Bike superhighways just what Toronto needs and probably will never see.

[caption id="attachment_10508" align="aligncenter" width="499" caption="Blue painted area is bike superhighway for cyclists"][/caption]

 



The City of London just announced that because of the opening of two bike superhighways in July of 2010 bike traffic is up 70% on two major thoroughfares in London in the year following. Build to get people on bikes instead of in their cars laying down safe, straightforward  cycling paths from outer neighborhoods into the city. They plan to  install an easy to navigate cycling super numerical series of such super pathways.

Read more: London's Bike Superhighways Help Bike Traffic Increase by 70% | Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World

Read More: concerning the input of cyclists in the design of the Bike superhighways

Other cities have built such roadways for decades such that they are a normal part of the transportation choices for people in the  Netherlands - which didn't get its extensive network of separated bicycle facilities overnight—it took decades [1.source]

Another city - Portland—which may spend $600 million on bicycle infrastructure over the next 20 years, with a goal of upping the cycling rate to 25 percent of all trips by 2030—that has most energetically taken on the bicycle boulevard concept...[1.source]

And further...

Sweden Plans A New Superhighway For Cyclists

Those Scandinavians are so cutting edge and bike friendly. Now they’re going a step further, connecting two cities with a major artery that’s for bikes only. [2.source]

 

Chicago has a series of  protected bike lanes which probably would be a good idea for your Toronto with its car non-centrism around the rights of people moving and people driving.

 

[caption id="attachment_10504" align="aligncenter" width="469" caption="Protected bike lanes are designed with all kinds of people in mind, Chicago,  Click image to visit source of image site, livininthebikelane.blogspot.com"][/caption]

 

 

Transport for London's Cycle Superhighways site click here to view.

Lets create neighbourhood councils

wonderful idea eh!

It would be great to have Toronto  neighbourhood councils  made up of elected city council members as well as representatives from  the police , fire authority, local city staff of the various services and members of local community groups, plus ordinary members of the public. Joint meetings on a regular base could very effectively inform and assist more people to become involved with little or a lot of effort as chosen by the individual.

This would effectively end self serving projects started by a a few people and pushed though simply  of their stamina of effort.  For example changes to a local roadway such as speed bumps or removal or placement of play equipment in parks would have to pass though the  neighbourhood councils for input and in some cases approval.  Of course professional city stuff in such areas are not to be ignored yet no longer would the community have so little say in their decisions.

If created as a resident-led approach they could be used to solve, at the local level, disparities attributable to differences in access to the social, economic and environmental resources necessary for individual and community happiness and growth with our local streets and in turn throughout  the wards of the city. Major needs and directional directions could be given to such areas as  health care, employment (a much forgotten about area the the current election in the Junction), education, affordable housing options and safe neighborhoods.

One person if  elected, George Smitherman says he would create neighbourhood councils.

George Smitherman says he would create neighbourhood councils that could help make decisions on local issues. “I want to build a model of governance in Toronto that actually pushes power back to down to more of a neighbourhood level,”

Working with Regent Park residents as an MPP during the redevelopment process showed him the kind of input that community should have over local issues.

Wikipedia article on neighbourhood councils, Neighbourhood Councils are governmental or non-governmental bodies composed of local people who handle neighborhood problems

Turning Junction houses into stores

Above a Tokyo store with the approx built volume of Junction row house that is a compact and pleasant store. Can Junction houses be converted into stores such as those in other parts of the city - one example being the Yorkville area.

Maybe we need some transformation like Mirvish Village along a particular street, or could the Junction residents  request the city to allow retail in the lane ways (this authors preference) this would allow the a great amount of retail development in the Junction.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="457" caption="Mirvish Village"][/caption]

Melbourne's (Australia) city laneways and arcades are the most sought-after retail space in the city, according to a CB Richard Ellis report - a retail agent . People  flock there, particularly to eat and drink, and more and more shop owners are scrambling to get in on the action. What about the Junction.

Interested in Junction house pricing?

[caption id="attachment_5522" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Toronto Star article on west Toronto house prices"][/caption]

Toronto Star article on west Toronto house prices link (opens in new window)

Below is detailed information for West Toronto.

