Momola issa's projects
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Commented on Engage East Harbour
1 year, 11 months ago
Generally interested in the project
Commented on Engage East Harbour
1 year, 11 months ago
Heck yeah to this dude
Supported a comment by mike gohl on
Engage East Harbour
1 year, 11 months ago
mike gohl
For Project team - Kensington Market does this exceptionally well. It is on the top 5 destinations in Toronto because it has such an indie and non-commercial feel - There are record stores, vintage stores, unique arts spaces and venues, cafes, a variety of multicultural restaurants and street art. East Harbour needs to keep this similar funky and indie spirit and be a bit non-traditional. There would be a unique mix of arty-ness with these unique retail spaces as well as the contrasting entrepreneurial/suits and ties district with the large towers. This creates a district for all and would largely feel a mix of being commercial and unique.
Think about Identity — In 21st century cities, neighbourhoods say a lot about a city and what kind of city we live in. You have a chance to be funky, be arty, give young people a reason to want to create here and be part of this edginess. Your chain stores and cookie-cutter Zara’s and H&M, bix box retailers are repetitive and do not install uniqueness or a way of standing out and attracting people.
For Project team - Kensington Market does this exceptionally well. It is on the top 5 destinations in Toronto because it has such an indie and non-commercial feel - There are record stores, vintage stores, unique arts spaces and venues, cafes, a variety of multicultural restaurants and street art. East Harbour needs to keep this similar funky and indie spirit and be a bit non-traditional. There would be a unique mix of arty-ness with these unique retail spaces as well as the contrasting entrepreneurial/suits and ties district with the large towers. This creates a district for all and would largely feel a mix of being commercial and unique.
Think about Identity — In 21st century cities, neighbourhoods say a lot about a city and what kind of city we live in. You have a chance to be funky, be arty, give young people a reason to want to create here and be part of this edginess. Your chain stores and cookie-cutter Zara’s and H&M, bix box retailers are repetitive and do not install uniqueness or a way of standing out and attracting people.
Commented on Engage East Harbour
1 year, 11 months ago
Heritage is important and this structure was always so striking when driving past it. Sad to see it go, because of greed.
Commented on Engage East Harbour
1 year, 11 months ago
This is going to be a major district where people will live work and travel through. Think of how you can think of East Harbour as a destination worth visiting rather than just an interchange or junction. I can tell you right now that people in my age group (late teens - early 20s) will be bored out of our minds if this is a district that shuts down past midnight. People my age want to take cool photos for instagram at cool art exhibits and cool buildings. Yonge-Dundas square is okay but you guys can do better, aim to make a 'cooler times square' if that is even possible. If East Harbour isn't a cultural destination and is appealing enough, there isn't another site in Toronto that has a chance to really showcase what Toronto's true identity is. I mean for example is incorporating unique restaurants in spaces like buildings with downtown views, or on rooftops even. After this covid bullshit ends (pardon my French) I want a place where I can let myself go, walking around Yonge Street or Bloor west and sitting on a patio can get repetitive...We have so many talented artists, musicians, designers etc. who have left Toronto because they are young artist who cannot afford rents. All of these shiny new condos are replacing all of the amazing arts collectives. Be the district that proves me wrong about staying here.
Commented on Engage East Harbour
1 year, 11 months ago
Public Realm
Commented on Engage East Harbour
1 year, 11 months ago
Generally interested in the project
Supported a comment by Shana Sadler Albo on
Engage East Harbour
1 year, 11 months ago
Shana Sadler Albo
Cultural and art/music activities
Cultural and art/music activities
Supported a comment by Florence Dandry on
Engage East Harbour
1 year, 11 months ago
Florence Dandry
coming from London, Uk and echoing the comments below I would care to see more support for arts. I feel like there aren't enough quirky districts in this city that celebrate and promote the creative community. Everything is too bland and polished. A few art exhibits or murals in a neighbourhood doesn't make a district arty. We need communes and retail spaces carved out for these artists, a place post-pandemic that culturally thrives and is in line with Toronto's nightlife action plan as well as other local cultural initiatives. In my hometown a neighbourhood called Shoreditch and spitalfields does this mix of art/cultural district and business/finance very well. Shoreditch has studio spaces and quirky art spaces but has nearby city of London workers (Our version of financial district) coming to these spaces as well as tourists and locals too. Please tell the project team to also take inspiration from Soho in London. It truly is a fun and dynamic place.
