Are Sakura Cherry trees native or invasive?
Is sakura even a specific species of tree? I thought it was just the Japanese word for cherry flowers? Ontario does have some native cherries, but I don't think they include the ones that Japan sent us to plant in High Park.

Personally I like apple trees in flower more than cherry trees, but they bloom later so you don't have the same "first days of spring" impact.
 
MV Sunnanvik, a cement carrier about to enter Polson Slip and dock at the LaFarge facility yesterday evening. Shot from my balcony.

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Not sure this is the best place for this, but the Cherry drawbridge is stuck open . I thought at first this was from 5 years ago, but nope!

From the above article (and X/Twitter):
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The bridge's mechanicals are supposed to be upgraded this coming winter - they may have waited too long! See details at:


Phase 2 – To commence in late 2024.
  1. Restoration of the Bascule lift bridge structure.
  2. Replacement of end of life mechanical and electrical lift systems.
The majority of work related to this phase of the project is limited to the winter months when the Ship Channel Bridge lift is not operational. It is expected that the overall project will be completed in 2027.
 
The new Villiers Precinct Plan is headed to the April 24th meeting of the Waterfront Design Review Panel:


Presentation Materials are now online.


From the above:

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Conceptual Render:

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This (below) is very good work, praise-worthy. It actually tests all the different permutations of height/massing, particularly podium levels and their impacts on sun access.

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One may recall that a concern I expressed over jacking density here is that the level of planned transit would not support it: The modelling certainly points in that direction, like with the Golden Mile.

That does not mean one can't do higher density here, but there if you want higher density you must plan (and deliver) the appropriate level of transit and other supporting infrastructure.

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There are a lot more slides if you follow the link, but only so many can be placed in one post.
 
In Addition to the above, WT has posted its 2024/2025 Business Plan, and in it, we do see some budgetary plans of interest.

Plan:


From the above:

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Observations;

1) Keating bridge is set to proceed, but we have yet to see the winning design.

2) No real detail on the outstanding matter of all the slip bridges.

3) Rees Park still shows as funded but no approved design.....

4) Why is Love Park in the budget for 400k this year and 200k next year? Fairly small sums, hmmm
 
In Addition to the above, WT has posted its 2024/2025 Business Plan, and in it, we do see some budgetary plans of interest.

Plan:


From the above:

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Observations;

1) Keating bridge is set to proceed, but we have yet to see the winning design.

2) No real detail on the outstanding matter of all the slip bridges.

3) Rees Park still shows as funded but no approved design.....

4) Why is Love Park in the budget for 400k this year and 200k next year? Fairly small sums, hmmm
I was sorry not to see funding (and completion dates) for:

1. The 'promenade' at Sherbourne Common - the wooden decking on top of the metal girders they have erected there above the storm-water pipes.
2. Actually building the QQE LRT. For a project that was started in about 2006 with the slogan "Transit First" it is VERY unfortunate that it is now "Transit Last"!
3. Work on the promised 'attraction' at the foot of Yonge Street to replace the surface car park.
 
I was sorry not to see funding (and completion dates) for:

1. The 'promenade' at Sherbourne Common - the wooden decking on top of the metal girders they have erected there above the storm-water pipes.
2. Actually building the QQE LRT. For a project that was started in about 2006 with the slogan "Transit First" it is VERY unfortunate that it is now "Transit Last"!
3. Work on the promised 'attraction' at the foot of Yonge Street to replace the surface car park.

On the last one, I think this is tied up with WELRT at this point, as that lot will be involved in that project. I suspect they will wait until design is further advanced, including costing for both #2 and #3.

Agree #1 should be there along with any and all other finishing touches to the original concept (including the slip bridges)
 

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