Marta O'Brien
@archhistory.bsky.social
Architectural historian. Passionate pedestrian & former cyclist, so road safety! City & provincial politics. Lifelong renter in Toronto.
Reposted by Marta O'Brien
Wow, this Ireland ad about protecting your kids on your online posts. It might give you pause….think before you post about their activities.
November 27, 2025 at 10:40 PM
Wow, this Ireland ad about protecting your kids on your online posts. It might give you pause….think before you post about their activities.
Reposted by Marta O'Brien
Banning street hockey in Canada?
This isn’t about protecting kids. It’s about protecting drivers from having to think about kids.
This isn’t about protecting kids. It’s about protecting drivers from having to think about kids.
Get outside kids, enjoy the fresh air with your friends!
Just kidding, stay the F inside.
Just kidding, stay the F inside.
November 27, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Banning street hockey in Canada?
This isn’t about protecting kids. It’s about protecting drivers from having to think about kids.
This isn’t about protecting kids. It’s about protecting drivers from having to think about kids.
Reposted by Marta O'Brien
You gotta love how much City of Toronto truck drivers hate Toronto residents.
Idling for half an hour, blocking a crosswalk while they had their lunch
Plenty of parking around.
Idling for half an hour, blocking a crosswalk while they had their lunch
Plenty of parking around.
November 27, 2025 at 6:55 PM
You gotta love how much City of Toronto truck drivers hate Toronto residents.
Idling for half an hour, blocking a crosswalk while they had their lunch
Plenty of parking around.
Idling for half an hour, blocking a crosswalk while they had their lunch
Plenty of parking around.
Reposted by Marta O'Brien
Small 4-6 unit multiplexes shouldn't require the same governance and reserve requirements as 200-unit condos.
Other jurisdictions (including BC) have simpler, more lightweight ownership structure for small multi-residential buildings. ON and Toronto should take a look!
Other jurisdictions (including BC) have simpler, more lightweight ownership structure for small multi-residential buildings. ON and Toronto should take a look!
Multiplexes are finally legal to build in Toronto, but the rules for how they can be owned and sold haven't caught up.
November 27, 2025 at 7:09 PM
Small 4-6 unit multiplexes shouldn't require the same governance and reserve requirements as 200-unit condos.
Other jurisdictions (including BC) have simpler, more lightweight ownership structure for small multi-residential buildings. ON and Toronto should take a look!
Other jurisdictions (including BC) have simpler, more lightweight ownership structure for small multi-residential buildings. ON and Toronto should take a look!
This is great news. I've always thought a book on Darling was sorely needed.
Book Preview: Toronto Edwardian Frank Darling, Architect of Canada’s Imperial Age
Book Preview: Toronto Edwardian Frank Darling, Architect of Canada’s Imperial Age
Toronto Edwardian Frank Darling, Architect of Canada’s Imperial Age By David Winterton (2026) Frank Darling (1850-1923) was Canada’s most prolific and award-winning architects of the pre-WWI era. Over...
www.canadianarchitect.com
November 27, 2025 at 7:55 PM
This is great news. I've always thought a book on Darling was sorely needed.
Reposted by Marta O'Brien
Thanks, Councillor @CraigCassar:
"Cities for Everyone" is an excellent bi-weekly webinar series by famed Canadian Urbanist Gil Penalosa, creator of 8 80 Cities."
FREE • People can watch the 99 presentations, 30 min each, includes one page of key points:
gpenalosa.ca/webinar/
"Cities for Everyone" is an excellent bi-weekly webinar series by famed Canadian Urbanist Gil Penalosa, creator of 8 80 Cities."
FREE • People can watch the 99 presentations, 30 min each, includes one page of key points:
gpenalosa.ca/webinar/
November 27, 2025 at 7:17 PM
Thanks, Councillor @CraigCassar:
"Cities for Everyone" is an excellent bi-weekly webinar series by famed Canadian Urbanist Gil Penalosa, creator of 8 80 Cities."
FREE • People can watch the 99 presentations, 30 min each, includes one page of key points:
gpenalosa.ca/webinar/
"Cities for Everyone" is an excellent bi-weekly webinar series by famed Canadian Urbanist Gil Penalosa, creator of 8 80 Cities."
FREE • People can watch the 99 presentations, 30 min each, includes one page of key points:
gpenalosa.ca/webinar/
Reposted by Marta O'Brien
guys...
Company given $2M from Skills Development Fund run by Ford family dentist: sources
Company given $2M from Skills Development Fund run by Ford family dentist: sources
The company’s CEO also worked closely with the wife of the minister in charge of the grant program at the time
dlvr.it
November 27, 2025 at 6:57 PM
guys...
Reposted by Marta O'Brien
I voted against Ford every time, but it's the non-voters that cause the issue. EVERYONE needs to get off their @ss and vote!.
November 26, 2025 at 4:26 PM
I voted against Ford every time, but it's the non-voters that cause the issue. EVERYONE needs to get off their @ss and vote!.