coming from London, Uk and echoing the comments below I would care to see more support for arts. I feel like there aren't enough quirky districts in this city that celebrate and promote the creative community. Everything is too bland and polished. A few art exhibits or murals in a neighbourhood doesn't make a district arty. We need communes and retail spaces carved out for these artists, a place post-pandemic that culturally thrives and is in line with Toronto's nightlife action plan as well as other local cultural initiatives. In my hometown a neighbourhood called Shoreditch and spitalfields does this mix of art/cultural district and business/finance very well. Shoreditch has studio spaces and quirky art spaces but has nearby city of London workers (Our version of financial district) coming to these spaces as well as tourists and locals too. Please tell the project team to also take inspiration from Soho in London. It truly is a fun and dynamic place.
Commented on Engage East Harbour
1 year, 11 months ago
I'd like to see more 'offbeat' shops and eccentricity in East Harbour too.
I'm genuinely so tired and fed up with the cookie-cutter Rexall pharmacies, weed stores and overall dreariness all over Downtown Toronto! Liberty village, City place, Yonge Street...it's all too generic with the same boring chain restaurants and the same soul sucking architecture.
I don't want to see steakhouses and boston pizza's in East Harbour, a truly 'world-class' neighbourhood has a wow-factor where retail and vibes are hip and different.
I'm genuinely so tired and fed up with the cookie-cutter Rexall pharmacies, weed stores and overall dreariness all over Downtown Toronto! Liberty village, City place, Yonge Street...it's all too generic with the same boring chain restaurants and the same soul sucking architecture.
I don't want to see steakhouses and boston pizza's in East Harbour, a truly 'world-class' neighbourhood has a wow-factor where retail and vibes are hip and different.
Supported a comment by Kay Barley on
Engage East Harbour
1 year, 11 months ago
Kay Barley
CF - Please, no more repetitive and bland retail, I don't want to see any excessive McDonalds or chain stores. That does not make a district vibrant or create life past 5pm, try to think outside of the box for retail and showcase how a large commercial district doesn't have to feel all that commercial at all. Be a leader here, where Toronto has more local fashion, culture, restaurants and experiences that make us proud and excited to live here. A way to infuse this spirit is to make commercial rents deeply affordable for creative entrepreneurs.
Also a word on the public realm. Please ensure the central square isn't the only focus. A stage and some seating does not feel exciting or world-class to me. Think of vibrant cities around the world like Times Square, shibuya crossing in Tokyo, Covent Garden or Piccadilly Circus in London, these squares have a POP element with cool lighting where people are attracted to coming at nighttime to see neon lights, vibrant screens and glowing public art. Try to make something signature for Toronto, the kind of thing that is original but imposes a signature mark on our overall urban appeal. Perhaps the alleyway retail streets can have these neon lighting in signage, or string lighting to make them feel warm and appealing to walk around at. I would like to feel inspired to come to East Harbour - Simply a few glass towers and a square is just not enough. Be bold here
CF - Please, no more repetitive and bland retail, I don't want to see any excessive McDonalds or chain stores. That does not make a district vibrant or create life past 5pm, try to think outside of the box for retail and showcase how a large commercial district doesn't have to feel all that commercial at all. Be a leader here, where Toronto has more local fashion, culture, restaurants and experiences that make us proud and excited to live here. A way to infuse this spirit is to make commercial rents deeply affordable for creative entrepreneurs.
