1. Heritage Toronto Walks - Spring Schedule
Heritage Toronto

In 2011, Heritage Toronto begins its 17th year of free historic walking tours all across the city. Held most weekends throughout April to October, Heritage Toronto Walks are a great way for residents and visitors alike to discover the people, places, events and stories of Toronto.

New walks that are part of the schedule this year include Cabbagetown People: More Stories, School Days in North Toronto and Smythe Park: The Evolution of a Creek Valley with more to come in the July to October schedule, which will be available in June.

Heritage Toronto Walks is a true community project. The tours are researched, designed and led by local historians, groups and professionals from across the city, who volunteer their time and energy. Walks are free and no reservations are required in order to attend.

This years April to July schedule includes tours of:

§ Saturday, April 30  1:30 PM: Madison Avenue
§ Sunday, May 1  1:30 PM: Terra Cotta Design in Toronto's Historic Architecture
§ Saturday, May 7  1:30 PM: Hidden Treasures in North Rosedale (part of Jane's Walks)
§ Sunday, May 8  10:00 AM: Old Town (part of Jane's Walks)
§ Saturday, May 14  1:30 PM: Parc Downsview Park
§ Sunday, May 15  1:30 PM: Agincourt Village
§ Saturday, June 4  1:30 PM: The Howards of High Park
§ Saturday, June 4  1:30 PM: Cabbagetown People: More Stories (NEW)
§ Sunday, June 5  1:30 PM: South Rosedale
§ Saturday, June 11  11:00 AM: School Days in North Toronto (NEW)
§ Saturday, June 18  10:00 AM: St. Clair West: Earlscourt, Oakwood and Regal Heights
§ Sunday, June 19  11:00 AM: The Danforth
§ Thursday, June 23  7:00 PM: Exhibition Place
§ Saturday, June 25  10:00 AM: West Toronto Junction
§ Sunday, June 26  1:30 PM: The Mansions of Jarvis Street
§ Friday, July 1  1:00 PM: Fort York: 200 Years of Lakefront Development
§ Saturday, July 9  1:30 PM: Smythe Park: The Evolution of a Creek Valley (NEW)
§ Sunday, July 10  1:30 PM: Thistletown

For full descriptions of Heritage Toronto Walks, please visit www.heritagetoronto.org or call the Heritage Toronto Information Line at 416 338-3886.

The Heritage Toronto Walks Program is generously supported by TD Canada Trust and TD Friends of the Environment Foundation.

2. Works Committee Rejects Fort York Pedestrian Bridge
Catherine Nasmith

Late last night without any warning, the Toronto Works Committee voted to send the Fort York pedestrian bridge back for redesign, even though it has been through a full environmental assessment, working drawings and tendering, and was "shovel ready". This project has been under discussion with wide public support for over ten years.

The project was over budget. The motion to send it back for redesign came from Councillor David Shiner. It is now highly unlikely that this long anticipated, and wonderful addition to the City's public infrastructure will be finished in time for the anniversary of the War of 1812. 

To see what was rejected, the public presentation boards are at the link below.

http://www.toronto.ca/involved/projects/ftyork_bridge/pdf/2009-09-16_display_boards.pdf

3. Election: Arts Culture Heritage
Catherine Nasmith, editor

Heritage or historic buildings are rarely mentioned in federal elections, so I was pleasantly surprised to see that both the NDP and the Conservatives did address the issue. The NDP platform promised tax incentives to restore historic buildings, and also grants for museums, historic buildings and lighthouses. Just before the election, Charlie Angus mentioned his interest ins seeing monies directed towards the historic cores of our communities, large and small. I see a connection between that statement and his recent involvement in asking questions about the destruction in Brantford. 

The Conservatives put down a lot of ink regarding investing in the upcoming celebrations of the War of 1812, as well as promises to invest in several war sites and memorials, and other cultural events. The impression was that the thrust of a Conservative cultural heritage policy would be towards commoration of Canada's war history, but there was also quite an emphasis on other cultural investment, including programming looking forward to Canada's 150th anniversary in 2017.

The Green Party platform focused on retrofitting older buildings for energy conservation, but didn't mention heritage or history at all, I was also unable to find any mention of Canada's built heritage in the Liberal platform.

Not a defining issue in the election, but interesting nonetheless to see that the two parties that emerged with the most seats, also have emphasis on Canada's cultural heritage. 