Reposted by Marta O'Brien
I guess Big Pole must’ve made a sizeable donation to Doug’s latest election campaign.
November 26, 2025 at 10:28 PM
I guess Big Pole must’ve made a sizeable donation to Doug’s latest election campaign.
It's about time people with power & authority realized tenants' units are their homes.
Now on TPR
This morning the City of Hamilton decided to not issue a compliance order for repairs at a rental building that's for sale as a 'solid investment property for repositioning to achieve market rents.'
Tenants are asking City Hall to enforce property standards, save their homes #yhmcc
This morning the City of Hamilton decided to not issue a compliance order for repairs at a rental building that's for sale as a 'solid investment property for repositioning to achieve market rents.'
Tenants are asking City Hall to enforce property standards, save their homes #yhmcc
City Grants Extension on 295 Melvin Ave Property Repairs Despite Tenants' Demands for Enforcement
Landlord marketing building for sale as 'investment property' while long-term tenants worry about potential displacement.
thepublicrecord.ca
November 27, 2025 at 3:20 PM
It's about time people with power & authority realized tenants' units are their homes.
Reposted by Marta O'Brien
Reposted by Marta O'Brien
Just a reminder that ordering books through an author’s @bookshop.org affiliate links supports independent bookstores AND authors.
In other words, your favorite authors get a lil’ extra money, as do actual bookstores (not that one billionaire website). A win-win.
In other words, your favorite authors get a lil’ extra money, as do actual bookstores (not that one billionaire website). A win-win.
November 25, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Just a reminder that ordering books through an author’s @bookshop.org affiliate links supports independent bookstores AND authors.
In other words, your favorite authors get a lil’ extra money, as do actual bookstores (not that one billionaire website). A win-win.
In other words, your favorite authors get a lil’ extra money, as do actual bookstores (not that one billionaire website). A win-win.
Reposted by Marta O'Brien
"Ontario recorded the highest number of wait-list deaths: 10,634, including more than 9,100 diagnostic-scan deaths where patients died before reaching the point of receiving or being scheduled for surgery."
I guess it's not "hallway healthcare" if you never make it to the hospital hallway.
I guess it's not "hallway healthcare" if you never make it to the hospital hallway.
Tens of thousands of Canadians died waiting for medical care in the past year: report
A new report is raising alarm over growing wait-list deaths in Canada.
www.ctvnews.ca
November 27, 2025 at 2:51 PM
"Ontario recorded the highest number of wait-list deaths: 10,634, including more than 9,100 diagnostic-scan deaths where patients died before reaching the point of receiving or being scheduled for surgery."
I guess it's not "hallway healthcare" if you never make it to the hospital hallway.
I guess it's not "hallway healthcare" if you never make it to the hospital hallway.
Reposted by Marta O'Brien
‘A win for nature and people’: Elizabeth line soil used to create Essex bird haven #London #UK
A record 39,000 birds are overwintering on Wallasea island wetlands thanks to soil transported from London tunnels
/1 thread
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
A record 39,000 birds are overwintering on Wallasea island wetlands thanks to soil transported from London tunnels
/1 thread
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
‘A win for nature and people’: Elizabeth line soil used to create Essex bird haven
A record 39,000 birds are overwintering on Wallasea island wetlands thanks to soil transported from London tunnels
www.theguardian.com
November 27, 2025 at 2:55 PM
‘A win for nature and people’: Elizabeth line soil used to create Essex bird haven #London #UK
A record 39,000 birds are overwintering on Wallasea island wetlands thanks to soil transported from London tunnels
/1 thread
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
A record 39,000 birds are overwintering on Wallasea island wetlands thanks to soil transported from London tunnels
/1 thread
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Reposted by Marta O'Brien
If you have to make the warning signs taller than a human in order for drivers to pay attention to them, it doesn't speak very highly about drivers' ability to spot pedestrians.
November 27, 2025 at 2:55 PM
If you have to make the warning signs taller than a human in order for drivers to pay attention to them, it doesn't speak very highly about drivers' ability to spot pedestrians.
Reposted by Marta O'Brien
November 25, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Reposted by Marta O'Brien
Yard waste pickup is every other week, on the day you put out the garbage. I think this week may be the 2nd last week for yard waste pickup. I just called and our last day of yard waste pickup is Dec 9.
Call 311 and they can tell you (it's address specific)
Call 311 and they can tell you (it's address specific)
November 25, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Yard waste pickup is every other week, on the day you put out the garbage. I think this week may be the 2nd last week for yard waste pickup. I just called and our last day of yard waste pickup is Dec 9.
Call 311 and they can tell you (it's address specific)
Call 311 and they can tell you (it's address specific)
Reposted by Marta O'Brien
70 years ago The Conservative Government of Leslie Frost "Old Man Ontario" instituted the Conservation Authorities Act as a response to the devastation of Hurricane Hazel. Now in the face of increased climate disasters Doug Ford is dismantling it.
thenarwhal.ca/ontario-cons...
thenarwhal.ca/ontario-cons...
