Canada’s Debate

When it comes to cities Canada has some real gems, each with its own character. Montreal has it’s European charm and Bohemian Sensibility; Calgary has the Stampede and a “look what I made” sense of Pride; Vancouver has it’s scenic vistas and an attitude to match… Toronto?

As much as I love this city and think that it is truly one of the greatest places in the world to live, Toronto’s real character isn’t it’s diversity, or its food, or anything else along cultural lines; it’s the legacy of bad city planning. Honestly, I can’t think of a government anywhere that exerts so much effort to get so little done. Now, before you blame David Miller or our current crop of politicians, consider that the last time there was a unified and coherent effort to develop Toronto in a progressive way was during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Toronto saw a brief building renaissance during the 1960’s, but building two highways and a City Hall does not qualify as planning.

Honestly, what is the deal? A subway on Sheppard Avenue? Spending more money to bury a subway line that it cost to build? Selling a lot on some of the most valuable urban real-estate in the country for $3.8 million? Some might accuse the city of being more timid than anything else; but I don’t see that. I see an entire city incapable of planning for itself in the larger context of growth and development. Makes me seriously consider running for a Councilor’s seat. Considering my lackadaisical behaviour as a student, I’ll fit in perfectly…