Blamblog - Brett Lamb's Blog

Monday, April 07, 2008

Spadina All Over Again

How does Adam Giambrone seem to so often find his way to the wrong side of heritage issues?

Every generation, some people in the city feel compelled to modernize things at the expense of the city's heritage and urban fabric. The Spadina Expressway is the first instance that springs to mind. That plan would have carved a freeway right through the inner city. Other plans have included the demolition of Union Station (to be replaced by a giant glass pyramid), the demolition of Old City Hall (an early Eaton Centre proposal included construction on that site) and the demolition of inner city neighbourhoods to create gems like Regent Park (currently being demolished yet again to repair the damage), Moss Park and various other "parks".

In the case of the TTC, there was pressure to abandon streetcars until a campaign saved them. Now, other cities in North America are going through great lengths to reintroduce streetcars to their streets.

So, here we go again. The subway stations on the Bloor Danforth line are an especially tempting target because of their modest design. But do we want to replace the distinct character of the system with more "fake Helvetica?"

At least Adam Vaughan demonstrates his typical good sense:

City councillor Adam Vaughan, who is on the Toronto Preservation Board, said the TTC should take into consideration the historical value of the subway line before it tears it apart.

"The Bloor-Danforth line is a rhythm of colours that has a set pattern and it's designed as a piece and it speaks to an era gone by," Mr. Vaughan said.

"Before we start tampering with this and breaking it up, there's some history there, and I think there needs to be a discussion held on how to preserve it and recognize it as heritage," Mr. Vaughan added.

Where's John Sewell when you need him?

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