just do a search. You'll find other threads dedicated to Dundas Square and surroundings.

i reallly want to see if this canopy turns out decent or no

what canopy? i've never heard of anything like this.

also what is that tackiness on the bay?

It is the colours of the traditional woolen Hudson Bay Blanket. I used to have one.

^^ i know it's the traditional colours, but man that looks horrible. unless it looks better in person?

^^ i know it's the traditional colours, but man that looks horrible. unless it looks better in person?

nooooooo.... it looks amazing... Its individual lights which create moving images on the walls. It looks good in person at night, not too noticeable during the day.

http://static.flickr.com/108/316762925_d853ce1c76.jpg


New neon at the HBC store.

Ooo.. tres circa 1995 eurodancey.

Ooo.. tres circa 1995 eurodancey.

lmao... gino

lmao... gino

It's the whole neon thing that's got me tripping in the 90s:D

I can't wait till EC is back so I can go shake it on Much Music lmfao....:D

It's the whole neon thing that's got me tripping in the 90s:D

I can't wait till EC is back so I can go shake it on Much Music lmfao....:D

Youre picking me up, dont forget!:banana:

I drove by The Bay the other night. I really like the new neon ....it looks cool at night.
I hope this permanent not just for the holidays?

I hope its permanent too. Its really mindblowing in person. And not the type of overt "look at me" advertising we are use to seeing in Toronto.

Its got more of a Japanese flavour to it, than canadian ..a'la the LG sign up the street and the old Fuji Neon at Gould. (sadly missed)

I liked it too, but I just got a glimpse as we drove by. I was shocked by it and didn't take it all in, but I think it looked pretty nice.

Well, I hope it stays too. Since it's not a Christmas decoration I think there's a good chance it will stay, and if it's LED it costs them next to nothing to keep it.

Well, I hope it stays too. Since it's not a Christmas decoration I think there's a good chance it will stay, and if it's LED it costs them next to nothing to keep it.

But it is a christmas decoration....

It displays snowflakes and christmassy designs. It doesnt look permanent either

Im sure they can change the design at the flick of a switch. And during the day you cant even see the lights. So why take them down when you can display "whateva , wheneva" ?

http://static.flickr.com/108/316762925_d853ce1c76.jpg


New neon at the HBC store.

You gotta love the HBC signature stripes. First the Jacket with them, then the towels, etc. etc., now a long strip of neon lines with them.

You gotta love the HBC signature stripes. First the Jacket with them, then the towels, etc. etc., now a long strip of neon lines with them.

No, first on the Hudson Bay Blankets. They used them hundreds of years back to trade with the natives. Thick, wool blankets. Then, in the 70's, there was a bit of a trend in Canada to wear big white winter coats with the stripes.

I have an old vintage Point Blanket...3 1/2 points in scarlet...probably from the 1930's. The "points" are designated as bars across one end of the blanket, and denoted its size.

I find the graphics they are showing on the LED screens to be fairly vague and unimaginative.

I think a large permanent instalation around Dundas Square would look great...like maybe that entire old 1920's highrise brick building (HNR Building??? ).





KGB

I have an old vintage Point Blanket...3 1/2 points in scarlet...probably from the 1930's. The "points" are designated as bars across one end of the blanket, and denoted its size.

I find the graphics they are showing on the LED screens to be fairly vague and unimaginative.

I think a large permanent instalation around Dundas Square would look great...like maybe that entire old 1920's highrise brick building (HNR Building??? ).





KGB

i think there will be enough focus on dundas square when metropolis is finished. some other intersections want attention too ;)

Dundas square is ever changing... including metropolis... so I think this thread is going to last very long.

What do you mean ever changing? After Metropolis all there is left is mostly some new billboards. I don't see any other major changes except maybe the Hakim corner.

What do you mean ever changing? After Metropolis all there is left is mostly some new billboards. I don't see any other major changes except maybe the Hakim corner.

Something might happen to Olympic Spirit... who knows... :)

I was a big sceptic about DS at the beginning, but I am being won over as the pieces of the puzzle come together. I don't think I grasped the massive scale of it all at the start. I am relieved that there is still a bit of a grunge-bordering-on-sleaze element that keeps the nabe real and not completely Disneyfied like Giuliani did to 42nd St. in NYC. In that case, I prefered the OLD Time Square area to the new one. I have to say I am getting excited about seeing the final product that Metropolis will bring to the Square. Sure, it can be said it is overwhelmingly garish looking, but the pulse certainly quickens there where it did not 10 years ago!

What do you mean ever changing? After Metropolis all there is left is mostly some new billboards. I don't see any other major changes except maybe the Hakim corner.

Do you really believe that? In the last few years there was the construction of Olympic Spirit, Metropolis, the reconstruction of the Eatons Centre entrance, the actual construction of the square itself. Meh, who knows, you maybe right.

Do you really believe that? In the last few years there was the construction of Olympic Spirit, Metropolis, the reconstruction of the Eatons Centre entrance, the actual construction of the square itself. Meh, who knows, you maybe right.

Yea but those were all based around the square and have been completed. Once Metropolis is done, the plan for YDS will be complete. All we will have to look forward to then is a new tenant for Torch.

I doubt any major changes will be made to the square in the near future. The most that will happen is ads will be changed.

I'll take you all up on that. :D *puts on poker glasses*

I'll take you all up on that. :D *puts on poker glasses*

lol, you standing in the square doesnt count as a major development!

*is standing up a square, and creating a new thread through wi-fi intenet*... Eh, you shoulda made the rules before!

*is standing up a square, and creating a new thread through wi-fi intenet*... Eh, you shoulda made the rules before!

ouch... Im deleting my account now

That Hakim buiding will be such a eyesore once the Metropolis gets finished.
Are there any firm plans to give Hakim "facelift" or build something new?

I'm definitely nervous about the Hakim building. And as for Olympic Spirit, I hope that the next tenant is a more suitable one. Still hoping for a TV station, or a legitimate draw that will truly entice people across the square.

I'm definitely nervous about the Hakim building. And as for Olympic Spirit, I hope that the next tenant is a more suitable one. Still hoping for a TV station, or a legitimate draw that will truly entice people across the square.

MTV Canada would've been a perfect fit for that spot.

I kinda like where MTV is now though. Uhhh what about... hmmm... Global? SunTV? ugh... That was harder than I thought...

i think some sort of entertainment channel would fit in best. Star TV maybe?

^^ Yeah I think that's perfect. It's funny because anyone east of Victoria Park doesn't get that channel (me).

CHUM should put something new and fresh in Torch. As for Hakim, the render has been giving me bad dreams for a while now. And as for more development in the area, count on it. By the time Metropolis is done I think the market will be a prime mover in the area and we will see upgrades and new additions. Don't forget the recent addition of billboards to the Atrium, it's not a huge thing but it's a start.

CHUM should put something new and fresh in Torch. As for Hakim, the render has been giving me bad dreams for a while now. And as for more development in the area, count on it. By the time Metropolis is done I think the market will be a prime mover in the area and we will see upgrades and new additions. Don't forget the recent addition of billboards to the Atrium, it's not a huge thing but it's a start.

Well, at least you wont be able to see the new Hakim building from Dundas Square. The curve on Dundas results in Torch blocking the view of where the building will be built.

CHUM is now part of CTVglobemedia, I don't think they will want to expand further than what they've got now.

I got a look at the neon on the building. Really nice!

Are you in TO now, Samson?

CHUM should put something new and fresh in Torch. As for Hakim, the render has been giving me bad dreams for a while now. And as for more development in the area, count on it. By the time Metropolis is done I think the market will be a prime mover in the area and we will see upgrades and new additions. Don't forget the recent addition of billboards to the Atrium, it's not a huge thing but it's a start.

Finally, someone agrees with me. :)

What do you mean ever changing? After Metropolis all there is left is mostly some new billboards. I don't see any other major changes except maybe the Hakim corner.

While not right on the square, a significant condo is planned for Victoria Street right behind the HNR building. An RFP was issued last year on behalf of an unidentified developer seeking an architectural firm. The developer wants to erect something in the 40 storey range. At present, there is a completely forgettable 5 storey building on the site. I think that section of Victoria Street, on the east side especially, has great potential as a downtown residential street.

Hakim Tower(Courtesey of Travis):
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n233/Martinsizon/Toronto%20Condominiums/DSC01607.jpg

What's happening with this?

^^ God that is weak.

I'm sure that fell through. I'm praying for a crazy looking building to complement the rest of the square.

I'm sure that fell through. I'm praying for a crazy looking building to complement the rest of the square.

It wont really be part of the Square though, and wont even be seen from the square, its right behind the olympic spirit building.