[caption id="attachment_5523" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="David Pylyp estate agent' information http://www.eleganthomesinwesttoronto.com/"][/caption]

Solid Waste Division fears your excess recycling

[caption id="attachment_5457" align="aligncenter" width="473" caption="The time study monster "][/caption]

It seems a report in the Toronto Star has caused the outing of a  little known rule for collection personal who drive our streets to collect  household recycling.  In an effort to achieve maximum collection efficiency- that is, the amount a team can pick up in a shift, there is a rule that does not allow the flexibility of the driver to pick up any excess recycling.

This action could result in a risk of homeowners choosing not to participate but instead throw their excess recycling or compost into the garbage, a city report states

This information was presented to council in a motion for information request by by Councillor Ootes, seconded by Councillor Stintz

Their motion ends with this paragraph





There should not be a limit placed on the amount of recycling that a homeowner can dispose of at their curbside. There should be a convenient, simple and encouraging program that allows for excess recycling to homeowners when the need does occur.

Full motion jump below.

Toronto's out-of-bounds attractions [Toronto Star article]

The star has a article about closed public spaces in the city, it presents a view fully endorsed by this blog.

Despite the triumph of Doors Open, there are important spaces that are off limits in Toronto – architecture created for the public that is, unfathomably, locked up tight.

from the article...

The Sunnyside Bathing Pavilion says as much about the Toronto of today as of yesterday.

Built in the early 1920s, this once-marvellous lakeshore structure speaks of a time when swimming in public still entailed some modesty, not to mention formality. With its fortress-like walls and neo-classical architecture, it evokes a sense of grandeur; swimming here was not simply fun, it was ennobling.

Keep in mind that this was the place where men and women went to change into their bathing costumes, not where they went to swim. It was also a place to enjoy the scenery, read a newspaper and meet friends.

Today, it is a shadow of its former self. Semi-renovated, half-closed, it remains clearly popular. But there's a tackiness to the pavilion now that belies its builders' intentions. On a sunny evening, the café is full of Torontonians enjoying hotdogs and beer. Beach volleyballers fill the space between the building and Lake Ontario.

Look a little more closely, however, and the pavilion reveals itself as a warren of locked doors, chained gates, closed stairwells and unused spaces. Worst of all, what might be the most attractive feature of the complex, the raised balcony level that wraps around the complex, is closed. link to full article

Cyclists licensing and mandatory helmets on the horizon?

Councillor Walker,

seconded by Councillor Hall

•

Councillors Walker, and Hall have put forth motions to will require licensing and mandatory helmets in the City of  Toronto is they are approved.

Excepts from the motions....

Councillor Walker, seconded by Councillor Hall, recommends that:

1. City Council enact a by-law to mandate that all cyclists must wear helmets on roads

and sidewalks in the City of Toronto.

Summary

Recently, City Council has prioritized the user groups in public space and public roads within

the City of Toronto. The four groups are prioritized as follows: 1) pedestrians; 2) cyclists; 3)

transit riders; and lastly, 4) vehicle drivers.

Since cyclists are now considered as priority #2 on the public highway, it is being modified to

accommodate these cyclists. Accordingly, with more space on our roads being given over to

cyclists, more rights are being given over to cyclists, and with increased rights come increased

responsibility. Cyclists need to be made aware of this increased responsibility for safe use of

our roads.

Safe use of our roads must include the safety of the cyclists themselves; cyclists must be

protected against the foreseeable dangers on our roads. Conflict between cyclists, cars and most

particularly trucks, and as well conflict between cyclists themselves, create potentially

dangerous conditions. A collision between a cyclist and a car or truck can result in life-altering

injuries or death, particularly for the cyclist involved. A collision between a cyclist and another

cyclist can also result in a serious outcome, if not from the impact itself, then because of the

cyclists falling into oncoming vehicular traffic which results in another collision. It is not at all

rare for a cyclist to experience a disabling head injury from a collision and for that cyclist to

become incapacitated and not be able to provide for his or her family.

2

Cyclists have equipment at their disposal to increase their safety, such as sounding bells,

reflectors, lights and helmets. By far, the most important safety equipment to the cyclist is the helmet.

Councillor Walker, seconded by Councillor Hall, recommends that:

1. The Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards develop a cyclist licensing

program, in consultation with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, to be brought

forward to City Council.

Recently, City Council prioritized the user groups in public space and public roads within the

City of Toronto. The four groups are prioritized as follows: 1) pedestrians; 2) cyclists;

3) transit riders; and lastly, 4) vehicle drivers.

