Hume Versus McParland..

...waterfront dreamer versus waterfront realist.

Kelly McParland: Toronto’s $900 million waterfront waste

Artist's impression of possible Queen's Quay renovation. That was five years ago, but the reality is still a mess

There’s a spot on the Toronto waterfront, near the east end of Queens Quay, where a trail for joggers, bikers, roller-bladers and other enthusiasts suddenly divides. While the rest of the route — which runs for more than 50 km — generally accommodates everyone on the same path, at this one spot the togetherness inexplicably ends.
Painted on the pavement is a warning: pedestrians only. Bicycles are instructed to get lost. Given that there’s usually very little traffic — it’s probably one of the least busy areas on the whole trail — a lot of people ignore the warning and keep biking for the 100 metres or so until the section ends. Every single time I’ve done so — every time — some upset runner has made a show of pointing at the pavement and barking something like, “Can’t you read?”

Read More »