Toronto is a city I love, I've lived there more than once. And when I'm not a resident I'm often a visitor. I know the city well but believe I see it better now that I'm not always there. On my frequent visits I spend as much time as I can wandering around, seeing what's different - and it's always different. And I usually have a camera with me. These images were taken mid-May over a couple of cold and rainy days.
Toronto Courthouse and the McMurtry Gardens of Justice
Pillars of Justice by Edwina Sandys
Despite being the middle of May, there was both rain and sleet the morning I took this image, and the streaks of rain are visible.
Osgoode Hall and Old City Hall
Old City Hall Clock Tower
Flowering Crabapple at Osgoode Hall
Some of the Older Places ...
The Rex Hotel, both a hotel and a well-known jazz and blues Bar on Queen Street West, looking somewhat small and surrounded by larger newer buildings.
The Rex Hotel
The Brunswick House - known as The Brunny - was a restored 1876 tavern popular in Toronto for both drinks and music. It closed on March 31 of this year. A building of character but no longer open. Rexall, a pharmacy, will be taking over the space for its flagship store. The building is protected as it has a heritage designation. Rexall will be doing further restoration with plans to open some time next year.
Another Toronto flagship that's closing - Honest Eds on Bloor. A huge place that takes up more than a city block. It's been around forever but the last day for bargain shopping will be December 31st of this year. There is a proposal for the building, along with adjacent buildings called Mirvish Village, to be redeveloped into rental apartments, a permanent public market and retail space that would be divided into small units similar to the the existing storefronts on Bloor Street. If the project goes forward as planned it could be a nice addition to the neighbourhood. But many will miss this icon.
Honest Eds Shopping Emporium
Kensington Market, another popular shopping area that's been around forever. Development keeps pushing up against its boundaries but so far the Market - with a lot of support from the community - has survived.
Market Shopping
Casa Coffee in Kensington
Toronto Streetcar on the Queen Street Viaduct
Streetcars, the Red Rockets, run on many of the main streets in the city and provide a fast and convenient way of getting around. The Queen Street bridge with its famous sign has been well photographed over the years.
The Ismaili Centre
A recent and beautiful addition to Toronto is the Ismaili Centre, built on the same grounds as the Aga Khan Museum, opened on September 12, 2014. The building and it's reflection are both striking and peaceful. It's simply lovely.
Toronto has much to offer. It's a city with many distinct areas, each with its own character. It's an easy city to walk with lots to see just about everywhere. These two days, taking pictures and spending time with friends, was a real treat. I'll be back soon.