A permanent canopy for the stage @ YD Square is now going up:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/129/328424597_256a425d52_b.jpg

nice!

OT, but I always wondered...

Wouldn't the HNR building make a great location for a 3/4 star hotel for bus tourists? I always wondered why a building in such a prime location is sitting there relatively neglected (at least it looks like)...

^I agree.

(And yep, in TO for now)

^I agree.

(And yep, in TO for now)

Welcome back! :)

We'll I haven't seen (in person) Metropolis in like a month until yesterday, and it looks absolutely HUGE!! I think D-Square is actually going to rival Times Square, Piccadilly Circus and Shibuya (maybe not so much Shibuya).

OT, but I always wondered...

Wouldn't the HNR building make a great location for a 3/4 star hotel for bus tourists? I always wondered why a building in such a prime location is sitting there relatively neglected (at least it looks like)...

You know, you have raised an excellent point. It would be ideal for a hotel, but it is an awkward place to sell eyeglasses. Hakim would be far better off opening a shop at street level on Yonge Street.

I'd think Hakim could sell that location for a handsome amount.

I'd think Hakim could sell that location for a handsome amount.

Yes, exactly! What the hell are they thinking? I'd sell the place and open up a store in Metropolis.

I saw I billboard for the Hakim rendering today on the east side of the square.

he should've sold it to metropolis and they could've built more to it!

There is a place on the west side of Yonge, around Edward that used to be an old sex shop (AOV) and now it is an Internet Cafe. THAT would be an ideal building for Hakim (which sounds like the noise you make when you clear your throat.).

I think D-Square is actually going to rival Times Square, Piccadilly Circus


Maybe in terms of visually loud adverts. But in terms of activity, D-Square will be heads and tails above them, because they are not actually "squares". The only thing that goes on at Times Square is the annual New Years Eve countdown...D-Square is/will be a hub of events, as well as a place for people to actually "be".






KGB

doesn't times square also have other events? they have special events like concerts every now and again. also macy's day parade goes there doesn't it?

Maybe in terms of visually loud adverts. But in terms of activity, D-Square will be heads and tails above them, because they are not actually "squares". The only thing that goes on at Times Square is the annual New Years Eve countdown...D-Square is/will be a hub of events, as well as a place for people to actually "be".






KGB

Yup. I agree with that. The thing that sets Dundas Square apart is that it is a real square. It already gets lots of activity, but in the future it will be nuts.

As for rivaling the others, it will probably dominate them. But let's not let that go to our heads--having the flashiest, tackiest square is cool, but not all that important.

he should've sold it to metropolis and they could've built more to it!

Theres another building in between Metropolis and Hakim, and the the site for the new building is behind the Torch so if anything he should have sold it to Pen Equity to make the Torch bigger.

Theres another building in between Metropolis and Hakim, and the the site for the new building is behind the Torch so if anything he should have sold it to Pen Equity to make the Torch bigger.

i thought there might've been. but i didn't feel like looking for pics of what was beside it before i posted :P

Lets go back into time!

http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/3532/01uw6.jpg


No business building!
http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/8747/02ik0.jpg


http://img92.imageshack.us/img92/825/03sm6.jpg

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/5327/04uw0.jpg

http://img92.imageshack.us/img92/8403/05rd3.jpg

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/9185/07gl0.jpg

Nice! Did you take those?!

Pretty good.. considering Metropolis' hoarding has been around for so long it's become part of the urban fabric.

Interestingly I remember the area before it too!.. Very seedy, and I remember this dollar store that used to be there, I remember my mom buying me some sort of construction set there.. A few weeks later, it was all closed and demolished:( I was sad:P

Nice! Did you take those?!

Pretty good.. considering Metropolis' hoarding has been around for so long it's become part of the urban fabric.

Interestingly I remember the area before it too!.. Very seedy, and I remember this dollar store that used to be there, I remember my mom buying me some sort of construction set there.. A few weeks later, it was all closed and demolished:( I was sad:P

I didnt take them, and im not sure who did. I found them on the Ryerson website.

you forgot one pic though :P

one where there is no construction and it's just boards.
thanks for memory lane!

Update by me 1/14/07

http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/6760/img0728pt7.jpg


I really hope those vents will be covered up, it looks like a factory the way it is now.

Well, it isn't finished. I'm 100% sure those vents will not be visible or will not be noticeable as vents.

Ah! Look closely at that picture. Notice those little square like things all over the facade? I think those are to hold the frames for the billboards and screens. And if you look, they are on either side of that ductwork. So, it will be covered.

^^ That's what I thought. There will be tonnes of ads all over that thing, please no tacky Old Navy or Gap ads!

wow they've really come a long way in a short time on it. lookin good!

ps: why is this thread not stickied?

i can't wait until this si finished it will look better than times square lol

Interesting to imagine how it will look in just a few months...

http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/6760/img0728pt7.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v291/yyzer/exteriorrenderingdundasij9.jpg

I think it will look a lot bigger once the 'body kit' is on and all kinds of junk is sticking up and out.

Imagine all of that grey filled with bright and flashy colours.

You know what: i hate this pos development. Oh well someday it will be redeveloped (brad lamb you wanna but one of your "elitist" (lol) condos here?) Diamante should've bought this corner and built 3 city hall here.

Oh well, i won't patronize the place; folks, do your best to put the joint out of business!

(I know it's not finished: i can already see what a mess it will make of that corner. Thankfully I have no reason to be in that area (although i decided the eaton centre does have its merits--i picked up a beautiful girl at indigo on saturday. I was bored in need of a date fast. My witty approach worked::))

^ condo building going up here would have made zero sense.

^Why? How about a vancouver-style condo-hotel with mixed use retail at base? Electric Avenue in van has paramount theatres+shops at base with condo on top. there are many luxury condos facing onto nyc's times square.

Thus, I believe a 44 storey Aa (or better) condo+hotel (maybe just entry level condos? bachelors aimed at the rye high crowd?) with maybe ryerson related business (even a ryerson "hotel" residence) with theatres, shops and maybe a few floors of offices, parking etc would have been a better solution. Sure a few more years of waiting; but ultimately, a more pleasant environment (and i'm certain the eaton centre owners would have been pleased with more shoppers on their doorstep.) Heck, the way the city's going, maybe the eaton centre will soon have a condo stacked on top of the parking garage?

If the masses want neon (and somehow i doubt they really do--it's the advertisers who want to brainwash the masses i believe) put the neon in the suburban squares they really inhabit (square one absolute neon heaven;))

Please explain the flaws in my arguement,

sincerely,

the civic writer.

To further my logical reasoning for a highrise on this corner: what does the official city plan call for at major transit hubs? Oh right, densification. Let's see: subway+streetcar=check. Major shopping destinations all around=check. Major street in need of major facelift from (possibly) affluent local residents/shoppers: ie yonge st=check. Major university within walking distance that wants to grow and attract the brightest and best=check. Nice big expansive and mostly vacant (except on weekends and peak hours) space perfect for relaxing, meeting neighbours and generally making a seedy neighbourhood safer=check. Iconic status (well i might disagree with that statement as i find yonge+dundas NOT to be the centre of the (toronto) universe) of intersection amongst the masses (and therefore potential condo buyers)=check. Major fugly intersection in need of some attractive architecture to start the city beautiful initiative in the y/d bia=check. Major cultural attractions (theatres etc) minutes away=check.

Hmm, Tridel do you think a sell out of the "Times Square Toronto" condo within 3 months would have occurred?

A residential tower would kill that corner. We want to liven it up, not turn it into cityplace. Davidmillerismyboss, why don't you like the flashy cool lights and things? I don't get it.

^Not a non-chityplace style condo. Think an updated version of manulife centre--chic modern architecture, shopping, maybe even a public library, parking, hotel, offices residences. How alive do you think that would be? Sure if you want some gaudy neon advertising (which is good for the environment right? Let's waste more electricity;)) some could be accomodated.

But toronto goes wrong when it tries to (poorly) emmulate the city it envies: nyc. toronto will never be american nor as dense and lively as nyc. Get over it; grow up! Actually there exists two versions of toronto in my mind: one the city of lowrise neighbourhoods (the "real" toronto) and two the inner denser higher core (the wannabe torohattan.) When will the newer downtown core grow up and stop trying to be like something it's not? If you wanna see neon and signs, i'd say chinatown and yonge st (north of dundas) provides that childish thrill.

