Toronto Yonge-Dundas Square/Sankofa Square (Brown + Storey Architects)

[Natika33]

There are likely many small & large ways the square could be made better. My ideal fix (ideal ≠ realistic) would involve removing the highlighted pink part of the road in the satellite screenshot below in order to make it part of the square. The parking lot entrance could still be accessed from the back (Victoria or O'Keefe), but this way, at least one business and the eastern sidewalk could "spill" into the square instead of it being cut-off on all sides. Then, freely moveable tables & chairs could be placed there like at Love Park. Previously, I liked the idea of the Shopper's being replaced by a cafe, but with our silly Canadian rules that would likely mean it would have to be enclosed, so now I'm thinking free square sitting would be nice as one could get their food from anywhere to enjoy that space.

 

[zang]

There are likely many small & large ways the square could be made better. My ideal fix (ideal ≠ realistic) would involve removing the highlighted pink part of the road in the satellite screenshot below in order to make it part of the square. The parking lot entrance could still be accessed from the back (Victoria or O'Keefe), but this way, at least one business and the eastern sidewalk could "spill" into the square instead of it being cut-off on all sides. Then, freely moveable tables & chairs could be placed there like at Love Park. Previously, I liked the idea of the Shopper's being replaced by a cafe, but with our silly Canadian rules that would likely mean it would have to be enclosed, so now I'm thinking free square sitting would be nice as one could get their food from anywhere to enjoy that space.

View attachment 709739

And what about the 505?

 

[Natika33]

And what about the 505?

I don't see how my idea would affect the 505. There aren't any tracks on that little road between the Shopper's & the square, are there?

Here's the map again with regular north-south orientation. It seems to me the 505 streetcar stops are on the other side of the square (north), but perhaps there's a bypass or turn back option I'm unaware of?

 

[zang]

I don't see how my idea would affect the 505. There aren't any tracks on that little road between the Shopper's & the square, are there?

Here's the map again with regular north-south orientation. It seems to me the 505 streetcar stops are on the other side of the square (north), but perhaps there's a bypass or turn back option I'm unaware of?

Sorry, I was thinking the salmon coloured border around the image as your expansion idea. The area is set to be pedestrianized on the Yonge side with the YongeTOmorrow plan and I thought your idea was to expand that further to all streets around.

Indeed, the whole of Dundas Square (the street) up to the parking entrance could be "removed", make access to O'keefe delivery-only and add active modal filters to allow delivery vehicles to exit to the parking entrance lane during certain hours.

 

[nightstreak]

The signage is up.

They’ve also taken down the street sign for the name of the street adjacent to the square — was Dundas Sq.

It’s still there on a map though.

I predict this doesn’t last a generation which most public space names need to survive. Anyone who knew it as Yonge-Dundas Sq. will continue to call it that and some future politician 10-15 years from now (probably sooner) will see it as an opportunity to honour someone. It’s easier to kick out a made up name for a person than the other way around.

 

[mcbg1]

The signage is up.

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View attachment 714031View attachment 714032

They’ve also taken down the street sign for the name of the street adjacent to the square — was Dundas Sq.

View attachment 714033

It’s still there on a map though.

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I predict this doesn’t last a generation which most public space names need to survive. Anyone who knew it as Yonge-Dundas Sq. will continue to call it that and some future politician 10-15 years from now (probably sooner) will see it as an opportunity to honour someone. It’s easier to kick out a made up name for a person than the other way around.

Moise needs to be voted out. He personally chose that name without any public consultations and no way this will stick around for long. Complete waste of tax payers money and resources.

 

[UtakataNoAnnex]

I suspect in 10-15 years folks will likely be wondering what all the fuss was about...

...I can say for a fact though that I am really digging the new logo/brand for it. That's smexy! <3

 

[nightstreak]

I suspect in 10-15 years folks will likely be wondering what all the fuss was about...

It’s been 21 years since Rogers put their name on the stadium that everyone who isn’t bound by broadcasting obligations still calls The SkyDome. Unlike politicians, Rogers isn’t accountable to voters.

...I can say for a fact though that I am really digging the new logo/brand for it. That's smexy! <3

I don’t disagree that the square needed better branding but I certainly do not support the way in which arguably one of our most visible landmarks was renamed by the preferences of a city councillor.

The process was originally supposed to have had the committee come up with a shortlist that would be voted on by citizens of Toronto. Instead they jammed it through. Nothing short of that is illegitimate and unlikely to be adopted into the city lexicon.

 

[torontowest91]

I really think it should of just been "Toronto Square" or something ... like at "Times Square" in NY.

 

[zang]

It’s been 21 years since Rogers put their name on the stadium that everyone who isn’t bound by broadcasting obligations still calls The SkyDome. Unlike politicians, Rogers isn’t accountable to voters.

Since when? Have you talked to anyone under the age of 50 about it? You’ll find very few even know its original name. Venture out of your bubble.

I don’t disagree that the square needed better branding but I certainly do not support the way in which arguably one of our most visible landmarks was renamed by the preferences of a city councillor.

It wasn’t. The rest of the city still voted for it. It could’ve easily been shot down and wasn’t.

The process was originally supposed to have had the committee come up with a shortlist that would be voted on by citizens of Toronto. Instead they jammed it through. Nothing short of that is illegitimate and unlikely to be adopted into the city lexicon.

Even I have had enough of the regular complaints about the naming. The decision was years ago. It’s not changing back.

 

[kotsy]

like at "Times Square New York".

It's just called 'Times Square. New York is not part of its name.

Since when? Have you talked to anyone under the age of 50 about it? You’ll find very few even know its original name. Venture out of your bubble.

I'm well under 50 and always call it SkyDome

 

[nightstreak]

Is this Weekend fella with a missing “e” and a SkyDome full of concert goers under 50? I don’t know, I have to venture out of my bubble.

The Weeknd wants to bring the SkyDome back, Torontonians weigh in - NOW Toronto

During a captivating live performance at the Rogers Centre on Monday night, The Weeknd paused to address his hometown crowd with a proposal.

nowtoronto.com

“We gotta call Mr. Rogers or whoever owns this place. We gotta call this b**ch the Skydome again,” he said during his set.

“Do you agree with me, Toronto, or what?”

Concert-goers responded with loud cheers, offering their agreement with The Weeknd’s bold and nostalgic proposal.

 

[Mihairokov]

Since when? Have you talked to anyone under the age of 50 about it? You’ll find very few even know its original name. Venture out of your bubble

I'm under 50 and call it SkyDome.

 

[zang]

Is this Weekend fella with a missing “e” and a SkyDome full of concert goers under 50? I don’t know, I have to venture out of my bubble.

The Weeknd wants to bring the SkyDome back, Torontonians weigh in - NOW Toronto

During a captivating live performance at the Rogers Centre on Monday night, The Weeknd paused to address his hometown crowd with a proposal.

nowtoronto.com

Confirmation bias much?

Have you been to a concert? The Weeknd could’ve asked, “who likes pork on their Raisin Bran” and gotten cheers.

 

[picard102]

Have you talked to anyone under the age of 50 about it?

Yes, they call it the skydome. Source: I am under 50 and I work with 20-30 year olds.