Shabby Public Realm

[Northern Light]

I notice a lot of mature plane trees that seem to thrive in pretty challenging environments in other cities, but we don't seem to use them as street trees in Toronto. It can't be that our climate is too cold, because I've seen a few around the city doing just fine in parks. Is this just another example of Toronto's inability to do things that work in other cities, or is there some legitimate reason we don't plant them?

Plane trees have failed as street trees the majority of times they've been planted here, mostly notably on Bloor Street.

They do fine here in lawns, or sheltered conditions.

 

[WislaHD]

What Are Trees Worth to Cities?
http://www.citylab.com/cityfixer/2016/04/what-are-trees-worth-to-cities/478809/

"After all, in an era of overwhelming need for urban infrastructure improvements, trees offer cities some of the best bang for their buck. Trees remove carbon dioxide, filter air pollution, and produce oxygen. They absorb rainwater, UV radiation, and noise. They slow down traffic, improve property values, and reduce human stress and mental fatigue. And they provide shade, which means we have to use less energy to cool down.

A recent i-Tree analysis of Austin, Texas, led by Nowak, estimated that trees save that city nearly $19 million annually in reduced building-energy use, some $5 million in reduced carbon emissions, and account for about $16 billion as standalone physical assets. Past that, they’re worth $3 million per year in their reduction of air pollution (based on avoided respiratory health problems), and nearly $12 million per year in the amount of carbon they sequester."

 

[salsa]

This is encouraging.

 

[AlvinofDiaspar]

This is encouraging.

View attachment 74452

Speaking glowingly of standards is just that - whether it is a success or not will speak for itself.

AoD

 

[salsa]

Speaking glowingly of standards is just that - whether it is a success or not will speak for itself.

AoD

But at least somebody is trying to do something about it, instead of ignoring the problem. Maybe it will work this time.

 

[AlvinofDiaspar]

But at least somebody is trying to do something about it, instead of ignoring the problem. Maybe it will work this time.

The cynic in me knows that we have reports after reports on what ought to be done - but that's a means, not an end as we so often have it here in the city. I'd rather not celebrate until we can demonstrate materially that things turned out differently.

AoD

 

[TheTigerMaster]

The cynic in me knows that we have reports after reports on what ought to be done - but that's a means, not an end as we so often have it here in the city. I'd rather not celebrate until we can demonstrate materially that things turned out differently.

AoD

Hasn't the City begun installing trees in new "pots" allowing their root system to be better established and the tree to grow to their full sizes? The name escapes me a the moment.

 

[salsa]

Hasn't the City begun installing trees in new "pots" allowing their root system to be better established and the tree to grow to their full sizes? The name escapes me a the moment.

They're called silva cells.

 

[DSC]

They're called silva cells.

See: http://www.deeproot.com/products/silva-cell/overview

Unfortunately they cannot go everywhere and there is not room for them under many of our sidewalks due to pipes, wires and 'stuff'.

 

[DSC]

Does anyone know who owns the portion of the Skywalk that runs over the rail tracks? It is really in need of some repairs - several water leaks, many seals in the glazing have gone and the panes are fogged and several panes are actually cracked.

Who does one report this to?

 

[Armour]

Does anyone know who owns the portion of the Skywalk that runs over the rail tracks? It is really in need of some repairs - several water leaks, many seals in the glazing have gone and the panes are fogged and several panes are actually cracked.

Who does one report this to?

Contact 311 or perhaps The Fixer on The Toronto Star website.

 

[DSC]

Contact 311 or perhaps The Fixer on The Toronto Star website.

Thanks but I do not think it's city property so 311 is not appropriate.

 

[Armour]

Thanks but I do not think it's city property so 311 is not appropriate.

311 will sometimes forward your request to whomever it concerns; or they might be able to provide you with pertinent contact information. If all else fails, try the local councillor.

 

[smably]

Cracked concrete. Rough and broken asphalt. Holes full of foul water. Weeds, dirt, and mud.

Anyone care to guess what I'm describing? Hint: it's one of the most popular and well-loved parks in Canada's wealthiest city.

I'm talking about Trinity Bellwoods. Have a look:

I bike through here most days coming home from work and I find it hard to believe that a park as well-loved as this has gotten so bad. At the very least, the main paths need to be re-paved. But really, the park needs a Grange Park-style revitalization. Paths should be laid with high-quality pavers, landscaping should be improved, furniture and lighting should be beautified.

I tried to find information from the city about plans to improve the park, but there is nothing. Do local residents, the Friends of Trinity Bellwoods, and Mike Layton really feel that the status quo is acceptable? Why isn't this on anyone's radar?

 

[christiesplits]

Thanks for the pics, smably.

Is it bad that I think the biggest scandal are those horrendous garbage and recycling clunkers?