Heritage Victorian Apartments

These heritage apartments, converted into condominiums, are at the intersection of Queens Ave. and Wellington St. in downtown London. They are rumoured to have been built originally as residences for employees of London Life. This story has the ring of truth as the headquarters of London Life Insurance is right across the street. Only a small part of the complex is shown. It extends both north and east from the intersection. There are lessons to be learned from the study of these beautiful, dare I say welcoming, Victorian apartments.

Still the Forest City

James Reaney, a columnist for The London Free Press, called the dozens of colourful metal trees gracing downtown London "beautiful." These works of public art were created by Ingersoll artist Bill Hodgson and planted in numerous locations throughout the core.
To see more pictures of these unique pieces check out Flickr and Wikimedia. For another but less postive take on these trees see From My Bottom Step. The paper also did a short video looking at the tree installation.

Merry Move London

A few year ago these carousel horses galloped off into the sunset. I believe the company that owned and operated them in Springbank Park went bankrupt. The city sat quietly by while the carousel was dismantled and removed for auction to the highest bidder. A lot of people were upset. They should not have worried. The City of London was the highest bidder and brought the horses home. The whole thing was a bit (forgive me) of a merry-go-round.

With hits to this site beginning to increase, in the coming days I will be adding the occasional photo tip. Cheers, Rockinon.

Not the Stairway to Heaven

Carving a curved path from above Storybook Gardens to Commissioners Road, in all the years I have visited the area, I have only noticed two people making the climb to the top.

Sunday is another warm, spring day in London with the high expected to reach 12 degrees under a partially cloudy sky.

Culture Minister Supports Demolition

Who would allow a beautiful, historic home overlooking the Thames River in west London to sit empty, unmaintained, decaying? Answer: the Province of Ontario. But, they do have a plan, Queen's Park applied for a demolition permit.

The City of London, concerned about the impending loss of yet another historic property, contacted Culture Minister Aileen Carroll. The minister was quick to point out the province doesn't have to comply with rules that otherwise protect heritage buildings from demolition. Ever the politician, Carroll closed her letter by thanking the city for the city's "continued commitment to preserving Ontario's heritage."

This is brilliant stuff. When Carroll leaves her government job she can get work with the Canadian Airfarce or bring back Monty Python's Flying Circus with a Canadian twist.

For the whole story read Jonathan Sher's piece in The London Free Press.

Good Morning London

In hours the cool morning air will warm, the long shadow shrink, and the blacktop driveway fill with playing kids. Good morning, London.

Knock Knock, Who's There?

Hearing a noise at the kitchen door the other night, I looked out to see a city-born-and-bred raccoon. Obviously comfortable when confronted by a person, the raccoon stayed at the door while I took his picture. Not even the flash startled my furry visiter. When no food was offered, he turned and slowly sauntered off.