St. Jacobs and Elora - two town parks

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❖St. Jacobs and Elora - two town parks, 2021[for full 3D experience open in full screen]

Previous Gristmill Lane Plaza, Toronto

This year, same as almost whole 2020 we are seriously affected by Covod19 pandemic. That means the we are not traveling anywhere so this day trip to St. Jacobs and Elora, two towns some 200km north of Toronto, was rare opportunity to move further away from our neghbourhood. Since there are really no serous urban public space, even less urban squares I am combining two parks one in each of the towns.

Lets start from St. Jacobs. Quite popular with visitors, specially during warmer months. Christmas time is also good opportunity to visit this town, former village, located just north of the city of Waterloo.

It is a popular location for tourism, due to its quaint village appearance, retail focus and Mennonite heritage. Waterloo Region is still home to the largest population of Old Order Mennonites in Canada, particularly in the areas around St Jacobs and Elmira.

Only public space somewhat resembling park, is space along King Street, across the former Evangelical Brethen, and then, the United Church, now converted to the Toy Soup, children toys store. Park is mostly occupied by plastic bubbles, used by restaurant, keeping users separated and protected from the passers by. Very awkward atmosphere is emphasized with everyone wearing masks even outside. Just to let you know at this point, late November, over 86% of eligible people are fully vaccinated.

Scroll down for Elora description.

❖..c l a s s i f i c a t i o n ... s y s t e m..❖
more about evaluation method		more about types of squares
sociability	5	ceremonial	x
uses & activities	5	religious	x
access & linkages	8	social	x
comfort	5	residential	x
image	5	courtyard	x
tourist value	6	with park	x
total	34	street, shopping	x

[for full 3D experience open in full screen]

Town of Elora is just 24 km away. Most famous nearby attraction is Grand River gorge. Really spectacular walk is starting almost in the centre of the town.

Elora was founded in 1832 by Captain William Gilkison, originally from Scotland. He bought 14,000 acres of land on the Grand River and settled on the east side of the river.

Elora grist mill was built in the same year, and through its history housed a sawmill, distillery and flour mill, constructed on the still existing small waterfall.

Between 1970, when mill was converted to the hotel, and 2019 property went true significant changes and now it is hosting Elora Mill Hotel and Spa. In February 2020, the property was awarded a Heritage Recognition Award by Heritage Centre Wellington.

So called Corner Park in the centre of the town is fine public space, excellent resting opportunity for passersby, on Mill Street, main shopping area leading to the Mill and the waterfall. The Tall Man sculpture was created by artist Scott McNichol, and its actually named, “Who’s in Charge”. It is part activity of local "Sculpture Project" association that also exhibits other art projects here.

We have more photos from this visit on our photoblog, check it out.

Next James Beaty Courtyard, Toronto

❖..c l a s s i f i c a t i o n ... s y s t e m..❖
more about evaluation method		more about types of squares
sociability	7	ceremonial	x
uses & activities	6	religious	x
access & linkages	9	social	x
comfort	7	residential	x
image	8	courtyard	x
tourist value	8	with park	x
total	45	street, shopping	x