Bells On Bloor

Last Saturday, I joined about a thousand other cyclist for the Bike Lanes on Bloor, aka Bells on Bloor.



We got a pep talk from one of the organizers, and the owner of Sweet Pete's Cycle Shop, who donated bicycle bells to all those in need.

We started at the entrance to High Park, and pedalled our way east along Bloor Street towards the downtown core.


The reason for this ride is to bring to the attention of everyone, that this street is in need of bike lanes.
Everyone was very supportive along the way...they waved, honked and some even clapped as we passed. 
It was very a empowering day ride.
Many cyclists joined in along the way, and I think the numbers may have doubled by the time we reached Spadina.


Since as early as 1990, Bloor Street has been designated by cycling organizations, and their advocates as a prime candidate for bike lanes.
It's the perfect route - being long, flat and parallel to the subway. But it is not a very safe route. I personally have had some close calls with drivers on this route. So much so that most times, now I will opt for another route, a back alley, even a park, or a parking lot.

Spacing Magazine

On Tuesday of this week Spacing Magazine held a launch party for their first ever National Issue.


Now this publication has been around since 2003, and has, in the past, focused on public spaces, pedestrians, art and transit in Toronto.

The Creative Director/Publisher, Matthew Blackett explains that they decided to publish more about what's happening in other cities across Canada.

With this issue they have done an in-depth ranking of the top 100 public spaces in Canadian cities.

The party was held in the old Toronto Stock Exchange building on Bay Street, which now houses the Design Exchange.

I decided to attend this function, at the last moment, but I found it more interesting to look at the dresses worn by the late Princess Diana.

I also picked up a program guide while roaming around (our access was limited to the third floor).

There is, of course, tours, exhibits and workshops, as well as a museum.

There is even a Special Events room on the restored Trading Floor for weddings and such.With its 40 foot ceilings and grand staircase, it would be a great venue for someone with a lot of money.

The Toronto Stock Exchange, Trading Floor, picture is courtesy of the City of Toronto Archives, Series 1057, Item 461.

In October, the DX will be hosting "Canstruction", which by the way is FREE!

This is a design/build competition, where engineering and architectural firms create structures that are built entirely out of canned and packaged food to benefit the Daily Bread Food Bank.

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.

Nico's Second Birthday

Last Saturday Michelle and Adam invited friends and family over to their new condo to help celebrate Nico's 2nd Birthday.

Below is Jennifer (my youngest niece) with her youngest - Caitlyn.

The picture here is just a bunch of people with kids crawling all over them.

There seemed to be a lot of kids wearing pink.

Adam's brother (with the glasses) has his little girl, Penny, who is conversing with Adam. Then there's Nico's back and Jennifer.
This is the very camera-shy Lucy - Michelle and Adam's first and she will be four in August.
Here we have Michelle, who is helping Nico to open her pretty cards and presents.


Missing from my photos is Liam, who preferred to play in the girls' bedroom with all the toys.

Maybe all these women just overwhelmed the little guy.