The Distillery District...Overhyped ugly piece of land?

[dazz]

Went there yesterday to hear some free jazz. Last time I was there probably about 9 years ago. Damn did it change! It now an ugly,commercialized,condo-ridden area that is not anywhere near what it was before.
The condo built right there ruins the atmosphere. 2 other condos across the street(and probably 3-5 more to be built within 2 years!!!) ruin any pictures or "old them association. The whole area was bulldozed and any nice looking old buildings in the area were destroyed.
What the hell happened?!?!
Now,the only reason one would come there(apart from the festival) is to eat at overpriced bars and "walk around" in a tiny circle of what is presently the "Distillery District". Thank you Toronto for protecting our heritage....

[trini]

That pretty much sums it up.

[TodayHello]

Gentrification and hipsterification happened

[zonetbh]

I go to the mill st brewpub all the time. I like it down there, whats ugly about it? I wish more people were like you guys because its generally busier than I would like.

[YLSF]

I agree that it is nothing liked it was 5 years ago....I liked it when it was less developed and hardly anyone knew about it.

That being said, I do still think it is a nice area of town and I recommend for people to check it out. Still a lot of people don't know what it is!

What I don't like is that they have eliminated a lot of the open spaces with huge sculptures/art (like that big egg beater thing). That used to be a great area for concerts since there was enough room to set up a bigger seating area/etc but now I find that whole area so cramped when there are events there.

I also still like Soulpepper theatre, SOMA chocolate and there is now a Greg's Ice cream there too .
There are a lot of new condos going into that area, be interesting to see how it develops over time.

[BornRuff]

I think it looks nice down there.

It would be unreasonable to expect that all of the buildings around there would be preserved as heritage buildings. They have done well to keep many historical elements preserved, while making it an area that can thrive into the future.

[twotterdhc6]

I think the wedge-shaped condo is quite well thought out and implemented. But yeah, that area is getting crowded out by all the other tall condos all around. That's what happens when cool places are "discovered", I guess.

[dazz]

They have done well to keep many historical elements preserved, while making it an area that can thrive into the future.
Obviously you just moved in to Canada...because not even 1/4th of the area got preserved. If you ever saw what it was 7-10 years ago, you wouldn't make those statements.

And I don't see how bunch of ugly glass condos around it make the area "look nice".

And the ugly sculptures by talentless "modern art" sculptors finished off the overall appeal. Like that stair/bridge that goes nowhere. That's like the stupidest thing ever. It's beyond my comprehension why The Distillery District owners could not find some real talent and install something that is beautiful AND integrates into the area.

[mebiuspower]

Thank you Toronto for protecting our heritage....

There's no heritage then they stuck this thing down...

http://image.shutterstock.com/display_pic_with_logo/63048/63048,1184421977,2/stock-photo-crowd-lines-up-for-opening-of-new-rom-museum-in-toronto-3857068.jpg

[Blueroom]

One mans art is another mans garbage.

Wasn't tent city there ten years ago?

[BornRuff]

Obviously you just moved in to Canada...because not even 1/4th of the area got preserved. If you ever saw what it was 7-10 years ago, you wouldn't make those statements.

And I don't see how bunch of ugly glass condos around it make the area "look nice".

And the ugly sculptures by talentless "modern art" sculptors finished off the overall appeal. Like that stair/bridge that goes nowhere. That's like the stupidest thing ever. It's beyond my comprehension why The Distillery District owners could not find some real talent and install something that is beautiful AND integrates into the area.

I am Canadian, born and raised. The area was quite pretty before, but most of the buildings were derelict and unusable. The fact is that all that space near the downtown core was never going to survive in that state.

The parts of the area that have been restored and preserved have been done quite beautifully. The restaurants, art galleries, shops and theater have provided permanent reasons for people to actually go there and enjoy the space. Being downtown Toronto, Condos are going to be a reality anywhere you go.

[nauru]

There's no heritage then they stuck this thing down...

http://image.shutterstock.com/display_pic_with_logo/63048/63048,1184421977,2/stock-photo-crowd-lines-up-for-opening-of-new-rom-museum-in-toronto-3857068.jpg

That addition to the ROM is an unmitigated abomination.

[Andex]

Things change with time. I think it's better now then before. The Christmas festival is great!

[stealth]

Hmmm..I haven't been there in about 5 yrs....doesn't sound like I want to.

Kinda surprising, Toronto has on other occasions forced ugly old buildings to stay while everything else grew around them, creating an eyesore...like the pointless old movie theater facade on Bloor St in yorkville, by Pottery Barn.

