Blair Scorgie Profile Banner
Blair Scorgie Profile
Blair Scorgie

@BlairScorgie

2,812
Followers
1,584
Following
373
Media
8,732
Statuses

Husband, Father, Registered Professional Planner, Urban Designer, Business Developer, Adjunct Professor, Author, Advocate and Torontonian. Views are my own.

Toronto, Ontario
Joined February 2013
Don't wanna be here? Send us removal request.
@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
3 years
We live in a city where 19th century workers housing has become 21st century luxury housing. That is screwed up.
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
5 months
This is my kind of urbanism.
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
1 year
Are you kidding me?
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
2 months
Toronto, where we require a 4.8m wide pedestrian clearway for new development only to stick a cable in the centre of it. #TOpoli
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
6 months
Hey, @cityoftoronto , get your shit together on this. Seriously. What are you doing.
@ericklaver
Eric H Klaver
6 months
A wee 🧵. This was my commute, erm… walk home last night. 12 minutes sped up to a little over two minutes. Between Peter and King there were 14 streetcars stuck for nothing other than traffic congestion. This is not unusual lately and absolutely ridiculous.
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
2 years
This is a disgusting display of authority by the @cityoftoronto . Irrespective of the rationale, whether it be compliance with technical standards, or permit status, a degree of flexibility and compassion is warranted. #TOpoli Cc: @PaulaFletcherTO @LeslievilleBIA
@JohnPasalis
John Pasalis
2 years
My neighbours spent $20K to install a covered patio so their restaurant could operate during COVID Now the @cityoftoronto is making them remove it The City has nothing better to do than to kick small business owners while they’re still down @PaulaFletcherTO @LeslievilleBIA
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
8 months
The joke is on you, @CityofLdnOnt , I don't need to drive anywhere and I live five minutes from work.
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
2 years
Margaret Atwood vs. an entire generation of housing advocates is the Snow Day 2022 content I am here for.
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
8 months
Despite all odds, my mother appears to have beaten stage three pancreatic cancer. I am lost for words. Eternally grateful.
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
5 months
Those who criticize @oliviachow for her response to the Ontario Place redevelopment and Ontario Science Centre relocation do not understand the boundaries of municipal jurisdiction. She has given nothing. The matter will be resolved by the courts.
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
3 years
Today marks the end of natural gas heating and hot water generation in my home. In a few months, I will replace my existing natural gas stove with an induction system, rip out my natural gas line, and declare the end of fossil fuel reliance in my home. I am excited beyond words.
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
5 months
This cafe operates out of a laneway in Little Italy. Don't tell me it can't be done, @cityoftoronto and @CityPlanTO . #topoli
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
2 years
Out of curiosity, is anyone else simply "not alright" at the moment? No explanation necessary. Just trying to determine where I land in the broader context of the emotional spectrum of my Twitter community.
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
3 months
@DianneSaxe @cityoftoronto This study does not factor in housing costs, which is a significant part of the problem in Toronto.
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
1 month
The revised master plan for Villiers Island incorporates the roadway design standards and tower separation distances of an outer GTA municipality while benefitting from the location, services, infrastructure and amenities of inner-city Toronto. #TOpoli
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
8 months
It's time to kill the angular plane.
@CityPlanTO
CityPlanTO
8 months
Have your say: The #CityOfTO is updating Mid-Rise rear transition performance standards (how these buildings transition to adjoining areas). Join a public consultation meeting on Sept 20, 10:30am-12pm OR 7-8:30pm. Register at:
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
10 months
I have spent the last two days testifying at the Ontario Land Tribunal in favour of a 24-storey residential building, adjacent to the Port Credit GO station, which protects for 25m tower separation distances. If not here, where?
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
4 years
@RepBrianHiggins On behalf of all Canadians, we're good for the moment. Thanks, but no thanks.
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
5 months
This publisher operates out of a laneway at the University of Toronto's St. George Campus. Don't tell me it can't be done, @cityoftoronto and @CityPlanTO . #topoli
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
2 years
During tonight's update on @CityPlanTO 's EHON Study, a resident expressed concern that 4 storey buildings would cast shadows that could cause Multiple Sclerosis in children. @GraigUens was put in the ridiculous position of having to educate them, like the rockstar he is. #TOpoli
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
2 years
Introducing Elliott Harlan Scorgie. Born on June 29th at St. Michael's Hospital. Weighing in at 8 pounds 11 ounces. Mom and baby are doing well.
