mike gohl
mike gohl's projects
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Supported a comment by Eli D on
Engage East Harbour
1 year, 8 months ago
Supported a comment by Paul Y on
Engage East Harbour
1 year, 8 months ago
Paul Y
Agree. Some will be drawn to this development, note that about 1/2 the units will likely be bought by investors. https://storeys.com/toronto-condos-investor-owned/ While this may be great for mortgage lenders, developers and consultants it doesn't guarantee good design or "community building" will be big priorities.
Agree. Some will be drawn to this development, note that about 1/2 the units will likely be bought by investors. https://storeys.com/toronto-condos-investor-owned/ While this may be great for mortgage lenders, developers and consultants it doesn't guarantee good design or "community building" will be big priorities.
Supported a comment by Paul Y on
Engage East Harbour
1 year, 8 months ago
Paul Y
800 comments on Parks? Trees? Culture? Maybe . . . as a way to market this plan. It is not endorsed by our elected representatives or City planning staff. It will go forward as a Ministerial Zoning Order (see staff report - top of pg 2). LINK: https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ph/bgrd/backgroundfile-168262.pdf The province is giving the developer a massive re-zoning and we/the City are left out. The consultants and developer are here short-term. We can take up valuable time asking about public space, affrdble housing, parks, trees and culture however, without the City planning process there are no agreements and no reasons I can see why a developer (partnered with the Premier) would spend on these extras. Cadillac Fairview (owned by the Teachers Pension Fund btw) will maximize profit for share holders regardless of what we add to this list of opinions. We have no power. And yes we have a huge affordability crisis in Toronto but from my experience living here since mid 80's simply building more condos has never resulted in affordability. Public funding (from development charges etc.) and/or development agreements have. Where I live, a family shelter was integrated into a condo because the Councillor and staff worked with the developer and made it a condition for approval. Will this developer funded consulting team figure out how to ensure the developer provides what the City planners and Elected reps would have demanded? Don't think so. Look at who has the power.
800 comments on Parks? Trees? Culture? Maybe . . . as a way to market this plan. It is not endorsed by our elected representatives or City planning staff. It will go forward as a Ministerial Zoning Order (see staff report - top of pg 2). LINK: https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ph/bgrd/backgroundfile-168262.pdf The province is giving the developer a massive re-zoning and we/the City are left out. The consultants and developer are here short-term. We can take up valuable time asking about public space, affrdble housing, parks, trees and culture however, without the City planning process there are no agreements and no reasons I can see why a developer (partnered with the Premier) would spend on these extras. Cadillac Fairview (owned by the Teachers Pension Fund btw) will maximize profit for share holders regardless of what we add to this list of opinions. We have no power. And yes we have a huge affordability crisis in Toronto but from my experience living here since mid 80's simply building more condos has never resulted in affordability. Public funding (from development charges etc.) and/or development agreements have. Where I live, a family shelter was integrated into a condo because the Councillor and staff worked with the developer and made it a condition for approval. Will this developer funded consulting team figure out how to ensure the developer provides what the City planners and Elected reps would have demanded? Don't think so. Look at who has the power.
Commented on Engage East Harbour
1 year, 10 months ago
Let’s celebrate Toronto’s creativity, and build on that. Arts post-pandemic will thrive here.
Commented on Engage East Harbour
1 year, 10 months ago
Public Realm
Commented on Engage East Harbour
1 year, 10 months ago
Generally interested in the project
Supported a comment by Sandra Kiloughby on
Engage East Harbour
1 year, 11 months ago
Sandra Kiloughby
Do what you can to inspire animation on buildings such as lighting displays at night as well as neon lights alongside retail streets, something that will POP out to locals and visitors when looking for a place to explore. A way to bring in life here is to create a visual gateway that people would be drawn to from afar. In the same way that the CN tower lights up, it would be good to see similar activation here and other original and unique ideas to draw people here while walking on the waterfront etc. It be nice to see nightlife options and a culture where people don't commute home straight after work. Bring soul and entertainment back here to Toronto post-covid.
Do what you can to inspire animation on buildings such as lighting displays at night as well as neon lights alongside retail streets, something that will POP out to locals and visitors when looking for a place to explore. A way to bring in life here is to create a visual gateway that people would be drawn to from afar. In the same way that the CN tower lights up, it would be good to see similar activation here and other original and unique ideas to draw people here while walking on the waterfront etc. It be nice to see nightlife options and a culture where people don't commute home straight after work. Bring soul and entertainment back here to Toronto post-covid.
Supported a comment by Sandra Kiloughby on
Engage East Harbour
1 year, 11 months ago
Sandra Kiloughby
also focus on creating streets prioritising people, not for cars. It is time to take car-dependency North American mindset away from Toronto.
also focus on creating streets prioritising people, not for cars. It is time to take car-dependency North American mindset away from Toronto.
Commented on Engage East Harbour
1 year, 11 months ago
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.
