Julie Bogdanowicz
@jbwicz.bsky.social
Architect OAA. Senior civil servant - City of Toronto - City Planning - Urban Design. Permanent helmet head, all-season cyclist. Mother of two daughters, instantly radicalized after trying to move through the city with a stroller. All opinions my own.
Huzzah! The Toronto Star building will live on. Long live brutalism at the foot of Yonge street. And thanks goodness all of this carbon won’t go to the dump!
www.blogto.com/real-estate-...
www.blogto.com/real-estate-...
Iconic Toronto Star building to be transformed into new hotel
The former Toronto Star building at 1 Yonge St. has been spared from demolition, at least for now.
The 1970-built office tower that has been without …
www.blogto.com
November 21, 2025 at 6:07 PM
Huzzah! The Toronto Star building will live on. Long live brutalism at the foot of Yonge street. And thanks goodness all of this carbon won’t go to the dump!
www.blogto.com/real-estate-...
www.blogto.com/real-estate-...
Let’s hear it for the office conversions! Just noting that I don’t generally support all office conversions (some might be short-sighted), but makes sense in this location. Congrats to the team!
LivLofts residential conversion of a 1971 International Style office building in Don Mills by developers FRAM + Slokker and Cadillac Fairview and architect Giannone Petricone Associates.
November 21, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Let’s hear it for the office conversions! Just noting that I don’t generally support all office conversions (some might be short-sighted), but makes sense in this location. Congrats to the team!
Reposted by Julie Bogdanowicz
Swedish Deputy PM: Sweden needs to pick its friends wisely, and we are choosing Canada… So when we come to America, we come to Canada now.
November 19, 2025 at 8:29 PM
Swedish Deputy PM: Sweden needs to pick its friends wisely, and we are choosing Canada… So when we come to America, we come to Canada now.
Reposted by Julie Bogdanowicz
Randall Munroe, welcome to The War on Cars.
![4-panel vertical comic. (1) 100 Years Ago [two people standing next to bicycle with small car nearby] PERSON 1: It’s too dangerous riding a bike with these cars around. I should get a car, too. (2) 50 Years Ago [two people between smaller car and bigger car] PERSON 2 with short hair: Small cars are less safe in collisions with larger vehicles, so I should get a bigger one. (3) Today [two people between big car and even bigger car] PERSON 1: Everyone has huge SUVs now. If I don’t get the biggest one, I’m putting my family at risk. (4) Soon [two people next to large armored car with spiked clubs attached] PERSON 2: If I don’t install more whirling spike clubs, I’ll be destroyed by all the other drivers who...](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:cz73r7iyiqn26upot4jtjdhk/bafkreiby6can6k76yzfmv2czxs4pu2l7zie7bqbrpswi7h3ifmiadkuqvu@jpeg)
November 14, 2025 at 9:26 PM
Randall Munroe, welcome to The War on Cars.
Reposted by Julie Bogdanowicz
Parents, grandparents, those in charge of small people, you're allowed to be selfish.
Send this note to your elected municipal representative. If they aren't on board to priortize the safety of vulnerable road users, you know what to do during the next election.
#TOpoli Monday, Oct 26, 2026
Send this note to your elected municipal representative. If they aren't on board to priortize the safety of vulnerable road users, you know what to do during the next election.
#TOpoli Monday, Oct 26, 2026
Just preaching my message of "wanting to do less more often" we all have our reasons.
November 11, 2025 at 5:58 PM
Parents, grandparents, those in charge of small people, you're allowed to be selfish.
Send this note to your elected municipal representative. If they aren't on board to priortize the safety of vulnerable road users, you know what to do during the next election.
#TOpoli Monday, Oct 26, 2026
Send this note to your elected municipal representative. If they aren't on board to priortize the safety of vulnerable road users, you know what to do during the next election.
