Hearing this on the news yesterday intrigued me – a Toronto architect has proposed to the city that the Gardiner Expressway should have a green roof.
This “green roof” is actually a seven kilometre tree-lined park for pedestrians and cyclists to use 
while vehicles continue their commute eight metres underneath.
Les Klein, of Quadrangle Architects, doesn’t believe they should tear down the expressway, but instead develop and “organic” alternative. “[The Gardiner Expressway] is an incredible symbol of change, economic growth, and progress,” Klein told the Toronto Sun. “If you tear it down, it is gone, not to mention the kind of incredible traffic crises it’s going to create.”
Crises, indeed, but Kevin Bechard, director of Environmental Assessments, simply called the idea “interesting”. Their goals, he adds, are among revitalizing and reconnecting the city with its surroundings, all while being sustainable. It seems like Klein’s “Green Ribbon” won’t be making the cut.
Check out the full story here . What are your thoughts?
Image courtesy of torontosun.com
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Discussion Take a look at what is being said about this article.
Henry U., on June 22nd, 2009 says:
this would be a great idea. I live in toronto and would love that sort of walk in the mornings. i never have to be at work til 11am so that would be perfect. it’s not going to happen for sure?
Kelly Parks, on June 22nd, 2009 says:
That would save so much time PLUS I wouldn’t have to take my bike on the TTC.
ShariL, on June 22nd, 2009 says:
Klein definitely has some good ideas, including this.
Tara, on June 24th, 2009 says:
Yes I also read about this, I think this is a great idea. I believe I read somewhere else that Toronto is a front runner in green roofs, coming behind Chicago. They just passed a new green roof by-law this May.
Here’s some info on it in anyone’s interested: http://www.greenbuildingpress.co.uk/article.php?article_id=219
Mark Fraser, on September 9th, 2009 says:
I have setup a petition with the intent to prevent the city from tearing down the purposed portion of the Gardiner Expressway, please follow this link to view and sign this petition.
http://www.PetitionOnline.com/Gardiner/petition.html
Regards
Mark Fraser