Toon Dreessen
@toondreessen
Architect Husband Dad he/him; past pres @oaarchitects.bsky.social; president @architectsdca.bsky.social; writer, public speaker, advocate for #procurement reform; #climatepoli @riseforarch
Current status. Walked 250m to get to waist deep water. #SingingSands
Well thank goodness the parking is back! And it looks just like the renderings! I’m so excited I can’t wait to drive here! this is such a great addition to the UNESCO world heritage site next door! #Sarcasm
This is pretty damn ideal…. #Canada #Tobermory #FlowerpotIsland @minibubbly.bsky.social
Cormorant for the win. Guessed correctly! @ladybugspicnic.bsky.social
More than 70% of the photo images on Ottawa Tourism are of federal sites or properties; why don’t we take more pride in our buildings and places? 2/
Morning adventures: exploring rocks and the shore; a sign that barely needs explanation and, of course, some nice glue-lam at the visitor centre.
Scenes from today’s road trip: Had to break suddenly for a mama and 2 young deer on the road; stopped and had ice cream at a park with butterflies; saw several monarchs but they fluttered off before I could take a photo @ladybugspicnic.bsky.social
Free recreation access (until poor budget planning shuts down rec centres due to lack of maintenance and care) I want a city that works. @jleiper.bsky.social for mayor
Brined and seared salmon; tomato and lemon salad, first local beans, steamed; and local corn, grilled, tossed with butter and lime zest. What a perfect summer day.
Oh sorry, catto. Fluffernutter. You asked for photos right? Riiight? 😻😻😻😻
Wow! I remember walking out retired racer and all was calm until a bunny wandered/hopped into view. Nearly lost an arm there….Cedar was so excited! Miss that goofball. 😢
Due to infrastructure deficits, Canada should consider a targeted investment in water/pipe and paving renewal along Huron Orchard Rd (highlighted) that, may, unfortunately, reduce traffic to one lane for the next 3-5y. These things happen…ya know… #ElbowsUp #infrastructure @minibubbly.bsky.social
If the lrt had run along (for ex) Wellington west or Scott as a tram, it would have preserved the BRT during construction; narrowed the roadway for transit, improved access and reduced risk. Oh but then it wouldn’t be able to go fast! 3/
“There… that’ll do!” Who looks at this work says to themselves, “job well done?” Meanwhile (2nd pic) this is rampant. This is the result of low fee design, low bid procurement of construction. We can and should design like we’re the capital of a G7 country. #DesignMatters #Accessibility
But park and rides are an issue: if you’ve driven 30min from Rockland, why would you stop at P&R at trim, walk 5-600m in the snow to take a train downtown? 2/
There used to be another off ramp in there too, just to make things worse. West bound and dumped traffic onto Kent right where the CSST service building is now. It’s crap. Close the exits/on ramps between Carling and Vanier parkway.
Meanwhile in #OttCity we spent billions on Transit infrastructure, pave the entire surface in concrete, plant and then failed to maintain trees or cut them down. If we thought about this better, we’d design & build better, reduce flood risk, and improve quality of life.
“You should have invested more in your defence” (Shared from my Belgian cousins)
And a nice dinner too.. brined and seared salmon, lentil and carrot salad, tomato, cucumber and goat cheese. Dinner with my best friend. What a perfect day.
It could have been our high line, telling an Indigenous story, telling the history of industrial legacy of the Ottawa region; informing and connecting year round. What about snow? Easily solved (see 3rd pic: snow brush). Maintainable, places to sit and engage.
Slices of seared rib eye; pan fried patty pan squash with fresh basil; carrot, pomegranate and mint salad; crispy roasted potatoes. Dinner of the gods (forgot to post)