Grove Inc. / City of Toronto
July 5, 2018 In City of Toronto, Development

A setback for Sidewalk Labs

The proposal deadline  for  Quayside District, a joint venture between Alphabet’s Sidewalk Labs and Waterfront Toronto has been postponed until next spring.  Plans for the ambitious project which is touted to be a city within a city encompassing 12 acres of a former industrial site at the waterfront, has been delayed to give the partners additional time to more accurately reflect the consultants findings and to give careful consideration of the public’s feedback.  Details can be found here

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June 28, 2018 In City of Toronto

Along for the Ride

Love them or hate them, the momentum for barrier protected bicycle lanes on congested thruways is gaining ground.  In a city where rush hour traffic seems to run 20 hours a day,  the desire of commuters who favour two wheels instead of four is reasonable, however those commuters who choose and/or require the use of a vehicle for their daily responsibilities may argue the unfairness of taking away what was previously dedicated for their sole usage.  It appears finding happy ground in this urban debate is still a long way off.  Read more here about the permanent bicycle tract proposed for the Prince Edward Viaduct as well as Richard Florida’s article entitled “Toronto’s Deadly Car Crisis” in a recent issue of Medium.

 

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June 26, 2018 In City of Toronto, Construction, Development, Neighbourhood

Within Striking Distance

Certain topics re-appear in this blog as their importance and significance to the city ebbs and flows.  One such subject matter is City Council’s debate over the issue of allowing Laneway Housing to proceed from wishful thinking to rubber-stamping.  As Edward Keenan of the Toronto Star reported on June 6, 2018, it would appear that the city is within striking distance of council approval and, as the motion has been put forward the anticipation is building.

While not a cure-all for the rental crisis, it is a step in the right direction allowing homeowners to renovate and re-purpose dilapidated and unused sheds and garages into viable rental units.    Not only does this benefit the owners in gaining income to help pay their own living expenses, but offers diverse options to mid-income renters in search of a neighborhood dynamic.  Breathing new life into often times run-down garages and out-buildings, seems to be a win-win situation for owners and prospective tenants alike.  And thankfully, City Council appears poised to push the button. Read more here

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June 19, 2018 In City of Toronto, Recreational

Redpath Waterfront Festival

This great city of ours has no shortage of summertime events to enjoy and participate in, and the Redpath Waterfront Festival is no exception.  With food and drink, a circus, outdoor market, beach balls and even the navy thrown in for good measure, this is definitely one not to be missed.  On from June 22 – June 24th, find all you need to know here.

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June 14, 2018 In Art, City of Toronto

Everyone is King

Interesting things are popping up all over King Street these days.  From interactive stationery bikes that light up a cubical when passersby jump on and start pedaling, to a conversation nook made from sponge pool noodles (called the Woggle Jungle), and even beautifully painted Muskoka chairs inviting the public to sit down and rest awhile.

They are all part of Toronto’s Everyone is King Design Build Competition, launched January 2018,  where designers submitted their entries for temporary curb lane installations along King Street .  You can find the winners here or by strolling down King and enjoying the artistic installations in person.

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June 12, 2018 In City of Toronto

Toronto Pride

The 38th Annual Pride Festival kicked off on June 1st with the raising of the Pride Flag at City Hall.  A month long event, there are a bevy of fun and interesting things to do leading up to the iconic Pride Parade on Sunday, June 24th.  Check out all the activities here

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June 7, 2018 In City of Toronto, Recreational

CITE

Exit the skaters, enter the skateboarders.  The Bentway Conservatory and Build for Bokma have joined forces to bring CITE – A Celebration of Skateboard Arts and Culture to The Bentway Skate Trail this summer.  Commencing June 30th, CITE is an art installation/skatepark featuring skateable sculptures, live music performances, skate demos, open skates and a bevy of fun things to do for the skateboard enthusiast.  Everything you need to know is right here.

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June 5, 2018 In Architecture, City of Toronto, Construction

Tall Wood Building coming soon to U of T

Fresh on the heels of George Brown’s announcement of the construction of a new tall wood, low carbon, institutional building to add to their campus, U of T has just announced their plans to build a wood and concrete structure at their Bloor street campus.    The 14 storey building is slated to be the tallest of its kind in North America and plans are in the works to commence construction as early as 2019.  Find out more here.

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May 31, 2018 In Art, City of Toronto

Luminato – Something for everyone

“Overture, curtain, lights this is it, the night of nights”… or in Luminato’s case, the nights of nights. Toronto’s annual festival of theatre, dance, music, inspirational talks and all things creative, is running from June 6 – June 24.  And the lineup is impressive. Events cover a wide range of scope which include educational, artistic and thought provoking human rights talks and documentaries, there is something for everyone.  Book your tickets now at https://luminatofestival.com/2018/Events. 

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