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Toronto Doors - Colour Edition III

The colours just keep on getting brighter.

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Toronto Revealed

Now that most of us have a camera phone in our pocket, taking photographs of city streets is an everyday activity.  As such, street scenes have become a mainstay of social media and photo sharing sites.  The upshot is that a city’s famous landmarks, interesting buildings and photogenic neighbourhoods are shown again and again.  One seldom has to look at the geotag in order to place the photo.

However, artists have been drawing and painting the city from as soon as there was one.  Toronto Public Library’s Canadian Documentary Art Collection is filled with these works.  The collection consists of 15,000 pieces of art, in addition to over 1,000,000 photographs and 3,000 postcards.

A small selection of these artworks is on display in the exhibit Toronto Revealed at The Toronto Reference Library.  While viewing them, I was  struck by the obvious fact that these were not photographs.  It is also notable that the city is instantly recognizable even though none of works that I’ve shown below is of a famous landmark or well-known corner.  No CN Tower or Flatiron Building in sight!

Cherry Street Hotel by Gerard Lazare (1978)

The Cherry Street Hotel dates back to 1890 and from 1965 - 2010, this corner was home to The Canary Restaurant.  The building currently sits empty with high-rise development nipping at its back door.

I really like our new Flexity Outlook low-floor streetcars, but it does bring a smile to see an old red rocket again.  Viewing this streetcar from behind in Brushstrokes on Dundas Street by Michel Binette (1979) makes me feel like I just missed my ride.

Here is Toronto’s distinctive streetcar again, this time in November Rain, Bay and Dundas Streets by Catherine Jeffrey (2011).

Not long into November, winter is here and the rain switches to snow.  Definitely a fact of Toronto life for too many months of the year.

Nassau Street and Spadina Avenue by Rajeev Singhal (2011)

Brookfield and Humbert Streets by Albert Franck (1962)

Trefann Street by Vello Hubel (1970)

Sooner or later, summer arrives.

Nassau Street, Looking Southeast across Augusta by William Sherman (1978)

Queen Street West, near Simcoe Street by Leslie Tait (1974)

I had to look closely at this painting to confirm that it wasn’t a photograph, which I guess is apropos of the subject matter; The Toronto Camera Club by Alison Fleming (2013).

Even the most benign street scene such as Crosswalk, Queen Street East by David Marshak (2012) is absolutely recognizable as Toronto.

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Toronto Doors - Part III

More doors!  Wish I’d seen this #1 back when I started.

Love the cowbell doorbell.

Sleigh bells!

Does anyone recognize this door at a historic theatre?

The broom caught my eye as much as the door did at this house.  I think it’s time for a new one.

Shedding its skin.

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Winter Stations

An unusually mild day in the middle of winter calls for a long walk; and the best place for that is a place that would be terrible on a typical winter day, like the beach.

Winter Stations makes the beach an even more interesting destination.  2018 marks the design competition’s fourth iteration, and features the seven winners and their interpretation of this year’s theme - Riot.

The installations must incorporate the existing life guard chairs.  This year, all seven structures are located on the western half of the very long Woodbine Beach, making this a much more compact presentation than in previous years.

Revolution features conical tubes that spin around on poles.  They may be looked through, like a telescope or shouted into, like a megaphone.  The design is deceptively simple and I found it to be sculptural as well as in keeping with the Riot theme.

Make Some Noise was probably very cool before it was rendered mute.  Some suspect overuse by enthusiastic children; some think it may have been disabled by annoyed neighbours.  In any case, the four cranks (one on each side) powered sirens to create a “cacophonous wailing” if all were turned simultaneously.  We would have loved to have heard it.

Nest pays homage to temporary shelters constructed out of found materials in order to draw attention to the city’s many homeless residents.

Some of the lifeguard stations are in better shape than others, as evidenced by the signs.

Rising Up is the children's climbing favourite.  It’s an undulating showcase for plywood and lagbolts.

WindStation references two types of power generation.  The structure’s shape resembles a nuclear power plant’s cooling tower, and it is filled with toy pinwheels representing wind power.

Ironically, it turns out that the wind was too much for this installation.  The whole thing was toppled the very next day.