[jp06]

Went there yesterday to hear some free jazz. Last time I was there probably about 9 years ago. Damn did it change! It now an ugly,commercialized,condo-ridden area that is not anywhere near what it was before.
The condo built right there ruins the atmosphere. 2 other condos across the street(and probably 3-5 more to be built within 2 years!!!) ruin any pictures or "old them association. The whole area was bulldozed and any nice looking old buildings in the area were destroyed.
What the hell happened?!?!
Now,the only reason one would come there(apart from the festival) is to eat at overpriced bars and "walk around" in a tiny circle of what is presently the "Distillery District". Thank you Toronto for protecting our heritage....

well i don't see a reason why Toronto would want to preserve the Distillery District when it serves no other function except as a so-called tourist area (not even worth the trip). The shops there are garbage. There's like dealerships all around that area. If the area had more historic buildings then i'd agree with preserving heritage. But that place was underused anyway.

[gizmo8]

It a nice area but nothing to justify the price of some of these sub 700sqft condos.....I rather buy a hard loft in a remote area of downtown then paying the prices for these terrible fit and finished and designed "lofts"....stores there are ok nothing amazing about them....

[jp06]

the only stores that i thought were "ok" to checkout was the chocolate store (down some alley) and the cheese store (near the front gate)

[BananaHunter]

Things change. Get used to it. If changes are not made, the buildings will simply collapse due to structural problems. For everyone that complains about a change, I'm sure someone is thinking "I'm sick of this place. It's always the same".

I haven't been there 5-10 years ago but it looks nice to me. It's a very upscale area and Toronto needs more of this instead of random crack shacks like the McKenzie house near Eaton Centre. My only complaint (as an RFDer) are the prices. Everything is severely overpriced at the Distillery area.

To me, I think only the things with real historic significance should be "heritage". If everything has to be protected to look the same forever, we're going to have a truly ugly city. If anything, I think for Toronto to be considered a true world class city, I think more changes are in order. There are too many areas near the downtown area that are ghetto. Just walk a little east of Eaton Centre for 10 minutes and you'll run into one of the most ghetto areas of the city.

Also, heritage isn't just about preserving the old. Heritage is dynamic. You can't just day dream about the past. You have to create new works of art that become new heritage. Some people commented on ROM. I think it's a well designed building and a good landmark of the city.

[O1IN85]

hipsterification

Blame it on this.

[Junigenmukyoku]

I thought we all wanted to live in condos! :cheesygri

ps. DD was looking good the last time I went.

[sprung]

it is also one of the very few places in Canada where you can legally ride a Segway (http://segwayofontario.com/). They are not allowed on public streets.

i like the fact that their isn't a McDonalds/Tim Hortons/Starbucks anywhere on the property too. Nice to see some smaller chains there in a premier spot from which to operate.

and finally the Soulpepper Theatre (http://www.soulpepper.ca/) has garnered excellent feedback for the quality of its productions. If you're cheap, and since you're on RFD that's a safe assumption, check out their RUSH ticket deal:

Rush tickets are available in person at the Young Centre box office 30 minutes prior to curtain. Note: You can arrive an hour before the performance and get a number to reserve a spot in line. Rush tickets are subject to availability. CASH ONLY.

Regular Rush: $22
Sponsored by Sun Life Financial

Youth Rush (21 and under): $5

BTW - for freebies both the Mill Street brewery store and the chocolate place will provide you with samples

[mbg]

It's true, but that's marketing for you. Distilleries were historically dirty, smelly places but now that's been turned into something romantic for hipsters and their pierced and tattooed same-sex partners to raise their adopted children in.

[ssainani]

i actually think it's a great area

do you know what really is any ugly piece of land? the suburbs

[nauru]

i actually think it's a great area

do you know what really is any ugly piece of land? the suburbs

Since when are huge trees, clean streets, fresh air and spacious lawns ugly? There's a reason it's so expensive to live in Hogg's Hollow, Bridle Path, Bayview Woods, etc

[flashy_mcflash]

and finally the Soulpepper Theatre (http://www.soulpepper.ca/) has garnered excellent feedback for the quality of its productions.

BTW - for freebies both the Mill Street brewery store and the chocolate place will provide you with samples

Word.

Soulpepper, Soma chocolates, a walk around the galleries, and the Brew Pub make for a really nice date. Not that most of you will know or make use of this information when there's deals on RAM to be had and brown folks to cower from.

[ssainani]

Since when are huge trees, clean streets, fresh air and spacious lawns ugly? There's a reason it's so expensive to live in Hogg's Hollow, Bridle Path, Bayview Woods, etc

I think we have a missunderstanding. I didnt mean those areas which are part of Toronto proper but rather the 905 where the sociopaths on this forum flock from.

The people too busy trying to get $3 off a futureshop price match to know what sitting on a summer patio means.

[BornRuff]

Since when are huge trees, clean streets, fresh air and spacious lawns ugly? There's a reason it's so expensive to live in Hogg's Hollow, Bridle Path, Bayview Woods, etc

Nobody means Hoggs Hollow when they talk about the suburbs of Toronto.

