Oct 31, 2010

Eglinton Subway Station

The Eglinton Subway Station is on the Yonge-University Spadina Line of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). It was opened March 1954 to the public and is situated at the corner(s) of Eglinton Avenue and Yonge Street.

It’s a fairly large station serving about 75,000 people daily and it’s also used as a switch over station for employees coming on and off duty so there are periodic delays here as well. 

There are plenty of places in and around the Eglinton Subway station to shop making it an excellent stop off to find last minute items on your way home from work.  From a bottle of wine for dinner, to food items you missed while shopping last week(24 hr Metro).  How about picking up a cheap movie or a book to read tonight or sexy lingerie for a special date? La Senza is located in the Eglinton Square located on the northwest corner as well as several other popular clothing stores for the trendier shopper.   There are several places to eat and drink, which makes Eglinton Square a plus for daters with a 9-theatre SilverCity movie house, a comedy club, food choices from casual to classy like the “Mandarin”, Boston Pizza, the Pickel Barrel, Olive Garden, Chef of India and the Duke of Kent Pub.  The classier Coquine, Zucca or Quince is great for good food and a chance to have quiet conversation.

If you want to get active, the Eglinton park is a couple block west, open in 1926, its got it all! I used to love skating there when I was young with friends, and the rink is still there, plus indoor /outdoor swimming pools and sports fields and playing areas for the kids.

Ever been at Eglinton station and wondered what ever happened to the bus terminals that were once in use?  I mean the terminals are still there but buses no longer run in and out of there.  After some research, it appears the problem isn’t on the surface of the bus bays, it’s what goes on underneath them! 

Serious problems.  The ceiling is suffering from major decay thereby making it a safety hazard.  Ceiling leaks when it rains, and chunks of cement are found on the floor of the terminal underneath.  Therefore it has been closed since 2003.  So that answers that, so what’s next? I don’t know yet, but I will follow it someday. Meanwhile, Eglinton and Yonge operate sufficiently as is, so maybe it’s just as well.

By the way, anyone suffering hangovers after Halloween parties this weekend?
You can always take aspirins and sleep it off or you can try a more healthy approach  (I bet most know this stuff, I thought I'd post it for those who may be suffering) 



  • Replace the nutrients your body lost with the alcohol with water, coffee won’t do as it will dehydrate much like the alcohol.  Water, fruit juices, sports drinks.
  • Your body lost electrolytes, so eat bananas, cantaloupes and try to avoid too much sugar as it also dehydrates. 
  • Carrot juice will help in restoring your livers health as well. 
  • Small doses of alcohol can be beneficial providing that you can limit to that, otherwise its best not to drink at all. There are plenty of mock drinks that taste just as good.

So get out and have fun whatever fun means to you and get home safely after a night on the town, riding the rails instead of driving!

Oct 28, 2010

Wellesley Subway Station

The Wellesley Subway Station is on the Yonge-University Spadina Line of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). It was opened March 1954 to the public and is situated at the corner(s) of College/Carlton and Yonge Streets.  Today it only sees about 25,000 people a daily, but its also right in the heart of downtown Toronto so it’s a low traffic station to detour off of Yonge if you’re in a rush.  Also keeping in mind that Wellesley like all TTC Stations have a DWA which is a designated Waiting area.  These are great for big cities on the subway lines where very few insatiable characters may have questionable motives, it’s a major safety plus for all of us.  DWA are areas on the subway platforms where you can stand waiting for your train, in a brightly lit area, telephone nearby, closed circuit television camera, intercom, and a bench!  What more could you ask for?  Big brother is watching you after all, but in a big city, we could all use a big brother.

DWA
Body Piercing shops

On street level Wellesley has plenty of body piercing and highly talented tattoo artists.  I came real close to getting a tattoo the other night, to cover a mark on my arm but chickened out! It seems like every other little restaurant we saw were sushi and coffee shops.  I for one can’t think of any more reasons why not to come to Wellesley and Yonge!  

One final note, just in time for the Halloween Season from 3:00 in the afternoon October 31st until 3:00 am Monday November 1st, Wellesley Street will close between Jarvis and Yonge for the Church-Wellesley BIA Halloween Party!!

Happy Halloween!