Coming from an x-ny-er, I can say that honestly most ny-ers hate the garrish tourist trap that is times square. Times Square is business driven: you honestly think the LES/Chelsea/blahblahblah hipsters would admit to buying corporate crap seen at times square? Do you buy stuff seen@y/d square neon ads? Really if you think about it, the only true authentic neon experience in toronto is at honest ed's. Maybe the neon billboards should go there? (IMHO, Honest Ed's while a landmark will be razed and redeveloped when ed passes on. And i believe the local residents will overall rejoice.)

I'm gonna guess that waterloo guy and others that like dundas sq don't live downtown. When you live downtown, you don't wanna live in a themepark--or do you?

^Not a non-chityplace style condo. Think an updated version of manulife centre--chic modern architecture, shopping, maybe even a public library, parking, hotel, offices residences. How alive do you think that would be? Sure if you want some gaudy neon advertising (which is good for the environment right? Let's waste more electricity;)) some could be accomodated.

But toronto goes wrong when it tries to (poorly) emmulate the city it envies: nyc. toronto will never be american nor as dense and lively as nyc. Get over it; grow up! Actually there exists two versions of toronto in my mind: one the city of lowrise neighbourhoods (the "real" toronto) and two the inner denser higher core (the wannabe torohattan.) When will the newer downtown core grow up and stop trying to be like something it's not? If you wanna see neon and signs, i'd say chinatown and yonge st (north of dundas) provides that childish thrill.

Coming from an x-ny-er, I can say that honestly most ny-ers hate the garrish tourist trap that is times square. Times Square is business driven: you honestly think the LES/Chelsea/blahblahblah hipsters would admit to buying corporate crap seen at times square? Do you buy stuff seen@y/d square neon ads? Really if you think about it, the only true authentic neon experience in toronto is at honest ed's. Maybe the neon billboards should go there? (IMHO, Honest Ed's while a landmark will be razed and redeveloped when ed passes on. And i believe the local residents will overall rejoice.)

I'm gonna guess that waterloo guy and others that like dundas sq don't live downtown. When you live downtown, you don't wanna live in a themepark--or do you?

To be honest, I don't even know what you're talking about: the environment, America,...you're not making sense. You have a strange idea of what Toronto is; it's as though you visited here once in the late 50s and haven't seen the place since. TO is building an awesome flashy square, which until recently was one of the few things it lacked. Were not turning the whole city into Dundas Square, just a little bit of it. It's awesome.

You know what: i hate this pos development. Oh well someday it will be redeveloped (brad lamb you wanna but one of your "elitist" (lol) condos here?) Diamante should've bought this corner and built 3 city hall here.

Oh well, i won't patronize the place; folks, do your best to put the joint out of business!

(I know it's not finished: i can already see what a mess it will make of that corner. Thankfully I have no reason to be in that area (although i decided the eaton centre does have its merits--i picked up a beautiful girl at indigo on saturday. I was bored in need of a date fast. My witty approach worked::))

Did you use the old "if you were a booger I'd pick you first?" or..."Got any raisins? How about a date?" routine.

Not a non-chityplace style condo. Think an updated version of manulife centre--chic modern architecture, shopping, maybe even a public library, parking, hotel, offices residences.


Gotta agree with you 100% on that point. The Metropolis entertainment/visual barf-a-rama element is just fine, but should have been expanded.

The block-away 44-storey Pantages condo-hotel idea sitting on top of Metrolpolis would have been "appropriate" for this corner....busiest intersection in the country...direct subway access and attached to PATH.





But toronto goes wrong when it tries to (poorly) emmulate the city it envies: nyc. I can say that honestly most ny-ers hate the garrish tourist trap that is times square.


Don't agree with idea at all. Dundas Square is vastly superior to Times Square...maybe not in urban folk-lore, but certainly in practice.

First of all, it's an actual square that acts as a destination as well as a venue for actual social/entertainment interaction.

Secondly, Yonge Street is still Yonge Street. Dundas Square may be "touristy", but Yonge is still the off-beat, hip meets tacky, meets smut, meets culture place with a soul it has always been, as opposed to the denutered Times Square/42nd Street.






KGB

KGB hit the nail on the head. Exactly.

^

But toronto goes wrong when it tries to (poorly) emmulate the city it envies: nyc. ?

Sadly, somewhere near the beginning of this project, some misguided soul used the comparison to Times Square. Since that unfortunate day, many people seem unable to "let go" of that idea This intersection is completely different than Times Square, which is not even a square. I don't think Toronto envies New York.. maybe just certain people here.

I don't think Toronto envies New York.. maybe just certain people here.

Agreed. Maybe a few decades ago when the city was in some respects in it's infancy and Montreal was top dog did TO look to New York in awe; but today Toronto has no reason to be jealous or insecure when looking at the rest of the world. There are lots of things Toronto does not have and lots of things Toronto is not and does not aspire to be--this is true of every world city. Torontonians are notoriously hard on Toronto and Canadians generally are unwilling to accept greatness. Nonetheless, Toronto has every reason to be proud, even if some of its residents are not.

People in every city in the world try to emulate certain elements of New York, because New York either set the bar for that particular element, or is perceived as doing so. New York has had the time and the PR to cultivate and glamourize this idea whether it is real or just hype. Torontonians are no different than anyone else in this regard....but the stuff we want to be more like New York is really a small part of what we want Toronto to be.

Dundas Square may never have the hype of Times Square, but it will probably be a better square. If you have a choice...which one would you want?

And that is the big difference between New York and Toronto...New York is beguiling...Toronto isn't.





KGB

A tower on top of Metropolis would have been a good idea- especially a nice tall one- no point wasting prime real-estate on just one form of development- too late. Ideal however would have been a complete redesign of the project. But I don't want to get involved in an argument about it, around it, near it...Its almost complete and I am not opposed to it anymore..it is what it is...


davidmillerismyboss:although i decided the eaton centre does have its merits--i picked up a beautiful girl at indigo on saturday. I was bored in need of a date fast. My witty approach worked

He must have thought you were witty...............

Just kidding..:P

p5

A powerful, classic tower like Pantages would be amazing at that corner, if it had retail/movie theatres/neon billboards at its base. That would have been a great place for that tower. (Opus can just stay where it's currently located. hah)

A powerful, classic tower like Pantages would be amazing at that corner, if it had retail/movie theatres/neon billboards at its base. That would have been a great place for that tower. (Opus can just stay where it's currently located. hah)

You're very right. That would look really awesome.
But with another 20 stories on top of it.

A tower on top of Metropolis would have been a good idea- especially a nice tall one- no point wasting prime real-estate on just one form of development- too late. Ideal however would have been a complete redesign of the project. But I don't want to get involved in an argument about it, around it, near it...Its almost complete and I am not opposed to it anymore..it is what it is...




That old building with the electronics store and the thaifood place next to ryerson can always be torn down and made into a tall residential. Its so old however it may be decleared a hertitage site.

I found out what the Victoria St. side will kind of look like. All of the ad space along Victoria St. has been given to Ryerson. Ryerson was looking for space on the Dundas St. side but it was too expensive. Ryerson was also asked to lease space within Metropolis but it was too expensive. The blue hoarding is coming down in the spring so work on the TTC connection can begin. Canopies along the Dundas st. side have already been installed.

I found out what the Victoria St. side will kind of look like

and ....



...like what?

;)

I certainly hope that the entire sidewalk under the hoarding around Metropolis will be redone. Any info on this? It looks really beat up... a decade of being under that hoarding will do that i guess.

I found out what the Victoria St. side will kind of look like. All of the ad space along Victoria St. has been given to Ryerson. Ryerson was looking for space on the Dundas St. side but it was too expensive. Ryerson was also asked to lease space within Metropolis but it was too expensive. .


Ryerson dropped all that coin on a New Building on "Bay St" and it can't find the cash to rent on "Dundas". Go Rams Go!!

If I were to envision a tower on top of Metropolis, I would like to have seen the proposed ROM tower built. That would have been a beautiful focal point for the intersection.

and ....



...like what?

;)

"kind of"

Like the front but with Ryerson ads:)

What on Earth are Ryerson ads? You mean they are advertising Ryerson? That can't be.

What on Earth are Ryerson ads? You mean they are advertising Ryerson? That can't be.

Ryerson wants a greater street presence and Sheldon Levy is adressing this by putting up more and better signage around campus as well as taking advantage of other spaces to promote the Ryerson brand. Metropolis is allowing Ryerson to use the Victoria Street side to promote the "Ryerson" brand. Whether it will be a bunch of banners, illuminated signs or just artwork... we wont know for a while, but im pretty sure it wont be commercial ads.

Why wouldn't they have commercial ads? That would make much more sense. Do you know what it would cost them to forgo that revenue?

Why wouldn't they have commercial ads? That would make much more sense. Do you know what it would cost them to forgo that revenue?

