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Well known local developer, APM president Tim Banks, weighs in on his blog regarding the rezoning application for the property at Upton Road and Trans-Canada Hwy:

“I tried to go commercial with this site but once I heard the opposition from the Community I knew it was time to withdraw our application and that is exactly what we did. Steve may have to do the same if he wants customers?” 

A couple of weeks ago a consultant from Hatch Mott MacDonald presented the final report of the parking strategy that was commissioned by the City last year. The report was stamped CONFIDENTIAL at the time. At a Committee of the Whole Council meeting last night I asked that the report be made public. It was agreed that the Mayor will officially receive the report at next Monday’s monthly public meeting of Council, and the document will become public. It should be available by download from the City’s website next week.

UPDATE: The report is now available for download.

After some prodding from local residents — including gentle reminders of the recommendations in the City’s own comprehensive Parks Master Plan that was completed last year with extensive public input — Council has decided to close the inner lane of the Victoria Park road for the use of cyclists and other forms of “active transport”. This is a pilot project. The closure is temporary, beginning in July and ending in September. It will be used to measure interest and determine what effect, if any, it may have on other users of the park, particularly seniors, who rely on cars for their enjoyment of the park.

At the meeting, the Manager of Parks and Recreation presented a number of excellent recommendations from the Active Transportation Committee, which should be rolled out in the future as logistics are worked out. The Victoria Park initiative is the only one that is confirmed at the moment, but I’m confident others will fall into place as the necessary planning takes place. Judging by the comments and the poll results on the Guardian’s website, residents have strong feelings about the Victoria Park road closure. This is not a surprise as the idea has caused an uproar in the past. I encourage everyone to make their opinion known.

The temporary lane will be just that, temporary, and as such the design and implementation will not be perfect; however Parks staff are determined to make it a success for all park users. In her presentation last night, the Manager made reference to a video I sent her earlier in the week entitled “The Stupidest Bike Lane”. She has committed to doing everything in her power to create Smart Bike Lanes.

I resident called and asked if he could pick me up and show me something. An odd request, given he made no indication of *what* he wanted to show me. Turned out this man’s hero is Terry Fox. He took me to Terry Fox Drive behind the govt buildings to ask that the street be improved with sidewalks, lighting and perhaps a statue to honour Terry.

To celebrate Jane Jacobs Day, May 4th 2008, you are invited to participate in Jane’s Walk 2008, hosted by Catherine Hennessey as she tells the stories of the places and people of her downtown neighbourhood. Jane’s Walk is a series of free neighbourhood walking tours given by residents who care passionately about where they live, work and play.

Read more about Jane’s Walk.

The first time I realized urban planning was a serious discipline was more than twenty years ago when I was visiting friends in Toronto who were neighbours of Jacobs. I was 16, and I was a guest of my friends at Jane’s 70th birthday party in her home across the street on Albany Avenue in the Annex. I remember being very surprised that someone could be so famous for “thinking about cities”, but at the time I don’t think I had a clue what was involved in urban planning. Jane’s Walks are a great way to honour her legacy and promote her ideas for creating vital, livable cities.