Time to contact your newly elected MP and ask to talk about what's next for investing in your community's cultural heritage.

4. Hansard: Rosario Marchese Questions the Government over Views Protection L.A.O.

Thursday, April 19, 2011

HERITAGE CONSERVATION
Mr. Rosario Marchese: My question is to the Acting Premier. Acting Premier, the Ontario Legislature has been a symbol of our province’s democracy for 118 years. Last year, the OMB allowed the construction of a building at 21 Avenue Road that would permanently destroy the skyline of the Ontario Legislature. The valiant efforts of the Speaker of this Legislature were not enough to protect this historic view.

Acting Premier, do you agree that the historic vista of the Ontario Legislature should be protected?

Hon. Dwight Duncan: I would remind the member opposite that, in 2005, our government strengthened the Ontario Heritage Act. We were the first government in 30 years to do so. The act gives municipalities the power to protect heritage properties in their community. Since we strengthened the act, municipalities have protected over 4,600 properties.

Hon. James J. Bradley: Toronto city council passed it. The NDP had the majority.

1130

Hon. Dwight Duncan: In the case of 21 Avenue Road, the Divisional Court has turned down a request to appeal a decision by the Ontario Municipal Board. I have to respect the court’s decision in this matter. The city has made its decision—as my colleague indicates, at the time, it was an NDP council that dominated—the OMB has made its decision and the court has made its decision. These are all important institutions that serve the public. We have to respect the decision of these boards.

Mr. Speaker, I do want to salute you on your valiant efforts on this particular issue.

The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): Supplementary?

Mr. Rosario Marchese: There was a lot of blah, blah, blah in that answer. The Acting Premier would know that, in the Ontario Heritage Act, the minister could declare a provincial interest. Clearly, you’re not taking advantage of that act.

The Ontario Municipal Board—the provincial body under your jurisdiction—allowed the construction of 21 Avenue because there is no legal framework to protect the Legislature’s historic view. It’s up to the provincial government to step in and protect the Ontario Legislature.

The OMB already stated that if you had an interest, if you had stated an interest, they would have been able to do something. But in the absence of any legal framework from you, the Premier or any other minister, they could do absolutely nothing.

When are you, the Premier or any other minister going to step in and protect this important historic view and this historic site?

Hon. Dwight Duncan: I remind the member opposite that the city of Toronto council dealt with this, the Ontario Municipal Board dealt with this and the Divisional Court dealt with this. The member is simply wrong. There has been a full process, due process established by law. The government has acted appropriately in all steps, has used appropriate authorities to act in the interest of all Ontarians, and we have to respect the very processes that were set up by this Legislature.

Unfortunately, these disputes come about from time to time. Sometimes remedies are available; other times they are not. The government is satisfied that the process has been appropriately followed and that the appropriate authorities have rendered their decisions. That still means, though, that this is one magnificent building, one that I think we can all continue to be proud of.

Editor's Note:
The government response is bafflegab...and blaming the loss on the NDP is spinning completely out of control. The OMB in its decision clearly stated that there was no in force policy to protect the view at either the city or the province. So no legal grounds to prevent construction that would interfere with the silhouette. The courts clearly told the government that if this view is important to them, then the government needs to do something about it. It is embarassing to see the Premier's advisors so ill informed. They also don't seem to know that under the Ontario Heritage Act, neither the Municipality or the Minister of Culture can designate this building.

5. National Post: Queen's Park Views
Megan O'Toole

Legislature silhouette in danger, critics warn

The iconic silhouette of the Queen's Park legislature may soon be overshadowed by rising condo towers, politicians and activists warn, unless the province steps in to curtail development in the area.

On Thursday, a day after an architectural preservation group released a digital modelling of how new towers could dramatically impact the skyline atop Queen's Park, NDP MPP Rosario Marchese issued a news release to blast Premier Dalton McGuinty's inaction on the file.

"The Premier can step in and save the historic view of the Ontario legislature, but so far he is choosing not to," Mr. Marchese said.

The debate has been simmering since last June, when Mr. Marchese introduced a bill -which has since languished on the table -to prevent developers from constructing any building that would be visible above the roof of Queen's Park when viewed by someone standing at the intersection of Queen Street West and University Avenue.