College Subway Station

College Subway Station - Interior
The College Subway Station is on the Yonge-University Spadina Line of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). It was opened March 1954 to the public and is situated at the corner(s) of College/Carlton and Yonge Streets.  Along both sides of the tracks, you'll notice wall murals of the Toronto Maple Leafs going Northbound and The Montreal Canadiens (long time rivals) on the Southbound side.  Some of the pictures are really quite funny to look at, and we had a good laugh! You'll notice exiting the platform a sign to "Maple Leaf Gardens still exists.   Although the "Gardens" have been dormant since 2001, marking a 67 year tradition, there has been several years of negotiations and arbitrations which has resulted in the decision whereas by 2011, the building will serve as a Loblaws superstore as well as an athletic facility to be shared with nearby Ryerson University students.  
The Ticket!


In its day the Gardens had season ticket holders for loyal Toronto Maple Leaf fans and as I recalled ascending an escalator ride to the nosebleed section, it was still a thrill to be there!  During Harold Ballards rein between 1972 and 1988, his son promoted the Gardens as an Entertainment venue and I still remember seeing Rush March 8, 1988! Other great acts were Elvis (1972), Abba, Van Halen, Aerosmith, the Who and the Stones.  


On street level from the College Subway, you will find College Park, which is an historical building that now houses residences of the elite, government offices, and a main concourse with permanent tenants as Winners, Metro and Deboers Furniture.  College Park was built in 6 months at a cost of 1.5 million dollars, owned by Timothy Eaton in 1928.  Due to its historical value, the building is now protected under the Ontario Heritage Act (see my Rosedale link).  Just being at College and Yonge you can't help but get caught up in the excitement of the busy pubs, shops, restaurants and entertainment venues along the Yonge strip!
College Park

This is how we compromise heritage with progress.   

Oct 25, 2010

Finch Subway Station

Inside Finch Subway
The Finch Subway station is on the Yonge-University Spadina Line of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). It opened March 1974 to the public. It is located at the corners of Yonge and Finch in North York. I grew up in North York and remained here for most of my life and in that time, things had changed dramatically since yester years. Although I grudgingly accepted the change at first due to the fact it was tampering with my childhood memories, I must admit every time I see the section from Sheppard to Finch on Yonge Street, I am awestruck with its beauty.

Thanks to the vision of our past Mayor, Mel Lastman, we saw first the Ford Centre for the Performing Arts , the North York Civic Centre (Mel Lastman Square) and of course the Sheppard Subway line which travels east from Don Mills Station to Sheppard / Yonge. The Finch subway is an extremely busy station as it is also a gateway to Brampton, York Region as well as a GO Station terminal. As the busiest station on the system as far as bus routes go, it serves over 95,000 people a day.
Yonge and Finch

The luxurious and corporate feel surround both the interior and exterior of the Finch station.On the lower level is the North American Building. The Xerox Tower is also near by.  Gorgeous condominiums loom the skyscape and plenty of karaoke night clubs and pubs along the Yonge strip. A 24 hour Shoppers Drug Mart in sight and what more could a girl ask for? A great place to work and live; accessible and professional.


North American Building

Oct 24, 2010

Rosedale Subway Station

The Rosedale Subway station is on the Yonge-University Spadina Line of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). It opened March 30, 1954 to the public and is an open concept station. It was designated as a "Heritage Property", under the Ontario Heritage Act which passed in 1990. This basically means that no alterations or demolitions can done to the station or surrounding area without first applying to the City of Toronto for a permit. The station has undergone some structural improvements due to the exposure of the outside elements but has remained within proper limits as to maintain its historical integrity.

Rosedale is the wealthiest neighbourhood in Toronto and was once an estate owned by an outgoing entrepreneur named William Bostford Jarvis who lived until 1864. He also founded Yorkville with Joseph Bloor who was a land speculator. Bloor Street was named after Joseph Bloor. The station has very low volume of passengers, which is surprising considering how close it is to downtown Toronto. With my camera in tow with plenty of storage space I was ready to take plenty of pictures of the surrounding parkland and ravines. The homes and property as you can imagine, in the neighbourhood, are spectacular.

We arrived too late in the day as we came to look at accessories for our costumes, so due to night falling quickly, my pictures were limiting. I met up with an artist, who had a studio upstairs from the costumer and bought a print from her that I found inspiring. Here's what it looks like. I'll have to take a trip back to Rosedale someday before the leaves are gone just to enjoy the Fall colors.

Oct 23, 2010

Spadina Subway Station


The Spadina Subway Station is on the Yonge-University-Spadina Line and Bloor-Danforth Lines of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). The station is located near Bloor and Spadina Avenues. The Bloor Avenue (at Spadina) entrance has been open to the public since 1966, and the Spadina entrance (at Kendal) has been opened since 1978.

