West Lodge Beautification

What is West Lodge?
Where West Lodge Avenue intersects with the north side of Queen Street West, it terminates into a cul-de-sac that serves as the entrance to the May Robinson Apartments, owned and managed by Toronto Community Housing. West Lodge was the former estate of Walter O'Hara, which was demolished after his passing and eventually constructed into the May Robinson Apartments. As the Toronto Star noted in a 1959 editorial, “it was the first low-rent highrise in the city for the aged, giving more than 400 people of limited means a place to live.” Today this intersection is a popular place for people to loiter, often intimidating seniors who live in the area with their disruptive behaviour. Due to the perceived threat of drug dealers and sex trade workers who frequent the cul-de-sac, there is an ongoing concern for personal safety, especially as night falls. In keeping with the objectives of PLEDC, the West Lodge Beautification Project’s primary goal is to secure the area for residents of the May Robinson Apartments. And secondly to discourage the illegal activities of those loitering in the area, thus providing a sense of security to local residents. However, if this area is transformed, as envisioned, there is the likelihood that criminals will be displaced to another block in the area.

How will it be done?
By working with the stakeholders of the community (residents, community leaders, architects, property and business owners, etc), their contribution to the planning process will give them a sense of ownership and understanding that will lead to support for the project's rationale. The most effective way to encompass as many voices and ideas into the planning process is to have a design charrette. In selecting this method to create a solution for this troubled cul-de-sac, participants are ensured that their voice will be heard in a forum that defuses any confrontational attitudes. Presently, all levels of government are interested in helping with this project and assisting with the funding. Spring 2008 will see the burgeoning of a design charrette with invited members of the community. Upon successful completion of the charrette, we hope that progress would proceed expediently; once funding, plans and permits are finalized.

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