How many of us are against building a bridge to Toronto Island (amusement park, condominium)

[kkgg7]

If done the right way, I think it is a fantastic idea. Could even be another landmark of Toronto at a relatively low cost.

A large area on the island is still undeveloped. I know some people would say it should be left in its natural state, but I strongly disagree. As long as we don't overbuild, the island can be much more interesting and pleasant to visit. Right now, it is kind of boring. I am not saying it just for myself. I have taken several friends from elsewhere, and most say that there is not much on the island and it is not an interesting place.

[ThroatGuzzler]

To be honest i'd love to see an actual bridge in this city, it seems like it's one of the few thing's we're missing. I'd like to see a nice suspension bridge 4 lanes wide, I think it could work, and it would make more sense than building a tunnel. I can see some possible low-rise condo's built on the islands, the city doesn't want tall structures built on the island which may possibly jeopardize the current view of the skyline from the lake.

[kkgg7]

Originally Posted by ThroatGuzzler

To be honest i'd love to see an actual bridge in this city, it seems like it's one of the few thing's we're missing. I'd like to see a nice suspension bridge 4 lanes wide, I think it could work, and it would make more sense than building a tunnel. I can see some possible low-rise condo's built on the islands, the city doesn't want tall structures built on the island which may possibly jeopardize the current view of the skyline from the lake.

Agree. I don't know why people are so obsessed with preserving everything thing in their "natural setting", like anything manmade is gonna destroy it. If so, why live in the city. Even if you want nature IN the city, you can always go to the valley. What is nature anyway, trees, grass, and trees.
Having to take the ferry to the island in such a big city is purely stupid. I myself wouldn't go to the Island again by the ferry.
Hope the island will be more fun to visit soon. Right now, it is nothing special except it is an island.

[StarshipPoopers1]

What's the point in building a big, impressive suspension bridge to a fairly small island? Especially when you have the Toronto City Centre Airport and the part of the islands adjacent to those industrial areas to the East that are maybe 100 or 200m from the shore?

It'd be a waste of money to build a big and elaborate bridge, even if the island was developed. And anything less would be an eye sore.

Admittedly the Island is pretty boring right now, but IMO they should fix that by planting more trees and gardens and emphasizing the waterfront. Toronto has a massive urban sprawl, you don't need more of it to be surrounded by Lake Ontario.

Besides, the ferry service is unique and I found it to be an enjoyable experience. Out of my last trip to Toronto the ferry to Toronto Island sticks out prominently. Hell, they could make that free or dirt cheap and still save way more money than building a bridge to nowhere.

I'd rather visit a park that had nice sights and some beaches then something like Coney Island. Though if they had a lot of nice shops and stuff there I could really see it doing well. If they made an atmosphere like the distillery district with all of the small and specialized shops, I think they'd be really popular. Otherwise leave it be.

Endless grass and sparse trees is boring, yes. So is endless concrete, and you can find plenty of that across the harbour.

[David001]

why on earth would you want a bridge to the island? It would completely defeat the purpose and uniqueness of the island, unless you wanted it to be changed to a mini-Manhattan or something like that. The idea that it could even be afforded right now is rather far out, isn't it?

[kkgg7]

Originally Posted by David001

why on earth would you want a bridge to the island? It would completely defeat the purpose and uniqueness of the island, unless you wanted it to be changed to a mini-Manhattan or something like that. The idea that it could even be afforded right now is rather far out, isn't it?

So that city dwellers can visit the island without paying $6 for the stupid ferry?
The island is not that unique anyway, and not having an easy access to it doesn't make it any more unique except announcing "this island belongs to the rich people who don't want you average Torontonians to visit unless you pay."
I am equally appalled at the fact that there is no bridge linking Vancouver and Vancouver island. How backward it is under the pretext of preserving the "natural setting". Why not say we care more about the jobs of those union workers (who by the way totally don't deserve their wage) than providing cheap and efficient service to the residents.

[Cornerguy1]

LOL


So the guy who objects to his tax dollars being spent on health care for the common man now wants to spend hundreds of millions of tax dollars to build a bridge for everyone to use?

So the common man can save $6?

ROFLMAO

By the way, those "rich" folks also pay their $6 for the ferry ride.

[kkgg7]

Originally Posted by Cornerguy1

LOL
So the guy who objects to his tax dollars being spent on health care for the common man now wants to spend hundreds of millions of tax dollars to build a bridge for everyone to use?

So the common man can save $6?

ROFLMAO

By the way, those "rich" folks also pay their $6 for the ferry ride.

I don't think there is anything wrong with not wanting to spend my tax dollars on the health care of hundreds of thousands of people who don't work enough to earn it. Yes, I don't like it, and I don't like my tax dollars being spent on the ridiculous child benefit as well.
On the other hand, I'd prefer tax dollars spent on public infrastructure, such as extending the subway to Pearson, revitalizing the waterfront etc.
It is just a personal preference, I don't know why you feel it so funny. My philosophy is simply for the government not to spend too much money on social welfare therefore enough lazy people not to work enough or to have many kids when they can't afford it but simply put the burden on others. Maybe you don't understand it, but it is not worth laughing your ass off. For me, it is funny that Canada's largest city has such poor infrastructure while still charging outrageous fees.
In general, I hate to see lazy people hanging around doing nothing on the streets while still enjoy all the benefits we hard workers do. They simply don't deserve it. When they have a disease, I don't think it is my obligation to save them.

[dpylyp]

My personal thoughts are that they are allowing Ontario Place to run down to the point that a private sector investor can take it over and develop the site into a joint venture, resort, marina, amusement park and residential condominium community.

How about 3000 residential condo units on the eastern edge facing downtown and the Toronto Islands?

Can you image living here?

David Pylyp
Living in Toronto

[kkgg7]

Originally Posted by dpylyp

My personal thoughts are that they are allowing Ontario Place to run down to the point that a private sector investor can take it over and develop the site into a joint venture, resort, marina, amusement park and residential condominium community.

How about 3000 residential condo units on the eastern edge facing downtown and the Toronto Islands?

Can you image living here?

David Pylyp
Living in Toronto

I am in favor of high rise condos, but just hope Toronto will cease to build those extremely ugly greenish buildings like those facing downtown waterfront. They are embarrassingly hideous, and the worst part it is, they will be there for a really long time.

http://z.hubpages.com/u/321416_f520.jpg
http://www.ellidavis.net/account/5c6...es/27815_5.jpg