While visiting Toronto this past weekend I came across this makeshift sandy beach located on the mainland where the ferries embark for the Toronto Islands. It looked like some sort of private resort, though upon closer inspection I realized that the amenity was open to the public and people were walking in and out of the area as they pleased.
I asked a passerby about the passive beach (no swimming), and she told me that it had become very popular whenever the sun was shining. Unfortunately, as I stood there a storm was brewing out over the water and the beach was fairly empty due to the approaching clouds.
Believe it or not, the beach was not only open to the public, but the heavy-duty deck chairs were free for the taking. Beach-goers could just grab a chair and head over to sit under one of the pink umbrellas... or a tree. I was also intrigued to find that the parcel of land was located directly next to an old sugar factory - and it looked VERY similar to the General Mills operation down on the Buffalo waterfront. The location of the factory did not deter planners from utilizing prime waterfront property for the benefit of the public.
Talk about a low cost, high impact project. It was great to see.
View image
I asked a passerby about the passive beach (no swimming), and she told me that it had become very popular whenever the sun was shining. Unfortunately, as I stood there a storm was brewing out over the water and the beach was fairly empty due to the approaching clouds.
Believe it or not, the beach was not only open to the public, but the heavy-duty deck chairs were free for the taking. Beach-goers could just grab a chair and head over to sit under one of the pink umbrellas... or a tree. I was also intrigued to find that the parcel of land was located directly next to an old sugar factory - and it looked VERY similar to the General Mills operation down on the Buffalo waterfront. The location of the factory did not deter planners from utilizing prime waterfront property for the benefit of the public.
Talk about a low cost, high impact project. It was great to see.
We're getting there Newell... we're getting there...although I have heard no plans for a white sandy beach (not to be confused with a white Sandy Beach!)