Much like the St. Clair Avenue West subway station, Spadina has a streetcar (#510) which runs through an underground tunnel that channels mid line on Spadina Avenue and brings passengers right onto a platform into the station.
On the street level, Spadina exits into what is known in Toronto as “the Annex”. As well as long term residents (average income of over $65,000) the Annex is home to many frat houses for university students as well as homes to the university faculty.
This busy corner comprises of The University of Toronto Schools, the Trinity-St. Paul United Church and the Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre. Toronto is highly recognized for its multi-racial multi-cultural and all multi-religious character. This is what makes us so unique. Every segment of the city offers an abundance of food choices, musical venues, art and entertainment for everyone. It’s like visiting a little part of the world in every piece of the city.
We went to look for an memory card for my camera since I take so many photographs; I needed a card that would allow me to take more pictures. Not surprisingly, the Spadina/College area has long been a favourite to find bargains on all your computer needs. The street is basically known as the “Computer Strip” as there are over 20 stores virtually side-by-side from Spadina and College, all competing for your business, all offering discounts, computers, cameras, peripherals and technical support. If you need some time, take all the time you need. Open 7 days a week.   


By the way, I got a 2GB card for $9 and had a buffet dinner for $10. A hop, skip and a jump and I’m back at Spadina subway with a full stomach and a full camera!

Oct 21, 2010

Kennedy Subway Station

The Kennedy Subway Station is on the Bloor / Danforth and Scarborough RT Lines of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). On the street level it is situated on the South east Corner of Kennedy and Eglinton Avenues that opened in 1980. Kennedy station has come a long way since its humble beginnings as the last stop on the Eastbound tracks back in the 80's.
My fiance and I lived just a block away in 1985 in this building and I remember walking from the station home every night at 6:00.  Today Kennedy Station is a 4-level facility operating RT rails on the top level, buses on the ground level, GO Transit and parking lots are below that and the subway platform on the bottom.  Historically, there have been a string of violent crimes that occurred in and around the Kennedy station. In 2003, a 19-year-old was shot several times while waiting for a bus at the Kennedy subway station. Friday April 13, 2007 Nick Brown, 21 succumbed to his death from stab wounds while traveling on the last train out of Kennedy station. Suspect was arrested and charged a week later. Five days later, a 16 year old boy was stabbed twice over music he was listening to. Three men were charged with attempted murder. December 15, 2008, a 16 year old girl stabbed by another girl during an altercation and was rushed to Sunnybrooke. She survived her injuries.  A successful anti-crime campaign initiated by The Toronto Transit Authority, City Council and Law & Police Enforcement has made vigilant efforts to increase public awareness and safety. These have all contributed to the success of the anti-crime campaign that has left the area virtually safe today. The purpose of discussing crime was to demonstrate that even a problem area can be solved through perseverance and dedication to public safety because as of 2010, the City has approved a $100M facelift to expand the station to include the newest Light rail transit cars and by by 2015 Kennedy will be the largest and most complex station in the entire system of the TTC. Now thats quite an achievement that we all can be proud of!

Oct 18, 2010

St. Clair West Subway

The St. Clair Avenue West station is located on the Yonge-University-Spadina line of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and was opened in 1978 to the public. I think by far it's been the most captivating of all the subway stations I've been to so far. It has underground tunnels that streetcars pass through that bring you right into a spacious tiled platform leading you right into the subway station. St. Clair Avenue West station is the first station to have an underground streetcar loop as well as the first station to have a bicycle shelter right on the premises. There is a Loblaws store which runs the entire expanse of the upper level of the station. I have since learned that there has been some sad history here though. On a muggy summer day on August 11, 1995 an inexperienced subway driver was travelling southbound from St. Clair West station and rear ended another subway in front of him causing an impact so great it has been to date the worst subway accident in Canadian history. The impact caused the death of 3 passengers and injured over 35 people. Investigation into the incident determined human error and faulty signal design. It has been labelled as the "Russell Hill subway incident". During a walk through the nearby Nordheimer Ravine located just outside the station, I found this emergency exit, that I later read was the exit used during the accident so many years ago. Since that time, grass has grown, leaves have fallen and snow has drifted over the entrance and it has not been used since. I found it quite eerie that such an emergency exit was built even prior to the incident.

I took some pictures while hiking through the ravine and found some breath taking fall views. I could also see Casa Loma and the Spadina Museum were a short distance away as well.

