Grove Inc. / City of Toronto
December 12, 2017 In City of Toronto, Development

How Green It Is

Toronto Council has voted in favour of proceeding with the planning stages of the rail-deck park to be built across the rail corridor from Bathurst to Blue Jays Way.  The long-standing debate on this ambitious project has been passionate on both sides, but in a recent council meeting the vote landed a 36-4 result in favour of the plan.  With an estimated price tag of $1.665 billion dollars, the intentions are to enhance Toronto’s reputation as a world-class city by offering a city centre green space that can be enjoyed by residents and tourists alike.   For more on this endeavor read HERE

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November 30, 2017 In City, City of Toronto

The Argument for Congestion Charges in Urban Cores

Brandon Donnelly shared a video on his blog recently regarding Stockholm’s congestion charge to drivers in an effort to ease the traffic burden in its downtown core.  Toronto attempted and ultimately scrapped a program similar to this, perhaps without giving it the test of time.  Popularity for Stockholm’s program has increased dramatically and is breathing new life and funds into the city and its coffers stimulating not just the flow of traffic but the funds to improve existing infrastructure as well.  Read Brandon’s article with the video HERE.

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November 14, 2017 In City of Toronto, Neighbourhood, Recreational

The Distillery District’s Big Event

If you haven’t ventured down to take in the city’s amazing Christmas market in past years, put it on your list of “nice” things to do this year.  The Distillery District is worth a visit at any time of year but during this magical season  it comes alive with all the glittering lights, delectable smells and joyful activities that represent all things Christmas.  Of the top 10 Holiday Markets in the world, Toronto ranks fifth, and well worth the accolades.  Yes, the crowds are large but so is the sense of camaraderie and holiday spirit.  Great food, drink, shopping and activities for kids of all ages, it is all part of the fun.  The market runs from November 16th – December 23rd.  For more details, read HERE

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November 2, 2017 In Apartment Complexes, City of Toronto, Neighbourhood

A win for Airbnb in Toronto

Airbnb or Fairbnb?  Critics are crying foul with the recent news that Airbnb has joined forces with a Toronto condo building making it the first to allow airbnb rentals throughout the entire building.  Buildings that were designed to be condos do not have the same zoning by-laws,  design requirements, or tax burdens as hotels and many feel that this new partnership will lead to a further decline in affordable rental units available to city residents.  Whichever side you are on, the reality is that airbnb is not going anywhere.  People like it, just as they like UBER, because they work.  Now  it is time to iron out the kinks in the infrastructure to make it an entity everyone can live with.   Read more on this landmark move HERE

 

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October 26, 2017 In Architecture, City of Toronto

Opposites attract, and win awards too

The Canadian Architecture firm, rzlbd, has taken home the very prestigious International American Architecture Prize for their “opposite” house built in the Scarborough Cliffcrest neighbourhood in Toronto.  Read more on this award winnng structure HERE.

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October 24, 2017 In City of Toronto, Development

T.O. 2022

An article by Jack Landau for urbantoronto.ca envisions what the Toronto skyline will look like in 2022 should all planned and under construction developments in the downtown core be approved and proceed to completion.  Read the full story HERE 

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October 19, 2017 In Art, City of Toronto

A Picture is worth a thousand words

What happens when you give 100 homeless persons 100 cameras and ask them to take pictures of the city as they see it?  You get 90 cameras back, and 2400 images of the city from a completely new perspective, and a project named “My Toronto” evolves. Of the 2400 images, 40 were chosen and from there, 13 finalists will emerge the winners and their photography will be featured in an upcoming calendar.  The images are currently on display at Artscape Youngplace running through to the 22nd.  For more information on the My Toronto Challenge and the people involved in this amazing project, click here

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September 27, 2017 In Architecture, City of Toronto, Design

Restoration of Massey Hall

Over its 123 year History, Massey Hall has become one of the most iconic venues the city has to showcase local and international talent.  As the building’s popularity stayed on course, the structure itself has not aged gracefully over the years.   Until recently, restoration processes have not always fared favourably to this grand dame of architecture, prompting the Province of Ontario to infuse an additional $4 million to bring back the aging structure to its formidably elegant self once again.  We look forward to seeing the end result of this vast undertaking in the years to come.  Read more at canadianinteriors.com by clicking HERE

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September 25, 2017 In Apartment Complexes, City of Toronto, Development, Neighbourhood, Residential

Rising Above

The Globe and Mail published an interesting article by Marcus Gee on the rise of the “YIMBY” (Yes In My Back Yard), movement as it relates to urban sprawl and the near-critical need for the city of Toronto to allow developers to build upwards in residential communities.   While some residents (“NIMBY’s”, Not In My Back Yard), fight tirelessly to ensure their enclaves are protected from the construction of seemingly obtrusive hi-rise condominium or rental units, others are embracing the vertical footprint for the increased density and ability to affordably house the ever growing population searching for housing in the downtown core.  The YIMBY’s are banding together to support hi-rise construction in residential areas and are  bringing attention to the need to bring more housing into the core.  They recognize the ever growing urban sprawl which has an increasing number of commuters spending grueling hours on a daily commute as a result of unaffordable housing in the downtown neighbourhoods.  There are compelling points of view on both sides of the debate, to read more, click here

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