Raise the Hammer
While the subject of main street makeovers is on the minds of RTH readers, I'd thought I'd provide a brief update on another woefully neglected stretch of GTA tarmac: Toronto's Queens Quay.
Queens Quay was once labeled one of the world's worst streets and was cited for a makeover over five years ago. In 2006 I took a tour of a mock transformation of the York-to-Spadina stretch with my then eight-year-old son Jack.
We came away suitable encouraged and impressed.
But since then, nothing has happened - until today. The Toronto Star reports:
A $110 million plan to transform Queens Quay into a model streetscape with a wide pedestrian promenade, bike lanes and a new bi-directional streetcar corridor will break ground next month, nearly two years after it was expected to begin.
Environmental assessments, design and co-ordination of construction have delayed the ambitious project, but the makeover, to be finished in 2015, will be worth the wait, Waterfront Toronto officials promised at a press briefing Tuesday.
"The goal is to make (Queens Quay) the signature street for Toronto" - this city's version of Barcelona's Rambla, or the Champs Elysees in Paris, said Chris Glaisek, vice-president, planning and design for Waterfront Toronto.
Under the plan, the City will build a tree-lined pedestrian promenade with decorative pavers that ranges in width from five metres to just over seven metres, with bike lanes on either side that connect to the Martin Goodman Trail.
Automobile traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction to make room for a new streetcar line.
These pictures from Waterfront Toronto provide a tantalizing peek into what is about to take shape.
Queens Quay, Post-Makeover. What's not to like? (Photo Credit: [Waterfront Toronto](http://news.waterfrontoronto.ca/2012/06/revitalization-of-toronto%e2%80%99s-main-waterfront-street-now-underway/))
Queens Quay North Side today, between John Street and Spadina. Anyone care for a stroll? No, I didn't think so. (Photo Credit: Waterfront Toronto)
Queens Quay North Side, after the makeover. Now that's more like it! (Photo Credit: Waterfront Toronto)
Queens Quay South Side today, near the Queens Quay terminal. Can anyone say, 'Yuk'? (Photo Credit: Waterfront Toronto)
Queens Quay South Side, after the makeover. A nice place for a sandwich. (Photo Credit: Waterfront Toronto)
My son Jack is now 14. He'll be in his last year of high school when the jackhammers finally fall silent. But while it's been a long wait breaking the ground on this drab stretch of waterfront real estate, here's hoping it's a case of better late than never.
By mikeonthemountain (registered) | Posted June 07, 2012 at 10:51:55
That is going to be an absolutely gorgeous street once complete. A little bit of envy is unavoidable! A GO trip to Union Station to spend an afternoon by the lakeshore will be that much more attractive. Nice!
edit: Also here's hoping some nice open-air patios open up on that stretch.
Comment edited by mikeonthemountain on 2012-06-07 10:53:59
By jason (registered) | Posted June 07, 2012 at 12:57:22
Big deal Ben. Anyone can live in a neighbourhood with a street like that. I get the privilege of having this as a neighbourhood street. Welcome to 1960 in the Hammer:
http://factore.ca/images/two-way/main_st...
Comment edited by jason on 2012-06-07 12:57:44
By SR (anonymous) | Posted May 02, 2013 at 02:49:34
I cant wait! I live in Queens Quay and I will get a view of these amazing developments from my balcony! Too bad I gotta wait till 2015 though
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