Don't honk to show your support

No honking please.

That’s the request drivers were greeted with at the corner of Dupont St. and Spadina Rd. from a group of community activists who staged a light-hearted demonstration complete with mimes and improv street performances on Aug. 21.

The group, known as the Dupont and Spadina Corner Collective, was out to tell the public that honking is negatively affecting their busy corner of the Annex and should not be permitted in residential areas.

Demonstrator Steve Cornwell said the excessive honking comes from the no left turn law for drivers heading northbound on Spadina, effective during the morning and evening rush hours.

Disgruntled motorists honk when drivers attempt to turn left during that restrictive time.  

The sound carries into nearby kitchens and bedrooms, Cornwell said.

“It’s right at dinner or first thing in the morning,” he said. “There’s many, many cars that do it.”

He is hoping the city will remove the no left turn sign at the corner, but in the meantime, residents are asking drivers to respect their home.

The collective is made up of about 15 artists who live in two houses on Dupont. Friends and neighbours for years, they decided to form as a community group last winter. About 35 volunteers also help out.

Apart from the demonstration, the collective organized the Light Up Our Alley street festival in June that featured a yard sale, music and a lantern walk.  

“It’s a great place to live and I love the people here, even the folks I don’t know on a personal level,” Cornwell said. “We’re just trying to make this a better space.”