Obstacle - Red  seems to be an impenetrable barrier from a distance, but once you move into it, the columns rotate and swing to make way.  With a little co-operation with the others inside, one can find their way through unscathed.  I think the metaphor is obvious - work together people!

Finally, today’s symbol of Women’s Marches everywhere, there is a Pussy Hat writ large.

So much for Riot - it’s my understanding that the Women’s Marches were the most peaceful protests imaginable.  Let’s hope the change they have called for is in the wind.

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The Art of Light

Toronto Light Fest is back in the Distillery District which makes cold, dark winter nights a lot more fun.  And colourful!

Light is the means, and the medium when it comes to these works of art and this year’s display is even more impressive than last.

There are laser, LED, neon, halogen and incandescent light sources and very few of them are static. Images are projected, figures are animated and artworks are brought to life through interaction.  There’s even a flame breathing dragon...really.

By entering the site at the Pulse Portal by Davis McCarty, your interaction with the artwork begins.  Made of dichroic acrylic, the ‘arch’ transmits multiple colours that change as you pass through.

The Electric Dandelions by Abram Santa Cruz stand tall and present an ever-changing display.

The organizers like to feature at least one humorous piece.  Posted around the site are a few sets of by-laws and ordinances.

This is one of several Signs by Studio Rosenblatt.  No blaming others - no overreacting - so many Nos!

Hybocozo or Hyperspace Bypass Construction Zone by Serge Beaulieu and Yelena Filipchuk celebrates geometry with intricate designs that cast beautiful patterns of light and shadow.

Talking Heads (one of a pair) by Viktor Vicsek.  The two heads react to one another and express themselves with elaborate arrangements of the 4000 individually controlled LED bulbs.

This piece is untitled, but it lit up the surrounding architecture beautifully.  And across the lane...

...one of the old stacks reminds us where we are.

The ZOA by Martin Taylor is reminiscent of a Minesweeper with light pulsating eerily from within.

Gummy Bear Pyramid by Dicapria.  Not only did the artist assemble 200,000 gummy bears into a sculpture, she created a mold and hand made them first.  I was tempted to smell them, but not taste. I later learned that for stability, the bears were cast in acrylic, not candy, so it’s just as well.

Symbolic Peace by Studio Rosenblatt

Nest by Vikas Patil and Santosh Gujar

Everyone likes to get into the act.  In fact, it was a bit of a challenge to photograph any of the artwork without people standing in front of it taking selfies.  Not to sound too cynical, but isn’t it more effective to enjoy the art by standing back and looking at it?

As promised, the dragon at rest...

...and in action.

Can you feel the heat from here?  We could.  Heavy Meta by The Heavy Meta Collective periodically shot loud and hot flames into the night.  Very dramatic!

Upon leaving the grounds, a much quieter symbol... in light.

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Toronto Doors - Colour Edition II

So much colour!  I found so many colourful doors all over town, that it was time for a second post. 

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Cocktail Culture is Alive and Well

A few years ago, I wrote about the flourishing cocktail culture* in NYC and my participation in a Mixology seminar.   Interest and enthusiasm has not waned one bit, and of course, Toronto has followed suit.  Restaurants that have invested in wine programs will often have a cocktail program as well. Bartenders take pride in their craft and their creative minds experiment with new combinations then give them clever names.

The LCBO keeps up, as best it can**, by stocking a wide array of spirits and by publishing a glossy magazine that markets obscure bottles and makes even the craziest concoctions look enticing.

It’s fun to experiment at home, but who has all of those fancy tools, glassware and special ingredients? Cocktail Emporium can help you out!  Kensington Market has moved somewhat away from its vintage clothing and headshop heritage with a tremendous selection of food purveyors and restaurants, so Cocktail Emporium fits right in.

Shiny!

Feeling nostalgic, or just exotic? How about a vintage looking absinthe spoon?

Feeling trendy?  Look no further for that copper Moscow Mule mug.

They even stock a travelling tool kit which must be for roving mixologists…

…and a wide selection of hip flasks if your tastes are simpler.

Not bitter enough?  

Looking for those Luxardo cherries or feel like mixing your own tonic?

What if you are a rule recipe follower? They’ve got you covered.

Now I think I’ll go and mix a Toronto.  Seems appropriate, don’t you think?

