Back Campus Camera: June 2013

2013-06-29

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Yesterday the weather station at Toronto Island recorded 19.9mm of rain, which was enough to cause flooding in Union Station, and the June 28 photos were taken toward the end of this storm. Today all of the standing water has been absorbed into the ground, where it will be released slowly and is available to the surrounding trees.

2013-06-28

Friday, June 28, 2013

2013-06-27

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Tower Road about to lose its parking spaces.

2013-06-26

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

The Bell Canada technician pointed out the complete lack of flags or paint markings that would indicate that anyone called before they dug.

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

2013-06-25

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

2013-06-24

Monday, June 24, 2013

2013-06-22

The Promise (II)

Excerpt from the "Back campus fields project: Message from the dean", dated 31/05/2013, found here:
http://www.physical.utoronto.ca/News/2013/05/31/back-campus-fields-project-special-message-from-the-dean

The back campus will continue to be an open, accessible space for a wide range of intercollegiate, intramural and recreational sports and physical activity pursuits. No trees will be cut down to make this project happen. There will be no permanent stands, inflatable domes or taller fencing that will impact the wonderful view of the historic buildings and trees that surround the site. Studies have concluded that there is no archaeological potential on the site due to filling and grading over several decades. And no algaecides or biocides will be sprayed on the fields.

Larger version of the screen capture is here.

2013-06-20

Thursday, June 20, 2013

About this site:

"Back Campus Camera" is a personal project by Matthew Robertson, a resident of Toronto's University / Annex neighbourhood. I am not affiliated with the University of Toronto, nor any associated group, in any way.

My goal is to provide a visual record of the transformation of the U of T back campus athletic field from a grass surface into artificial turf. While photography is inherently selective, as a documentary project these images will be presented honestly and generally only be edited to make them a closer match to the scene as we would see it with our own eyes.

I do acknowledge that I am biased; the loss of an open and available green space diminishes my community. It defies my imagination that in this age, and in this city, it's acceptable to replace a vibrant and living field with an expanse of plastic. I expect better from an institution as important as the University of Toronto, and am disappointed in their lack of civic leadership and innovation.

At this time I remain hopeful that all of the promises made will be kept, and that the back campus will once again be an inviting and welcoming space for casual recreation as well as a contribution to the athletics and life of the University and its student body.