Also a word on the public realm. Please ensure the central square isn't the only focus. A stage and some seating does not feel exciting or world-class to me. Think of vibrant cities around the world like Times Square, shibuya crossing in Tokyo, Covent Garden or Piccadilly Circus in London, these squares have a POP element with cool lighting where people are attracted to coming at nighttime to see neon lights, vibrant screens and glowing public art. Try to make something signature for Toronto, the kind of thing that is original but imposes a signature mark on our overall urban appeal. Perhaps the alleyway retail streets can have these neon lighting in signage, or string lighting to make them feel warm and appealing to walk around at. I would like to feel inspired to come to East Harbour - Simply a few glass towers and a square is just not enough. Be bold here
Commented on Engage East Harbour
1 year, 11 months ago
Agreed Jason.
Supported a comment by Jason Paris on
Engage East Harbour
1 year, 11 months ago
Jason Paris
Saving the Unilever building to ground the site to its history. It can be done, despite what CF are trying to argue.
Saving the Unilever building to ground the site to its history. It can be done, despite what CF are trying to argue.
Supported a comment by David V on
Engage East Harbour
1 year, 11 months ago
David V
Yes and be bold with architecture! no more cookie-cutter buildings!
Yes and be bold with architecture! no more cookie-cutter buildings!
Supported a comment by Jess Foran on
Engage East Harbour
1 year, 11 months ago
Jess Foran
I am worried considering Adamson's portfolio that we will see a lot of the same kinds of buildings like we have seen in Canary Wharf and Hudson yards where all of the buildings are glass but slightly different in shape. Please ensure that are international design competitions for the buildings — If all of the buildings are typical what we have seen in the past, and if they all 'blend in' to downtown, it will not speak to the longevity of this site in coming decades. consider design as heritage, something that will speak to future generations and something that is of high importance.
I am worried considering Adamson's portfolio that we will see a lot of the same kinds of buildings like we have seen in Canary Wharf and Hudson yards where all of the buildings are glass but slightly different in shape. Please ensure that are international design competitions for the buildings — If all of the buildings are typical what we have seen in the past, and if they all 'blend in' to downtown, it will not speak to the longevity of this site in coming decades. consider design as heritage, something that will speak to future generations and something that is of high importance.
Supported a comment by David V on
Engage East Harbour
1 year, 11 months ago
David V
How to make this site arts and culture destination rather than just employment. Should come alive at night, as well as day. Year-round events, festivals, night life, music and multi-season events are key to full-year place to experience.
How to make this site arts and culture destination rather than just employment. Should come alive at night, as well as day. Year-round events, festivals, night life, music and multi-season events are key to full-year place to experience.
Supported a comment by B Germain on
Engage East Harbour
1 year, 11 months ago
B Germain
Neighborhood identity
Neighborhood identity
Supported a comment by mike gohl on
Engage East Harbour
1 year, 11 months ago
mike gohl
I would also like to see this district be a world-leader in technology and sustainability. Quayside had that same spirit, the willing to go above and beyond to make a lasting impact for Toronto, but failed due to privacy concerns. East Harbour needs to be innovative and 'harbour' new and future-oriented modes of getting around, technologies and innovative entertainment.
I would also like to see this district be a world-leader in technology and sustainability. Quayside had that same spirit, the willing to go above and beyond to make a lasting impact for Toronto, but failed due to privacy concerns. East Harbour needs to be innovative and 'harbour' new and future-oriented modes of getting around, technologies and innovative entertainment.
