Renew Hamilton Field Trip

Just got back from an informal, half day architectural walking tour of Roncesvalles Village steps east of High Park in Toronto.  I was invited by Bill Humber, a member of our Renew Hamilton Project team.  Bill is the Director of the Office of Eco Seneca Initatives at Seneca College and one of three principal founders of the Regeneration Institute for the Great Lakes.  Others along for the tour included architect Allan Killin (a village resident and keen conservationist) and Seneca College professor Brian Killin (our tour photographer).

I lived in Roncesvalles Village 20 years ago — loved it then, love it more now.  Three standout impressions from today’s tour: refurbished streetcar lines and stops, restored storefront facades facing wide sideways, and replenshished curbside planters and trees.  Great examples of mixed used buildings (thriving retail topped by fully occupied apartment units).  Adjacent residential streets are lined with cherished homes served by a network of “come explore me” alleyways. Samples of similar walkable neighbourhoods exist throughout Hamilton too – think James Street North, for example.

CLICK HERE for Video Tour of Roncesvalles Village