Editor:
The parklet isn’t a pleasant place to sit, what with the same noisy smokers shouting and swearing amongst themselves. Let’s be honest: these people are men — the same ones every day.
The city planners probably envisioned groups of two or three people relaxing with a coffee or tea, chatting quietly — a lovely blend of men and women, or a mum and/or dad having a brief rest with their children. Sadly, the reality is that no self-respecting man or woman, parent or otherwise, would dare to sit in an environment where loud, swearing, smoking men are congregated.
For that reason, it’s a waste of money, and besides that, it disturbs the traffic flow.
Interestingly, the one in Sapperton seems to work. I’ve seen singular men and women, couples, family groups enjoying a quiet chat and/or beverage — not sure why the one in Sapperton seems to enhance, but the one at Belmont Towers is a congregation area for loud, noisy, swearing smokers. These people, generally men, always hung around there on the sidewalk anyway — in the alcove of Belmont Towers and up by Tim Hortons.
One might conclude the city did Belmont Towers a favour by moving these poor stray men from clogging up the entrance to their building, by constructing a fancy parklet to entice them away, unless it rains, that is — then they’re back to the alcove!
Susan Johnson
📢 SOUND OFF: What can be done to make the Belmont parklet a welcoming public space for everyone? Do you agree with the city's plans for the street? Share your thoughts — send us a letter.