Supported a comment by Mark McCarthy on
Engage East Harbour
1 year, 11 months ago
Mark McCarthy
The pedestrian experience. This is a large part of what would make the area pleasant to be in. A functional and human-friendly neighbourhood would benefit from the following: - Ample public seating. - Ground-level retail (including patios where applicable). - Streets that are not solely car-oriented. - Parks/parkettes which can function as a space to rest & meet, not just the tiny unused "privately-owned public space" parks we see outside many new condo constructions. - Waste & recycling bins. - Sidewalks with the space for wheelchairs and for crowds on busy days. - Public restrooms - Bicycle parking
The pedestrian experience. This is a large part of what would make the area pleasant to be in. A functional and human-friendly neighbourhood would benefit from the following: - Ample public seating. - Ground-level retail (including patios where applicable). - Streets that are not solely car-oriented. - Parks/parkettes which can function as a space to rest & meet, not just the tiny unused "privately-owned public space" parks we see outside many new condo constructions. - Waste & recycling bins. - Sidewalks with the space for wheelchairs and for crowds on busy days. - Public restrooms - Bicycle parking
Supported a comment by Emilie Decouer on
Engage East Harbour
1 year, 11 months ago
Emilie Decouer
As an artist, it is important that East Harbour priorities us and gives us opportunities here. Toronto has a chance to reclaim Canadian fashion. Essentially we have to leave in order to find work because fashion isn't something that is supported or even recognised in Canada as arts/culture industry. If retail and shopping is going to be an important part of East Harbour, please consider how local and Canadian designers can be endorsed and set the bar high when it comes to lifting up Toronto's art scene and cultural industries.
As an artist, it is important that East Harbour priorities us and gives us opportunities here. Toronto has a chance to reclaim Canadian fashion. Essentially we have to leave in order to find work because fashion isn't something that is supported or even recognised in Canada as arts/culture industry. If retail and shopping is going to be an important part of East Harbour, please consider how local and Canadian designers can be endorsed and set the bar high when it comes to lifting up Toronto's art scene and cultural industries.
Supported a comment by Vera Kreuz on
Engage East Harbour
1 year, 11 months ago
Vera Kreuz
Ensure there are new Shopping options that current retail streets do not offer. Think of this site as a mix, but there needs to be a uniqueness so that East Harbour isn't just a Yorkville 2.0 (think Kensington Market eclectics with vintage clothing, unique boutiques and culture). Harajuku in Tokyo is a good example because it caters to youth and is funky and unique. East Harbour should have an identity outside of what we are used to in most Toronto retail streets. It should appeal to all ages, not just a bland and repetitive Eaton centre style shopping district. East Harbour should showcase unique locally owned boutiques and create a culture where people will want to shop in places where they know and are proud of the fact it is one of a kind.
Ensure there are new Shopping options that current retail streets do not offer. Think of this site as a mix, but there needs to be a uniqueness so that East Harbour isn't just a Yorkville 2.0 (think Kensington Market eclectics with vintage clothing, unique boutiques and culture). Harajuku in Tokyo is a good example because it caters to youth and is funky and unique. East Harbour should have an identity outside of what we are used to in most Toronto retail streets. It should appeal to all ages, not just a bland and repetitive Eaton centre style shopping district. East Harbour should showcase unique locally owned boutiques and create a culture where people will want to shop in places where they know and are proud of the fact it is one of a kind.
Supported a comment by Jason Self on
Engage East Harbour
1 year, 11 months ago
Jason Self
Ensure the built form respects the vernacular of the immediate area. Don't build generic condos with glass spandral, instead use brick and other 'home' elements. The public realm is key as is a zero carbon footprint
Ensure the built form respects the vernacular of the immediate area. Don't build generic condos with glass spandral, instead use brick and other 'home' elements. The public realm is key as is a zero carbon footprint
Commented on Engage East Harbour
1 year, 11 months ago
How to focus on culture, entertainment and 'eye-candy' design and built form as a way of building city identity and enhancing liveability.
Commented on Engage East Harbour
1 year, 11 months ago
Community Services & Facilities
Followed Engage East Harbour
1 year, 11 months ago
Commented on Engage East Harbour
1 year, 11 months ago
Interested in living here