#TOpoli Monday, Oct 26, 2026
Thanks for the spotlight @lanrickbennett.bsky.social 🙌
Powered by these People @mbonsma.bsky.social @chanface.bsky.social @plannersean.bsky.social @glynbowerman.bsky.social @jbwicz.bsky.social @jocelynsquires.bsky.social @tomflood.bsky.social @biancawylie.com @shoshannasaxe.bsky.social @blairscorgie.bsky.social @kayehm.bsky.social
I’m in great company✊🏾
I’m in great company✊🏾
Bluesky is at 40 million and the urbanism community on here seems to keep growing. Here’s my updated Starter Pack of Canadian planners, architects, advocates and urbanists. Some well known faces … and some you should get to know! Give them a follow! go.bsky.app/AEYL7FZ
November 4, 2025 at 1:33 AM
Thanks for the spotlight @lanrickbennett.bsky.social 🙌
Reposted by Julie Bogdanowicz
Pro-housing voices from the right of center are increasingly focused on a "we need housing For Families" framing.
In a new column I explain why broad-based liberalization, especially for inexpensive types of housing, is important for helping people start families: www.governing.com/urban/to-sup...
In a new column I explain why broad-based liberalization, especially for inexpensive types of housing, is important for helping people start families: www.governing.com/urban/to-sup...
To Support Families, Repair the Housing Ladder
The cost of housing is one big barrier to family formation. But simply building more single family homes isn't the answer.
www.governing.com
October 30, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Pro-housing voices from the right of center are increasingly focused on a "we need housing For Families" framing.
In a new column I explain why broad-based liberalization, especially for inexpensive types of housing, is important for helping people start families: www.governing.com/urban/to-sup...
In a new column I explain why broad-based liberalization, especially for inexpensive types of housing, is important for helping people start families: www.governing.com/urban/to-sup...
Ohhhhkay? 🤔🧐
Not sure why Toronto's police chief feels the need to weigh in on expanding permissions to allow more corner stores, but here he is, suggesitng more consultation is needed? www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis... (PDF)
October 31, 2025 at 1:26 AM
Ohhhhkay? 🤔🧐
For @shawnmicallef.bsky.social from Guildhall (City Hall) at the City of London. A toilet map, how dignified! Innit?
October 15, 2025 at 6:20 AM
For @shawnmicallef.bsky.social from Guildhall (City Hall) at the City of London. A toilet map, how dignified! Innit?
Hello from London! Here this week with a small delegation from Toronto to attend the Urban 95 Academy at the London School of Economics. We are deepening our understanding of how to plan for children in cities. Find me on other social platforms if you’d like to learn more in long form ;)
October 14, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Hello from London! Here this week with a small delegation from Toronto to attend the Urban 95 Academy at the London School of Economics. We are deepening our understanding of how to plan for children in cities. Find me on other social platforms if you’d like to learn more in long form ;)
What a great news story! LRT canopy is salvaged for reuse in the community and currently stored at the zoo! 🎉🎉🎉
Love this! Visual storytelling that celebrates our not-so-distant past — we really don’t do enough of this. www.metrolinx.com/en/discover/... #Metrolinx #ScarboroughON
Preserving pieces of Scarborough’s transit history
How we are breathing new life into our transit past.
www.metrolinx.com
October 14, 2025 at 8:36 PM
What a great news story! LRT canopy is salvaged for reuse in the community and currently stored at the zoo! 🎉🎉🎉
Introducing our new East Chinatown bench made entirely from salvaged materials! (bridge and wood pallets) Launched at our community block party, and baptized by teenager garbage, I’m so pleased this came together.
September 25, 2025 at 9:53 PM
Introducing our new East Chinatown bench made entirely from salvaged materials! (bridge and wood pallets) Launched at our community block party, and baptized by teenager garbage, I’m so pleased this came together.
Highly recommend getting a permit to open up your block to cars. That’s a wrap on another sometimes-biennial block party! Thanks to those who joined us to celebrate our village and the super fun closure of the street for First Fest.
September 24, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Highly recommend getting a permit to open up your block to cars. That’s a wrap on another sometimes-biennial block party! Thanks to those who joined us to celebrate our village and the super fun closure of the street for First Fest.
