Category: Arts & Culture
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A Tale of Two Hotels – The Drake (Part 2)
We checked out of the Gladstone, Husband headed to the financial district, and I strolled down Queen Street to the Drake Hotel. I didn’t want to leave the area without getting, at the very least, a cursory look at the Gladstone’s kissing cousin. The building began its life in 1890 as Small’s Hotel, catering to… Read more
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Not Your Folks’ NFB, For Sure
In early elementary school I distinctly remember seeing the National Film Board (NFB) production of Nahanni on one of those days, I’m guessing, when the teacher needed a break from the usual. The black and white images of buddy chasing his dream of striking gold on the Nahanni river in the Northwest Territories stuck with… Read more
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Restoration
One of my favourite summer experiences took place in one of Winnipeg’s roughest neighbourhoods. On a drive around town, I spotted the most amazing mosaic mural under construction in a most unlikely location. I made an illegal left turn into an empty parking lot and jumped out with my camera in hand. I happily snapped… Read more
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These Boots Were Made for Walking
I finally connected to Toronto. I think four key factors shaped the positive outcome. First, I trained in so was car-free and walking everywhere; the weather was unbelievably gorgeous; I stayed with a friend well outside the downtown core; and I almost exclusively walked and took public transport to get around. Read more
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Bon Echo: Natural Inspirations (and Aspirations)
My foothold is tenon’d and mortised in granite/I laugh at what you call dissolution/And I know the amplitude of time. – WALT WHITMAN, 1819-1919, carved on a rock face at Bon Echo Provincial Park, Mazinaw (Massanoga), Ontario I am intrigued by, and not a little envious of, the concept of an artists’ retreat anchored deep… Read more
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Prairie Love
My father’s 80th birthday and a 2,200 kilometre drive brought us to a family reunion in the middle of Canada. We’ve tooted around the province and Winnipeg marks the finale. Another day of relentless blue skies and the city continues to surprise me with its ubiquitous public art, wealth of classic architecture, and intriguing tapestry… Read more
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Parks (By and) For the People
New Ruralism is as applicable as New Urbanism for creating usable, meaningful public spaces and associated public life which suit a variety of purposes for people at varying stages of their life. It is not an ‘and/or’ proposition, but about enrichment for everyone. Read more
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The Secret Life of Houses and Other Buildings
Don’t know why exactly it has taken so many years for me to finally attend the Doors Open Ottawa event. Whatever the reason I suspect it would also explain my lack of participation to date in the glorious Jane’s Walk events, too. Seems the dates never make it onto my calendar and then poof! they… Read more