* of the modern age

** another topic for another time

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27 Dogs and 1 Cat

Berczy Park, the small downtown park always had the potential to be beautiful, but for many years had been badly neglected.  It was a terrible way to honour William Berczy, the German-born architect, surveyor and artist, often considered to be the co-founder of modern Toronto along with John Graves Simcoe.

Wedged between three streets and Toronto’s Flatiron Building, the park is situated in a lovely neighbourhood.  A mix of shiny new and pretty historic buildings surround the green space and the prestige of the area made it ripe for restoration.

And restored it was, in grand fashion.   The park was thoughtfully re-designed from top to bottom. Last June, the centerpiece (and showpiece), Berczy Fountain was finally unveiled and the water turned on.

The fountain is huge... and a whimsical homage to dogs.   The designers thoughtfully provided for live dogs by surrounding the entire fountain with a drinking trough.

Twelve different breeds are rendered in life sized and full colour cast iron. The outer ring features large breeds like Golden Retrievers and Bernese Mountain dogs.

The large pool is dominated by pugs of all colours and both genders.  Don’t ask how I know.  

The next level up is populated by smaller breeds like Fox Terriers, Beagles and Westies.  The top bowl features playful puppies.

All have their gaze focused on one thing - a golden bone at the pinnacle.

Except for the cat - she’s looking at two small birds perched on a nearby lamppost.  

This link takes you to the architect and designer’s website which features many interesting background photos as well as aerial renderings of the park. http://www.claudecormier.com/en/projet/berczy-park/

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Toronto Door Handles - Part II

So many interesting door handles.

It’s hard to see that this is a door since it is large and all glass, but this huge medallion is actually the handle.

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Old, Old Signs

Sometimes, when a business has closed or moved, the signs remain.  Whether this is due to nostalgia or neglect is up for debate, but I always find some charm there.

Built right into the leaded glass window above this storefront, this is the oldest sign that I’ve found so far (I think).  Black Cat cigarettes were introduced to Canada in 1904, but haven’t been sold since the mid 1950s.

There hasn’t been a pharmacy at this location for many years.

The office sign for Dr. Lazarovits (deceased over a decade ago and long retired before that) remains still.  Dr. Lazarovits, twice saved from Nazi persecution, was beloved in the community.

In the the days before zoning laws, back alley auto repair shops were common.

These next four are still in business

The golden years of early space exploration!  This restaurant honours the 1969 flight that landed the first two humans on the moon.

New Moon Variety has been a bike shop for years now.

When was the last time you ordered a box lunch?

Moore - Pearsall Leathers, established in 1930, is still in business but is long gone from this workshop on Front Street.

This sign on the side of a Cabbagetown house is only visible now that the leaves have fallen from the trees.

OK, I know it’s not an old sign, but it’s an interesting sign made from old tools.

What could they be doing?

My guess is chickens laying eggs.

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Toronto Doors - Part II

Why more doors?  Because there are so many great ones.

That’s a pretty fancy door knob back plate for such a plain door.

Two for One.

Yes, that’s a Japanese version of “Kama Sutra” art next door.  

Pseudo old.

Actually old.

Turn of the century ambulance station - still in use.

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Skybridges in Toronto

In New York I was fascinated with the pedestrian bridges that were constructed to connect buildings. Originally built for workers wanting to avoid the time it took to travel by elevator down to the ground floor, cross the street and ride the elevator up in the other building, the idea seems quaint now.  

There are definitely two types; the old and often abandoned skybridges and the new, very modern spans.

In Toronto, there are few that are extinct and many very fancy new ones.

The St. Michael’s Hospital span over Shuter Street is one of the more modern bridges in Toronto. It was made in Germany, then shipped and installed in 2010.

A rare open air bridge over Jarvis Street to The St. Lawrence Market.

This is my favourite for its sheer heft.  Double decker three over three!  Built in 1971, this dramatic link over Simcoe Street connects Canada Life’s 1931 Headquarters with its later addition.

But even more dramatic is this 40 metre (the same length as a Boeing 737) two story span that connects the 28th and 29th floors of these condominium towers.  The delicate, 14 hour operation of hoisting the bridge into place required that the area be evacuated while it was slowly raised.

At the other end of the range, some bridges are very simple, like this one that connects 3rd floor rooftops.