[heymikey]

I visited the Distillery District when I was in Toronto 3 years ago, and I have a soft spot for industrial architecture. I liked the area, although it doesn't seem as good as the ones they have in London like Shad Thames (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jessicamulley/3626128191/sizes/z/in/photostream/). I hope we have something similar in Calgary, but the preserved warehouses are too few and somewhat spread out to be a cohesive district.


If everything has to be protected to look the same forever, we're going to have a truly ugly city.
I guess by your definition, Paris or Prague are truly ugly cities considering their core districts are heavily protected against most development. But I get your point. I agree that ROM is visually stunning. I love the juxtaposition between the modern glass facade and the grand Victorian building.

[stealth]

I think we have a missunderstanding. I didnt mean those areas which are part of Toronto proper but rather the 905 where the sociopaths on this forum flock from.

The people too busy trying to get $3 off a futureshop price match to know what sitting on a summer patio means.

Such a stupid , and generally unheard of, stereotype.

Downtown Oakville, Port Credit, Bronte and the Burlington waterfront, have far more beauty and class than Distillery District ever has- an over rated tiny oasis in the midst of a tired urban ghetto, thriving on steampunk hipsters fascination with the industrial revolution, of which there are apparently few traces remaining there anyways.Oh...but they have nerd-cycles...err, Segways..welcome to 10 years ago.

[flashy_mcflash]

Such a stupid , and generally unheard of, stereotype.

Downtown Oakville, Port Credit, Bronte and the Burlington waterfront, have far more beauty and class than Distillery District ever has- an over rated tiny oasis in the midst of a tired urban ghetto, thriving on steampunk hipsters fascination with the industrial revolution, of which there are apparently few traces remaining there anyways.Oh...but they have nerd-cycles...err, Segways..welcome to 10 years ago.

I like how you follow the condemnation of a dumb, unfounded stereotype with an even worse one of your own, about an area that by your own admission you have not been anywhere near in years.

[ssainani]

Such a stupid , and generally unheard of, stereotype.

Downtown Oakville, Port Credit, Bronte and the Burlington waterfront, have far more beauty and class than Distillery District ever has-

:lol:

i was at a wedding at the 'burlington waterfront' a few weeks ago and it has the wonderful view of the hamilton skyline.

[BornRuff]

it is also one of the very few places in Canada where you can legally ride a Segway (http://segwayofontario.com/). They are not allowed on public streets.

i like the fact that their isn't a McDonalds/Tim Hortons/Starbucks anywhere on the property too. Nice to see some smaller chains there in a premier spot from which to operate.

and finally the Soulpepper Theatre (http://www.soulpepper.ca/) has garnered excellent feedback for the quality of its productions. If you're cheap, and since you're on RFD that's a safe assumption, check out their RUSH ticket deal:

Rush tickets are available in person at the Young Centre box office 30 minutes prior to curtain. Note: You can arrive an hour before the performance and get a number to reserve a spot in line. Rush tickets are subject to availability. CASH ONLY.

Regular Rush: $22
Sponsored by Sun Life Financial

Youth Rush (21 and under): $5

BTW - for freebies both the Mill Street brewery store and the chocolate place will provide you with samples

If you are under 30, you can get tickets for 22 dollars through their StagePlay program. Definitely a bit easier than dealing with rush tickets if the performances you are interested in are available on here.

http://www.stageplay.ca/




HOW IT WORKS

Order advance tickets for any Monday night performance.
Tickets for every other day of the week are available online as of 7am that day.
You pay no additional service charges – that’s right – just $22 inclusive.
You must register for StagePlay to get $22 tickets.
Tickets are subject to availability – if the show is sold out, there will be no tickets available for purchase.
You must present valid photo identification when picking up your tickets.

[stealth]

I like how you follow the condemnation of a dumb, unfounded stereotype with an even worse one of your own, about an area that by your own admission you have not been anywhere near in years.

thats not my admission at all, thats uyour presumption...I go, in your words, near the area ie within a km or 2 fairly regularly...monthly...I just dont have the time or desire to immerse myself in the touristy attractions at the DD, since about 5 years ago, which isnt exactly a lifetime ago, so I dont think Im speaking entirely out of turn. Dont worry, the Segways were still there 5 years ago ;) As was OMG the ice cream and chocolate shop! It was just like being in Paris!:confused::lol:
We 905 hicks have never seen an independent chocolate or ice cream shop before :facepalm:

[stealth]

:lol:

i was at a wedding at the 'burlington waterfront' a few weeks ago and it has the wonderful view of the hamilton skyline.

