Just an observation from going out and about today visiting Doors Open sites Downtown.
While I understand the need for additional security measures at some sites, they were absolutely hindering access to places like Old City Hall, Toronto City Hall and Queens Park.
The line to get into Old City Hall started at the rear entrance on Albert St and wrapped down James St to Queen! At City Hall, there was a 30 minute to 1 hour wait to get in because of security checks!
Queens Park had a 30 minute wait to get in, also because of security checks.
Speaking of City Hall, what they did not tell you was that after a 30 minute wait to get in, there was a one hour line to get into the Mayors Office and another hour to get upstairs to the Observation Deck. Truthfully, I wish they made people such as myself aware of this as I would not have waited outside for 30 minutes to get in if I was aware.
Other sites like MaRS and the TTC Danforth Division had no additional security and everything was so easy to access with no lines or major waits. Osgoode Hall had a massive line but again, without additional security measures such as metal detectors and bad screenings the line moved very quickly!
They really need to rethink additional security measures for events like Doors Open Toronto. They work when you have a handful of visitors but when you have thousands of people coming in, they don't work as well.
That's not to say they are not needed but they need to strike a balance.
In previous years when I went to Queens Park, City Hall and Old City Hall there were never lineups. You walked into the buildings and went around seeing things.
Waiting 1 or more hours in line to see sites really defeats the purpose of Doors Open Toronto and quite frankly, it makes me not want to visit.