The University of Toronto campus and neighbouring hospital district have too many skybridges to count.  Here are only a few examples.

Almost gone.  Connecting the original Honest Ed’s store to its annex, this bridge will soon be demolished along with the rest of the site.

This bridge connecting The Eaton Centre to the historic Hudson’s Bay Building IS gone.  Built in 1978, it was heavily used and in very rough shape.  

Finally, another favourite - four storeys, rusted and still in use.  This one has it all.

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We Used to Have a Store on the Corner

And now it’s a house.

Historically, Toronto’s oldest neighbourhoods were walkable places with businesses of all kinds dotting the streets.  Then, in the 1950′s, city planning had new ideas and zoning laws took effect which saw commercial properties restricted to main streets.

Existing businesses were protected by a grandfather clause of course, but as owners retired, many of these stores closed and the buildings were sold.

Enter creative architects and renovators with a vision to convert these conveniently sized buildings to a residence.   Reams of red tape followed, and after a few years many of these corner stores were given over to a domestic life.

One of the oldest buildings still standing in historic Cabbagetown.

Some don’t even bother to remove the old signs and awnings - which has its own kind of charm.

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Doors: Hand-painted Edition

It seems only natural that in a city full of murals and...ahem, graffiti, that doors would get the hand painted treatment as well.

Yes, there’s a door there.

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You Know You’re in Canada When...

The World Series is over now; is it hockey season yet?

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Ontario Firefighter’s Memorial

On the very busy corner of Queen’s Park Crescent and College Street stands a very quiet memorial to Ontario’s fallen firefighters.

Happening upon it gave me pause since I’d never known it existed until then.

It made me remember and reflect on the reverence that New Yorkers pay to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.  Fallen heroes are commemorated on the sides of firetrucks, in station houses and with street signs and statues.  Rudy Giuliani, former NYC mayor, once made me weep while listening to a news conference he held, only hours after a fatal fire.  He repeatedly referred to the firefighters that lost their lives as heroes who made the “ultimate sacrifice”, saving others while putting themselves in peril.  His veneration was palpable. 

In Toronto, we don’t demonstrate our appreciation quite as much, though it is as strongly felt.   As such, Ontario’s monument is deeply moving.

Based on a large red Maltese Cross, the international symbol for firefighting, the centrepiece is an over-scale bronze statue depicting the rescue of a child by a modern day firefighter. 

Surrounding, are granite walls engraved with the name, year, location and rank of every firefighter lost since 1848.  There is a grim story behind every tragedy and sadly, new names are added every year.

A Fire Fighter’s Prayer most often credits “Author Unknown”, but indeed there is a real person and a harrowing story behind the oft recited prayer.

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Trillium Park

Phase One of Ontario Place’s revitalization opened this summer - Trillium Park and the William G. Davis Trail.

To borrow from Joni Mitchell, “they took down a parking lot and put up paradise”.  Ontario Place’s East Island parking lot has been transformed into a tremendous waterfront park.

The “Ravine” serves as a gateway to the park and offers a first view of the lake.  

The park consists of grassy lawns, trees and gardens and views for miles. In fact, look out over the lake westward and it seems as though you are looking out over a vast ocean.

Turn eastward though and there’s the typical view of the downtown skyline.

But back to the “Ravine”.  In collaboration with the Mississauga of the New Credit First Nation, two pairs of moccasins have been carved into the high granite walls.  They are a nod to the heritage and culture of this land’s first human inhabitants. 

And since beautiful granite from the nearby Canadian Shield is plentiful, some terrific specimens have been placed throughout the gardens.

Even in their newly planted state, the gardens are lovely...

...and the trees will grow.

In the meanwhile, this striking Pavilion provides a gathering place and a bit of shade.  Its design was inspired by the evergreen forests of the North as well as the “iconic structures” of Ontario Place.

Kids will enjoy clambering over the stacked rocks of the “Bluff”, which is much more dramatic than it appears here.

Then, as evening descends and the weather cools, get out your marshmallows and gather around the campfire.

There is one thing from the original Ontario Place that I was happy to see remain; the breakwaters made from actual lakers - the looooong ships designed specifically for shipping goods through the Great Lakes.

Some things don’t need to be re-invented.