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
Please build a picturesque district - One that is saturated by unique and fururist aesthetic and vibrant architecture, arts, Unique lighting (I like idea of Tokyo Japan reference for neon-lit streets), as well as unique events that you wouldn’t find in Toronto. I would like to see unique spots like Themed arcades, funky cafes, Escape rooms, food trucks, comedy clubs, Music venues, DIY art spaces for DIY pop-ups (i.e. Indie bands, indie DJs or smaller cultural pop-ups). I would also like to see a vibrant creative community in East Harbour… I don’t want to see people just in suits and ties, I want to see people wearing Doc Martens and Died hair (i.e. Artists 😁)
For East Harbour to stand-out, there should be an ‘anything goes’ vibe - Where there is spontaneity, edginess and pluralism. I don’t want to see cookie-cutter retail - we could easily go to the eaton centre or various places Downtown - Think of how Retail could be exciting and bold. In various vibrant cities all over the world, there is never one size fits all - East Harbour needs to cater to young people, a group that is often neglected. I would like to see flee-markets, Cultural events and circus arts, live music, art shows, as well as more unique or alternative cultural spaces and galleries. Try to ensure there are a variety of cheap spaces for galleries - I want to see contemporary art 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
Commented on Engage East Harbour
1 year, 11 months ago
I also agree with those comments. Please create something vibrant in the public realm akin to Tokyo. I visited there in 2018 and felt inspired and uplifted to see Neon signs everywhere! Just a square with buildings with no intruiging lighting and seating is just a repetitive Yonge-Dundas square where people tend to avoid. No more fountains! It should be a vibrant PICTURESQUE district.
Commented on Engage East Harbour
1 year, 11 months ago
I agree. No more ugly bland glass towers in East Harbour! I would also like to see lumber, wood, timber and make Canada a known place for this kind of architecture as well as exploring those kinds of materials you suggested!
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
Supported a comment by Gene B on
Engage East Harbour
1 year, 11 months ago
Gene B
I really agree with this person. Pay attention to the architecture. Please no boring glass towers. Use timber (as was previously suggested), use brick, investigate new materials and new technologies to make the space as sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible. Pay attention to who will use the place: it should appeal to a wide range of residents (age groups, family structure, income levels, occupations), which in turn will widen the appeal for visitors. To ensure that artists, small independant businesses, retailers and restaurants have a proeminent place, affordability is going to be key.
I really agree with this person. Pay attention to the architecture. Please no boring glass towers. Use timber (as was previously suggested), use brick, investigate new materials and new technologies to make the space as sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible. Pay attention to who will use the place: it should appeal to a wide range of residents (age groups, family structure, income levels, occupations), which in turn will widen the appeal for visitors. To ensure that artists, small independant businesses, retailers and restaurants have a proeminent place, affordability is going to be key.
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
2 years ago
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.
Commented on Engage East Harbour
2 years ago
Built Form & Sustainability
Commented on Engage East Harbour
2 years ago
How to make Toronto a future leading city for arts/culture industries. There isn't another chance to redeem this, as this is one of Toronto's last parcels of undeveloped land.
Commented on Engage East Harbour
2 years ago
Mix of Uses
Commented on Engage East Harbour
2 years, 1 month ago
Being the size that it is, this is a once in a generation kind of development for Toronto and there is only one shot to make it right. Adequate cultural facilities, entertainment, and year-round amenities and events will contribute to a successful development. Consider East Harbour as part of the 'city of neighbourhoods' identity that Toronto is most proud of. East Harbour should be distinct & should rival popular central business districts across the world and be a central spine for the east-end. Consider hosting an international design competition for buildings (being that once these are built, there is no way to go back and change it so let's aim high, be creative and perhaps a little edgy). the 2150 lakeshore development is inspiring in colour, built form and pedestrian scale.. see design as something of value and something that needs to be strongly considered. I'm trying to fit everything into 250 words here, but world-class cities have an 'it' district where all of the most exciting and groundbreaking industries, nightlife, shopping action happens. In London, you have Oxford street as well as 'shoreditch' which proves how culture can revitalise neighbourhoods and cities..in New York you have Tribeca or soho, in Seoul you have gangnam, in Tokyo you have Shinjuku or shibuya... Toronto will and can benefit from a major cultural district that will bring Toronto off of the national stage to the world stage. I like to dream big, I know.
Commented on Engage East Harbour
2 years, 1 month ago
Built Form & Sustainability
Followed Engage East Harbour
2 years, 1 month ago
Commented on Engage East Harbour
2 years, 1 month ago
Interested in working in this area
It's so true, everything you said. They don't care, they are just here to make a profit and it is likely that all of these comments are going to be ignored how they usually are. And we are the bad guys whose voices are brushed under the table because we "oppose the development". I don't oppose anything, but I am tired of seeing all of these issues about design and culture and affordability being swept under the rug. No developer is able to sit back and say their development has flaws because they realistically are just there in the interim following orders. We're just thinking several boxy blue/green glass towers with an ok spandrel, nothing too out of the box, nothing too progressive.. okay, yep boss, whatever you say... and the trend repeats itself. Canary wharf, Hudson yards, south core they all follow the same principle of being a corporate and soulless lacklustre downtown. What is staggering is that even after designing all of these districts, there is countless criticism that Cadillac Fairview or Adamson never learn from. Multiple articles, videos and comments on websites are proof that people tend to stay away from these kinds of developments. Countless people have asked about arts, quality and forward-thinking design, but nope, the renderings are bland as usual. It's tasteless and we'll just have to sit back and watch the developer go with what they know, resisting the urge to challenge the binary and create a memorable district known by the world.