Lakeshore Road was part of the old Highway 2 that was once the main east-west route across southern Ontario. I'm not sure how this island was created between Lakeshore and Old Lakeshore Roads
Nor am I certain when the names became what they are today. I suspect that Lakeshore was 'straightened' at some point. Perhaps in 1917 when became the first concrete road in Ontario as part of the highway between Toronto and Hamilton.
note how the 'Downtown' and 'Burlington' are reversed on each sign??
At one point, way back in the 19th century, there were ships and trains here and the area was a "Junction". All that remains is this Junction House
The streets were also known as Water Street, which is why we have a Water Street Cooker
and Gore Street, which is why we have the Gore Variety
The area is slated for some massive rejuvenation and development
which you can read about in this post from a year ago
It needs the rejuvenation, not so sure about the development....
(was at a heated neighbourhood meeting the other week about the plans)
that's Lakeshore Road above
with a view of Old Lakeshore Road behind the presentation centre, below
there are some townhouses built in the 1970's
and a few waterfront buildings for lease
(if you want to lease a building in a construction zone)
and this vacant lot that has been vacant since long before I moved here 18 years ago.
great view of the lake!
yes, there is a high tower being planned for this site, too, that will block the view of the lake.
it is also a favourite spot for my old friend Chris the Lonely Goose.though, to be honest, I don't think this is actually him; I think he has gone on to meet his mate.
How on earth can a lot like that stay vacant for 18 years? Can you understand town councils? There's always someone who benefits, isn't there? My husband's very cynical about the whole process and I'm starting to agree with him. Many thanks for joining me. :)
ReplyDeletethings can move very, very, slowly where town council decisions are concerned, can't they?!!
DeleteA vacant lot like that should have been built on or at least used as a "temporary" park whilst the town council got its act together. And doesn't the t.c. change from time to time, anyway? I vote for a park, a small park.
ReplyDeleteYeah, well, city council is more interested in development with little regard to residents wishes.
DeleteHello to another Monday Walk participant! Street names hold interesting histories, I agree. I also agree with the comments above about planning / councils and the decisions they take. We have plenty of examples here in Glasgow - commerce rules.
ReplyDeleteAnabel's Travel Blog
yes, commerce certainly rules. I also found a new book on street names in Hamilton - so I can keep on learning the history!
DeleteI hope the goose are not alone :)
ReplyDeletethere is usually at least another one nearby ;)
DeleteYou still have some nice lake views. It will be interesting to see the same area after construction.
ReplyDeleteI prefer the unobstructed view. But yes, I will post the 'after' views if I and blogging are still active.
DeleteI would love to take out a short lease and have an exhibition in that wonderful building with the red awning over the door!
ReplyDeletewhat a wonderful idea! no city can ever have too many art galleries!
DeleteStreet names are very interesting.
ReplyDeletesome may seem boring, but it's always fin to find the story behind them.
DeleteA great variety of street signs here. I like the Junction House sign!
ReplyDeleteit's a cute little building. sadly it's now empty; not sure who owns it or what's to become of it.
DeleteI never new why there was an old and a new Lakeshore Rd out there. Development meetings are the pits!
ReplyDeletethere were certainly tensions. and there's always a wide difference of opinion!
Deletewhat kind of a tower will block that beautiful view?
ReplyDeletethat is still being debated, but it will likely be over 10 storeys
DeleteI've never seen a lonely goose. They are always in massive flocks down here, I'd love to deport a bunch of them back to Canada. Tom The Backroads Traveller
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you would! But we have enough, thank you.
DeleteLooks like there are some nice houses overlooking the lake. Used to live near Lake Michigan. Don't think I would want a house right on the lake. It is often cool and damp there. Looks like Old Lakeshore is ripe for development.
ReplyDeleteYes, it has been in need of some sort of development for a long time. But I rather liked the old town feel of the street, and I don't think 10-20 storey towers is the answer.
DeleteI haven't been down that way in quite awhile. It seems to have been an almost neglected part of the downtown.
ReplyDeleteIt has been overlooked, hasn't it?. There wasn't much to draw anyone there, though I still like going to Emma's - the only place for a drink with a view out over the lake!
DeleteA sweet town worth caring for and about!
ReplyDeleteALOHA from Honolulu,
ComfortSpiral
=^..^=
Thanks. We should care about where we live. Not everybody cares equally, though.
DeleteA lovely place to walk and shoot.
ReplyDeleteMy SIGNS, SIGNS
Thank you for sharing a bit of your neighbourhood with us. I do know it a little as I've geocached (a game played with GPS) in the area last Summer. And yes stunning views of the lake. :)
ReplyDeleteI've never done a geocache, but if you're ever heading this way again, drop me a line (if you want)
DeleteIt's hard to believe that lot has been vacant for so long. If it was Toronto - it would have been built up with thousands of high-rises already!
ReplyDeleteit's probably not for lack of trying. at one point the developer wanted to put in a drive through Tim Hortons!!!
DeleteMaybe Chris the lonely goose can go through many incarnations.
ReplyDelete