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
5 months
If cultural heritage preservation is so important, the people of Cabbagetown should be required to grow cabbage in their front yards.
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
4 months
The average household will pay an additional $350 per year under the @cityoftoronto 's proposed property tax increase. It is necessary, after 13 years of austerity budgets. If people don't like it, they can sell their homes for what likely amounts to significant gains, and leave.
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
3 years
I wish I lived in Parkdale, so I could vote for @PaulTaylorTO . It is refreshing, for a change, to be inspired by political candidates.
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
2 years
For those who were unable to attend today's @ULIToronto panel discussion, I want you to know that the Ontario Building Code's requirement for two points of egress is one of the most significant barriers to low to mid-rise multi-unit residential developments in Ontario. #onpoli
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
3 years
Urban Planning: The cause of, and solution to, all of life's problems.
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
2 years
Well, it's - 19 Celsius in Toronto and my heat pump is still working effectively!
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
1 year
May 10, 2023 will be remembered as the day the "Yellowbelt" died.
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
3 months
Now I become death, destroyer of angular planes and parking minimums.
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
2 years
I am pleased to announce that I have accepted a Partner position with @SajeckiPlanning . This is the latest in a series of milestones for a company that was founded only 4 years ago and now employs a team of 15 young, diverse, energetic and passionate planners and designers.
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
5 months
This art gallery and studio operates out of a laneway in Leslieville. Don't tell me it can't be done, @cityoftoronto and @CityPlanTO . #topoli
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
5 months
It is time for the @cityoftoronto and @CityPlanTO to embrace the concept of mixed-use laneways. #toploli
@soca_arch
SOCA
5 months
If Toronto zoning allows laneway housing, then why not cafés, barber shops, and more? How can commercial uses in neighbourhoods support cultural vibrancy & affordability? We asked these questions as part of our Venice Biennale exhibition exploring gentle density beyond housing.
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
6 months
@MoreTransitSO Light metro wasn't studied in favour of gondola and monorail? Pretty ridiculous.
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
1 year
Toronto is over four times larger than Vancouver, and it is growing and intensifying more rapidly than virtually any other city in North America. We are working to address mounting housing and environmental crises. Shadow impacts are the least of our worries.
@iamkennethchan
Kenneth Chan
1 year
So many tower proposals in downtown Toronto, including those well over 200 metres... These are all taller than Metro Vancouver's current tallest of Shangri-La in downtown Vancouver. And these aren't even the ones under construction right now. Just casually walked by them. 1/4
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
5 months
This grocery store operates out of a laneway in The Annex. Don't tell me it can't be done, @cityoftoronto and @CityPlanTO . #topoli
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
5 months
This coffee roaster and cafe operates out of a laneway in Leslieville. Don't tell me it can't be done, @cityoftoronto and @CityPlanTO . #topoli
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
5 months
I am building a full-blown coalition of like-minded city builders to tackle the issues, challenges and opportunities associated with mixed use laneways from all perspectives.
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
4 years
Some personal news. My daughter, Adeline Lillian Scorgie, was born on December 28th, 2019 at St. Michael's Hospital in downtown Toronto. Everyone is happy and healthy. Now, here is an adorable video of her hiccuping.
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
3 years
Pleased to announce that I have accepted the position of Course Director with York University's ( @yorkuniversity ) Department of Social Sciences ( @YorkU_SOSC ). During the Winter 2022 Semester, I will be leading the instruction of SOSC 3718 - Introduction to Urban Design.
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
1 month
How does this factor into your shadow study?
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
5 months
This cafe operates out of a laneway in Leslieville. Don't tell me it can't be done, @cityoftoronto and @CityPlanTO . #topoli
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
5 months
This hotel, restaurant and bar operates out of a laneway in The Annex. Don't tell me it can't be done, @cityoftoronto and @CityPlanTO . #topoli
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
5 months
Who is this brilliant fellow, and what does he want with our laneways? #TOpoli
@blogTO
blogTO
5 months
Someone is documenting all the fun businesses operating out of Toronto laneways😄 #Toronto
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
3 years
BREAKING: Missing Middle is not Mid-Rise, sources confirm.
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
2 years
@g_meslin I just keep thinking about poor @Cmdr_Hadfield innocently snapping this photo, and being completely unaware of the fact that he was about to be pulled into the deep dark world of Toronto housing twitter.
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
11 months
Mixed use laneway transformation in progress. Queen and Carlaw.