Accordingly, with more space on roads being shared with cyclists, there is an increased

responsibility to ensure public safety for cyclists. Cyclists need to be made aware of this

increased responsibility for safe use of our roads. Also, City Council needs to put in place a

system to adequately regulate cyclists in a manner commensurate with their increased rights

and responsibilities.

Bicycle Operator/Cyclist licensing is a method of increasing awareness of the existing rules and

regulations applicable to cyclists, such as the Highway Traffic Act. Also, licensing provides for

a formalized relationship between the City and cyclists which the City can use to promote safe

use of bicycles, highlighting requirements for mandatory bicycle equipment such as soundingbells,

reflectors and lights. Furthermore, licensing would provide for more effective

enforcement of the applicable laws and clarify collision situations. Currently, there is not a

requirement for a cyclist to carry personal identification so it is difficult for Police or citizens to

manage collisions between pedestrians, cyclists and drivers due to the fact that a cyclist can just

walk away from the incident; this is particularly troubling if the cyclist is at fault. Also, it is

difficult for a Police officer to give a ticket for a moving violation of the Highway Traffic Act

to a cyclist who is not required to have personal identification on their person and therefore few

tickets are issued.

Member Motion full report helmets

Member Motion full report Licensing

Audio program about social space making

This should be a great program social space making, don't fret if you cannot listen in live we, will post a link to the podcast after the live session.

RSA (Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA)) Thursday - The Renewal of St Martin-in-the-Fields: a case study in social space making

30th Jul 2009; 13:00 (UK time)   July 30th 09 at 8 am Toronto Time

Renowned architect and Royal Academician Eric Parry visits the RSA to discuss the recently completed redevelopment of St Martin-in-the-Fields.

The project has created a sequence of interconnected public spaces both above and below ground as well as a wide range of amenities for a diverse range of users, including the homeless, St Martin's core congregation, the local Chinese community and state of the art facilities for professional musicians.

This highly complex scheme creates a synergy between the baroque church and the contemporary additions, facilitates the flow of access to and from Trafalgar Square and exemplifies the practice's considered approach to place-making within a culturally and historically sensitive context.

Toronto Life Square has gone into receivership

The Toronto Star is reporting that the Toronto Life Square -  has gone into receivership.

from The Star..

In case you're wondering, Toronto Life Square shouldn't be confused with Yonge-Dundas Square across the road. The latter really is a square, the former a building.

Constructed on land expropriated by the pre-amalgamation City of Toronto in the late 1990s, the massive entertainment complex was developed by a subsidiary of PenEquity Realty Corp. From the start, however, the project was nothing but trouble for the firm. Work on the building began five years behind schedule, and only after a series of setbacks. At one point, Disney, a prospective tenant, simply walked away from the table, leaving PenEquity in a state of open-mouthed shock.

Of course, Toronto Life Square – the building – isn't much to look at. Big, grey and hopelessly plain, it had almost nothing going for it other than its location, but what a location.

Link to full story

Cleantrain Queens park event - July 20th 2009 10am

Cleantrain is organizing this event, over at their site you can download posters and dropcards. [link]

City Council - Light Rail Vehicles meeting today and a great background post about the issue at stevemunro.ca

Over at stevemunro.ca a blog about transit and politics there is a great post about

How Many Streetcars Do We Need?

an excerpt...

Recent comments by Adam Giambrone, Chair of the TTC, suggest that 30 to 40 percent of the streetcar fleet is out of service in the shops, and that bus substitution will be required on some routes come the fall.

Those of us who follow the TTC have been waiting for a definitive fleet plan for some time, and hope to see one, finally, in the July Commission Meeting Agenda.  [link to full post]

Info on the city meeting about the issue today.

City Council Agenda - Meeting 37 (Notice of Meeting)

• CC37.1 - report (June 25, 2009) from the City Manager and the Deputy City Manager and Chief Financial Officer, headed “Purchase of 204 Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs) - TTC Capital Funding”
  Background Information
  Report

Etobicoke Civic Centre 399 The West Mall normally difficult to get a parking space almost empty

Etobicoke Civic Centre  at 399 The West Mall which is normally a very place is all but empty now during the strike, Most days people arrive to do a host of things from tax payments to obtaining building permits, both of which are unavailable services now.

from the city strike site...




Toronto Building

• No building permit applications will be received, processed or issued.