Its unfortunate you have the sort of friends who would choose the most ghetto part to hold their wedding :)
Kind of like holding a wedding at the toronto harbourfront with a glorious view of barges, freighters and a noisy ***** ugly airport.:lol:

[gilboman]

Went there yesterday to hear some free jazz. Last time I was there probably about 9 years ago. Damn did it change! It now an ugly,commercialized,condo-ridden area that is not anywhere near what it was before.
The condo built right there ruins the atmosphere. 2 other condos across the street(and probably 3-5 more to be built within 2 years!!!) ruin any pictures or "old them association. The whole area was bulldozed and any nice looking old buildings in the area were destroyed.
What the hell happened?!?!
Now,the only reason one would come there(apart from the festival) is to eat at overpriced bars and "walk around" in a tiny circle of what is presently the "Distillery District". Thank you Toronto for protecting our heritage....

do you want $$ or heritage? do you want progress or do you want old and rundown? without DC's, there's no $$ to maintain, let alone improve the area.

Now, not only is there $$ from DC's to maintain/improve the area, there is also a larger tax base (from condos) and tax revenue from new/higher end businesses and more people are going there further increasing $$ economic activity.

It's a piece of real estate in the downtown core, this is called gentrification and it's good.

[IceBlueShoes]

I visited the Distillery District when I was in Toronto 3 years ago, and I have a soft spot for industrial architecture. I liked the area, although it doesn't seem as good as the ones they have in London like Shad Thames (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jessicamulley/3626128191/sizes/z/in/photostream/). I hope we have something similar in Calgary, but the preserved warehouses are too few and somewhat spread out to be a cohesive district.


I guess by your definition, Paris or Prague are truly ugly cities considering their core districts are heavily protected against most development. But I get your point. I agree that ROM is visually stunning. I love the juxtaposition between the modern glass facade and the grand Victorian building.

I'm a big fan of the Distillery District because of the old world architecture. It's really the only bit of the "old world" in the city. Short of that, it's a trip to Quebec, Mexico or Europe itself!

As for Burlington, Oakville and such, they're ok, but they have a different feel. Why? Cars. Suburbs were built up for cars.
European cities are made for people, not the automobile. Easy for the distillery to shut it down since it's small dot on the map.

[flashy_mcflash]

thats not my admission at all, thats uyour presumption...I go, in your words, near the area ie within a km or 2 fairly regularly...monthly...I just dont have the time or desire to immerse myself in the touristy attractions at the DD, since about 5 years ago, which isnt exactly a lifetime ago, so I dont think Im speaking entirely out of turn. Dont worry, the Segways were still there 5 years ago ;) As was OMG the ice cream and chocolate shop! It was just like being in Paris!:confused::lol:
We 905 hicks have never seen an independent chocolate or ice cream shop before :facepalm:

Tell me more about the delightful cultural experiences to be had in Port Credit and Oakville, haha. When I want a taste Paris, I hit Hurontario for sure. I just can't feel European without the shadow of an auto plant looming over me.

But by all means, continue to display your galactically hilarious assessments of architecture and culture. If you want to do it IRL maybe we can meet up at the local Boston Pizza. I mean, there's lots of reasons to move to Burlington and Oakville, but interesting architecture and culture are probably at the bottom of anyone's lists. Attempting to disparage an area (LMAO @ 'steampunk hipsters', whatever that means) that you have not visited (being 'near' the Distillery is hardly experiencing what's there) won't change that.

[ssainani]

Tell me more about the delightful cultural experiences to be had in Port Credit

The No Frills in Port Credit reminds me of Paris.



:lol:

[iridium001]

What do you expect, there is nowhere else to go in Toronto to get that old late 1800s feel/vibe.

In 10-20 years time I bet those buildings won't even be around as it'll get razed to the ground to make more condos.

Forget DD, go to Montreal/Quebec for a way better experience. Their old district isn't just a 5 minute walk throughout!

[Corleone187]

looks pretty cool! I've never been there and I live close to that place at College and Yonge :lol:

If its ugly I don't think its too bad if the location is good. The location can make it look very attractive! eg. Downtown TO

I also have a place in the suburbs, still in TO, and maybe it's more peaceful looking but for sure it's less convenient as a tradeoff!

[heymikey]

Forget DD, go to Montreal/Quebec for a way better experience. Their old district isn't just a 5 minute walk throughout!
Toronto during early 20th century (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=27974048&postcount=19)

[IceBlueShoes]

What do you expect, there is nowhere else to go in Toronto to get that old late 1800s feel/vibe.

In 10-20 years time I bet those buildings won't even be around as it'll get razed to the ground to make more condos.

Forget DD, go to Montreal/Quebec for a way better experience. Their old district isn't just a 5 minute walk throughout!

You also need to take into account that the giant fire in the early 20th century took out most of the old buildings in the city. Not everything has been bulldozed to make a parking lot.

