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| - I love Toronto but what it lacks in the downtown core is open public spaces. Nathan Phillips Square at City Hall is the closest thing to what we have to a public square.
If you haven't been to NPS, it's a mishmash of characters: fast food vendors, city counselors, tourists, homeless people, and seagulls, to name a few. They all share the space.
In the summer, NPS becomes a popular retreat for those in nearby offices and for those visiting the city for the first time. When the sun gets too hot, many of us with fair complexions retreat underneath the overpass for the shade, while sun-lovers bask in the sun near the reflective pool and Freedom Arches.
I'm super excited about the revitalization program. From what I've seen of the plans, you should see less grey and more green at NPS.
A few things have changed: the Skate Pavilion is nearly completed and the Peace Garden has been dismantled but will be reconstructed elsewhere. But the most beautiful addition has been the Podium Roof Garden. You can walk up the ramp and you'll be transported to a place of serenity. It's a beautifully landscaped area with benches and walkways, and provides a great view of our cityscape.
Being in the centre of our city, special events are held all year round. During the week in the summer, the farmer's market is held on Wednesday which is very popular and spread across the square. There's also Tasty Thursday where you can sample a plethora of ethnic dishes.
The only downside about NPS is the growing avian population. Getting bombed by one of these birds is a regular occurrence, and the aggressive seagulls aren't shy to grab your fries as you leave the Blue Chip Truck.
Other than that, it's a good meeting place and a good place to escape to for an hour or more.
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