Its not costing them anything. Ryerson gave up air rights for Metropolis in return for that space as well as theatre space. Ryerson doesnt want to put up commercial ads on campus.

And I doubt Victoria St is the high profile exposure...it's Yonge and Dundas that matters in terms of high exposure ad space.





KGB

The city wants the ads to face Dundas Square. They wouldn't let Torch have ads facing east towards Church.

That other side of torch should have something on it. If the city doesn't want ads, they should at least allow flashy lights or something. Maybe they could post amber alerts and such, that would be a nice compromise.

Aside from ads, I imagine there must be some kind of required public art installaton.





KGB

Aside from ads, I imagine there must be some kind of required public art installaton.





KGB

That could be a great way to use that space.

Aside from ads, I imagine there must be some kind of required public art installaton.





KGB

Well if there is, it doesnt mean it will end up at Yonge-dundas.

Maybe in terms of visually loud adverts. But in terms of activity, D-Square will be heads and tails above them, because they are not actually "squares". The only thing that goes on at Times Square is the annual New Years Eve countdown...D-Square is/will be a hub of events, as well as a place for people to actually "be".






KGB

Getting really technical, Dundas Square is not a square either (but I think you hint at this by saying "squares"). A sqaure is four equal length lines intersecting at right angles adjacent to each other (or something like that). DS is more like a triangle where the hypotenuse is parabolic. Or maybe it is closer to a trapezoid (with one end much shorter than the other).

I like the sounds of that: Dundas Trapezoid, or D Trap for short.

Anyway, I get your point, and agree, plus it has a really cool fountain. The kids love it.

I used to suffer with a parabolic hypotenuse....my doctor prescribed some steroids, and I'm just fine now.





KGB

I think this is just gaudy and horrible, before it was sketchy, now it's gonna be tacky... Toronto isn't New York, and regardless of what anyone says this is blatently trying to copy Times Square. at what point did blanket advertising become the acceptable way to plan 'beautiful' cities... this is totally horrible, not what Toronto is about, and frankly a waste of space.

Toronto isn't New York, and regardless of what anyone says this is blatently trying to copy Times Square.


Well, New York didn't invent the in-your-face, visually stimulating, commercial advertising concentration either...it just created one of the largest and most famous ones...so using it as the bar is not surprising or "copying".





at what point did blanket advertising become the acceptable way to plan 'beautiful' cities


Who said they are planning the "city" this way...we're talking about one intersection. And who said commercial advertising in this manner is bad anyway? Sometimes taking something that is blah when it's just sprinkled here and there, and making it a concentrated effort turns something boring into something "interesting". The fact that some people have strong negative feelings about it makes it even more interesting if you ask me....I tend to like things that challenge people's sensibilities.




this is totally horrible, not what Toronto is about


Ah...stop your balling. And this IS what Toronto is about. If Toronto is about one thing...it's the fact that Toronto is not about one thing...we are a diversified city...and the Dundas Square area fits in perfectly with what the Yonge Strip has been about for a long time...I really can't think of a better way to treat this intersection. Loud, crass and tacky is as indespensable to the Yonge Strip, as the smell of fish and ganga is to Kensington.





KGB

Dundas square is different though in that it has been purposely built to be crass and tacky. right from the getgo. there will be no development of identity. Times Square developed over time, fell into decline and has come back, but Dundas square is just lame lame lame...
when I was a kid I would have loved something like Dundas square, but nowadays I don't see the point unless the area is ultra-high density which Toronto is not. in and around say 500m there has to be residential development and secondary street development, Yonge street alone isn't good enough. In that sense i can see Dundas square doing some good, getting boots further east of yonge, making business more viable there...

honest aside... I'm really starting to think I've made a mistake moving back to Toronto, some cities work for some people's personalities, and some don't. I'm just not 'feeling' it here anymore... but I just got a mortgage, and wont have a chance to leave for at least a year. Toronto is great in many ways, it's just not for me in the longterm.

I think this is just gaudy and horrible, before it was sketchy, now it's gonna be tacky... Toronto isn't New York, and regardless of what anyone says this is blatently trying to copy Times Square. at what point did blanket advertising become the acceptable way to plan 'beautiful' cities... this is totally horrible, not what Toronto is about, and frankly a waste of space.

"not what Toronto is about"? You are the one whose signature used to be,
in Japanese :" I am Smith. I really hate Toronto buildings".
So, wouldn't you be thinking D-Trap is what Toronto is about? Just wondering..:)

'tis true, 'tis true. I had that signature, now it's 'I live in Toronto' for those who can't read Japanese.

honestly I have no idea what Toronto is or should be, should I? I don't think so, but I think it shouln't be tacky and gaudy is all... :)

Well, a lot of people here are upset because Toronto is not European enough.. and a lot of people are upset because it is not Asian enough. Personally I like it to just be itself and not care a fig if it is not the same as anyone else. I do not think this is "copying" Time Square, any more than Picadilly Circus is "copying" Time Square. But, that's just me...maybe I am a tacky, gaudy kind of guy! :)

Dundas square is different though in that it has been purposely built to be crass and tacky. right from the getgo. there will be no development of identity. Times Square developed over time, fell into decline and has come back, but Dundas square is just lame lame lame...
when I was a kid I would have loved something like Dundas square, but nowadays I don't see the point unless the area is ultra-high density which Toronto is not. in and around say 500m there has to be residential development and secondary street development, Yonge street alone isn't good enough. In that sense i can see Dundas square doing some good, getting boots further east of yonge, making business more viable there...

honest aside... I'm really starting to think I've made a mistake moving back to Toronto, some cities work for some people's personalities, and some don't. I'm just not 'feeling' it here anymore... but I just got a mortgage, and wont have a chance to leave for at least a year. Toronto is great in many ways, it's just not for me in the longterm.

I'll try to put this as nice as possible. If you don’t like Toronto and you're not 'feeling' it, please leave. I agree, if it’s not for you in the longterm, why would you waste your time here. Don’t use the mortgage as an excuse.
You can easily get out of your mortgage by selling your house and paying off the principle. The only consequence is that you will have to pay some penalties. Another option is to transfer the mortgage when you sell the house to the person buying it.
If you need any other help, please feel free to contact me because I would like to help you leave Toronto ASAP. I would be much happier with people like you who don’t appreciate this beautiful city to find another place you can call home.

I'll try to put this as nice as possible. If you don’t like Toronto and you're not 'feeling' it, please leave. I agree, if it’s not for you in the longterm, why would you waste your time here. Don’t use the mortgage as an excuse.
You can easily get out of your mortgage by selling your house and paying off the principle. The only consequence is that you will have to pay some penalties. Another option is to transfer the mortgage when you sell the house to the person buying it.
If you need any other help, please feel free to contact me because I would like to help you leave Toronto ASAP. I would be much happier with people like you who don’t appreciate this beautiful city to find another place you can call home.

ouch... I need to be here right now for other, perhaps to you more acceptable reasons like work, and family. but don't worry, with lovely people like you here I'm sure there'll be someone to take my place.

I've only just started posting here, lurking for a while, you seem to be more of a lurker than I ever was! congrats!

Times Square developed over time, fell into decline and has come back, but Dundas square is just lame lame lame..


Obviously, you haven't had much historic experience with Yonge St...that's excactly the same story it followed.

I can remember the area since before they built the Eaton Centre, and have followed it up until now. And I can tell you, the "new" intersection of Yonge & Dundas is a hell of a lot better than the "old" one. Besides the barage of commercial advetising making whatever "statement" it will (like it or not), there are other elements that go with it...an open square for people to congregate...kids to play in the fountain...live music and events to enjoy, and an increased sense of street vitality...all of which did not exist before.





I don't see the point unless the area is ultra-high density which Toronto is not. in and around say 500m there has to be residential development and secondary street development, Yonge street alone isn't good enough.


Add up the amount of built square footage within a 500 metre area around Dundas Square...How much do you want to bet it beats most cities and has a better mixed-use?





I'm really starting to think I've made a mistake moving back to Toronto, some cities work for some people's personalities, and some don't.


You sound like one of those sad-sacks who simply hasn't got what this city is about....you certainly don't sound like an inner-city Torontonian...you give me the impression of living in Brampton or some other less interesting place. If it isn't the city for you, then why make silly excuses like having a mortgage is forcing you to live in a city that makes you miserable? Selling real estate is a simple, easy and lucrative thing in this city....sell and take that money to go live in a "better" city.






KGB

^^ Where did that quote come from?

"I'm really starting to think I've made a mistake moving back to Toronto, some cities work for some people's personalities, and some don't."

