Sometimes we are unable to solve a problem (or to demand a solution from our governments) because we can't envision the solution. This article from today's Toronto Star might help us in the regard of planning our waterfront:
STOCKHOLM—To wander through this city's newly rebuilt waterfront is to have a glimpse of what Toronto could be.More here.
This new neighbourhood, Hammersby Sjostad (City on the Water) is energy self-sufficient, environmental, architecturally diverse, connected, vibrant and exactly where we should be headed in the years ahead. Whether or not we'll get there remains to be seen, but so far the signs are bad; lack of political leadership and an entrenched bureaucracy will make it extremely difficult.
Still, there's much to learn from Stockholm, a city of 1.5 million built on an archipelago of 14 islands. Certainly, the physical resemblance between the two waterfronts is striking. Both were once industrial harbours that fell into disuse. Both are also close to the heart of the city, easily reachable by public transit.
The big difference lies in the attitudes each city brings to the project. Planning in Stockholm began in 1990 and construction is well underway. Already 7,500 people live in these new areas. By 2015, when complete, there will be up to 25,000 residents and 10,000 workers.
"The key is integrated planning," explains Erik Freudentahl of the Hammersby communications department. "Our objective was to lower the environmental impact by one half. We built our own wastewater plant and district heating, which services 80,000 homes. Combustible waste from the area is recycled as heat and organic waste is used to produce biogas."
There are also solar panels on buildings to heat water, a new streetcar line, an Envac underground garbage collection system and high-efficiency fridges, stoves and dishwashers.
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