A couple of weeks ago I read an article about the closing of Spin Gallery (by Queen and Dovercourt) and will be taken over by the bar below The Social. These gallery closings have sparked much controversy and debate on this side of the city, especially with the two condo developments, one ironically named Bohemian Embassy. Sadly, there won't be much left that's "bohemian" on this strip as it becomes more upscale. One of these condo developments is also demolishing the building on Abell Street which houses numerous artists' studios. A couple of months ago I noticed a big gap between a couple of buildings near the Gladstone Hotel. What was once there was a car wash station and I remember an event happening there during Nuit Blanche in 2006. Now it's a big void waiting to be filled. I'm curious as to the Mr. Sub, the 24-7 convenience store, and the Country Site will be the subsequent victims? When I heard that these condo developments were happening, I was appalled and I don't even live near that area. The new buildings themselves won't exactly fit in with the characteristics of the street (so I hear) and critics keep throwing around that these developments further gentrify the strip and I couldn't agree more.
The city keeps boasting about its artists and how its important we support them. Well I think it missed the mark when it allowed these developments to happen!! Although the Ontario Municipal Board also played a major role in allowing this to proceed.
But I'm curious what other people think of these recent developments? Do you like what's going on with Queen Street?
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Sadly if you made a list of the things the city says it values and the things that the city actually demonstrates a love for very few things on the lists would match. The city talks alot about the arts, but does little to encourage artists to remain in the city except to stop by and remind them of how important they are as they are loading the moving van.
If you haven't already you should pick up a copy of uTOpia Volume II: The State of the Arts: Living With Culture in Toronto read especially "the Hard Loft" by Karen Hines.
Francophones frequently say that English Canada has no culture of it's own. Until we can create something of cultural significance that is protected and not for sale: they will always have a point.
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