Two things humans do a lot (besides eating and breathing) are walking and resting, neither of which is encouraged in suburbia. This month, Toronto is having a Walking Festival:
The Toronto Walking Survey conducted in November 2007 showed that 81 per cent of residents walk for recreation or fitness.
But short jaunts of two kilometres or less account for almost one-third of car trips we take.
With so many conveniences along the strip, I know I could walk a bit more.
Montreal goes even further and attaches benches to utility poles throughout the downtown core. Again, the message is clear: The street isn't just a way to get from A to B, but a place to be. ... At a time when the move to the city is gaining momentum, even in Canada, it's time to rethink basic attitudes to urbanity. This doesn't necessarily mean hugely expensive programs and grand projects; it can also include humble measures such as the lowly bench.
The only bench I know of along the strip is in the middle of the National Bank centre parking lot. Nice bench and all, but I don't know if anyone would actually sit on it:
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It's hard to know whether to laugh at the mall owners for constructing such a ridiculous dysfuntional bench or congratulate them for at least TRYING to improve the streetscape along the strip.
It certainly is an odd sight! Imagine plunking yourself down in the middle of a busy parking lot. MAYBE somebody has sat on that bench in the past year, but I doubt it.
There are a few other benches along the strip at bus stops, but nowhere anyone would actually sit unless they were forced to.
Bells Corners boasts both beautiful and bizarre benches.
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=AAjCx__u6MY
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