I foresee a stretch of shops, boutiques, galleries, art displays and eateries built in a thin stretch nearby the forks - This would be built into the slope of the land in such a way that the rooftop would appear (from the downtown side) as nothing but a lovely pedestrian walkway, and only the front would be noticeable as it faces the riverside. This would beat the current set-up of the 1970's or 80's style building we currently see in the Middlesex Health Unit and its tiered parking lot, at least.

Why do we need a bandshell five minutes away from the Vic Park bandshell?

I'm really confused as to why people want a bandshell put in when there is already a bandshell five mins away at Vic Park??

I thought that Harris Park was beautiful, every time I go there (usually a few times a week in the summer), there are tons of people! The river kind of speaks for itself.

The only thing I would like to see more of would be gardens. Something colourful and pretty. I'm not too sure how I feel about bars and patios... maybe one bar/restaurant with a rooftop patio overlooking the river, but it brings in rowdy people and big messes to clean up.

By removing lots of the parking spaces including the ones behind the Middlesex Country buildings will open much more of the park for different actives.

the allure of patios and bandshells is kind of seasonal, don't you think?

The BIG problem with outdoor stadiums and/or bandshells or half covered stages is that sound really, really carries and amplified sound carries even more. That is the only thing I have against outdoor concerts in the city.

A bandshell? This isn't the Guy Lombardo days.

Bingo. All the most beautiful European cities openly display their river with sidewalks and bridges. London (UK), Paris, Amsterdam, etc.. London (ON) hides the river behind brush and nature trails. At least expose the river to patrons in the downtown area.

Agreed that the forks has potential for lunch time crowds and weekend crowds if there were a few cafes, ice cream bars there for families and office workers. The city could encourage it by offering tax incentives. Bicycle rentals would also do well if there with more day and weekend users

Every weekend could have a theme. Co-ordination would have to come from some forward thinking person on behalf of the city. Youth, age groups, theatre, arts, hospitals, research, religions, cultures, festivals, sports activities, conventions, pop, music groups. There are more than enough needy charities who could benefit from week-end events as opposed to a "Walk" or "Run" that lasts one or two hours and does not have a real draw to a crowd. The closest thing that comes to mind is when the Chamber of Commerce ran their "Corporate challenge Cup". It lasted for the whole day and the groups partied into the night. If the liquor laws are to be relaxed a bit to allow patrons carry their beverages in a venue, why should the bar owners be the ones to benefit. Festivals in a controlled area could raise a LOT of money for charities. ( Oktoberfest)

For consideration: a new multi-use pathway framed with esplanade style tree plantings and design elements; more naturalized ground covers and perennial flowers along slopes; more tree plantings, a terraced garden and pathway leading to Eldon House, etc.

I liked that old idea of cell block dining. But to be honest, years ago when they moved the court I said to myself I wanted to live there. So we are talking about my future backyard. :)

Wonderful ideas with lots of examples in many cities which have developed their river fronts.

All we need to do is figure out the costs and who's going to pay for them.

We should also find out what other cities with river walks and restaurants and patios have to say about the profitability they've experienced.

It' a nice idea and all, but we have a bandshell in Victoria Park. Why not just spruce that up and be more open to events. (Like not arresting people at a peaceful gathering like 420)