R.C. Harris Treatment Plant

Last weekend I attended a bowling tournament, but still was able to visit the R.C. Harris Plant on Queen Street, as part of Doors Open Toronto 2011.

This is the first time in several years that the public has been allowed to see inside..security issues since 9/11.


This spectacular public building was the brainchild of Rowland Caldwell Harris, Toronto's City Commissioner from 1912 to 1945.


They are doing a lot of construction work on the premises, between the gaggle of visitors and the mess of the workers, it was not easy to get good outside pictures.


Inside the Pumping Station, we were able to touch the black and gold marble walls and the intricate railings.



The pumps were running constantly, and signs advised people not to linger inside any longer than thirty minutes.



Everywhere you looked, there were examples of Art Deco.




Even down to the water fountain...mmm good.


Outside, overlooking the lake.

High Park Cherry Trees

At this time in High Park, the Somei-Yoshino cherry trees at their finest.

They are the earliest of the species to bloom, and are much loved by the Japanese for their fluffy white flowers.

They only last a little more than a week or so before the blooms fall and green leaves start to appear.
These particular trees were planted in appreciation of Toronto helping to relocate Japanese- Canadians after the Second World War.


In 1959, the Japanese ambassador to Canada, presented the Japanese Sakura trees to the citizens of Toronto on behalf of the citizens of Tokyo.

Vancouver, B.C. is famous for its thousands of cherry blossom trees lining their streets and many of their parks.

I did a blog episode on April 3rd about the Cherry Blossom Festival (you can find it under "Stuff").

After taking a few pictures around the park, I headed for the High Park Loop, in order to catch the 506 streetcar.

On the way I snapped a picture of a little chipmunk scampering around the "Controlled Burn" section of the park.
I wonder what he and other animals thought of the exercise by the City park staff and firefighters on April 14?

Even though the report said that the ground would only remain black for a week, the place still smells burnt and looks really disgusting, UGH!!

For some pretty good pictures of the burn, click on this link.