A photo essay from yours truly about the York Concourse

Before anyone involved in this project gets their panties in a knot, please understand I supported this project. It was long overdue and it is an engineering feat because of how it was built, but it doesn't mean I have to love it and marry it. I do like that it exists.

Let's review, shall we?

At Oshawa, I walked to the far west end of the train because this is where the train will position to put me at York Steet. As I passed by the CSA for the 7:15 am train, I thanked him for his efforts this week in calming the commuter rage because of the signals issue (which I still don't have an answer for). I introduced myself and was grateful he'd heard of me, because I always find it awkward when I have to explain who I am and what I do. He's so nice. He's a keeper!

Almost there. Oh look, working signals! In the horizon!

I just followed people as they got off the train. I'm not familiar with this part of the land. I didn't know I was actually headed down the wrong staircase. 

Which is why I looked at this and went, um ...

And more um ...

So I went back up the stairs and saw the sign. Silly me!

I expected it to be busier. I was told it would be busy at this time (8:13 am) but it was eerily empty. I think Bay Street will always be the hub.

What struck me about the stairwell was the lack of lighting. It's pretty dark when you're inside looking out. Why is it enclosed by the way? How would anyone hear me if I fell late at night? Or was pushed into that corner shown below ... I'm just raising a flag here. Will cameras be installed?

So much concrete. I guess tile is too expensive? Or maybe I'm just too spoiled by the grandeur of the golden age of public spaces (think actual Union train station itself with its marble floors) ... I know. I set my expectations too high which is why ...

... my heart sank when I saw this. Is this ... is this the airport? It's so ... boring. There's nothing visually or architecturally appealing. Then again, this was probably intentional. No one would ever want to loiter here. Good call, Metrolinx.

These are a much better design than the Playskool, anti-vandalism, couldn't carry them away if we tried, solid-steel and mesh benches over at the toilet concourse we call Bay.

At first, I thought these were slides. Then I realized these were unfinished escalators. Forgive me, I had my sunglasses on. But still, they really should be slides. Also, a nice fountain should be down there somewhere, or a water rock wall. Or ... a pond ? Who remembers Sherway Gardens from the 80s? Remember how urban it felt? This place needs a little "green".

I thought these were lockers. But it's the entrance to the washrooms which were super clean. I didn't snap off a photo. Too many people and well, that's just weird.

Holy smokes, the janitor gets a lair? And a sign! So we know what it is? Because that's important? This is where the butt wipe is. Noted.

This was the only vantage point I found visually appealing, but this place needs artwork. It needs colour. I know it's still in its infancy, but I really hope the next step is an element of vibrance. Colour and emotion go hand in hand. The lack of colour made me depressed.

Is this where I buy my airline ticket?

Rome had sewers. Just saying ...

That little green man sums up how I felt leaving the York Concourse. I wanted to run like the wind and buy some paint. I would paint the concrete columns the alternating Metrolinx colours, and carry some of those dots they've come to love so much onto the walls of this space. At the very least, the space should be branded. Make it yours, Metrolinx!

I know a lot of my comments may be premature as the retail space isn't open yet, or even finished. Perhaps when that happens, the place will liven up a bit.

But it's still a better love story than Bay.