Congratulations to all the 2025 TUDA winners. It was a wonderful event put on by Urban Design staff to recognize design excellence in the city. Browse the Jury Report for an inspiring collection of projects. www.toronto.ca/city-governm...
Toronto Urban Design Awards
The 2025 Toronto Urban Design Awards winners have been announced. The 2025 Jury Report is now available, showcasing the awarded projects. Every other year, the City of Toronto holds Urban Design Awa...
www.toronto.ca
September 22, 2025 at 5:36 PM
Congratulations to all the 2025 TUDA winners. It was a wonderful event put on by Urban Design staff to recognize design excellence in the city. Browse the Jury Report for an inspiring collection of projects. www.toronto.ca/city-governm...
Reposted by Julie Bogdanowicz
The Toronto Star’s City Report Card survey suggests six in 10 Torontonians believe that the city’s best days are in the past.
Given the challenges Toronto faces right now, it’s an understandable position, but it’s wrong. My column on teenage Toronto. The future is bright if we….(pls read n share).
Given the challenges Toronto faces right now, it’s an understandable position, but it’s wrong. My column on teenage Toronto. The future is bright if we….(pls read n share).
Shawn Micallef: There’s a good reason why some might think Toronto’s best days are behind it. Here’s how we change their minds
The best days for the city lie ahead of it, but there are things we have to get right to make sure that happens.
www.thestar.com
September 21, 2025 at 7:41 PM
The Toronto Star’s City Report Card survey suggests six in 10 Torontonians believe that the city’s best days are in the past.
Given the challenges Toronto faces right now, it’s an understandable position, but it’s wrong. My column on teenage Toronto. The future is bright if we….(pls read n share).
Given the challenges Toronto faces right now, it’s an understandable position, but it’s wrong. My column on teenage Toronto. The future is bright if we….(pls read n share).
Holy moly. This is impressive NYC!
Stealing some footage and the ask from @streetfilms.bsky.social Here in #TOpoli there seems to be a lack of #PoliticalWill collectively from elected municipal reps to prioritize the safety of vulnerable road users.
Could individuals interested in becoming mayor do better? Could they do this? ⬇️⏬👇
Could individuals interested in becoming mayor do better? Could they do this? ⬇️⏬👇
September 18, 2025 at 12:05 AM
Holy moly. This is impressive NYC!
Thx Lanrick! Always a pleasure to do the grunt work to host this block party. Also, my 6 yo asks about this all year: "are we doing a First Fest this year?". It's fun to radicalize small children and show them that streets are for people. The street dance floor is my favorite part :) See you there!
#IdeasAtWork
It’s back!
“JOIN US FOR THE SOMETIMES-BIENNALE BLOCK PARTY!!!
Sept 13th (rain date Sept 14th) from 2pm - 11pm
On First Ave between Broadview and Boulton. The street will be closed to vehicles.” via @jbwicz.bsky.social
Cc: @juliedabrusin.bsky.social @torontopublicspace.bsky.social
It’s back!
“JOIN US FOR THE SOMETIMES-BIENNALE BLOCK PARTY!!!
Sept 13th (rain date Sept 14th) from 2pm - 11pm
On First Ave between Broadview and Boulton. The street will be closed to vehicles.” via @jbwicz.bsky.social
Cc: @juliedabrusin.bsky.social @torontopublicspace.bsky.social
September 4, 2025 at 9:19 PM
Thx Lanrick! Always a pleasure to do the grunt work to host this block party. Also, my 6 yo asks about this all year: "are we doing a First Fest this year?". It's fun to radicalize small children and show them that streets are for people. The street dance floor is my favorite part :) See you there!
Are you a residential developer in Toronto? Have you delivered new indoor or outdoor amenity spaces for children? We are looking to learn from great examples that have been informed by the Growing Up Guidelines. Please show off your work here!
September 4, 2025 at 9:14 PM
Are you a residential developer in Toronto? Have you delivered new indoor or outdoor amenity spaces for children? We are looking to learn from great examples that have been informed by the Growing Up Guidelines. Please show off your work here!