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
3 years
My statement regarding the recommendation for the inclusion of 54 properties, along the length of Queen Street East in Leslieville, on the City of Toronto's Heritage Register. @CityPlanTO @PaulaFletcherTO @LeslievilleBIA @LeslievilleRA @GraphicMatt #topoli
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
1 month
If the @cityoftoronto were ever to embrace the idea of creating a district for experimental architecture, the Port Lands would be the logical place to do so. #TOpoli
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
2 years
Legalize it. #TOpoli
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
2 years
Preliminary estimates indicate that after installing my heat pump and hybrid-electric hot water tank, terminating my rental agreement with Enercare, and limiting my natural gas use to cooking, I am using approx. 5m3 per month, down from 520m3 this time last year. Last bill = $8.
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
1 month
Don't get me wrong, this is an improvement over the previous plan and I appreciate the work that has gone into it. But answer me this: Why do we need 40 metre municipal right-of-way widths and tower separation distances in excess of 30, 40, even 50 metres?
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
7 months
It's time for the @cityoftoronto and @CityPlanTO to embrace the concept of mixed-use laneways. This should be reflected in the ongoing EHON Study, and I'm going to be speaking with them about it shortly.
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
1 year
Oh my god. Is this actually happening?
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
3 years
Out of curiosity, who else thinks of "The Suburbs" by Arcade Fire as the unofficial album of the Planning Profession?
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
5 months
This newly constructed laneway in Queen West hosts a number of businesses including a furniture store, interior designer, bakery, physiotherapist, mortgage broker, rentable office space, and grocery store. It can be done! #TOpoli
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
8 months
Now do Ontario Place.
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
3 years
To clarify for those who are wondering, I am referring to Toronto. However, the comment could also apply to _______________ (insert name of virtually any major city throughout North America here).
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
7 days
Why is the @cityoftoronto so hell bent on capping the number of units in mid-rise buildings on Major Streets? What does this accomplish, and how does it help achieve study- based and broader city building objectives? #TOpoli
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
5 months
This brewery operates out of a laneway in Riverside. Don't tell me it can't be done, @cityoftoronto and @CityPlanTO . #topoli
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
5 months
Greetings, to the three hundred followers I have gained this week. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I trust you are interested in laneways. Rest assured, you have come to the right place.
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
1 year
Can we kill the Gardiner now? #TOpoli
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
5 months
The latest by @JohnLorinc and the @globeandmail on the case for opening up the @cityoftoronto 's laneway network to non-residential uses. Featuring @nadgalati , @GraigUens and me. I challenge @CityPlanTO to consider our proposal and re-imagine our laneways.
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
1 year
Far too many of you are running to be the next Mayor of Toronto. I respectfully suggest that you self-organize by political ideology, meet with your respective counterparts to determine campaign priorities, and collectively agree / vote internally on a preferred candidate.
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
5 months
This recently renovated building, which wraps the corner of Carlaw Avenue and a private laneway north of Queen Street East, is set to host a new retail use with dual frontage and adequate space for an outdoor patio. #TOpoli
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
2 years
From an Urban Design perspective, the patio structure served as the perfect remedy for this previously underutilized and under-valued corner condition. Leslieville is littered with similar examples of remnant and forgotten spaces. We need to solutions, not barriers.
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
1 month
Furthermore, how do 40 metre right-of-way widths translate into a comfortable and human-scale environment? And how many additional market-rate and affordable housing units are being sacrificed to accommodate for what I can only describe as luxurious unimpeded private vistas?
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
5 months
This ping pong club operates out of a laneway in the Fashion District. It can be done, @cityoftoronto and @CityPlanTO . #topoli
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
4 years
Personal news. I am going to be a father in January. I am excited, to say the least. I cannot wait to meet and know this person.
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
2 years
The provincial government needs to introduce legislation to allow for small-scale land stratification to occur at the neighbourhood scale. The Condominium Act is unnecessarily complex for the purposes of permitting shared ownership of a fourplex or sixplex. #onpoli #topoli
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
22 days
I am disappointed by Committee of Adjustment's refusal of the proposed development at 91 Barton Avenue. @GraigUens 's rationale is sound. @craigitect 's design approach is on-point. The application meets the four test of a minor variance, and should be approved - full stop. #TOpoli
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
5 months
This sushi restaurant operates out of a laneway in Dufferin Grove. Don't tell me it can't be done, @cityoftoronto and @CityPlanTO . #topoli
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
2 months
I'm about to go full Jane Jacobs on mixed-use laneways. Don't believe me? Watch me. #topoli
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
7 months
What is this at-grade condition, how did it happen, and who is responsible? Seriously.