I am amazed every day how beautiful this City of Toronto is, and how much we miss in a car because things just go by so quickly ;)

Oct 17, 2010

Chester Subway Station

The Chester Subway Station is on the Bloor-Danforth line of The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). It was opened in 1966. I think it’s pretty fair to say that it is without a doubt the most boring station on the system. There are no buses coming in or out of Chester, no street cars or interchanges so it is the least used station. But, boring can have its uses. For example whenever there are problems up ahead, the trains will wait at Chester until all systems are a go.

I got off a Chester station today to meet a friend for lunch at an all you can eat Japanese sushi bar. You can never have enough sushi;) Mariko Japanese Buffet is located just a little walk outside the station. Chester Station is located right off Danforth Avenue and is right in the middle of “Greektown”, so there are plenty of restaurants around, as well as little shops including Toronto’s favourite health food market Mall, “Carrot Common Mall”. Inside the mall they sell gourmet coffee, and plants, books, oils and minerals, unique clothes and of course health food. They have a massage parlour upstairs as well as Yoga facilities.

When my two sons were small, I used to walk down Danforth near Chester station. Just south on Logan is one of the prettiest parks in Toronto, called Withrow Park. The kids and I used to have a ball and spent most of the afternoons there in the summer months playing in the sandboxes, splashing in the wading pool, and playing in the playgrounds. In the winter, we used to take the kids ice skating and tobogganing. It was nostalgic to look at it again now that they've grown ;)

Oct 14, 2010

Queens Park Subway

The Queens Park Subway is located on the Yonge-University-Spadina Line of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). It is located at Queens Park (College and University Avenues). The subway was opened in 1963. I'm afraid that coming here today was a bit of a rushed attempt to get to the street car and I didn't take many pictures. Will have to come back some time to take a look at the Queens Park and the Legislative Assembly of Ontario buildings. Perhaps at the same time as visiting Osgoode Hall!!

This station is also at a key central core of many important Hospitals including Sick Kids Childrens Hospital, Mount Sinai, Princess Margaret, Toronto General and Women's College Hospital here in Toronto. I've known someone who has been treated in each and every one of these hospitals ranging from a son quarantined at Sick Kids with a severe case of chicken pox, a friend operated on at Mount Sinai for complications with colitis, a relative losing a breast to cancer at Princess Margaret, a neighbour operated on after a car accident at Toronto General, and a female friend just looking for advice and someone to listen to her in a non-judgmental environment at the Women's College Hospital. All of these professional services within minutes of each other.

Oct 13, 2010

St. Clair Subway

The St. Clair Subway is located on the Yonge/University-Spadina line of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and was opened to the public in 1954. At that time the World Headquarters of George Weston Food Inc. was located at the corner of St. Clair and Yonge. Today the intersection looks much different as you can see.
Now St. Clair /Yonge subway station intersects with two more subway stations (Warden in the East and St. Clair West (near Bathurst). I plan on visiting those two stations at a later time!! There are many shops and restaurants including an amazing sushi buffet that we ate at for lunch! The St. Clair Subway is within minutes of the Mount Pleasant Cemetary which is located on Mt. Pleasant Rd. It is actually closer to the Davisville subway station, but it was a such a beautiful crisp Fall day, the walk from St. Clair wasn't bad at all. The Cemetary is grounds to the most beautiful collection of trees in North America. There are also plots of famous figures such as Stavros (owner of the Leafs), Timothy Eaton and Sr. Mackenzie King (the longest termed prime minister of Canada). The cemetery is situated in parkland of deciduous trees and elms, willows and maples. We found this tree stump that was hit with lightning!

Another amazing day and I got there the better way! ;)

Oct 12, 2010

Osgoode Subway

Osgoode Subway station is located on the Yonge/University-Spadina line of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and was opened in 1963. It was named Osgoode because of the nearby “Osgoode Hall”. I didn’t have enough time to visit Osgoode Hall today, as there was an impending quest for a Halloween Costume instead. I want to make a point of checking this out though. Bring a camera and do a self paced walk-through. I heard the “Great Library” is something else to see!
So there I was during Thanksgiving Long weekend coming out of Osgoode Subway and finding all kinds of amazing shops to see.
Queen and Spadina is just west along Queen Street and is a popular place for fashion and art and entertainment. Oh did I mention my quest for a Halloween costume? Found it here, including all the accessories that go with it. I plan to post myself in costume on Halloween at a TTC subway stop nearest you!
Osgoode is also within minutes of Toronto City Hall, The Four Season Centre for the Perfoming Arts, and the South African War Museum. You’ll probably notice as well the CityPulse 24 and CTV Head offices on Queen. We checked out the Rex, which has been there forever as a cool jazz spot if you’re into that kind of music. I only really like it with a glass of cold House White, otherwise I’m just there for someone else’s pleasure.
Check out the eclectic shops along Queen Street sometime because there really is something for everyone there ;)