Conservation Authorities Act changes weaken watershed oversight | The Narwhal
New Conservation Authorities Act rules see Ontario’s natural resources minister gain greater power as building on shorelines becomes easier
thenarwhal.ca
November 25, 2025 at 6:47 PM
70 years ago The Conservative Government of Leslie Frost "Old Man Ontario" instituted the Conservation Authorities Act as a response to the devastation of Hurricane Hazel. Now in the face of increased climate disasters Doug Ford is dismantling it.
thenarwhal.ca/ontario-cons...
thenarwhal.ca/ontario-cons...
I lived near there for 20 years. Love these photos.
#ThenAndNow TTC's Lawton Loop, for streetcars on Yonge street (decades before the subway)
#Toronto #TOhistory
#Toronto #TOhistory
November 25, 2025 at 7:47 PM
I lived near there for 20 years. Love these photos.
Reposted by Marta O'Brien
I’ve written about this for years. We can and should join @c40cities.bsky.social as leaders; we can and should match our OP and policy to action but 2/ bit.ly/2DZ8vYq
Cities and climate change
Architect Toon Dreessen argues buildings are on the front line in Ottawa’s fight against climate change
bit.ly
November 11, 2025 at 1:04 PM
I’ve written about this for years. We can and should join @c40cities.bsky.social as leaders; we can and should match our OP and policy to action but 2/ bit.ly/2DZ8vYq
Reposted by Marta O'Brien
“The Polytechnique massacre deeply marked Montreal and serves as a reminder of what unchecked misogyny can lead to.”
Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Gender-based violence starts with minimizing misogyny | @mtltoula.bsky.social
Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Gender-based violence starts with minimizing misogyny | @mtltoula.bsky.social
Gender-based violence is an everyday reality, and it starts with minimizing misogyny
As we highlight 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and the upcoming anniversary of the Montreal massacre, can we take a moment to reflect on all the different forms this violence takes?
cultmtl.com
November 25, 2025 at 7:18 PM
“The Polytechnique massacre deeply marked Montreal and serves as a reminder of what unchecked misogyny can lead to.”
Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Gender-based violence starts with minimizing misogyny | @mtltoula.bsky.social
Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Gender-based violence starts with minimizing misogyny | @mtltoula.bsky.social
Reposted by Marta O'Brien
80 years after the Nazis were tried for war crimes, the documents are online for all to see
The Nuremberg Trials Project is a free and searchable database from Harvard Law School
www.cbc.ca/radio/asitha...
The Nuremberg Trials Project is a free and searchable database from Harvard Law School
www.cbc.ca/radio/asitha...
80 years after the Nazis were tried for war crimes, the documents are online for all to see | CBC Radio
Eighty years after prosecutors began trying the leaders of Nazi Germany for war crimes, the documents related to those trials are available in full online, and free of charge.
www.cbc.ca
November 25, 2025 at 10:04 AM
80 years after the Nazis were tried for war crimes, the documents are online for all to see
The Nuremberg Trials Project is a free and searchable database from Harvard Law School
www.cbc.ca/radio/asitha...
The Nuremberg Trials Project is a free and searchable database from Harvard Law School
www.cbc.ca/radio/asitha...
Reposted by Marta O'Brien
“We believe there are credible allegations of preferential treatment regarding the approval, oversight, and distribution of SDF grants,” wrote @maritstilesndp.bsky.social in her complaint to Ontario's Integrity Commissioner www.thetrillium.ca/news/politic... #onpoli
NDP leader requests integrity commissioner investigation into labour minister over Skills Development Fund
Marit Stiles is asking the commissioner to investigate whether David Piccini broke the ethics law for MPPs
www.thetrillium.ca
November 25, 2025 at 2:47 PM
“We believe there are credible allegations of preferential treatment regarding the approval, oversight, and distribution of SDF grants,” wrote @maritstilesndp.bsky.social in her complaint to Ontario's Integrity Commissioner www.thetrillium.ca/news/politic... #onpoli
Reposted by Marta O'Brien
It's weird to not only have lived through an information revolution but also now living through its undoing, all within less than a generation.
Google at its peak was basically the best information retrieval system in human history and they and every competitor decided going from there to “you didn’t want answers you wanted half-assed auto-complete 80%-wrong hallucinations” in a few years was the right idea
November 25, 2025 at 12:19 PM
It's weird to not only have lived through an information revolution but also now living through its undoing, all within less than a generation.
Reposted by Marta O'Brien
One thing I'd always like to point out when NIMBYs say some application isn't producing enough green space: we have the room for lots of green space. We just spend it on parking.
November 25, 2025 at 12:39 AM
One thing I'd always like to point out when NIMBYs say some application isn't producing enough green space: we have the room for lots of green space. We just spend it on parking.