• No preliminary project review applications will be received or processed.


• No compliance, zoning use or property information letters will be processed or issued.


• Only emergency building inspections will take place.

• Utility (Water and Solid Waste) and Property Tax Bill Payments


• 
  
  Closed
  
  
  
  • All enquiry/cashier counters and drop boxes located in Toronto City Hall and the civic centres.
  
  
  • Tax and Water call centre.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Parks, Forestry and Recreation, to market naming rights and other private funding arrangements

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500" caption="Grenadier Pond"][/caption]

The  city auditor general is recommending

7. The City Manager, in consultation with the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation and the Director, Toronto Office of Partnerships, develop, for approval by Council, a comprehensive City-wide policy on naming rights and other private funding arrangements, such policy to


a. consider all existing policies related to

i. Parks and Recreation Naming and Renaming Policy
ii. Donations policy
iii. Advertising
iv. Unsolicited bids
v. Sponsorships and partnerships


b. include guidelines on

i. eligibility criteria for facilities to be considered for naming rights
ii. responsibility and control processes for securing and accepting naming
rights or other private funding arrangements
iii. the creation of endowment, or similar funds, to offset future
maintenance and repair costs for new facilities put in place under this
policy.


8. The Director, Toronto Office of Partnerships, in consultation with appropriate divisional staff, identify all potential projects and facilities that may benefit from  naming rights or other private funding arrangements and, with the approval of Council, pursue such funding according to corporate guidelines.

staff report [link]

The Toronto Walking Strategy - city issues

City staff's 46 actions for making Toronto a great walking city, are presented in a staff action to council.

Highlights from the report...

The aim of the Walking Strategy is to build a physical and cultural environment that supports and encourages walking, including vibrant streets, parks, public squares and neighbourhoods where people will choose to walk more often. By envisioning a city where high-quality walking environments are seamlessly integrated with public transit, cycling and other sustainable modes of travel,...

Below are the section headings with one some points from each section, the complete staff report can be downloaded from the link at the end of this post.

1. LEADERSHIP AND SUPPORT FOR WALKING

1-4 Produce annual Walking Strategy progress reports which will record

achievements and identify future priorities and resources.

1-5 Organize an annual Walking / Public Realm Forum, beginning in the fall 2009, to

engage City staff and Council, external stakeholders and Toronto residents in an

ongoing dialogue about actions to make Toronto a great walking city.

2. PROMOTING A CULTURE OF WALKING

2-1 Organize an annual, city-wide Walking Festival in partnership with City

divisions, external agencies and community walking groups.

2-2 Create and maintain a Walking Website that provides access to information on all

City walking policies, programs and services and encourages Toronto residents

and visitors to walk more often.



3. INTEGRATING NETWORKS FOR WALKING

Improve the sidewalk network throughout Toronto:

3-1 Construct new sidewalks - during road reconstruction and resurfacing, or when

applicable, through the development review process - on both sides of the street in

all areas where they are missing.

3-2 Review current practices and policies for constructing new sidewalks where they are missing on existing local streets.

4. DESIGNING STREETS FOR PEDESTRIANS

Give priority to the needs of pedestrians in all planning decisions:

4-11 Develop a reference manual of pedestrian-related design standards and guidelines

to be consistently applied in appropriate studies and processes including

development review, Avenue Studies, Environmental Assessments, Community

Improvement Plans, Transit Projects and Transportation Impact Studies.

4-12 Revise the Guidelines for Transportation Impact Studies — currently required as

part of the development review process for large new developments — to include

a more comprehensive study of the impact of proposed developments on

pedestrian activity.

5. CREATING SPACES AND PLACES FOR PEOPLE

Design Gathering Places for Pedestrians

5-1 Develop, implement and evaluate a variety of pedestrian street design options

including full-time and occasional pedestrian streets.

5-2 Investigate innovative street designs such as shared-streets, where appropriate, so

that neighbourhood streets can serve as important community places while

providing local transportation access.

5-3 Support regular, community-led pedestrian street events by developing a “howto”

guide and promotional materials.

6. FOCUS ON PRIORITY AND TOWER RENEWAL NEIGHBOURHOODS

6-1 Demonstrate small-scale pedestrian projects within the Priority and Tower

Renewal neighbourhoods and develop a case study approach that may be used in

other Toronto neighbourhoods.

