Concrete slabs block sidewalk
Here’s a challenge for a big, strong, manly man: pick up a concrete parking barrier and see how far you can heave it, like a Scottish caber toss.
Maybe that’s how some of the dead-heavy barriers were transported from a Queens Quay parking lot onto a nearby sidewalk.
We’re pretty sure that only the meatiest of meatheads would take us up on it — the barriers must weigh 500 pounds — but if anyone is inclined to try, we know a good place to get started.
Dr. David Wiebe sent us a note about parking barriers that have somehow made their way onto the sidewalk from a parking lot on Queens Quay, near Lake Shore Blvd., where Queens Quay becomes Parliament St.
The parking lot on the north side of the street serves a building that houses the broadcast side of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, including Leafs TV.
Wiebe said he first complained about it to Toronto 311 last spring, then followed up with emails to 311 on Sept. 30 and Oct. 5 “with no results,” adding that he also emailed Leafs TV on Nov. 8.
“I am complaining for four reasons: (1) the concrete barriers are a hazard to pedestrians, especially for the disabled, women with children and seniors; (2) it is unsightly and one of the worst eyesores on Queens Quay East; (3) I am a huge Leafs fan and MLSE should be embarrassed by the reflection on their brand; and (4) to recommend MLSE should at least hide their teams’ trailers and cover the Leafs and Raptors logos with an Ottawa Senators logo, until they clean up the mess.”
We went there and found two parking barriers on the sidewalk, near the point where the edge of the parking lot for the Leafs TV building meets the sidewalk.
Several more barriers along the west side of the parking lot have also been moved onto the boulevard next to tiny Small St., which runs between Queens Quay and Lake Shore.
Status: Rob Burlie, who’s in charge of road operations in that area, emailed to say a field investigator will look into it and get them moved off the sidewalk and back to the parking lot. What’s broken in your neighbourhood? Wherever you are in Greater Toronto, we want to know. To contact us, go to thestar.com/yourtoronto/the_fixer or call us at 416-869-4823 or email jlakey@thestar.ca. To read our blog, go to thestar.com/news/ the_fixer. Report problems and follow us on Twitter @TOStarFixer.