One such project, a pair of condo towers already approved for 21 Avenue Road, would rise above the east side of the legislative assembly. Though the site is now up for sale, throwing the redevelopment plans into question, the activist Architectural Conservancy of Ontario says the province must enact emergency legislation to prevent this project, and others, from going any further.

Catherine Nasmith, past president of the conservancy, says there is "a kind of dance" going on between the city and the province on this issue. The province says it is a local planning matter, but without support from the province, she said, the city has less impetus to fight developers.

Click here for Link

6. Toronto Sun: Queen's Park Views Protection
Antonella Artuso

Stop Queen's Park area highrises, MPP urges

The Dalton McGuinty government has one last chance to stop tall buildings from popping up in the famously panoramic view of Queen’s Park, NDP MPP Rosario Marchese says.

Marchese’s private member’s bill protecting the vista is set to die when the legislative session ends, and he’s asking McGuinty to either make sure it becomes law or bring in his own version of the legislation.

Without swift action, the clear sky view over the roof line of the pink palace from Queen St. will be altered permanently, he said.

“The only people that can do it are the politicians here in Ontario,” Marchese said.

He acknowledged that his bill might lead to legal action because the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) has already given the green light to build two condo towers, 44- and 48-storeys, at Avenue Rd. and Bloor St.

Catherine Nasmith, of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario, said generations of Torontonians protected the Queen’s Park vista from looming development, but current municipal and provincial governments have dropped the ball.

“If nothing is done, we can expect permission for more projects like 21 Avenue Rd,” she said. “In not interfering, the government is saying we value private development more than we value the symbol of our democracy.”

Geoff Kettle, of the Federation of North Toronto Residents’ Associations, said it should be a priority for all Ontarians to protect this important symbol of provincial political power.

A spokesman for Ontario Tourism and Culture Minister Michael Chan said a decision about 21 Avenue Rd. has already been made by the City of Toronto and the OMB, and divisional court has rejected an appeal.

Click here for Link

7. Urban Toronto: Should Toronto Protect Its Important View Corridors
Tyler Greenleaf

Should Toronto Protect Its Important View Corridors? 

UrbanToronto member Tyler Greenleaf looks into the controversy about view corridor protection in Toronto, not something that had been a major concern for him, and has a change of heart when he sees the results of a study. Here is his report.

In general, I could care less about view corridors either in Toronto or anywhere else.

Editor's Note:
Quite interesting and thoughtful debate from bloggers

Click here for Link

8. Time to Vote in the Puglies

Your chance to be Jury on Toronto's Best and Worst Architecture of the Year

The Puglie awards give everyone a chance to blow raspberries or flowers at Toronto's recent architecture. It does make a difference to let your views be known...no one wants to be voted the worst of the year.

I found much to like and dislike in this year's crop, and even some to love. What is missing are the very small lovely projects that have been popping up on side streets around town, and adaptive re-use projects.

Perhaps its time to add a new category?

Thanks to the Board of the Puglies for putting this together with such a sense of humour. 

Click here for Link

9. JOB POSTING: Architectural Conservancy of Ontario

The Architectural Conservancy of Ontario is seeking a student for a seven-week positon as Built Heritage Conservation Assistant. This position is funded by the Ontario Government under the Summer Experience Program (SEP).

This position will be of particular interest to those with an architectural and heritage background -- not just historic buildings, but modern ones as well. SEP will introduce the successful candidate to a long-established, volunteer-driven charitable heritage organization with twenty-five branches in Ontario involved in helping preserve our cultural heritage. The position will give the successful candidate an increased understanding of the problems faced by the non-profit cultural sector. Good language skills and basic computer skills including familiarity with data entry, databases, web site updates, and other clerical work are required. Deadline for applying is May 11, 2011


For complete details about the position, who is eligible and how to apply, visit our website, http://www.arconserv.ca/, where you can download a pdf of the full posting.

Click here for Link

10. Globe and Mail: Parks Canada's Register of Historic Places
Dave Le Blanc

During what many consider to be an unnecessary federal election, we need to be thankful for small mercies.

Actually, this mercy is anything but small. It’s not an exaggeration to suggest that lovers of – and soldiers for – heritage architecture have just been handed a very large new weapon by the government.

Launched in late February, Parks Canada’s Canadian Register of Historic Places (www.historicplaces.ca) is a massive online storehouse of more than 12,400 heritage buildings and sites across the country. It’s keyword-searchable, easy to use, chock full of useful information and, best of all, will continue to grow.