This is so very true, and I wish more people would admit it and move on when they inexplicably move to a place they don't like. It is never too late to admit a mistake and correct it... but a surprising number of unhappy people just don't seem to want to do anything to change their situation. Sad, really.

I think this is just gaudy and horrible, before it was sketchy, now it's gonna be tacky... Toronto isn't New York, and regardless of what anyone says this is blatently trying to copy Times Square. at what point did blanket advertising become the acceptable way to plan 'beautiful' cities... this is totally horrible, not what Toronto is about, and frankly a waste of space.

Who the f--k are you? Where did you come from?

Were you born in Canada? Who the hell are you to say what Toronto "is" and "isn't" about? I've lived here my whole life, born and raised, and a child of immigrant parents myself. If there's one thing I can say that I am proud of, it's that Toronto isn't trying to be anything other than itself. "It" is something that is understood only by true and loyal Torontonians. Toronto is the most multicultural city, in the most multicultural country in the world, and it is a mosaic of varied ethnicities and heritages that live and prosper together as Canadians. That is its identity.

As for Dundas Square, do you even know what existed on the site before the Square that you see now? It's not a "waste", it's a revitalization. And as for "copying", Dundas Square is Toronto's homage to Times Square; this ode is nothing more than flattery to our southern American cousins, a nation with which we share geographic proximity, identical time zones, a common language, and cultural and historical ties. If there is ANY nation on this planet that is in ANY position to do it, it's Canada.

Better check yourself, Sumisu.

Who the f--k are you? Where did you come from?

Were you born in Canada? Who the hell are you to say what Toronto "is" and "isn't" about? I've lived here my whole life, born and raised, and a child of immigrant parents myself. If there's one thing I can say that I am proud of, it's that Toronto isn't trying to be anything other than itself. "It" is something that is understood only by true and loyal Torontonians. Toronto is the most multicultural city, in the most multicultural country in the world, and it is a mosaic of varied ethnicities and heritages that live and prosper together as Canadians. That is its identity.



I'm a Canadian, not born here, but I've lived over half my life in Toronto. and who the hell are you to say I should have no say just because I wasn't born here? is that very Canadian?

hey, I totally agree that Canada should show off it's multicultural elements, but how does the Metropolis building do that? It is a huge billboard with shops... Dundas square itself is a different issue, I think that it is a good idea. where is Canada's multiculturalism reflected in Metropolis? a Sony billboard? a Hollywood blockbuster poster? not really...

Dino, I may be totally shooting my mouth off on this board, I'm not trying to be an ass though. I'm airing opinions, and you're welcome to shoot them down. I'm looking at something, and I see (in my opinion only) a problem with it. if you have a problem with people airing opinions because they aren't 'real' Torontoians go ahead, but I'm not going to listen to it. :ohno:

I'm going to say things (we all are), that are ripe for criticism, and I'm really enjoying a lot of the responses, because it's educating me, and filling in the holes. 90% of the time I'm probably going to be wrong, I'm not going to flame anyone for pointing that out...

I may be a nostalgist at heart, but I am a bit disappointed that they haven't been able to squeeze in a small multiplex porno cinema as an homage to the corner of years gone by. I propose Hakim move to Yonge Street, and a PornoPlus be installed in it's current location! :)

I may be a nostalgist at heart, but I am a bit disappointed that they haven't been able to squeeze in a small multiplex porno cinema as an homage to the corner of years gone by.


I don't think there's anything to get nostalgic or pay homage to...Yonge is as slutty as it always was....and I hope that slant to it never goes away....it's one of the elements that gives it it's edge.





KGB

I respect simisu's opinion. I'm sure there are many who wouldn't "feel" Toronto, which is totally fine.

I also agree with Simisu that Dundas Square may be too much for some. BUT, one must remember that it is only one intersection out of thousands in this city. If all traffic stops in downtown Toronto were like Yonge and Dundas, then yes, it would be overkill. But in my opinion, one major intersection that blinds you with lights and neon signs, video advertisements, street vendors, sidewalk chalk artists, breakdancers and people just chillin out, I think that's pretty cool. If you aren't in the mood for that shit, just don't go. Maybe you can visit Queen Street or Yonge/Bloor or Church/Wellesley or St. Lawrence Market or Chinatown or Little Italy or the Danforth or Queens Quay. There are many other fascinating areas to "feel". Like I said, Yonge/Dundas is ONE intersection. It doesn't represent the city as a whole by any means.

So if you are looking for multiculturalism, who in the hell would look for that in a single intersection called Dundas Square. C'mon, be real. Toronto's defining characteristics are imbedded in its diverse neighbourhoods. If you haven't visited them, please do, they are very exciting neighbouthoods.

As for Times Square comparisons, these are inevitable, however if someone thinks about it more, the two "squares" are really not the same. The only parallel is the bombardment of neon lights.

In Times Square, there is a huge corporate presence, with many office buildings surrounding it. The name itself stands for a major intersection in Manhattan that actually stretches to other intersections.

On the other hand, the square on the south-east corner of Yonge-Dundas is called Dundas Square. Before it was built, this term was not used and did not exist. Now people may use this term to describe the Yonge-Dundas area. Contrary to New York's Times Square, there is a lesser corporate presence at Dundas Square. Major infrastructure elements here are a huge downtown mall in the Eaton Centre, and a major university in Ryerson, much different from Times Square.

So how are they at all the same? Yes, on the surface they seem similar in pictures. But functionally, and how they are integrated in its surroundings, they are different. In Times Square, there isn't actually any kind of "square" for exhibitions, concerts, fairs, presentations, like Dundas Square. And this is not a knock on Times Square, as it is just a name for that particular area of Manhattan.

In conclusion, don't knock or praise Dundas Square blindly without understanding why it is there, how it got there, and what its purpose is. And remember to just relax, as it is just a small part of the whole Toronto experience

What a pissy city. Or is it just these forums? How can there be so much civic psychoanalysis about the redevelopment of Dundas square? It sounds crazy. How about liking the development or not on its own terms?

What a pissy city. Or is it just these forums? How can there be so much civic psychoanalysis about the redevelopment of Dundas square? It sounds crazy. How about liking the development or not on its own terms?

I love it---- great urban atmosphere to it. You won't hear me complain. If you don't like the ads/neon/screens whatever, plenty of quiet cow fields out there for ya.
Now if Metropolis was still stalled .... then I'd complain.

I may be a nostalgist at heart, but I am a bit disappointed that they haven't been able to squeeze in a small multiplex porno cinema as an homage to the corner of years gone by. I propose Hakim move to Yonge Street, and a PornoPlus be installed in it's current location! :)

Excellent idea - anybody remember when Cinema 2000 was showing "The Big Snatch"?

personally i wish all those seedy places would disappear from yonge st. they're trashy and not classy at all. just because yonge st. has been this way for years does NOT mean it needs to stay that way.

Yonge street isn't supposed to be classy, it's supposed to be Toronto.

Exactly, Yonge street is not supposed to be classy. TO has enough classy places, but it only has one Yonge.

Excellent idea - anybody remember when Cinema 2000 was showing "The Big Snatch"?


LOL! I absolutely remember Cinema 2000 (Warning! Totally Concerned with Sex!!) Sadly, I believe the Big Snatch caught on fire and the place went up in smoke.

personally i wish all those seedy places would disappear from yonge st. they're trashy and not classy at all. just because yonge st. has been this way for years does NOT mean it needs to stay that way.

Nah. We have the burbs for pure clean living. Keep Yonge Street Seedy, I say. Start an online
petition for a new Cinema 2000 multiplex!!

the burbs are not pure clean living. jane/finch area would be an example of a "burb" and i would not call that pure clean living...

toronto is a classy city.
also that is the only section of yonge st. that is like that. i don't think it will be around forever.
it's pretty gross. everytime i'm in that area i see people selling drugs, or drunk. it's pretty dodgy.

I alway question whether people who call Dundas Square a 'Times Square ripoff', and/or claim it's manufactured, etc. have ever been on Yonge Street.

Yonge and Dundas has always been a very commercial area. Dundas Square (and when I say this I'm also talking about the surrounding developments) simply expand on what was there and improve the area as a whole.

technically this is called metropolis anyway. dundas square is across the st. ;)

An interesting thing that most people are forgetting is that Dundas Square was called Dundas Square before they put the "square" there.

I alway question whether people who call Dundas Square a 'Times Square ripoff', and/or claim it's manufactured, etc. have ever been on Yonge Street..


Or to Times Square, for that matter. Or Piccadilly Circus.

[QUOTE=Taller, Better;11398483]LOL! I absolutely remember Cinema 2000 (Warning! Totally Concerned with Sex!!) Sadly, I believe the Big Snatch caught on fire and the place went up in smoke.


