I know, I know. You want to talk about TARION today. Well that’s just too damn serious of a topic for a Friday!
I’ve lived down in the St. Lawrence Market area for over a decade, and I’ve seen a lot come and go – stores, restaurants, hot and cold real estate, and the “vibe” of the area.
We lost both Buskerfest and Woofstock in the last few years, and perhaps it’s because there wasn’t the proper “area” to put them on display.
Have a look at this video of the new Berczy Park, which I think will inject some new life into our little neighbourhood…
I suppose I could have waited until the summer when this park was fully opened up, but having seen it blocked off and under construction since September of 2015, I was excited to walk by this week and find it open for business.
I don’t mind that dog fountain/sculpture.
Let me know if you disagree, but specifically why. I feel like so many people complain for the sake of complaining, but really – what’s wrong with it? Should we have a statue of William Berczy & John Graves Simcoe instead?
Speaking of which – the show I was talking about in the video is “TURN: Washington Spies:” http://www.amc.com/shows/turn
It’s awesome. I wish A&E would follow up with a show about the War of 1812.
And in case you do care who designed the new Berczy Park, have a look at Claude Cormier & Associates’ website.
They have a few dozen photos of the renderings for Berczy Park, the inspiration for the dog fountain (would you be surprised to know it’s an old painting?), the construction of the dogs, and the fountain themselves, as well as some photos of the construction, including one of a crane lifting in the fountain.
Really cool stuff!
I was a big fan of the new Corktown Commons, which I think made up for that pathetic, concrete slab they called “Sherbourne Commons,” sandwiched between the Lake Shore & Queen’s Quay, with condos going up all around it now.
So the new Berczy Park is a nice addition, and complement, to Corktown Commons.
I only hope we’ll see some “life” on display this summer. I was really sad to see Buskerfest and Woofstock relocate.
Or, maybe I just missed eating a shwarma, then chasing it with jerk chicken, followed by a gyro. True story…
A Grant
at 8:34 am
Esthetically, the park looks good. It’s an iconic location in the city and I’m all in favour of any pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
That being said, I think accessibility will be a problem. If someone is walking on the north side of Wellington / south side of Front, and wants to access the park (without “jaywalking”), they will have to walk down to Church, cross at the lights, and walk back up to the park (correct me if I am wrong). Humans, being who we are, typically pick the path of least resistance – are there any plans to include pedestrian crossings?
Libertarian
at 10:41 am
Speaking of pedestrians, any plans to get rid of all the parked cars along Wellington and Front? Perhaps allow cars to park there overnight, but not during the day.
David mentioned food carts in the video. What about food trucks? Get rid of the parked cars and allow food trucks to set up shop.
Francesca
at 1:01 pm
We actually parked right in front of there, across from the Winners two Saturdays ago and thought the dog fountain was super cute and that they did a good job integrating it with the architecture of the surrounding buildings and area. I’m sure once the weather improves we will see a lot more people enjoying it. There should be more park like areas like that in downtown TO. My husband joked that it was the perfect spot for husbands to wait for their wives as they shopped at Winners across the street.
Condodweller
at 7:26 pm
It’s a great space, I like it. The tile design looks good it will be interesting to see what it’s like in person. Seeing that grass is nice however I fear it will be burnt out from dog waste in no time. I like the comment about having picnics there but realistically how often is that going to happen.
Sometimes I think we should create a human park, you know instead of a dog park. Fence in the grass and ban dogs from it. It’s not that I don’t like dogs, but if I’m going to sit on grass it would be good to know that, well, it’s not a bathroom….
I have seen people have lunch out there in previous years. With St. Lawrence market down the street it’s a good place to pick up food and eat at the park on the way back to the office.
Condodweller
at 7:31 pm
I forgot to mention it would be nice to see tables in these parks where one can actually eat lunch properly. Gould st. by Ryerson is a good example (if they still have the tables on the street).
Terry B
at 1:42 pm
Hi David, I just saw Pittbull at the real estate show. It was amazing how simple it is. How can i get started? I have 18,000 saved for a downpayment and would like to start cheap with a semi. Thanks, Terry!
Negotiator
at 12:52 pm
I’m sure you’ll be able to find a “cheap” semi for $360,000 or less in Toronto. Happy hunting!
lui
at 1:52 pm
David spend some money and get a 5 axis camera.Nice area.
CB
at 8:32 pm
Love the dog park! It’s beautiful and whimsical.