Grove Inc. / City of Toronto
September 19, 2017 In City of Toronto, Recreational

Better biking

Toronto has been grappling with a constant debate over a few key concerns for bicyclists and drivers alike.  The recent addition of bicycle lanes on Woodbine Avenue have local residents and commuters using this north/south corridor fuming over reduced lanes and additional congestion, while the bicyclists are applauding the move as a long-overdue necessity.   As the debate over additional bicycle lanes throughout the city continues, so does the endless debate over what to do with the Gardiner Expressway.  Should it be leveled all together or turned into a green space for pedestrian traffic to enjoy amid the concrete jungle that borders each side, not unlike the Highline in New York City.

Perhaps City Planners should take a look at the city of Radbahn, Berlin for inspiration.  Instead of removing the vehicles on the Gardiner to make way for parkland, what about making parkland and bike lanes under the Gardiner, thereby creating safe passageway for bicyclists and pedestrians alike.  Of course, Lakeshore Boulevard would be collateral damage in an undertaking of this nature, but if we are ready to sacrifice vehicular traffic on the elevated, why not the underbelly?

Read the article on the bicycling path in Radbahn Berlin by clicking  HERE and sign up for our blog to receive semi-weekly articles on a variety of design, architecture and interesting urban facts from near and across the globe.

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August 24, 2017 In City of Toronto

Beautiful Bluffs

All eyes have been on the Toronto Islands this summer with the extensive flooding and ongoing high-water levels.  However, another one of our treasured sites, the Scarborough Bluffs, came under attack by Mother Nature as well in the past few months resulting in significant and dangerous erosion.  The City was forced to close off many areas deemed hazardous to the public over safety concerns.  The good news is that the city announced this week that they were reopening select areas that are considered to have  stabilized.  The bad news is that the Bluffs will also be a dare waiting to be taken by the few who feel scaling them will not result in injury or life-threatening circumstances.

Expanding some 15 kms from the bottom of Victoria Park Road on the west to East Point Park in the east, the Bluffs were formed some 12,000 years ago resulting in  a significant geographical landmark.  They were formed by sedimentary deposits through the organic process of wind and water.   The Bluffs span 900 metres (300 ft) high and were first named the Scarborough Highlands in 1793.  A majestic site by land, and a magical site by water, The Bluffs are part of our province’s greatest natural habitats.

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August 23, 2017 In Art, City of Toronto

Art in Motion

For over 7 years, Art Spin, has been activating decommissioned venues and unique public spaces to produce group exhibitions along with curated bicycle tours.  The latest event takes place this Thursday, August 24, 2017 and is open to everyone.  A roving curatorial project that situates commissioned, site-specific works in unique public spaces throughout the city, each Art Spin tour gathers a large audience on bicycles to visit multidisciplinary installations and performances in a one-of-a-kind event.

For more information on how to be a part of this roving art tour,  click here.

 

August 21, 2017 In City of Toronto, Recreational

CNE FUN FACTS

With the CNE in full swing, Blogto.com did an article on lesser known tidbits about the CNE in its earlier days.  From fire engulfed divers to the Mighty Flyer Roller Coaster, click here to learn more about the early days of the Canadian National Exhibition.

 

 

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August 17, 2017 In City of Toronto

Toronto Takes Fourth.

Toronto Takes Fourth.

Great news!  It turns out Toronto has a high ranking as one of the world’s most livable cities.  Read the story by clicking here

 

 

August 10, 2017 In Architecture, City of Toronto, Construction, Design

An Urban Tree House

We liked Erin Donnolley’s article for Azuremagazine.com  on a proposed  condominium project that architects believe Toronto would be the ideal location for.   The building would be constructed from sustainable materials in an offsite facility and transported as finished units and craned into place forming a Tree Tower.  The entire building would be clad in timber and each unit  would have a lush exterior patio garden with trees and vegetation to offer privacy and peaceful views alluding to a forestry exterior instead of the urban jungle it will be located in.  Read the entire article here  and sign up for our blog!

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August 8, 2017 In City of Toronto, Recreational

Hope for Ontario Place

The long anticipated revitalization of Ontario Place has been one of fits and starts.    The planners’ original “open by” date  of July 1, 2017 ( in time for Canada’s 150th birthday celebration),  has come and gone, and the park still remains a shadow of its former self.  The one exception is the re-imagined Trillium Park at the eastern edge.  A whole new landscape has been crafted to reveal beautiful walking trails, rain shelters, rock climbing areas, and plenty of places to just sit and relax.  The opening of Trillium Park is a welcome addition and the first step in breathing life back into Ontario Place.  We can’t wait to see the finished product.  Click on the link for the story and to sign up for our blog. Click here

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August 2, 2017 In Architecture, City of Toronto

Help for Toronto’s Homeless Youth

Eva’s Phoenix is a much needed port in the storm for many of Toronto’s homeless youth. The art deco building at Richmond West and Portland has been transformed into a safe haven for many  youths wanting to break away from the cycle of homelessness.   By providing safe housing and training skills, Eva’s Phoenix offers shelter and a place to develop new skills,  for 50 youths for up to one year.    Read more about Eve’s Phoenix in the article by Catherine Osborne in a recent edition of Azure Magazine.   Read the story here.

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August 1, 2017 In Architecture, City of Toronto, Design

U of T expansion to the Robarts Library

A vast expansion to the Robarts Library at the U of T  is underway with an aim of completion for the 2019-2020 academic year.  Increasing current study space by approximately 25%, the new addition will incorporate sustainable design features including a rain recycling  system, along with a green roof and other environmentally conscious features.  For more information read here

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July 27, 2017 In City of Toronto, Development, Real Estate, Residential

CONDO SALES CONTINUE TO RISE

The Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD), issued a press release this week announcing that condo sales in Toronto reached a record high in the month of June.  91% of all new houses sold were condominiums with only 9% of new sales attributed to low-rise single family homes.   Despite the resale market slowing down, the Province’s fair housing plan in effect since April, has had very little impact on new home sales.  To read the full report, click here

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