Bush fire?

Friction fire. They go up in flames, apparently! **POOF**!!

Friction fire. They go up in flames, apparently! **POOF**!!

Oh, I thought we were the flamers!

POOF! She quiffed.

Yonge street isn't supposed to be classy, it's supposed to be Toronto.

Absolutely. If you want Disneyfication, come down here to Orlando. You can enjoy fake everything.

I'm a Canadian, not born here, but I've lived over half my life in Toronto. and who the hell are you to say I should have no say just because I wasn't born here? is that very Canadian?

hey, I totally agree that Canada should show off it's multicultural elements, but how does the Metropolis building do that? It is a huge billboard with shops... Dundas square itself is a different issue, I think that it is a good idea. where is Canada's multiculturalism reflected in Metropolis? a Sony billboard? a Hollywood blockbuster poster? not really...

Dino, I may be totally shooting my mouth off on this board, I'm not trying to be an ass though. I'm airing opinions, and you're welcome to shoot them down. I'm looking at something, and I see (in my opinion only) a problem with it. if you have a problem with people airing opinions because they aren't 'real' Torontoians go ahead, but I'm not going to listen to it. :ohno:

I'm going to say things (we all are), that are ripe for criticism, and I'm really enjoying a lot of the responses, because it's educating me, and filling in the holes. 90% of the time I'm probably going to be wrong, I'm not going to flame anyone for pointing that out...

I never suggested that Metropolis should be a tool for nationalism. The reference to multiculturalism was part of a rebuttal to your 'what Toronto "is" and "isn't"' quip. Living elsewhere for half you life does have an affect on your perception of it because the city evolves and changes -- the politics, the society, the people, and the issues that concern it. And, if you claim your half-lived life away from the city shouldn't affect your understanding of Toronto and its identity I shouldn't have had to clarify it to you.

True, Metropolis is going to be "filled with shops and billboards" --- is there a problem with that? What is it about this part of the intersection that you have a problem with really?

Friction fire. They go up in flames, apparently! **POOF**!!

Q: What should you do if your girlfriend starts smoking?

A: Slow down and use some lubricant!

;)

'tis true, 'tis true. I had that signature, now it's 'I live in Toronto' for those who can't read Japanese.

honestly I have no idea what Toronto is or should be, should I? I don't think so, but I think it shouln't be tacky and gaudy is all... :)

Clearly you don't understand Yonge Street - it's supposed to be tacky.

Y/D square and buildings is EXACTLY what should be built along Yonge. If I came from some other city in Canada this is EXACTLY what I would expect and want to see on Yonge Street.

Maybe your vision is residential buildings like the brown brick one, just north of Gerrard. Or the blandness of the exterior of the eaton centre?

Yonge has always been flashy, and as the 905 lures more and more shopping money away from the city, Toronto needs to be bold and create unique destinations that aren't commonly found around the city or the world.

I think Y/D is an excellent development.

Yonge Street isn't that bad, anybody that thinks so should go to Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls, it will make their eyes bleed.

Yonge Street isn't that bad, anybody that thinks so should go to Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls, it will make their eyes bleed.

And no trip to Clifton Hill is complete without a visit to Louis (not Madame)Tussaud's Waxy Museum!! LOL!

God I hated that street!! Except for Boston Pizza!

Clearly you don't understand Yonge Street - it's supposed to be tacky.


Well, I wouldn't use the term "supposed to be"...sounds like there is a plan, when the true genius of Yonge is its serendipity.





KGB

I don't find Yonge tacky at all, then again, that's just my opinion.

Yonge Street isn't that bad, anybody that thinks so should go to Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls, it will make their eyes bleed.

Hey, leave The Hill alone. Clifton helps define downtown Niagara Falls. Sure, it may be loud, but better something to catch one's attention (Canadian side) than nothing at all (American side).

Hey, leave The Hill alone. Clifton helps define downtown Niagara Falls.

I think that was his point, lol.

Yonge Street isn't that bad, anybody that thinks so should go to Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls, it will make their eyes bleed.

Clifton Hill is Niagara Falls, it makes a visit to N. Falls complete... have you ever been to the US side of the border. Exactly.

Clifton Hill is horribly. So cheesy and boring and a waste of money. I think it's improving from what it was 10 years ago though.

Clifton Hill is horribly. So cheesy and boring and a waste of money. I think it's improving from what it was 10 years ago though.

... what else do you expect to see in a town that's sole purpose is to attract tourists? A shopping mall? Flea market? A huge Library?

I really don't know what you would want from NF? Another Brampton?

Remember - it's families with kids that visit NF.

I love Clifton Hill. I wouldn't want to spend my life there, but that cheesy crap can be enjoyable every once in a while.

... what else do you expect to see in a town that's sole purpose is to attract tourists? A shopping mall? Flea market? A huge Library?

I really don't know what you would want from NF? Another Brampton?

Remember - it's families with kids that visit NF.

I don't expect anything other than the falls. The natural beauty of the falls is all that is needed. No need for corporate anything.

I always advise tourists to spend one day at the Falls, and at least one or two at Niagara-on-the-Lake and the surrounding wine country. A view of the Falls is mandatory and breathtaking, but the Wax Museums and Houses of Horror are odious. Kind of like Blackpool without the fish n' chips.

I don't expect anything other than the falls. The natural beauty of the falls is all that is needed. No need for corporate anything.

The avg. tourist spends about 2 to 3 hours at the falls - what are they supposed to do for the rest of the day? Casino is off limits to the kids!

The avg. tourist spends about 2 to 3 hours at the falls - what are they supposed to do for the rest of the day? Casino is off limits to the kids!

lol... I know my trip to the falls last summer would have been boring if it wasnt for Clifton Hill. The falls were great, but after 10-15 minutes you have seen what you need to see. At night its a whole different story with the lights and fireworks... but once again it gets old after a while. The falls bring the people in, Clifton Hill & casinos are what keep them in.

Well, there's also Niagara-on-the-Lake very, very near. There's not really a lack of things to do around that region.

The falls are the attraction. If you get bored after going to the falls than I guess you weren't that interested in seeing the falls after all.

Interesting how this thread turned from Yonge St. to Niagara on the Lake.

Talk about opposites. One is geniune, and the other is a trying to be an imaginary place in time.

I would tell tourists to check NOTL out, but not for a couple of days. I can handle some ice cream and a walk, but more than that and I implode in the cultural vacuum that it is (except for Fort George and the Shaw).

The peninsula has great countryside however, esp. around Fonthill.

^ but the Shaw is absolutely amazing!!! As is Fort George; but yeah, it's not a week long stay or anything, but neither is Niagara Falls actually!

from flickr, metropolis changes almost every day.....

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/70/364856032_d75352fdcd_o.jpg

I predict that the hoarding on the Yonge st. side will be gone soon. When I walked by today more was chopped off. Should I ask for a piece? lol

^ you should, that thing's been there since the Biblical times.

I think we should all sign a petition to the OMB requesting that the hoarding be granted heritage status.

Interesting how this thread turned from Yonge St. to Niagara on the Lake.

Talk about opposites. One is geniune, and the other is a trying to be an imaginary place in time.

I would tell tourists to check NOTL out, but not for a couple of days. I can handle some ice cream and a walk, but more than that and I implode in the cultural vacuum that it is (except for Fort George and the Shaw).

The peninsula has great countryside however, esp. around Fonthill.

I'm big into Ontario wines, however, and could very easily while away a day scooting about the wine trail. The other day is easily spent schlepping about NOTL. I'm not sure I would say NOTL is not genuine. It is a bit twee and Ye Olde PostCardy but the colonial architecture is gorgeous and dates back to late 1790's. I saw a Cape Cod house there , built around 1798, that was to die for.

Interesting how this thread turned from Yonge St. to Niagara on the Lake.


And I don't mean to encourage any more of it...but since it was mentioned....



I can handle some ice cream and a walk, but more than that and I implode in the cultural vacuum that it is (except for Fort George and the Shaw).



You make it sound like Shaw is a minor thing or something...it's quite a gem of an attraction...if you are into theatre.

On the contrary, I think NOTL makes for the perfect ground zero for a week-long stay....and a diverse and quality one at that....it's so close to other atractions in the area.


Stay at a great B&B

...take in a few plays

...besides theatre, NOTL is just one of those nice old historical Ontario towns to be in, and waterfront to boot.

...easilly spend a couple days at Niagara Falls....between the falls itself, the casinos and family oriented attractions (Marineland, etc), and even the old-school tacky roadside attractions (these things have a charm big new stuff simply can't replicate)...it's got something for everybody.