Thanks for the spotlight Lanrick! Nice to be sandwiched among some inspiring folks here….✌️
August 21, 2025 at 2:43 AM
Thanks for the spotlight Lanrick! Nice to be sandwiched among some inspiring folks here….✌️
Reposted by Julie Bogdanowicz
As Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo put it: "A city where you can get let go of your child's hand"
Pedestrianized streets let kids be kids (and let parents relax a little)
August 19, 2025 at 10:14 PM
As Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo put it: "A city where you can get let go of your child's hand"
Ahoy Toronto! Biidaagie Park at the new mouth of the Don River is now open. The trees are babies, bring your own shade. The most incredible Park to open in a generation. Congrats to all involved in reaching this milestone, over the last 30 years. The best example of ambitious city building ❤️.
July 25, 2025 at 5:28 PM
Ahoy Toronto! Biidaagie Park at the new mouth of the Don River is now open. The trees are babies, bring your own shade. The most incredible Park to open in a generation. Congrats to all involved in reaching this milestone, over the last 30 years. The best example of ambitious city building ❤️.
Sweet afternoon hosting city planners here for OPPI conference. Colleagues shared collective decades of experience shaping the connective tissue that knits the waterfront.
It was a privilege to describe the 2.5km long narrative and take it in within one 3 hour gulp.
Full thread on LinkedIn….
It was a privilege to describe the 2.5km long narrative and take it in within one 3 hour gulp.
Full thread on LinkedIn….
July 11, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Sweet afternoon hosting city planners here for OPPI conference. Colleagues shared collective decades of experience shaping the connective tissue that knits the waterfront.
It was a privilege to describe the 2.5km long narrative and take it in within one 3 hour gulp.
Full thread on LinkedIn….
It was a privilege to describe the 2.5km long narrative and take it in within one 3 hour gulp.
Full thread on LinkedIn….
I’m curious to hear what local designers think of this article. I provided a few perspective in Kelly’s thread.
This hits close to home for me in my work in development review: I often see pragmatic considerations overtake the ground floor, and the retail space suffers.
This hits close to home for me in my work in development review: I often see pragmatic considerations overtake the ground floor, and the retail space suffers.
July 9, 2025 at 8:37 PM
I’m curious to hear what local designers think of this article. I provided a few perspective in Kelly’s thread.
This hits close to home for me in my work in development review: I often see pragmatic considerations overtake the ground floor, and the retail space suffers.
This hits close to home for me in my work in development review: I often see pragmatic considerations overtake the ground floor, and the retail space suffers.
Reposted by Julie Bogdanowicz
Interesting research paper by Hamed Naseri et al about identifying opponents to pedestrianization in Montréal & how certain opponents' concerns could be addressed. Pedestrianization supporters everywhere should read this. #BikeTO #VeloMTL #WalkTO #TOpoli www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Barriers to car-free streets: Identifying opponents of pedestrianization in Montreal
Urban mobility has been dominated by motorized vehicles, posing many challenges related to the environment, citizens' health and safety, and traffic c…
www.sciencedirect.com
July 5, 2025 at 12:57 AM
Interesting research paper by Hamed Naseri et al about identifying opponents to pedestrianization in Montréal & how certain opponents' concerns could be addressed. Pedestrianization supporters everywhere should read this. #BikeTO #VeloMTL #WalkTO #TOpoli www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
This isn’t the parade (yet) it’s just hundreds of people casually enjoying a non-eventful Thursday night on Toronto’s most vibrant corridor. Why can’t we keep the streets open to pedestrians all summer? We’ve seen how well it works in Montréal. Happy Pride friends♥️🌈
June 26, 2025 at 11:11 PM
This isn’t the parade (yet) it’s just hundreds of people casually enjoying a non-eventful Thursday night on Toronto’s most vibrant corridor. Why can’t we keep the streets open to pedestrians all summer? We’ve seen how well it works in Montréal. Happy Pride friends♥️🌈