I went to the North York Central Library yesterday to get transit financing materials for work (Yes, it was quite the day). I must say, I’m amazed at the level of interesting material in the library. Wow, it was like heaven for planning geeks.

The North York Central Library is has the second largest collection of works related to Urban Affairs (the largest is at Metro Hall, but they’ve classified most of their titles as reference materials, ugh.) It’s so large that they’ve dedicated a whole floor to it. There were so many transit-related reports, and I just had to take a look at them. It was totally neat. I was disappointed that there wasn’t any reports on crazy proposals that I don’t know already know about. There was one project that was kind of absurdly intesting. There was a proposal that instead of building the subway along Sheppard Avenue, they would build it along the hydro corridor from nearby Downsview Station to Scarborough Centre. This is such a bad place for a transit corridor. There would so not be any redevelopment interest along that area. Sure it would be cheaper, but definitely not practical.

So yeah, the library is pretty neat, better yet, I find the whole North York Centre area very fascinating. It’s actually interesting to be in this neighbourhood in the daytime, it was definitely a novel experience to see all the office people. This whole area had definite been entirely transformed from 25 years ago, when it was just like every other suburb. But now, it’s completely transformed into a great residential and employment hub. Although Mel Lastman didn’t do so well with the amalgamated Toronto, I can see why he got elected. He was without a doubt a jewel to North York.

Back to North York Centre. They also have a smaller-scale version of Toronto’s PATH system, which I think is totally neat. It really presents this interesting downtown feel without having to treckle downtown. If only the area was oriented a little wider, instead of its current formation along the Yonge corridor. Obviously, zoning provisions makes it very difficult. This would definitely be an ideal place to live, in my opinion; you get the best of both worlds. You get great access downtown, and experience all the culture and excitement, but at the same time, you’re within a short drive to my ethnic necessities: (i.e. Commerce and Pacific), and the affordable suburban lifestyle and consumption (i.e. my Wal-marts, Loblaws, and other cheaper places.) Plus, don’t forget our vicinity to Fairview and Yorkdale.

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Oh yes, today is Budget Day. So today has been about being on standby, so that if additional information is required, were totally pumped to deliver. So far, is been quiet, which is definitely a good sign, and things are going swell. After tomorrow, there will not be hot OPP officers (and their ranger hats) to protect us. It is definitely a fun time to be a PIR.

Also, I’m published on thestar.com’s Voices! Yes, I know, I’m a little too excited. Check it out!