...there are great tours of the nearby wine country that are first rate....perfect for cycling tours as well. This is good for at last a day or two.

So...I can see an easy week-long getaway filled with interesting things to do around NOTL. I can see this would appeal to a more "mature" crowd though.





KGB

Re: the "mature" angle. That occured to me, as well! Might not have been so appealing to me 25 years ago!
Plus, if a person gets bored whilst down in the general Niagara region, they could always drive out to Lundy's Lane some night for some classic Canadian Ballet, replete with Romantic Interludes upstairs in the VIP lounge! Better sights there than on Clifton Hill, and only slightly more expensive than the Casino.

i love the welland canal. i drove the entire thing checking out all the locks watching the boats. it amazes me.

Well, there's also Niagara-on-the-Lake very, very near. There's not really a lack of things to do around that region.

... maybe for adults, but not kids. N.F. was built for families.

I think we should all sign a petition to the OMB requesting that the hoarding be granted heritage status.

.. I second that motion!

At the very least we need an Ontario Plaque describing the blue wall of Yonge, and it's historical significance.

LOL!! I still remember posters advertising "The Cell" (2000) with Jenny Lopez, now that's old

I am struck with awe at the potential metropolis could have been: while ya'll remember my dreams for a highrise on the site? here's another equally cool scenario: Inspired by the exposed ducts, corrugated metal etc why not build a barn on the site? "torch" could be the "silo" metropolis the "barn" dundas square the "barnyard" the masses the "farm animals" the surroundings the "manure" the streetcars the "wagons" the advertisements the "feed" the proposal the "dream....."

You can see i have a vivid imagination! Welcome to Toronto: the Barnyard of the World! Where every animal (ethnicity) has a home!

You like my thinking?

Barnyard? I like the fruit basket analogy better.

I predict that the hoarding on the Yonge st. side will be gone soon. When I walked by today more was chopped off. Should I ask for a piece? lol

Yeah the hoarding is comming down really soon since they have to prepare street level store facades. And correct me if i'm wrong but I heard that one of the northbound Yonge St. lanes will be closed for a little while to allow for the work to be done.

I predict that the hoarding on the Yonge st. side will be gone soon. When I walked by today more was chopped off. Should I ask for a piece? lol

Where was more chopped off? I walked through it today and it looked no different than it did 2 weeks ago:nuts:

I guess I should have said from the last time I was down that way, lol.

And what a lovely shade of blue it was ...

Anyone seen the giant two storey snow dome yet at DS? I saw a photo but have not been by it yet. I heard it was cool from some people at work.

Anyone seen the giant two storey snow dome yet at DS? I saw a photo but have not been by it yet. I heard it was cool from some people at work.

Didnt even notice it...

BUT I just noticed something that pisses me off about Dundas Square. That thing built along Dundas should be torn down. It acts like a barrier. I have no idea what is going on in the square unless I get out from the stairs on the south side... which is just inconvenient.

Why was that thing built?

^^ ?? You mean the little shelter with the stairway downstairs to subway?

^^ ?? You mean the little shelter with the stairway downstairs to subway?

Yea that thing... except its not that little.

I dunno... It gives the square shape... Although it does completely cut the square off from Dundas, there's nothing on Dundas anyway--yet.

I dunno... It gives the square shape... Although it does completely cut the square off from Dundas, there's nothing on Dundas anyway, right?

Well... not yet...

Soon to be Metropolis though. While sitting in the square this fall I noticed I couldnt even see Metropolis. Its good, but bad at the same time.

Toronto likes to cut off squares to the surrounding area. Look at Nathan Phillip Square, with it's walkway all around it.

I think that walkway actually makes the City Hall itself the focal point, and acts as a kind of "scoop" to give a true sense of arrival. I am opposed to those who would like to rip it down. It is unavoidable to have the structure on Dundas Square unless they made an open street level entrance to the subway. Those are Hell in the wintertime, with the snow on the steps. I nearly killed myself last night trying to walk down slippery steps.

but it can also appear to be a wall keeping people out, and it can make it hard to see what's going on inside with that thing up, I'm totally for seeing it taken down.

but it can also appear to be a wall keeping people out, and it can make it hard to see what's going on inside with that thing up, I'm totally for seeing it taken down.

The shelter and entrance to the subway, on Dundas??!? It is a tiny little portion of a huge open perimeter. True, if you stand behind it you will not be able to see across the street, but all you have to do is walk 20 feet either way and **voila**, unimpeded vision. I hardly think anyone will be excluded from the square because the perimeter is not 100% open. In this day and age you must provide elevators for handicapped access to the parkade and TTC underground. The day and age of a hole in the ground to walk down to the subway is long gone. I'm surprised this is even an issue.

I was talking about Nathan Phillips Square. sorry!

OH!!! LOL! My bad.... but still I am in favour of retaining the original vision of NPS. Fix it up and make it more accessible to the public, but retain it just the same. In a way, NPS is a work of art, and I am uncomfortable with some of the limbs being snapped off.

The shelter and entrance to the subway, on Dundas??!? It is a tiny little portion of a huge open perimeter. True, if you stand behind it you will not be able to see across the street, but all you have to do is walk 20 feet either way and **voila**, unimpeded vision. I hardly think anyone will be excluded from the square because the perimeter is not 100% open. In this day and age you must provide elevators for handicapped access to the parkade and TTC underground. The day and age of a hole in the ground to walk down to the subway is long gone. I'm surprised this is even an issue.

A nice little glass box could have housed the elevators nicely. Glass goes good with the dark stone on Dundas Square. The thing they built just looks weird. It didnt have to go from one end to the other. It bugs me just a bit whenever I see it. I can live with it, but it just gets me thinking 'why?' when I see it.

http://www.kevinsteele.com/images/spring03/031603_DSQ_D53322.jpg
http://kevinsteele.com/images/spring03/031603_DSQ_D53345.jpg

Now I really dont see the purpose of the 'thing'. The elevators were already housed in a glass box. The 'thing' is useless. Maybe its just for shade? I think trees would have looked nicer.

Another question which seems to confuse me. Does the stage face North? If it does... Who is it facing? That 'thing'?

lol, Is there a proper name for the thing?

I think the stage faces west.

^^ Yeah, it does.

I think the stage faces west.

Alright... I was confused because of the way the canopy is set up.

It is just a design feature to give a bit of shape to the square.. to define the northern boundary. Call it a bit of structural sculpture, if you want ; it doesn't specifically have a "function". It may have even been enspired by Nathan Philip's Square.. who knows? As the pictures clearly show, you can see through it, so I don't think it is the massive barrier that people fear will keep the public from entering the park.

I think the stage can work both facing north or west (just not at the same time!) depending on the size of the audience and the other events going on in the square as I've seen performances with both setups.

The glass box serves as a shelter for Wheel-Trans users as the notice board for missed pickups is located on one of its walls, plus the parking meter machine and stair access to the garage is there. The other half of the box is the TO TIX office (who were tossed out of the Eaton Centre when the northern end got its facelift), which is trying to further emulate the setup the booth has in Times Square.

The canopy provides year-round shelter that trees could not (immediately) provide from sun/rain/snow. The one thing about walking through the Square in the rain is that the canopy apparently doesn't have any gutters, so all the water comes streaming down the edges. Trying the find a spot to cross where it isn't dripping can be a challenge at times.

I was down there during a rain storm a month or so ago and there was a group of tourists huddling under it.

Big huge trees would be so nice instead, but I understand there is a significant downside to that. You would have to have some open soil, proper drainage, it would take forever for them to get big, they would dump leaves on the square, they don't provide shelter from the elements very well, etc.

I was down there during a rain storm a month or so ago and there was a group of tourists huddling under it.

Big huge trees would be so nice instead, but I understand there is a significant downside to that. You would have to have some open soil, proper drainage, it would take forever for them to get big, they would dump leaves on the square, they don't provide shelter from the elements very well, etc.

No chance for huge trees. All trees planted on public property must be planted in concrete boxes, to prevent the root system screwing up underground services. Even if they get enough water they never grow very
large.

Boston does it in one of the nicest (though small) public squares I've seen in North America. There's got to be a way around it, perhaps not in Dundas Square, but in other areas. This is the place where the statue of Paul Revere sits:


http://img49.imageshack.us/img49/7114/paulreverers8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img49.imageshack.us/img49/2355/paulreverestatuebostonmqs7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Oh, there are plenty of full-sized trees in Toronto parks, as well..(think Queen's Park) but like the ones in Boston they were planted many years ago before such restrictions came into play. I don't know about Boston's policy, but I would be surprised if they allow free root systems. The roots really wreck havoc on wiring, water systems, etc.. that is why so many trees look sickly; they don't get enough nutrients or water. Don't forget, under the square is the subway.

