The wall of utmost convenience
Posted on April 16th, 2010 –
So as I was saying yesterday about convenience, here’s a terrific example.
I was planning to do a post about urban public gardens. I know, it seems a little bent at the wrist, but I wanted to do it more in the context of the unforgiving city. Those little squares of land nestled in between caverns of glass. Had a great story ‘n everything. Then this happens:
I know it’s not war-torn Bosnia, but still, you don’t get many brick walls coming down in such a prominent location, in the middle of the day. Extremely convenient for me, if I may be frank. So I believe this proves my point. Unless someone’s suggesting I brought the wall down just to prove a point. :|
Anyhow, can I get a little personal here? I felt totally legit today – schedule ‘n all. I weaved in and out of the news crowd like it was nothing, had conversations with a few of them. Also witnessed a Ryerson student being turned back at the yellow tape. One of the camera guys joked with me with a “nice try, eh? You’re not from Ryerson, are you?” To which I replied, “Hell no.” Reply, *nod*.
That’s how it’s done. No one stopped me when I ducked under the yellow tape. Or stood on the wall. Or the electrical box. QED.
I probably don’t need to tell you what happened if you listen to local news. But if you don’t, it’s pretty straightforward. This wall came down on a street just north of Yonge-Dundas Square, so good foot traffic. Plus it’s the edge of Ryerson University. Some time early this afternoon, it slumped. And then came down. No one was hurt, so very lucky.
See? Simple. Probably the sign attached to the front from what I heard.
I had dinner at the place next door a few weeks back and I don’t recall the building bulging any. Also didn’t notice anything every other day I walked past there either. I use that corner a lot, is what I’m getting at, and can’t say I saw anything untoward.
I really don’t expect that area to open for at least a few days. It took emergency crews most of the afternoon to go through the place, one after each other. No fire. No casualties. It was kind of like an exercise – done in a nice, orderly fashion. By the book.
Convenient for everyone concerned. Except maybe the restaurant owner. And Friday afternoon traffic up Yonge Street. (Ouch.)
Oh, and check this out — I got to experience my first media swarming. It was around a gentleman (I’ll add his name later if I find it), who claimed to be the last one out of the building as it was coming down. I call him “the survivor”.
Here’s how it the situation goes down, for if you’re ever caught in one:
- Someone’s willing to talk!
- They smell blood.
- Okay, jeez! Just take it easy!
- Ugh! Muscled out by a girl!
Now for a nice convenient weekend. Ahh. :)
... with pictures
... with sounds
... with videos
... with opinions
... that's shorter
... that's longer
April 18th, 2010 10:54 am
Luckily no one got hurt.
April 18th, 2010 2:00 pm
True dat, Teena. That's a busy corner.
April 19th, 2010 7:52 am
Looks like that building was built by some of those dodgy Polish builders that we have all over London…
April 19th, 2010 5:35 pm
I dunno nuthin about no Polish, William, but in this case I think it might've been the Japanese. Or possibly Chinese. Asian, most likely. Whoever owns the restaurant, in other words.