[ronin1701]

Not sure what the deal is with these pieces of "art" displayed prominently in The Distillery. I just hope no public funds went towards purchasing them:

Don't know what they're called, but I like to think of them as "Wormhole" and "War of the Worlds Rip-off", respectively:

http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/6327/img7988j.jpg http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/1130/img7984s.jpg

[ronin1701]

I agree that it is nothing liked it was 5 years ago....I liked it when it was less developed and hardly anyone knew about it.

More like 10-15 years ago.

5-10 years ago it was pretty much the way it is now, perhaps a few more shops now, but no significant changes.

I almost bought a condo adjacent to The Distillery about 10 years ago (it was already complete - the one along Parliament), but opted for something a little closer to the core.

[LostInTruth]

Please don't compare Toronto (downtown core) to the burbs, just don't....

I do prefer Montreal to Toronto in terms of it's architecture.

[Piro21]

That entire area just seems artificial to me. There's one decent bar and a bunch of pretentious overpriced boutiques, but that's really about it. The fact that you're being stared at the whole time by the gentrification brigade in their condos doesn't really do a lot for the feel of the area. The guy who said Quebec City was better was right on the money. Even Ottawa's downtown is better than this place.

[gizmo8]

Still its a decent place to visit...the quality of the condos are pretty bad though but that can be said about %95 of the condos being built in Toronto....

[stealth]

That entire area just seems artificial to me. There's one decent bar and a bunch of pretentious overpriced boutiques, but that's really about it. The fact that you're being stared at the whole time by the gentrification brigade in their condos doesn't really do a lot for the feel of the area. The guy who said Quebec City was better was right on the money. Even Ottawa's downtown is better than this place.

Exactly!

It's totally phony. "distillery district"?! Wtf is being "distilled"there? Tourists!
You take away the old bricks, and you have an unremarkable piece of land a Segways throw to ghettos like Moss Park and Regent park....except with a few condos cashing in on the lore of the industrial revolution.
BFD. Pick up a Restoration Hardware catalog and get the same experience for free.

[stealth]

Tell me more about the delightful cultural experiences to be had in Port Credit and Oakville, haha. When I want a taste Paris, I hit Hurontario for sure. I just can't feel European without the shadow of an auto plant looming over me.

But by all means, continue to display your galactically hilarious assessments of architecture and culture. If you want to do it IRL maybe we can meet up at the local Boston Pizza. I mean, there's lots of reasons to move to Burlington and Oakville, but interesting architecture and culture are probably at the bottom of anyone's lists. Attempting to disparage an area (LMAO @ 'steampunk hipsters', whatever that means) that you have not visited (being 'near' the Distillery is hardly experiencing what's there) won't change that.

Well for starters, theres an absence of homeless ppl , whinos and panhandlers, and you can park your car without fear of it being broken into in broad daylight ;)
And I'll match your Boston pizza with the charm of Torontos Starbucks and bank machines on every street corner. And I' ll match your Ford plant comment with one aimed at the dated obsolete, under used ugly monstrosity that is the Cn tower, Torontos long held only claim to fame, sullying every view of the concrete jungle, if you're into that sort of thing.

Seriously, I won't say the burbs have much in terms of great architecture, but in farness, that isn't considered one of Torontos strong points either. anyone that's left the city limits know that.

[15-20_God]

Exactly!

It's totally phony. "distillery district"?! Wtf is being "distilled"there? Tourists!


totally phony. I mean, like wtf.....Square One? It isn't even a square!!

[rems]

Well for starters, theres an absence of homeless ppl , whinos and panhandlers, and you can park your car without fear of it being broken into in broad daylight ;)
And I'll match your Boston pizza with the charm of Torontos Starbucks and bank machines on every street corner. And I' ll match your Ford plant comment with one aimed at the dated obsolete, under used ugly monstrosity that is the Cn tower, Torontos long held only claim to fame, sullying every view of the concrete jungle, if you're into that sort of thing.

Seriously, I won't say the burbs have much in terms of great architecture, but in farness, that isn't considered one of Torontos strong points either. anyone that's left the city limits know that.

There's lots of Starbucks and bank machines in the burbs..just not at every corner cuz of sprawl.

[LostInTruth]

You cannot compare the burbs to downtown, there is NO comparison, 2 completely different lifestyles

[IceBlueShoes]

Exactly!

It's totally phony. "distillery district"?! Wtf is being "distilled"there? Tourists!
You take away the old bricks, and you have an unremarkable piece of land a Segways throw to ghettos like Moss Park and Regent park....except with a few condos cashing in on the lore of the industrial revolution.
BFD. Pick up a Restoration Hardware catalog and get the same experience for free.

You do realize that it got it's name because whisky and other alcohol was distilled there right?
The name didn't come out of nowhere.

But hey, lets take away all the old buildings in Paris and it'll also be flat lands.

And there's a sake distillery there in addition to the microbreweries. So there is "distilling" going on.

[Tornado F2]

It sounds like a place where winos hang out.

