One thing I don't like about the Yonge/Dundas adds is that they keep changing them. Remember the Labatt's Blue 3D can ad? The mounting is still there but the can is gone. Why didn't they keep it, or at least why couldn't another company like Coke put up a can ad in it's place? Another thing is the circular ad at the top of the tower. There was an animated LG neon sign there and it was replaced with a boring static ad.
When I lived in Halifax, the Public Gardens were gated, typically around dusk. You also weren't allowed to jog, bike, make contact with any of the foliage (including the grass), bring pets or feed any of the animals. Basically the only thing one is allowed to do there is stand, walk, sit, talk, read and/or stare. Good times.
Oxford colleges are not comparable with public parks. Firstly, they are private property. More importantly, they are the homes and workspaces of the students, staff and fellows who live there. They are live/work communities and not leisure facilities. All members of a college have gate keys to their own college just as you have a key to your own home - however, I am sure that you don't leave your home open to random strangers 24/7 (or any time for that matter!), and neither do colleges except where they feel obligated to let the tourists in to gawk at the buildings for a few hours a day.
P.S. I think that the London parks that are locked at night are largely Royal Parks, and therefore the property of the Crown or owned by the householders which surround them, and not public property either. Not 100% sure on that... I would say that most parks in England as a whole are public and are not locked at night.
Even crappy ads at the busiest intersection in Toronto are subject to The Cheapening™
When I lived in Halifax, the Public Gardens were gated, typically around dusk. You also weren't allowed to jog, bike, make contact with any of the foliage (including the grass), bring pets or feed any of the animals. Basically the only thing one is allowed to do there is stand, walk, sit, talk, read and/or stare. Good times.
Not everybody wants a frisbee whizzing by their head. Some parks are places to be quiet, relax and enjoy the views. In France you often can't even walk on the grass.
Thanks again for the Aura shots, Caltrane... As an out-of-towner they are really appreciated... It sure has risen in the few months since I've been downtown... I know some have reservations, but I think it's going to be a beautiful "big city" 'scraper...