[FutureMayor]

I forgot to propose that in my previous comments. I have always had this vision of a public square like the one proposed 100 years ago for the bottom of University Avenue where it meets Front Street (In front of Jack Asstors) If a PCC was in place it could buy up the land, work with developers to relocate the underground parking garage entrance and close certain right of ways in order to assemble a significant piece of land for at this intersection. A new modern fountain/monument could be built at it's centre in order to mark the start of University Avenue. The centre medium would also be extended south of Richmond to meet up with this new public square.

Louroz

 

[GeekyBoyTO]

Queen's Park always strikes me as a little "impenetrable", given the lack of signalled pedestrian entrances into the area, the high speed traffic of University Avenue AND the bridge at U of T.

What they need is a coherent pedestrian/landscape plan for the entire length of University Avenue south of Bloor - using a uniform system of lighting, paving and other urban design features. Perhaps they can tie it in as part of the whole "Avenue of the Arts" theme.

The U of T Open Space Plan proposed some excellent moves for the area (though at this time, not much actual movement)

www.utoronto.ca/openspace/ds1.htm

Come to think of it, pedestrian sidewalk paving seems to be a very very weak point in Toronto. Extensive use of concerete due to winterizing issues, perhaps?

GB

 

[FutureMayor]

I don't buy the winter issue, look at Quebec City and Montreal.

Louroz

 

[GeekyBoyTO]

FM:

I wouldn't know how much they spend every year maintaining it.

GB

 

[tudararms]

In an odd way I don't mind that University south of Queen's Park isn't all that pedestrian friendly. Maybe partly that's because of its grand avenue type character, and besides there are lots of other pedestrian friendly areas in the city.

 

[BuildTO]

Re: What am I missing here?

FM wrote:

Nobody was proposing to pave over grass in front of Queen's Park. Instead the ugly, uneven, broken and worn black pavement that make up the driveway and walkway leading up to Queen's Park should be replaced in order to give the grounds a more formal and special place.

But rdaner wrote (in the opening of this thread):

It has occurred to me that the front lawn of Queen's Park could be renovated to it more of a public place. For example, the large areas of lawn could be paved over.

I am in favour of redoing poorly maintained walkways - anywhere in the city.

I do like the lawn in front of Queen's Park, though. Leave it be.

 

[FutureMayor]

Re: What am I missing here?

I missed that Build. Thanks.

Like you, I'm against paving over the grass, however, in favor of repaving the current ugly pavement.

Louroz

 

[jozl]

Re: What am I missing here?

I agree with rdaner. While University Ave isn't the Via Del Corso, it does lead you up to its conclusion at Queen's Park quite effectively. Once you get there it's like, "ok, now what?" There is no sense of welcome or easily accessible openness. It kind of blocks itself off and deflects rather than attracts.

 

[building babel]

Re: What am I missing here?

There used to be a bandstand in the park at one time I believe. Maybe there should be one again - with bands dressed in smart uniforms with polished brass buttons and gold braid playing stirring patriotic melodies like 'The Maple Leaf Forever' and popular music by Gilbert and Sullivan.

I think it is fitting that the Avenue appears to culminate in the Legislature, not just approached from the south but from the north.

 

[wyliepoon]

I hve nothing against the way University Avenue and Queen's Park are right now. The cleanup and beautification of the University Avenue median have really improved the image of what is Toronto's "only" ceremonial street.

As for the lawn in front of the Legislature, I think it does look somewhat un-ceremonial, but it doesn't mean that we should pave over it or build over it. Ottawa's Parliament Buildings also have a lawn in front of them, but instead of taking away from the view of the buildings, the lawn actually enhances the view. The Parliament Buildings look just as great with the expanse of grass in front.

 

[Darkstar416]

If we had all the money in the world, I think a case could be made for putting University Av into a tunell underneath the park (to re-appear somewhere south of The Rom) and have Queen's Park be a genuine pedestrian zone that is basically one with the U of T buildings around it.

 

[fiendishlibrarian]

^ I actually like the circular street. It gives it a sense of ceremony lacking in the core, where so many streets follow a grid pattern.

 

[samsonyuen]

I like the circular QP too, but it's scary to be a pedestrian trying to cross. Maybe they could have a few pedestrian signals for crossing.

 

[adma]

Well, it's an unspoken dilemma of all traffic circle/island-type edifices and spaces; they're inherently pedestrian-hostile, most of the time--getting there, I mean. (Also cf. Spadina Circle.)

 

[unimaginative2]

Actually, I never find it particularly difficult to cross, and I jaywalk across it several times a day. The one-way street means that there's always a long gap with no cars.