Vancouver should rename Hastings Street the "distillery district" too. :D

[flashy_mcflash]

Well for starters, theres an absence of homeless ppl , whinos and panhandlers, and you can park your car without fear of it being broken into in broad daylight ;)

I know you're joking but when my car was stolen a few years ago, ironically it was found dumped in Port Credit.

[Faemow]

Here's my quick two cents coming from another viewpoint. Is the DD over-hyped and over-saturated with tourists and hipsters? Yes, I can agree with that. Is it an ugly piece of land? Yes and No.

Back in it's haydays the factories served it's function as an industrial area. After the place shut down it was deemed a Brownfield area, which means the soils have been contaminated. The city could have easily torn it all down, cleaned up the polluted area and built new developments. However, Since Toronto has such a young history, the heritage committee stepped it and deemed it a Historical Area. Toronto Architects stepped in to propose a re-gentrification to the use of this area and the buildings that encompass it. What you see today is actually a well done application to the District. If this had not been done, it would just be a graveyard of poor looking buildings and one less place to bring a date on a Saturday night.

[flyinggonzo]

The Distillery District is a great place to visit for a couple hours at a time, a couple of times in a year. Hit Soma for some spicy hot chocolate, see new industrial design products at Bergo, grab a meat pie at the Brick (or brunch at Gilead), go see prints at Pikto, and browse Lileo for clothes. When that's done, head to Cherry Beach for a run.

But I think the character of the place will change one the area east of the distillery district finishes development.

[willdacanucker]

A full 95% of this whole self described "world class" city is boring, drab, and dull. The distillery district "revitalization" is just another blah addition to the same ol. Toronto has no soul. The city is trying to be Manhattan/ NYC and it will never ever even come close to that distinction. Whilst they are trying, they will never become a world class city. That said, the city should go in its own direction instead of trying to carbon copy the states. Then it will finally get its own life and vibe about it. Of course this is all IMO.

[flashy_mcflash]

A full 95% of this whole self described "world class" city is boring, drab, and dull. The distillery district "revitalization" is just another blah addition to the same ol. Toronto has no soul. The city is trying to be Manhattan/ NYC and it will never ever even come close to that distinction. Whilst they are trying, they will never become a world class city. That said, the city should go in its own direction instead of trying to carbon copy the states. Then it will finally get its own life and vibe about it. Of course this is all IMO.

Millions of tourists and residents who experience this city's cultural institutions, festivals, etc disagree. Fact is, on many levels, Toronto is world class.

[zonetbh]

If Toronto's such a POS wtf are you doing here making traffic and housing prices worse for everyone. Go move to NYC or wherever you think things are better, make more room for those of us who love it here.

[mbg]

If Toronto's such a POS wtf are you doing here making traffic and housing prices worse for everyone. Go move to NYC or wherever you think things are better, make more room for those of us who love it here.

House prices and traffic are worse in NYC.

I suggest Montana.

[willdacanucker]

If Toronto's such a POS wtf are you doing here making traffic and housing prices worse for everyone. Go move to NYC or wherever you think things are better, make more room for those of us who love it here.

One reason only: Wife's Family. If I had my way, I would be gone in a split heartbeat.

[willdacanucker]

Millions of tourists and residents who experience this city's cultural institutions, festivals, etc disagree. Fact is, on many levels, Toronto is world class.

Unfounded misc. internet statements, with vague unfounded numbers, with nothing to back them up do not count. Fact is, I have been all over North America and am not basing MY OPINION on just talking out my arse like many others do, even though they have never been anywhere else. I have been elsewhere and have experienced actually living in many other places, not just a brief visit, here or there. Even though I have done that as well, for business, in my past life. This town is so full of itself, and it is exasperated by people who try to convince themselves, this place is "world class" in an effort to justify living here. Again, this is all just MY OPINION. I base that opinion on real world living.

[Drew87]

Unfounded misc. internet statements, with vague unfounded numbers, with nothing to back them up do not count. Fact is, I have been all over North America and am not basing MY OPINION on just talking out my arse like many others do, even though they have never been anywhere else. I have been elsewhere and have experienced actually living in many other places, not just a brief visit, here or there. Even though I have done that as well, for business, in my past life. This town is so full of itself, and it is exasperated by people who try to convince themselves, this place is "world class" in an effort to justify living here. Again, this is all just MY OPINION. I base that opinion on real world living.


you do know recent studies have listed toronto as one of the most "livable" cities in the world right?

In some of these studies Toronto was the only North American city to make the list ....


Get over yourself and your opinions and quit acting like it's a fact that Toronto is sooo bad....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World%27s_most_livable_cities

[willdacanucker]

you do know recent studies have listed toronto as one of the most "livable" cities in the world right?

In some of these studies Toronto was the only North American city to make the list ....