Oct 11, 2010

Sheppard Subway

The Sheppard Station is on the Yonge/University-Spadina line and the Sheppard Subway lines of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). The Sheppard Station was opened in 1974 as part of the Yonge/-University-Spadina line. By 2002, it was reopened to include the Sheppard Subway line. The Sheppard Centre is an indoor mall directly adjacent to the subway through the concourse level. I was tempted to check out a movie at the Odeon Cineplex Theatre, but we decided to do some shopping at Winners instead. For those of us into shoes, there’s a Payless Shoe Stores on the lower level, great for the variety and prices. We stopped and ate in the food court located on the lower level and then went out for a walk to look at an old neighbourhood of mine.
For one whole year of my childhood (that was in 1974) our family, my mom and dad and brother and I lived in a house. It was a simple 3 bedroom, 2 storey, A-framed home. No garage, no fancy fences. The corner house at Doris/Spring Garden Avenues. One of a row of detached homes built in the 1930's. The floors creaked in my room upstairs and I constantly hit my head on the outside corners of in my bedroom because of the slope of the ceiling. But I wouldn't trade any of the lumps I had because it was a great year. We had a dog that year too, but had to give it away when we moved back into an apartment. The entire backyard was huge, and here's a pic of what it once was, and what it is today.
The owners of the house had offered my parents an opportunity to buy the home, but changed their minds once their lawyer had urged them otherwise. Guess they saw the growth potential ;)


Today Sheppard and Yonge is minutes from the North York Civic Centre, The Hummingbird Theatre and Mel Lastman square. Old theatres ("The Willow", I remember going there on Saturday nights with friends) are all torn down and gorgeous shops and boutiques have taken its place, but you know they never are gone from your memory and that is something that revenue can't take away.

Oct 7, 2010

Bayview Subway

The Bayview Subway Station is on the Sheppard Line and was open to the public in 2002. It has an awesome single level design and has an interesting variety of trompe l’oeil drawings on the floors and walls.

Outside the station, there is a look of mid-century architecture with these overhanging roofs and this cool looking building behind it!
I remember when I was a tween I used to have to take the Sheppard Bus from Don Mills along Sheppard to Bayview and get off at this corner (Bayview/Sheppard) to proceed north on Bayview Avenue to get to my school. It was such a long trek in the morning and the subway would have been cool but I was born too early for that! The YMCA still stands on the South/West corner and is directly adjacent to the Subway exits.
Of course the ritzy Bayview Village Shopping Centre is still there. I remember as a kid it was an outdoor mall, like all malls were in the late 60’s. A bakery shop with a giant brass door knob placed on a wooden door that opened into a world of magic. Smells of fresh bread and sweet rolls permeate the air and a wooden clock on the wall softly ticking with the shiny brass pendulum back and forth. Back then K-Mart was the main shopping place for sporting goods, clothes, shoes, stationery. You get the idea. I remember my father coming home one night with a $50 bill in his wallet and told my brother and I to get dressed because we were going to K-Mart to shop! I came home late that night with a new dress and I don’t even remember what my brother got, but it was a great night. Now the shops at Bayview Village are mostly too expensive for me and my family, but that’s okay because it is enjoyed by the average consumer that brings in an income of over $100,000. Sunshine's Restaurant is still there and apparently offers an awesome brunch and salad bar!

Oct 6, 2010

Bloor and Yonge Subway

Yonge and Bloor Subway Station is the Grand daddy Subway and right in the heart of the City of Toronto. It acts as an interchange to where the North to South and East to West points are accessible from one place. The station roots from the Yonge University –Spadina line and the Bloor-Danforth lines of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC).
After visiting Barren "Bessarion" yesterday ;) I thought I would do a very public place today and it was pretty busy as it serves over a half of million people a day. But I still managed to squeeze myself comfortably in and take some pictures around and met lots of friendly people ;) Toronto is still full of friendly people!
Outside there is lots to eat and drink 
Entertainment  (I love like theatre and the Panasonic is cool little nook!)Gentlemen Clubs and quaint pubs

Great shops-H&M/Holt Refrew and others

Anyone who knows me will understand why I posted the picture of this! Apparently it seems I am fascinated with round, shiny and blue things in life! ;)