Mihairokov
Senior Member
These have the added benefit of preventing those on bikes/mopeds from driving down the stairwells directly...
Toronto Union Station Revitalization | ?m | ?s | City of Toronto | NORR
Amare
Senior Member
The funny thing about all this is, the city still havent even cleared up the sewer grates by the Brookfield entrance, and it's quite evident since it's visibly clogged up and absolutely reeks.
So if there happens to be another torrential downpour, it looks like they're more than prepared for it...
So if there happens to be another torrential downpour, it looks like they're more than prepared for it...
DSCToronto
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You should tell 311 if you haven't already done so.
goodcitywhenfinished
Active Member
Here's how they do it at MRT stations in Bangkok, a city prone to torrential rain and widespread flooding: just put the entrances above flood level.
Source
On Front Street, where the land slopes away at York and Bay streets (and therefore water is not likely to rise more than a couple centimetres on the sidewalk), a single step up should do the trick. At the moat entrances along York and Bay Streets, grilles with cisterns below may be needed assuming they don't want to lose barrier-free access.
42
This is the default standard across China and Korea too.
nightstreak
Active Member
fLUX, the looooooong delayed light art piece in the west moat will finally be installed. Originally selected in 2013, it was repeatedly delayed and the west moat remains closed. The artist's site has been updated with an October 2025 installation.
www.lab-au.com
fLUX, music for trainstations | Union Station, Toronto, Canada | completion 2025public artworks of LAb[au] in progress
In a tunnel connecting the two entrances of Toronto's major train station, 92 arches capture the passersby's presence and trajectory while translating their motion patterns into sound and light. Accordingly, fLUX stands for the transcription of urban flows into light and music. | public art...
www.lab-au.com
Amare
Senior Member
So this piece is going to be installed, even though the West Moat is unused for 90% of the year?
Truthfully what's the point in this case?
Truthfully what's the point in this case?
nightstreak
Active Member
No, the west moat is closed because it's not finished. Waterproofing was recently completed and it's now sealed, which is why the art piece can now be installed, enabling the space to be opened full time.
Concurrently, the previous security office has been relocated and the space is being converted for tenants which will open up into the west moat. If it's a restaurant like the other 3 corners, then the moat could potentially be used for "outdoor" seating.
UtakataNoAnnex
Superstar
...it would seem their goal would be to have this running for Nuit Blanche then.
Well, Nuit Blanche this year is October 4-5, so only if their October installation is as quick as 1-2-3.
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WB62
Senior Member
I’m still not convinced this space will be well used… Don’t get me wrong I’m excited to see the art piece installed and this section finally opened to the public, but without the Northwest PATH I can’t see it being a popular corridor.
DSCToronto
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Though I am certainly pleased to hear that this will finally appear, it is worth remembering that the process started in 2012 (yes, 13 years ago) from a motion by the much missed Pam McConnell. https://secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda-item.do?item=2012.GM11.6fLUX, the looooooong delayed light art piece in the west moat will finally be installed. Originally selected in 2013, it was repeatedly delayed and the west moat remains closed. The artist's site has been updated with an October 2025 installation.
fLUX, music for trainstations | Union Station, Toronto, Canada | completion 2025public artworks of LAb[au] in progress
In a tunnel connecting the two entrances of Toronto's major train station, 92 arches capture the passersby's presence and trajectory while translating their motion patterns into sound and light. Accordingly, fLUX stands for the transcription of urban flows into light and music. | public art...
The Council motion provided $$ for this project and also asked the Province to repeal the original Walks and Gardens Trust which the City had allowed to wither away many years ago. (It was supposed to get $$ from the sale of land that was being reclaimed and use the money to build and maintain 'walks' and 'gardens'.) As far as I know, the Province took no action on this request - which had started in 1999, now 26 years ago! - so the Trust presumably still exists. Does the City ever follow up on stuff like this???
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nightstreak
Active Member
I sort of agree. If coming from York Street, people will just walk in through the York doors. If coming from the subway, they're going straight into the Bay Street concourse. The only way this gets used is if the former security office becomes a restaurant or bar of some sort with access to the west moat for seating.
edit: Just thought of one other opportunity. If people are coming from York Street and heading to the subway, the west moat would be the most direct route. A TTC sign on the York Street stairs and the entrance to the moat would bring traffic through there.
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DSCToronto
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At one time there were plans/hopes for the area on NORTH side of the West Moat (below the sidewalk) being rented out for small stalls etc. It never happened due to fact the area leaked - if it really has been waterproofed then Osmington will doubtless try to get revenue from that space. If the space was active, it would increase foot traffic.
AlvinofDiaspar
Moderator
nightstreak
Active Member
Yup. That’s still the plan. I could see farmers’ market type stalls there.