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
2 years
To be clear, I am in favour of 90 degree angular planes. #topoli
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
1 year
Pleasantly surprised to see this "mini mid-rise" addition emerging on Queen Street East in Leslieville.
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
2 years
Jimmie Simpson Community Recreation Centre offers one class (10 spots) for Guardian Swim Lessons (6 months to 5 years old) all summer. The pool services two neighbourhoods with a combined population of over 40,000 people. #TOpoli #lowtaxcity Cc: @PaulaFletcherTO
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
3 years
Know what keeps me up at night? The loss of natural heritage protections, state of long term care centres, dismantling of homeless encampments, shortage of affordable housing, and state of transit infrastructure. Know what doesn't keep me up at night? The federal carbon tax.
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
5 months
This flower store operates out of a laneway in Riverdale. Don't tell me it can't be done, @cityoftoronto and @CityPlanTO . #topoli
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
11 months
Alright, @JoshMatlow . I'm impressed.
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
1 year
@NovakovicTO I will attempt and likely fail to dedicate the remainder of my life turning Toronto into this, when I could simply move.
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
5 months
This cinema and performance hall operates out of a laneway near Queen and Spadina. It can be done @cityoftoronto and @CityPlanTO . #topoli
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
4 years
Sure. Go out and speak to existing residents. I'll be more than happy to give you my two cents. But isn't the entire point to speak with people who haven't already found suitable ground-related housing options in Toronto's neighbourhoods? How do you plan on reaching them? #topoli
@GreggLintern
Gregg Lintern
4 years
Planners on the porch Saturday as @CityPlanTO will be out knocking on doors in the east end asking about what people are feeling about housing choice in low rise neighbourhoods
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
5 months
This begs the question: What has the Government of Ontario, under Doug Ford's leadership, actually accomplished during its tenure?
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
1 year
This article fails to consider the economic benefits that would result from the development of all municipally owned lands that would become viable as a result of implementing the "Boulevard Option".
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
5 months
This bar operates out of a laneway in Bloordale Village. Don't tell me it can't be done, @cityoftoronto and @CityPlanTO . #topoli
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
2 months
@pushtheneedle
push the needle
2 months
this mass timber project features no modulations & is a simple box. this is critical to build mass timber structures. regulating whacky shapes kills their structural ability and forces builders to use concrete or steel. our land use codes need major reforms for sustainability
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
2 years
Personal News: After six incredible years at @svn_ap , where I have helped lead the company's Planning and Urban Design practices, and served as Business Development Director, I have decided to pursue a new opportunity beginning in September. Details to follow.
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
2 years
I see that the @cityoftoronto is doing their part to promote housing affordability... This is bull$h!t. #TOpoli
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
11 days
Following up on this post, having not received a response from @311Toronto and copying @PaulaFletcherTO , @TrusteeSara , and @BrucePS_TDSB . This courtesy crossing was installed as a condition of approval for the adjacent apartment building (seen here). What happened to it?
@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
13 days
I would like to understand why this recently installed courtesy crossing on Larchmont Avenue, south of Queen Street East, has been dismantled. The lights and buttons have been removed. This is a school zone. @311toronto , @cityoftoronto , @PaulaFletcherTO
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
2 years
I'm in search of a planner with 5+ years of development approvals experience, and so is everyone else.
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
5 months
I am calling upon the  @cityoftoronto , and specifically  @CityPlanTO , to expand the scope of the Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods Study to examine the potential of retail and service uses within accessory buildings and structures. Cc:  @GreggLintern  and Michael Noble
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
4 months
This is my son's childcare facility. Needles litter the rear of the property and the edge of the municipal sidewalk. In a related incident, a nearby storefront was vandalized yesterday evening. We are facing increasing drug use, violence and vandalism in Leslieville. #topoli
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
6 months
It's broken. #topoli
@MoreNeighbours
More Neighbours Toronto
7 months
😱
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
5 years
With the appeal period closed, and no appeals filed, Laneway Suites are now permitted city-wide in Toronto. #topoli
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
11 months
@RishiSunak You forgot the Canadians. Way to go.
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@BlairScorgie
Blair Scorgie
3 years
To my clients, colleagues and friends who continue to ask if I have booked my vaccination appointment, I am not 40.
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