Get over yourself and your opinions and quit acting like it's a fact that Toronto is sooo bad....


o·pin·ion   [uh-pin-yuhn]
noun
1.a belief or judgment that rests on grounds insufficient to produce complete certainty.
2.a personal view, attitude, or appraisal.
3.the formal expression of a professional judgment: to ask for a second medical opinion.
4.Law . the formal statement by a judge or court of the reasoning and the principles of law used in reaching a decision of a case.
5.a judgment or estimate of a person or thing with respect to character, merit, etc.: to forfeit someone's good opinion.


There ya go. Just to remind you what the actual definition is. ;)

[Drew87]

Meh - typical response from someone like you - when studies done on global scale have basically proven your opinion wrong you bust out definitions - I used to see people resorting to those tactics when I was in high school....

Whatever - it is your opinion but it's funny - I've been coming to this board for years and any time there's an opportunity to talk crap about Toronto you show up.... It's like you have a personal vendetta against the city and use the same excuse every time - "oh my "wife" or "family won't move" - you throw out the word opinion but then talk about Toronto like it's a fact....

How does your spouse put up with you? Your posts make you sound like a miserable person, that's really unhappy...Most woman that I know wouldn't tolerate being around someone like that - it would irritate the crap out of them.


Toronto is one of the most livable cities in the world bottom line.... I have family that lives in Calgary - New York - Chicago - Montreal - New Jersey - Boston and they all have the same problems and the same issues we have here - Don't throw in lines about "real world" living to try and make yourself sound sophisticated and knowledgable...

It just comes out troll-ish....

Every city has its issues and problems...

[Drew87]

Here's another article about Toronto being one of the most livable cities

http://www.vancouversun.com/business/2035/Vancouver+longer+ranked+most+livable+cities/6882707/story.html

[willdacanucker]

Here's another article about Toronto being one of the most livable cities

http://www.vancouversun.com/business/2035/Vancouver+longer+ranked+most+livable+cities/6882707/story.html

SInce you seem to be taking personal offence to this whole thing, I will leave it at this. I NEVER said Toronto was not a liveable city. I said IN MY OPINION Toronto is NOT a WORLD CLASS CITY. Cheers.

[BornRuff]

SInce you seem to be taking personal offence to this whole thing, I will leave it at this. I NEVER said Toronto was not a liveable city. I said IN MY OPINION Toronto is NOT a WORLD CLASS CITY. Cheers.

The mere fact that Toronto gets included, much less highly ranked, in these international rankings would seem to suggest that there is a good supply of people out there who would disagree with you on this one.

I guess, as you have pointed out though, nobody can argue with you if all you are saying is that that is what you believe.

[jason9945]

Tell me more about the delightful cultural experiences to be had in Port Credit and Oakville, haha. When I want a taste Paris, I hit Hurontario for sure. I just can't feel European without the shadow of an auto plant looming over me.

But by all means, continue to display your galactically hilarious assessments of architecture and culture. If you want to do it IRL maybe we can meet up at the local Boston Pizza. I mean, there's lots of reasons to move to Burlington and Oakville, but interesting architecture and culture are probably at the bottom of anyone's lists. Attempting to disparage an area (LMAO @ 'steampunk hipsters', whatever that means) that you have not visited (being 'near' the Distillery is hardly experiencing what's there) won't change that.

You are forgetting the best part... I'm sure Oakville has a multiplex somewhere. Hows that for your culture!

[CRAZYBUBBA]

Unfounded misc. internet statements, with vague unfounded numbers, with nothing to back them up do not count. Fact is, I have been all over North America and am not basing MY OPINION on just talking out my arse like many others do, even though they have never been anywhere else. I have been elsewhere and have experienced actually living in many other places, not just a brief visit, here or there. Even though I have done that as well, for business, in my past life. This town is so full of itself, and it is exasperated by people who try to convince themselves, this place is "world class" in an effort to justify living here. Again, this is all just MY OPINION. I base that opinion on real world living.

As another world traveler, I couldn't agree more.

[Psubs]

totally phony. I mean, like wtf.....Square One? It isn't even a square!!

It used to be a square. I remember when it first opened. Cineplex inside. 4 theatres and a lot darker. :D

The food in Toronto is so diverse and you can find good places if you look hard enough.

[gilboman]

Unfounded misc. internet statements, with vague unfounded numbers, with nothing to back them up do not count. Fact is, I have been all over North America and am not basing MY OPINION on just talking out my arse like many others do, even though they have never been anywhere else. I have been elsewhere and have experienced actually living in many other places, not just a brief visit, here or there. Even though I have done that as well, for business, in my past life. This town is so full of itself, and it is exasperated by people who try to convince themselves, this place is "world class" in an effort to justify living here. Again, this is all just MY OPINION. I base that opinion on real world living.

travelling in North America is not really travelling, it's like saying you've been all across the GTA lol


As another world traveler, I couldn't agree more.

you need to travel some more.

