Vintage Spadina

This is taken on Spadina Ave, looking north from Washington (just south of Bloor) in 1949. I don't think the buildings that are the focus of this pic have changed all that much! Overall, as well, there are just some towers missing and the medians/separated streetcar tracks.
Cheers,
Vanessa

I Can Think of More Romantic Places...

Well, this is interesting! There's not a lot of news to share with you this a.m., but there was an "incident" that happened at our very own Spadina subway on Sunday.
Well, on the station platform.
In front of everyone.
It involved an inebriated couple.

I'll let you figure the rest out yourself, or you can read this story.
Hm.

Vanessa

Dupont and Spadina Corner Collective

This interesting tidbit was in coucillor Adam Vaughan's newsletter:
"The Dupont and Spadina Corner Collective is made up of artists and activists who want to create a corner that sustainably and creatively engages pedestrians through open dialogues, community gatherings, public art and gardening.
Its mandate is to fill our grey streets with music, art and laughter in solidarity with each other and fellow community members, as well as beautify the neighbourhood so all members of the community become more accountable for the space where they hang their hats.
At present, the Collective is:
- maintaining its community garden
- working with the Ward 20 cycling committee to make our area more pedestrian & cycling friendly
- organizing a No Honking Day at the corner of Dupont and Spadina for early August
- organizing skill sharing workshops for August.
The Dupont and Spadina Collective has also been working towards establishing its own community music label. The collective just released a compilation CD that demos six bands that play music at the corner. Artists include: Danger! Danger!, Barn Owl, Ten Thousand Creatures, Falling Trees, Graham Cavalier and Michelle Drew.
To purchase a CD, Send $6 ($5 for the cd plus $1 for postage) to: Neil Cavalier, Dead Medium Productions186 Spadina Rd. Toronto, ON M5R 2T8.
For more information on the Dupont and Spadina Collective, visit http://www.duspa.org/"
Cheers,
Vanessa

Dupont/Spadina

There's a movement afoot to breathe some life into the intersection of Dupont and Spadina, or so says a recent NOW Magazine article reprinted on our councillor's website.

The area certainly has shown some signs of life, including being home to Ezra's Pound cafe and coffee shop, Nancy's Cheese shop and Live Organic Food Bar.
It's always a wonder to me how creativity, elbow grease and active residents keep this city thriving and alive, something I mentioned in this BLOG posting.
Cheers,

Vanessa

iTour of Spadina

Whether you call SpadIna or SpadEEna, there's no denying that the street is a fascinating slice of Hogtown.

Stretching from the Fashion District, through Chinatown, right into the heart of U of T and on up past Bloor -- where, BTW, SpadEEna is the more common pronunciation -- this road is rich in history and lore.

Perfect candidate as a subject for a walking tour.

Good thing, then, that there's a free iPod tour of the history of Spadina Avenue.

How's this for a smart idea: load it on to your iPod, strap on your walking shoes and tour Spadina with a commentary to guide you. There's even a little detour into Kensington Market.

Enjoy,

Vanessa