Another Toronto Doors Open has come and gone .... and what an inspiring event (www.toronto.ca/doorsopen). Organized by Heritage Toronto (www.heritagetoronto.org) and made possible by the buildings and the volunteers...... we must all thank the hundreds of volunteers who gave their energy and time to make this event so wonderful for all of us.

To give you an idea on the range of buildings, this week-end we visited the Bob Rumball Centre for the Deaf pictured above left (www.bobrumball.org). The Bob Rumball Centre for the Deaf is the first comprehensive community centre for the Deaf in the world, with residential programs for the elderly, a preschool program, vocational/day program for adults who are deaf with other challenges and adult education programs.

We went to the Wychwood Barns that started life many many years ago as the barns for streetcars ..... yes we did then and we still have streetcars in Toronto. The barns have been renovated and include the Green barn (www.thestop.org). The Green Barn, a new satellite site of The Stop Community Food Centre, is a 10,000 square foot sustainable food production and education centre that engages people to grow, eat, learn about, celebrate and advocate for healthy, local food.




Then on to a Fire Station. This one was built in 1958. It houses a Ladder Truck , Rescue Pumper. The second floor has office space and fire Prevention. There is a garden in the back that is a must see and contains a memorial to firemen lost in the line of duty.

http://www.toronto.ca/fire/stations/west_command.htm







A private house and studio designed and built by two very creative and talented architects (www.studiojunction.ca). To use the words in the Open Doors brochure ~ the design of this house is generated by an emphasis on the views and activities of the interior courtyards, where all the windows look inwards. The warm rich woods used extensively throughout the house and studio reinforces the idea of interiority. In short! It is an incredibly warm and rich home with kids toys everywhere.




I previously posted a blog about Casa Loma - so well these are the stables of Casa Loma! (www.casaloma.org). The northern part of the Casa Loma Estate, comprising a Stables complex, Potting Shed and Hunting Lodge, was begun in 1905 The Stables complex was the first building erected and accommodated Pellatt's pedigreed horses.

I know; it is a bit tacky and it's not hundreds of years old but it is the only castle we've got so let's celebrate it. And whats more it's story is imbued with romance and drama. Much more exciting than many of the old drafty castles of Europe. It was built by a hugely wealthy entrepreneur Sir Henry Pellat for the wife he adored. Unfortunately he was unable to keep up with the taxes and was forced to sell; shortly after his wife died. Sucked financially dry by the costs of building the castle plus the loss of his electricity monopoly Sir Henry ended his days living in a room of his chauffeur's house.

Coming up next week-end (May 23rd and 24th) is Doors Open Toronto. This is a must see for anyone who loves Toronto. It is the one week-end a year when normally closed buildings are open for us to visit and savour. For information go to www.toronto.ca/doorsopen. Take time to visit one building or visit ten; you will not be disappointed.

Yes this is a mountain goat in the middle of Toronto. And no this is not in the Toronto Zoo. As I have said all along one of the fascinating things about cities is that you will never know what you might find around the next corner. In this goat's case he (I know its a he because no she would allow herself to look like this) is in High Park. A wonderful wildlife park in the middle of Toronto. For some obscure reason High Park has kept animals in paddocks since the 1890's. In addition to Mr Goat you will find bison, llamas, deer and highland cattle. Why? I have no idea. Their purpose? I have no idea. Photo by Pippa Timmings