There have been two stories in the last two days on the TTC that have focused on the need for more funding as ridership continues to grow. Is the solution to just pack them in, or put more buses and streetcars on the road? Those questions are addressed here and here. Transit Toronto has a short post and a good link about these reports.
The other story connected to the TTC has to do with the budget of the soon-to-be renovated Wychwood Barns on Christie just south of St. Clair West. The space is being managed by Artscape — they plan to turn the place into live-work residences for artists, and work spaces for local environmental groups and agencies. The Barns are planned to be a beacon of sustainable architecture and development. But city councillor Mike Del Grande said in yesterday’s Toronto Star: “Is this what the city wants to do, to provide a tonne of money to put in this commune for 26 artistes?” [ Read about Del Grande’s colourful past here — it is safe to say, as a city councillor, Mr. Del Grande has been nothing but a whiny crank and all his concerns are based on the bottom line ].
Some residents of the Wychwood Park community have opposed the development (they want a park to take up the whole site, not a mix use facility, which also contains a smaller park). But most of the community has been behind the project from the get-go, including local councillor Joe Mihevc. The councillor has some great info on his site: the design proposals here, here, and here.
If you have an interest in the Wychwood Barns, you can check out an open house public meeting this Saturday (January 28). Toronto Parks, Forestry & Recreation are inviting the public to provide input on the preliminary design for the 4.3 acre site. Check out the official Wychwood Green Barns website for more info.