[Buggy166]

i travelled here and there and Toronto is an okay place to live in but extremely limited and boring in comparison to others. On the flip side its also much safer and the list can go on. Personally id live in a cabin on a mountain with internet access if i could get paid to work from there. I dont like crowded places but theres pluses and minuses to everything. Toronto is a world class city, but it has horrible leadership and it is indeed full of people trying very hard to justify their living here, or living in general. then again its not even close to shholes like LA. I personally like it here but admit it could be a lot better.

[flashy_mcflash]

i travelled here and there and Toronto is an okay place to live in but extremely limited and boring in comparison to others. On the flip side its also much safer and the list can go on. Personally id live in a cabin on a mountain with internet access if i could get paid to work from there. I dont like crowded places but theres pluses and minuses to everything. Toronto is a world class city, but it has horrible leadership and it is indeed full of people trying very hard to justify their living here, or living in general. then again its not even close to shholes like LA. I personally like it here but admit it could be a lot better.

I think this is as close to a balanced, reasoned analysis of Toronto as we're likely to find here.

[cheapgeek]

Unfounded misc. internet statements, with vague unfounded numbers, with nothing to back them up do not count. Fact is, I have been all over North America and am not basing MY OPINION on just talking out my arse like many others do, even though they have never been anywhere else. I have been elsewhere and have experienced actually living in many other places, not just a brief visit, here or there. Even though I have done that as well, for business, in my past life. This town is so full of itself, and it is exasperated by people who try to convince themselves, this place is "world class" in an effort to justify living here. Again, this is all just MY OPINION. I base that opinion on real world living.
I like you have travelled extensively and had longer stays in different American, South American, few places in Asia and European cities and i must say that I agree with what you have said here.
I also don't like delusional Torontonians who try to convince themselves and everybody around them like this is a “world class” city. It's not Toronto is just too spread out and boring.

[gilboman]

i travelled here and there and Toronto is an okay place to live in but extremely limited and boring in comparison to others. On the flip side its also much safer and the list can go on. Personally id live in a cabin on a mountain with internet access if i could get paid to work from there. I dont like crowded places but theres pluses and minuses to everything. Toronto is a world class city, but it has horrible leadership and it is indeed full of people trying very hard to justify their living here, or living in general. then again its not even close to shholes like LA. I personally like it here but admit it could be a lot better.

Hong Kong is much more boring and the leadership there is infinitely worst than it is here. But it's like some beacon benchmark that rfders like to point to.

[SoBored]

I think people have a few misconceptions here...

first, when people mention toronto as being a great city (especially tourists/non-Canadians), they don't REALLY mean the amalgamated Toronto - they mean downtown Toronto - you know, the city you see on postcards and what comes up in google images when you type toronto. not the ugly ***** suburbs that have been amalgamated into toronto.

And in that sense they are partly right. I've travelled a bunch of different countries/continents and found that most cities are lacking in one thing or the other.. Toronto (downtown toronto) is a good city and can compete with most of them in terms of what it offers

as for the op's thread, I guess I somewhat agree that the distillery district is pretty boring. Atleast it was for me. with that said, I do know a lot of people are fond of it so w/e I'm sure it serves some purpose

[flashy_mcflash]

I think people have a few misconceptions here...

first, when people mention toronto as being a great city (especially tourists/non-Canadians), they don't REALLY mean the amalgamated Toronto - they mean downtown Toronto - you know, the city you see on postcards and what comes up in google images when you type toronto. not the ugly ***** suburbs that have been amalgamated into toronto.


Wouldn't that be the case of most major cities? When you think New York, you think Manhattan, not Queens.

[Drew87]

I think New York is a bad example - when most people think of New York they probably think "Statue of Liberty," " Times Square," "New York Yankees," or "Central Park"

I wonder if the average person knows about the different boroughs of NY.


Toronto on the other hand is different - besides the CN Tower what would the average person know?

[Buggy166]

I think New York is a bad example - when most people think of New York they probably think "Statue of Liberty," " Times Square," "New York Yankees," or "Central Park"

I wonder if the average person knows about the different boroughs of NY.


Toronto on the other hand is different - besides the CN Tower what would the average person know?

the body of water in front of the CN tower

[flashy_mcflash]

I think New York is a bad example - when most people think of New York they probably think "Statue of Liberty," " Times Square," "New York Yankees," or "Central Park"

I wonder if the average person knows about the different boroughs of NY.


Toronto on the other hand is different - besides the CN Tower what would the average person know?

Are you agreeing or disagreeing with me? All the examples you listed - Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Yankee Stadium (well I suppose this is more Harlem, but close enough), Central Park -are in Manhattan (the analog to 'Downtown Toronto' for the purposes of this discussion) and most, while perhaps being aware of a borough named Queens, probably can't actually picture what it's like or any notable spots there.