City
Queen West Fire: The Cleanup and Support
blogTO reader and photographer Hamish Grant sent us some incredible photographs of the ongoing cleanup efforts in the aftermath of the devastating fire that destroyed much of the historic block in Queen West.
Many have lost their homes and their jobs, and without insurance, are facing serious difficulties. Early estimates put the damages at $10-million, but much of what was lost can't be assigned a dollar figure. Financial donations in support of the victims addressed to the "Queen Street Fire Fund" are being accepted at all Scotiabank branches in Toronto.
Trinity-Spadina councilor Adam Vaughn is appealing to all residents, employees, business or property owners who were affected by the fire to let the city know how they have been coping, and if they have any immediate needs.
Investigators are also appealing to anyone that has eye-witness accounts, including any photos or video that may help them determine the nature and location of the cause or source of the fire.
To view these (and more photos taken by Hamish) larger, view his fullscreen slideshow.
Photography by Hamish Grant.
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Crazy conspiracies that the fire was an attempt to get around the recent heritage site declaration.
Except they don't realize that the declaration disallows developers from putting up condos or home depots even if the existing buildings were burnt to the ground. Any buildings that get built in its place must maintain the "social and architectural heritage of the area.
We won't see condos and we won't see a Home Depot expansion. I wouldn't be surprised in a years time to see Dukes back at the same location.
Show some respect for the people who lost their homes and belongings.
We can restore the area with newer buildings that simulate that heritage, but they will not have the history that comes with the ones that were lost.
Warts and all
We shouldn't rebuild everything, but it makes more sense in this context than putting up a glass wall, or something with only vague references to the heritage buildings. It's about rebuilding down to the style/colour of brick, window placements and everything.
Most of that is less than 100 years old.
And no, I don't think condo developers started the fire, but are dancing with glee at the thought of all that open land.
..^^^ Those people should be careful what they wish for !! Good photos btw, you've convinced me to pay my respects in person.
And I'll admit, those apartments are unlikely to look like they did before. Now that the buildings won't be firetraps, the rent is almost certainly going to increase. Perhaps a few existing renters will be grandfathered in, but I think they'll try to squeeze in a few more units than were there prior and will probably be out of the price range for the people living there before.
The facades will slightly resemble that of the building dukes was in. Perhaps with an angled roof though. They'll keep things more consistant than they were before. Perhaps changing the brick colour and the height of some of the buildings.
Posted by: Ryan L.
-Yes, no need to ask any more questions, Ryan L has assured us that he knows exactly what will replace these buildings. Ryan L., pleasse explain to me how demanding answers is disrespectful. Also, Ryna, I had mentioned earlier that some of these people were refused insurance because they were told their buildings were "firetraps". You just said, whatever buildings they do build there, most likely won't be firetraps. so, do you now agree that the buildings that were there before were firetraps, and if they were, why were people allowed to live or build a business there?
If you think for one moment, they are going to build anyhting that the people who were ther ebefore will eb able to afford, I have some land in New Orleans I'd love to sell you.
rebuild structures have no soul.
markus