Dundas & Carlaw, Toronto

Concerns from the local community to protect the unique industrial heritage of the Dundas Ave. E. / Carlaw Ave. neighbourhood inspired this interdivisional initiative. The project involved working closely with the community (from 2013 - 2014), and assessing local needs and characteristics to develop a comprehensive action plan, and tangible steps for implementation. A professional jury with an art consultant and community representation was formed to oversee a design competition for a large scale public art feature (‘Brick Obelisk’ by Pierre Poussin, installed in 2020). Urban design improvements include: the installation of a mid-block crosswalk on Carlaw Ave. to improve pedestrian safety; the redesign of several parkette space improvements (with interpretive art and storytelling elements that celebrate the local history); and the development of Heritage Toronto’s first Industrial Heritage Walking Tour.

Urban design aspects of this neighbourhood initiative was led by Sheila (then Urban Designer, City Planning), working closely with parks and planning colleagues, and Schollen and Company Inc. who completed the detailed design of the parks spaces.