Quote:
Originally Posted by roccerfeller
I think the topic of lighting in downtown cities is always interesting.
On Winnipeg, I will I think the city certainly could use some sprucing up as far as the lighting goes downtown in general but its something that we've discussed before, coming to the conclusion that there seems to be no "focus" on doing something like that. I think the funnelators are freaking ridiculous (they might turn out nice who knows I'm open to that possibility) and we would be better off with the more aesthetic aspects as you suggest.
Trees + lights is something they have in the many downtown areas in the Bay Area (California) and do well there. Downtown San Jose and downtown Berkeley for instance look exceptional at night because of that combination; though this is upon first sight. When you walk through the street scape it becomes a problem. Problem is they do a "christmas tree" like set up where they take the mini white stringed bulbs and wrap it throughout the trees, which doesn't look very appealing because it takes away from the natural aspect of the tree. So on one hand it can look great, on another hand (I'm a tree guy) it doesn't.
With Regina, I found that in their core especially by Scarth & on Victoria, and I thought 12th ave was slick as well. They have some nice nighttime lights but the rest of the core seems lacking in the same regard as Winnipeg, imo. Though, I think Regina will improve that with time. One thing they have is a ton of construction downtown, which is probably the focus of attention so they don't have the time to focus on a concerted lighting effort, which will come. Like there is a ton of construction there (so much fencing all over the place).
In Saskatoon, on the other hand, I find they have excellent lighting in their downtown area. I don't know what it is but I never thought "man they could clean or polish the aesthetic quality up" rather I was pleasantly surprised. I don't know if it is because of the bridges being well lit or the river walk or what, but it was great.
That said, I might be completely off the mark on what you're referring to. Keep in mind this is my subjective opinion.
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No, you hit what I was saying right on the money. Who exactly is responsible for such things? I would assume city council to a degree, but it must be far more complex then that. I would like to think our city planners are constantly looking into the idea of making our downtown a better place.
Having said what I said earlier, I decided to go downtown in person and check out the areas I was referring to. When I arrived at the exchange, though there was a fair amount of trees and the lighting was good, I still felt as if something was missing. In my head I came to the conclusion that it might be a lack of passion.
The trees were there, and so were the lights, but for some reason they just seem to be plopped there with no real regard to the feel of the area. My therapist has let me in on a secret, that being; I over analyze things. The merits to this are, however, that I can realize the full potential to any situation.
I may be wrong here, but the biggest problem with this city is that the focus is on trying to turn it into a tourist destination. This would be fine in and of itself. However the problem is rather than slowly build the city naturally, fixing our problems overtime and adding to our positive features, we seem to do one of two things; Jump on something the moment it appears in front of us. Thus saying yes to the first opportunity that comes our way, be it the right one or not. And trying to utilize a city version of what would be a get rich quick scheme. With the latter, the Funnolators and the Water Park would be perfect examples.
There seems to be this huge inclination to jump into the big leagues by building something huge and exciting and new, rather than letting the city mould itself into what it could be. If the city utilized what we already have we could easily form ourselves into a formidable tourist attraction (seeing as that is what the city wants).
For example, though I don't normally agree with the WFP pollers, there was a large outcry regarding the deal being made with the future space on St. James (Canad-Inns Stadium Site). And it seems once again the city wants to just throw what it can quickly on there to make a quick dollar. There is no inspiration with this plan. No foresight. No investment emotionally, or even fiscally. And the largest problem lies with the major opportunity to upgrade its infrastructure in the area, yet that doesn't even seem to be on the city's agenda.
Sorry about the rant. With every passing day I become more and more depressed at the lost potential in this city, and I simultaneously feel an emotional pull towards what could happen. I wish I could do something to change the city for the better, I just haven't figured out how to best utilize my passion.
When walking down the street, if I see a pot hole or something displeasing, I picture myself just fixing the problem right then and there. Every little thing in this city means something to me. I don't know why, and it may be weird, but it does. If there is something that could be better, I wish I could just grab a shovel and get to work on it until it is all that it could be, I wouldn't even care if I was payed.
The worst part is when I see certain things that are fixed, but are done in a half-assed fashion. The latest pet peeve I came across is the River Trail on the North Side of the Assiniboine from Main to Balmoral. The trail is great, they did a wonderful job, and should do more like it. But one spot where the trail ends on Granite Hill there is no place for the cyclists to go. So people would just go over the curb onto the road. This leaves the grass torn up and muddy, and over time left the curb broken down and worn out. I always pictured myself just fixing it, and making it look better. Then one day I guess the city got around to it. The only problem is that they just sporadically threw asphalt onto the site. No effort was made to see that it looked good. It was just thrown on there. It is that kind of lack of passion that really perturbs me.
Even if I was to (dare I dream) run for mayor - which I know is silly considering my immaturity, and lack of education - I would have the problem of city councillors to deal with.
If I was to become a developer - which would take decades to become successful enough to make an impact - I would have to deal with the city's bi-laws and ancient policies.
I really don't know what could be done to make a change... So much potential lost.... End drama queen.
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At least we won't run out then!
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