Council must decide whether to scrap eastern stretch of Gardiner

City councillors are being asked by staff to make a decision about the future of the eastern stretch of the Gardiner Expressway.

In a new report, staff say they want to see this portion either removed or reconfigured into a so-called hybrid version. It will be up to council to decide how the city will proceed.

• What you need to know about the Gardiner options

The staff report says going with the hybrid option is the more expensive route, but it will ultimately have less impact on commute and transportation times. It would reroute the highway between Jarvis Street and the Don Valley Parkway.

If instead this part of the Gardiner is torn down, it would be necessary to add lanes to Lake Shore Boulevard.

Mayor John Tory had previously touted the hybrid plan during the election campaign, but he didn't take such a firm position when asked about the matter on Wednesday.

"I haven't made any decision about that," he said.

The staff report is due to be considered by the public works and infrastructure committee next week.

Council is expected to make a decision next month.