I think the stage can work both facing north or west (just not at the same time!) depending on the size of the audience and the other events going on in the square as I've seen performances with both setups.

The glass box serves as a shelter for Wheel-Trans users as the notice board for missed pickups is located on one of its walls, plus the parking meter machine and stair access to the garage is there. The other half of the box is the TO TIX office (who were tossed out of the Eaton Centre when the northern end got its facelift), which is trying to further emulate the setup the booth has in Times Square.

The canopy provides year-round shelter that trees could not (immediately) provide from sun/rain/snow. The one thing about walking through the Square in the rain is that the canopy apparently doesn't have any gutters, so all the water comes streaming down the edges. Trying the find a spot to cross where it isn't dripping can be a challenge at times.
You're thinking of a different part. The entrance to the underground parking is not the same thing that they're talking about.

Oh, there are plenty of full-sized trees in Toronto parks, as well..(think Queen's Park) but like the ones in Boston they were planted many years ago before such restrictions came into play. I don't know about Boston's policy, but I would be surprised if they allow free root systems. The roots really wreck havoc on wiring, water systems, etc.. that is why so many trees look sickly; they don't get enough nutrients or water. Don't forget, under the square is the subway.

I know there are lots of big trees in parks all over the city. I'm specifically talking about a public square like in Boston. It's enclosed, set in the middle of a beautiful old mid-rise euro-style part of town, it has a hard surface (cobblestones or something), benches, a statue and big ass trees.

I understand about the wires and everything, but you'd think that a society with in-vitro fertilization and space stations might just be able to figure out a way around the root tangling problem.


I know the subway's under Dundas Square so it might not work in that particular location, but perhaps if there was a way to do it somewhere else?...

I'd love to see healthy, naturally grown trees come back to our city (and most other big cities), but it is just unlikely that downtown it will occur. I'd love to see Dundas Square with huge maple trees dotting the square, but the roots really do cause major problems. Trees in planters can be helped a lot by automatic sprinklers to water them, but a tree in a box will never grow magnicently as a tree with free roots.

I know there are lots of big trees in parks all over the city. I'm specifically talking about a public square like in Boston.


Why can't Dundas Square be a different kind than that? I don't quite understand why people would argue for a replica of "whatever" thing they saw somewhere else???? Dundas Square is the kind of square that actually suits that spot. And it isn't like we build these everywhere...it's actually quite unique in the city. Let's have all kinds of different squares...including this one.





KGB

Dundas Square is awesome. Planting trees to imitate some quaint little spot somewhere else makes no sense to me. Dundas Square is a big, loud monster with flashing lights and that's the way I like it. There are plenty of spots in the city with trees and grass and such.

I think trees at Dundas Square would be great - not to copy somewhere else, but just in general.

It would be great to see trees on many more sidewalks in the city.

Dundas square is great the way it is (will get even better once Metropolis is complete). It is an urban city square, a piazza, and it does not need greenspace to feel relaxing, or even to look good.. Toronto and Canada have many urban "nature" escapes is major cities.

Trees don't make sense here. This is as urban and as public of a square as there can be--or that's what they're trying to do. Isolating the square out by any way from the surroundings, e.g. trees, makes zero sense given the environment.

Exactly.

they should be neon trees, coated with advertisements.

Neon trees?! LOL! Good one.

I think they should do something with the square though. Not trees. But something to make it stand out a bit. Something unique and different...
Maybe some sort of LED lighting. Something dramatic but not over the top.

Being a publicly owned space, does the city reaps any tax benefits from all of the advertisements that are viewable from that space? that is, is there any such tax on commercial advertising that enters the visual field of users of public spaces? Just wondering.

I think they should do something with the square though. Not trees. But something to make it stand out a bit. Something unique and different...
Maybe some sort of LED lighting. Something dramatic but not over the top.

http://web.mit.edu/storborg/ddf/pics/rainbow.jpg

And for christmas...
http://web.mit.edu/storborg/ddf/pics/checkers.jpg

http://web.mit.edu/storborg/ddf/pics/rainbow.jpg

And for christmas...
http://web.mit.edu/storborg/ddf/pics/checkers.jpg

Where is that and what exactly is it I'm looking at?

Cheese.

Cheese.

cheese?

Fromage! Queso! Sir! Formaggio!

Where is that and what exactly is it I'm looking at?

I have no idea where it is. Its a floor that lights up using LEDs though

I have no idea where it is. Its a floor that lights up using LEDs though


It is the disco floor in Filip's basement! :banana:

It is the disco floor in Filip's basement! :banana:

:lol: I wouldnt be surprised.

It is the disco floor in Filip's basement! :banana:

Yep.... it's always a party in my room!.. seriously though - I wish!

Something similar is on Yonge, around King St. West side of the street.

Something similar is on Yonge, around King St. West side of the street.

You mean the Bay's new disco lighting thing? I think it is cool.

Being a publicly owned space, does the city reaps any tax benefits from all of the advertisements that are viewable from that space? that is, is there any such tax on commercial advertising that enters the visual field of users of public spaces? Just wondering.

- the city receives a percentage for all 3rd party signs in the city
- Dundas Square is a public/private partnership

You mean the Bay's new disco lighting thing? I think it is cool.

No he is talking about the 137 Yonge Street Mall. It's more impressive than the Bay's disco lighting by a long shot.

Amazing Neon that changes depending on which angle you view it from. I must say its the best neon on Yonge Street, IMO.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/funinthegym/354935518/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/funinthegym/336901499/in/set-72157594425805986/

Where is that and what exactly is it I'm looking at?

Isn't there a game on the price is right like that? :)

Ok, this is why Torch needs something on the other side. If the city doesn't want ads, put up led lights or amber alerts or a TSX tickertape or something.

This view is from someone's hotel room From Flickr:
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r203/jrocinsane/more%20random/dundas.jpg

Ok, this is why Torch needs something on the other side. If the city doesn't want ads, put up led lights or amber alerts or a TSX tickertape or something.

This view is from someone's hotel room From Flickr:
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r203/jrocinsane/more%20random/dundas.jpg

That thing is also rusting from behind. It makes the area look trashy.

^I don't think its the ads themselves but the lighting used for the ads that the city is against

Well then the city needs to take a long hard look at the thing. How on earth could a nicely lit sign be worse than what is already there?

^I don't think its the ads themselves but the lighting used for the ads that the city is against

.. I'm shocked that anything gets done in this city!!

man that thing is an eyesore. yuck!

http://cache.eb.com/eb/image?id=23167&rendTypeId=4







Trees don't make sense here. Isolating the square out by any way from the surroundings, e.g. trees, makes zero sense given the environment.


It seems quite obvious why there are no trees at all. Normally, trees of some sort would be planted...but there is not a single one in this particular spot...and a very logical reason why...since the "theme" here is all about loud advertising, why would you intoduce anything to block the view of them?




KGB

And why would you want to? The whole point of Dundas square is to enjoy the loud, bright signs and such. Trees would ruin it. Boo to the environment.

Overall I like the square, I was skeptical at first when they were planning all of it years ago but now I think it has worked out pretty good for the most part.

Why not make the Olympic Spirit like a Toronto Sports Museum, we got so many historic teams.

Outside of the building could be multiple TVs with sports scores and games on.

That's the last place I want a museum. That space needs to be vibrant and commercial, fast-paced and fun.

That's the last place I want a museum. That space needs to be vibrant and commercial, fast-paced and fun.

I think they should make it the entrance to Toronto's Red Light District (heading east along Dundas).

That would liven things up a bit.

That would bring the unwanted tourists to the square.

Why not make the Olympic Spirit like a Toronto Sports Museum, we got so many historic teams.

Outside of the building could be multiple TVs with sports scores and games on.

.. who would want to see a museum dedicated to "Toronto's sporting history"? I got bored typing that!

Did you ever see the Canadian Sporting Museum, or hall of fame or whatever it was... yawn. Who cares that in 1910 some guy rowed fast? If a Global Olympic Museum can't work, why would anything local draw in the tourists?!

.. who would want to see a museum dedicated to "Toronto's sporting history"? I got bored typing that!

Did you ever see the Canadian Sporting Museum, or hall of fame or whatever it was... yawn. Who cares that in 1910 some guy rowed fast? If a Global Olympic Museum can't work, why would anything local draw in the tourists?!

Agreed!

A giant tent is going up at Y-D Square this week. It takes up the entire square and im guessing it will be used for the Australia week events taking place next week. They are building a biosphere in the Square for the week long event.

^^ it's nice to see them doing things in the square during the winter.