6-2 Undertake pilot projects to improve walkability in the Priority and Tower

Renewal neighbourhoods by conducting a community-based survey and audit of

neighbourhood walking conditions followed by the implementation of a range of

pedestrian infrastructure improvements, services and programs.

The Toronto Walking Strategy PDF file at city site [link]

Toronto Pedestrian Charter link

Junction Resident Installs Green Roof Despite Toronto Residents Being Ignored by City

While Toronto city council postpones voting on a by-law that would regulate the construction of green roofs for certain types of new buildings, one Junction resident has just installed her own green roof, as well as rain barrels to water her garden.  Though the Breakfast Television coverage of the installation had to be deferred due to technical difficulties, on May 7 Cristina Senjug's garage-top green roof was installed, despite the fact that neither the proposed by-law or Toronto's Live Green incentive program addresses residential green roofs.

Cristina has been receiving requests for information about how she went about this project and is happy to pass along the companies that provided the rain barrels and installed the green roof:

Rain barrels
http://www.algreenproducts.com/gogreen
http://www.gardensupermart.com/garden-news/waterloo-record-2008-11-12.pdf
Green Roofs
www.xeroflor.ca

[caption id="attachment_3897" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Jennifer from BT, the Senjugs, et al"][/caption]

Also on site that day planting native plants was Future Watch.

Junctioneer Article on Eco-Roofs

West End RailPath needs a small effort from a lot of people right now

This is officially the longest  post ever on this blog and for good reason it concerns an important project that most of us in the community will use.  The Railpath. Posted as a comment by blog reader Scott, I asked him if I could place it on the blog  as a post.

Please read  it and take the time to send a  short email (the blog has provided a short sample one at the end of Scott's text and Scott has provide a longer one for download), Scott also provides the info at the end of his text

I wanted to pass on some important information regarding the West End RailPath and ask you for a few minutes of your time. The great news is that stage 1 should open on June 20 and we are planning a party or something. The even better news is that already people are using the path. If you don’t know what Railpath is then head to Railpath.ca . In a nutshell Railpath is the conversion of old Weston Rail Corridor land to a linear park that will have a bike path, indigenous plants, and seating—stretching from north of Dupont to the lake near the CNE.

[caption id="attachment_3016" align="alignright" width="300" caption="what the railpath will look like, Photo : Design by Scott Torrance Landscape Architects, from Friends of the West Toronto Railpath site"][/caption]

In terms of stage 2 which would take the path south from Dundas to the Lakefront by the CNE there is some work to be done and Railpath Volunteers are very busy in this process. As you may know there is currently a public consultation and an Environmental Assessment (EA) being done by the MetroLinx that entails plans for an rail link to the airport and expanded GO service in the rail corridor that runs along side Railpath. Many people were startled to discover that Metrolinx seemed to know nothing about Railpath (!) and there was some alarm about seeing stage 2 built if there was going to be new rail traffic in the corridor.

To its credit Metrolinx has quickly met with Railpath and City officials and there are more meetings coming up. To keep the story brief, there has been a good exchange of information and it seems a real interest on the part of Metrolinx to see stage 2 of the Railpath built. Yes there are a few technical problems that exist in the last few blocks of stage 2 but at least the plans are out and people are trying to find solutions. It may turn out that we can only get stage 2 to Sudbury street which is still pretty good but at this point everybody is working on a full to the lack solution. Metrolinx has become very receptive to Railpath issues and is trying to make sure room is left for completion to happen.

Here is where a few minutes of your time would be of help. Metrolinx got a fairly large amount of feedback from the community in the stage 1 AND in stage 2 areas stating that people wanted completion. It would still be good for them to hear from as many people as possible about how valuable people feel a COMPLETED Railpath would be to the entire West End of the city. Remember, a completed Railpath and expansion of the use of the rail corridor are NOT exclusive of each other; they should and can co-exist. In fact Railpath augments or compliments the increased use of rail instead of cars. It will just take them making sure that some space is left for stage 2 to happen. The City has already sent a letter expressing the importance of a completed Railpath so there is “official” support in place. If you could, could you take the time to send an email, even if it is brief, to Brian Peltier the Executive in charge of the EA for Metrolinx to let him know that you feel completion is important and that you would like to see Metrolinx be part of this completion. All emails to him will be noted and recorded as part of the EA and remember that Metrolinx has been receptive and helpful. THIS MUST BE DONE BY MARCH 15. (Include real your address in the email)

Brian Peltier, Executive Lead
brian.peltier@metrolinx.com
416-874-5959

Metrolinx has a very detailed look at the EA and what they want to do on their website ( http://www.metrolinx.com). Railpath.ca is not the best website ever made but you can find some good info and pix if you dig deep. As we get closer to opening stage 1 look for the site to finally get revamped.