“It’s like a one-stop shop,” says Canadian Registrar and project head Andrew Waldron, 41. “So if you’re doing work on a building, say, in Cabbagetown, you can look up that address and get exactly why it was designated, what was designated, what’s important on it … or whether there was a prominent Torontonian who lived there.”

Click here for Link

11. Globe and Mail: Art Moderne homes in Hamilton
Dave LeBlanc

In Hamilton, on the trail of the "super-rare" Art Moderne home

Edward Glass: store clerk or designer of spectacular streamlined residences & or both?

I didn't come to Hamilton in search of Mr. Glass's true identity. In fact, when I came at the invitation of German-born Martin Hering, 38, to see his single-storey, Art Moderne home in Westdale, neither of us had ever heard of him.

Up until my visit, Mr. Hering wasn't sure who birthed his 1939 home. In the 14 months he's owned this little streamlined-and-porthole-windowed bundle of joy, he's made it his mission to learn about the Art Moderne style - a subgenre of the familiar Art Deco movement - which preceded the more popular and penetrating International Style in Canada by about a dozen years.

Editor's Note:

For more information on Martin Hering's home and other Art Moderne homes in the Hamilton area, visit www.170longwood.ca

Click here for Link

12. CBC Radio: Art Deco architecture in Ontario
Mary Ito and Shannon Kyles

Art Deco Defined: Art Deco's Impact on Ontario Architecture

Think art deco design...and you'll probably think of Paris or New York City. But Ontario is also host to a variety of art deco buildings and design flourishes. That's what Shannon Kyles told Mary. Shannon is architecture editor of Arabella magazine. The latest edition contains her story about art deco's impact on Ontario architecture.

Click on the link to listen to that conversation.
 

Click here for Link

13. Observer: Jane Jacob's NY house for sale
Bonnie Kavoussi

Jane Jacobs' Old Hudson Street Townhouse for Sale in West Village Jane Jacobs

The West Village townhouse at 555 Hudson Street where the late Jane Jacobs wrote her iconic The Death and Life of Great American Cities nearly 50 years ago is now on the market through Prudential Douglas Elliman's Lida Drummond, offering spacious rooms and a rich history for a bargain price: $3.5 million.

A combination of a closed storefront and a two-story house above, it can be sold either domestically, commercially or both domestically and commercially. But the townhouse cannot be split into apartments, according to owner Kathleen Murphy.

Click here for Link

14. Ottawa Citizen: Landmark's future goes to hearing City seeks to repeal heritage status and move Horticulture Building
Maria Cook

A challenge to the City of Ottawa’s plan to repeal heritage designation for the Horticulture Building at Lansdowne Park will be aired at a hearing on Monday.

The city wants to move the 97-year-old structure — a rare and architecturally significant Prairie-style permanent exhibition building — to make way for a parking garage as part of a redevelopment of Lansdowne Park.

In order to make the controversial move, it needs to lift the heritage designation.

However, Heritage Ottawa, a volunteer organization dedicated to preserving the city’s built heritage and landscapes, is opposed and will make its case before the Conservation Review Board of Ontario, a body established under the Ontario Heritage Act.

Click here for Link

15. The Observer: Towers Ruining London Skyline
Rowan Moore

The Shard: A Symbol of Towering Ambition

It's the dream of a former rag-trade baron, designed by Renzo Piano and financed by Qatar. And the Shard, even in its incomplete state, is already dominating London's skyline.

It's a punt, a hustle, a gambit, a try-on. It is a trophy of punk urbanism, dressed by a Pritzker-winning architect. It owes its life to a motley band that includes a socialist mayor, Qatari royalty and a developer once treated as a bit of a joke. At one time, it looked like a fantasy or a stunt but, now rising fast next to London Bridge station, the Shard is undeniably there. It is the tallest building in Britain, even in its far-from-finished state. It is fast becoming London's, and the country's, most conspicuous monument.

Its progenitor is Irvine Sellar, who first made his name as a baron of boutiques in the 1960s rag trade, before moving into property and going spectacularly bust in the early 90s. When, in 2000, he revealed the tower that would become the Shard, he was better known for developing business units in Warrington and Portsmouth and he had limited experience of buildings over three storeys. The big, established property companies doubted almost everything about him: his expertise, his backing, even whether his luxuriant hair was really all his own.

Editor's Note:
great pics in the link

Click here for Link