1 August 2013: I went for a long walk--from Queensway & Royal York to High Park via Lake Shore & HBS/M Goodman trail. I had never walked down RY Rd before so was surprised to discover I love it! Mimico & New Toronto are fantastic and a reason why I'm puzzled as to why the HBS area turned out like crap--aesthetically and from a planning perspective. Toronto developers and planners shouldn't have to go to Europe for inspiration but rather their own back yard! Duh.
The main problem with our waterfront is it's so damn noisy with all the Gardiner traffic: HBS looks peaceful from here but it's far from it
It's interesting comparing the difference between driving/taking transit by here vs walking--you really see the giant failure this area is on foot.
Yes the tower has shiny glass but the overwhelming grey sameness from the concrete, stucco and spandrel is depressing. How will retail ever thrive here?
There's a whole bunch of nail bars along here--is that the only thing condo ppl spend money on?
The wildlife area is nice but it's all so detached from the reality of the urban built form.
Attn: developers, planners, politicians, architects, consultants, realtors, buyers etc:
Look west for inspiration! (As in Lake Shore strip Etobicoke, not Chicago!)
