless driving continues to put lives at risk, particularly in school zones.
What Actions Have I Taken?
In the wake of Christina’s death and recognition of years of advocacy from local schools, parents, and residents, I have taken immediate steps to further strengthen road safety in the Brimwood area and beyond:
1. Two Road Safety Motions Introduced
At the April 3, 2025, meeting of Scarborough Community Council, I introduced two motions directly addressing traffic conditions on Brimwood Boulevard and nearby Pitfield Road:
A request for traffic calming measures — including speed humps — to be installed on Brimwood Boulevard, between Brimley Road and Sandhurst Circle.
The motion also calls for a comprehensive review of the two pedestrian crossovers on Brimwood, with recommendations for enhanced safety tools such as curb bump-outs, high-visibility paint, flex posts, and the feasibility of placing crossing guards.For more info, click below;
Watch My Remarks on the Brimwood Motion
During the Scarborough Community Council meeting on April 3, I addressed the tragedy and outlined the path forward for our community:
These motions were shaped not only by this recent tragedy but by years of documented concern from the community and schools.
2. Fast-Tracking Safety Infrastructure
Although the City’s updated Traffic Calming Policy no longer requires resident polling, I want to be clear: I remain committed to consulting with the community on safety and infrastructure decisions. Public input is a core part of my approach and will continue to guide how we shape our neighbourhoods.
However, in cases involving school zones or serious safety risks — like the recent tragedy on Brimwood Boulevard — I will act quickly when the circumstances demand it. That’s why I introduced a motion to begin planning and implementing traffic calming measures without delay, to prioritize the safety of students and families.
3. Vulnerable Road User Review
City staff are currently undertaking a vulnerable road user assessment at the site of the incident — the intersection of Brimwood Boulevard and Bridley Drive. This review will provide data-driven recommendations on how to make the area safer for pedestrians and students in particular.
4. Re-Application for Crossing Guard
As part of the motion that I brought to the Scarborough Community Council, I have re-engaged the City’s School Crossing Guard Program to reapply for a guard at Brimwood Boulevard Junior Public School — a request previously denied due to criteria not being met. Given the fatality and renewed urgency, I am advocating for this location to receive higher prioritization.
How Can You Do Your Part?
While infrastructure and enforcement are critical, road safety is ultimately a shared responsibility.
I have heard from countless residents, principals, and school staff: there are signs, there are cameras — yet dangerous driver behaviour persists. Rushing, illegal U-turns, distracted driving, and speeding continue to endanger lives, especially near our schools.
To all residents and drivers: slow down. Follow the rules. Avoid risky behaviour. Consider that every student walking to school is someone’s child — they deserve to get there safely.
Unsafe driving cannot be treated as a routine part of school drop-offs — it's a risk we can no longer ignore.
Student Leadership and Community Advocacy
I want to especially acknowledge the students who organized a petition calling for stronger safety measures on Brimwood Boulevard. Your leadership and your voice matter. This motion is a response to your call for action, and we are proud to support you in building a safer, more compassionate city!
Looking Ahead
Next Steps:
On May 1, 2025, City staff will return to Scarborough Community Council with specific recommendations and designs for speed humps on Brimwood and traffic calming enhancements at the crossovers. Once passed, the speed bumps will be installed this year.
The vulnerable road user review results will guide further action at Brimwood and Bridley.
Our office will continue to monitor and push for safety measures throughout Ward 23, especially near schools and high-pedestrian areas.
If you have additional concerns, experiences, or questions regarding road safety in our community, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. And if you or someone you know witnessed the March 26 incident, please contact Toronto Police Traffic Services at 416-808-1900.
We mourn the loss of Christina Huang, and we extend our deepest condolences to her family, her friends, and her school community.
Let this moment of grief also be a moment of change. Let us honour Christina’s memory by recommitting ourselves to the safety of our streets, and to the kind of city where no parent, teacher, or neighbour must endure such a loss again.
With care and resolve,
Jamaal Myers