If you have any questions let me know and the whole West End will thank you for helping completion happen. We are really close and every email will help. If you know people who live in the stage 2 area (think Dufferin and Dundas/Queen/King Dovercourt, Lansdowne, Parkdale) pass this email on and encourage them to email as well.

sample email... extrapolated from Scott's text. (of course add all the more that you think would help :-))


cut------------------------------------------------

Dear Brian Peltier,

Executive Lead- Metrolinx

I am writing to you about the West End RailPath project.

As resident in the area I  feel completion of this important community enhancing path is of great importance.  With this email I would like you to know  that I would  like to see Metrolinx be part of this completion.

Thank you,

your name

your street address

email to brian.peltier@metrolinx.com

cut -------------------------------------------------------------------

UPDATE: Scott has provided a fuly rounded out letter which you can use also {click here to download it}

Activities Toronto’s 175th Anniversary

[caption id="attachment_2887" align="alignright" width="229" caption="Photo from Councillor Sandercook's office window"][/caption]

March 6 2009 the city of Toronto has planned a bunch of activities Toronto’s 175th Anniversary from the cities site: To mark Toronto’s 175th Anniversary on March 6, 2009, City Hall will open its doors and invite residents in to celebrate the heritage, unity and diversity of our city through music, literature and art. City Hall will be transformed into an exhibition hall featuring art installations, spoken word, dance and music. Special programming will also commemorate the City’s early history. City site links to areas of interest below Friday, March 6, 12 to 9 p.m.
	Visual Art
	Literary
	Book Launch - Toronto's Visual Legacy
	Theatre
	Film
	Music
	Kids and Families
	Activities on Nathan Phillips Square

Development Application Status website ...just a little info offered for now.

[caption id="attachment_2854" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Screenshot of the selection screen, for Development Projects or individual Planning Applications by Ward, District, Address and Application Number back to January 1, 2006"][/caption]

The city also launched a new Development Application Status website, allowing Internet access  information on active development projects and planning applications.  This is a great step, people can find out about development projects occurring but for detailed information the city planner will have to contacted. (with information provided on the site) The public and development industry, will have access to the same information, such  as project data, approval process status, public consultation dates and the planning personal contact info.

The  second phase of the site ...which brings the project into real usefulness for community groups and residents   ...will allow users to search applications and developments using dynamic maps. This is needed right now to allow community involvement in the planning process hopefully the city is allowing overtime to accomplish this.

“This will be a useful tool for residents and the development industry,” says Wright. [1. quote from Daily Commercial News article

Access page to search [opens in new window]

Toronto moves to expedite approvals for office and industrial projects

photo credit: Karsten W. Rohrbach

Daily Commercial news reports..

Toronto Mayor David Miller has announced that the city will launch the Gold Star Service program, designed to facilitate municipal approvals for strategic industrial and office developments.

While the previous service assigned case workers to help shepherd large projects through the approvals process, the new program will offer the same enhanced service to any industrial, commercial office and institutional (ICI) project that offers to create long-term jobs.

The program is currently working on 10 projects worth $2.3 billion in investment, and designed to retain or generate 20,000 jobs. Three additional projects are anticipated in 2009.

While Wright predicts that applications will decline through 2009, once current projects have cleared he says he sees an opportunity to focus on delivering projects of greater quality.

Daily Commercial News Full report [opens in new window]

JANE JACOBS WALKING TOUR MAY 2 & 3 2009

Having started to write a post about

LEAD A JANE JACOBS WALKING TOUR
3RD ANNUAL JANE’S WALK IN TORONTO
MAY 2 & 3 2009

I saw the artjunction blog [link] has two posts about it today.  There are also pictures of last years walk there.

Jane’s Walk is the street-level celebration of Jane Jacobs legacy. The Centre for City Ecology sponsors this event across North America which combines the simple act of walking with personal observations, urban history and local lore as a means of knitting people together

www.janeswalk.net