A Great Planner Leaves Downtown

by YQNA
Al Rezoski speaks at the opening of a new pedestrian promenade in our neighbourhood.

Al Rezoski speaks at the opening of a new pedestrian promenade in our neighbourhood.

Our wonderful urban planner, Al Rezoski is moving away from downtown to become manager of planning in North York. It is a big blow to us, because so much of what YQNA has accomplished in the last decade was due to Al. He has been our source of information about what is being developed (or not!) in our neighbourhood. We would pore over complicated plans of huge buildings, streets, public spaces and the PATH in his office, while he explained everything patiently in his soft-spoken manner. He sat us down with architects, developers and politicians and showed us how we could influence the decisions made in City Hall. In fact, he turned us into activists for a better neighbourhood and expected us to step up to the plate. What an exceptional guy! We wish him a great future in North York and hope to see him on his bike around the Waterfront.
Every walk-about with Al Rezoski on the Waterfront was a lesson in urban planning.

Every walk-about with Al Rezoski on the Waterfront was a lesson in urban planning.

Al sent us this generous email:

“During the last 12 years I have been blessed to work with 5 progressive downtown City Councillors, amazing colleagues and many wonderful neighbourhood associations such as the YQNA. I am very sad to leave City Hall. We have accomplished so much. I owe much of my passion to the YQNA. You helped inform me how terrible the streetscapes were in the Central Bayfront. You set the bar high for developers and had a clear vision for how the central waterfront should be developed. Together we produced 6 downtown pedestrian promenade plans that guide development and pedestrian improvements. Thank you for your diligence in reviewing development applications and being involved in the planning process. Please carry the torch. I’ll miss working with you. Keep up the great work. You are making Toronto a much better City!”

— the same to you, Al.

Ulla Colgrass, YQNA Planning Committee

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