Matt Armstrong
@matta7.bsky.social
Tall City Planner, Tkaronto (Toronto).
He/him. Formerly & fondly a resident of Hamilton, Ontario & London, UK.
He/him. Formerly & fondly a resident of Hamilton, Ontario & London, UK.
Seeing smaller “urban sized” garbage trucks in Toronto makes me unreasonably happy.
November 21, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Seeing smaller “urban sized” garbage trucks in Toronto makes me unreasonably happy.
Delicious & cozy weekend morning breakfast sandwich, thanks to some neighbourhood retail. The sandwich was huge! Is it symbolic that I have to loosen my belt…?
(Made Rite Coffee)
(Made Rite Coffee)
November 16, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Delicious & cozy weekend morning breakfast sandwich, thanks to some neighbourhood retail. The sandwich was huge! Is it symbolic that I have to loosen my belt…?
(Made Rite Coffee)
(Made Rite Coffee)
Ever wonder about the architect behind Roy Thompson Hall in Toronto (70s render pictured), Robson Square or Simon Fraser in Vancouver, the Canadian Embassy in Washington…?
I have. Really fascinating documentary about Arthur Erickson “Beauty Between the Lines” screened last night at TMU. Recommended.
I have. Really fascinating documentary about Arthur Erickson “Beauty Between the Lines” screened last night at TMU. Recommended.
November 11, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Ever wonder about the architect behind Roy Thompson Hall in Toronto (70s render pictured), Robson Square or Simon Fraser in Vancouver, the Canadian Embassy in Washington…?
I have. Really fascinating documentary about Arthur Erickson “Beauty Between the Lines” screened last night at TMU. Recommended.
I have. Really fascinating documentary about Arthur Erickson “Beauty Between the Lines” screened last night at TMU. Recommended.
Confederation Station opened today!
For the first time in my life, there is a train station in reasonable distance to where I grew up (Stoney Creek, Ontario). Connecting to Toronto, Niagara Falls, places in between & beyond. Good news!
For the first time in my life, there is a train station in reasonable distance to where I grew up (Stoney Creek, Ontario). Connecting to Toronto, Niagara Falls, places in between & beyond. Good news!
October 27, 2025 at 11:30 PM
Confederation Station opened today!
For the first time in my life, there is a train station in reasonable distance to where I grew up (Stoney Creek, Ontario). Connecting to Toronto, Niagara Falls, places in between & beyond. Good news!
For the first time in my life, there is a train station in reasonable distance to where I grew up (Stoney Creek, Ontario). Connecting to Toronto, Niagara Falls, places in between & beyond. Good news!
Felt moved, joy & pride.
All at the same time.
The beautiful.. flotilla(?) of canoes travels along newly moved Don River.
Part of A Lake Story by Melissa
McGill put on by @thebentway.bsky.social. In the background is Ookwemin Minising, & the (morning misty) Toronto skyline behind it.
All at the same time.
The beautiful.. flotilla(?) of canoes travels along newly moved Don River.
Part of A Lake Story by Melissa
McGill put on by @thebentway.bsky.social. In the background is Ookwemin Minising, & the (morning misty) Toronto skyline behind it.
September 27, 2025 at 9:08 PM
Felt moved, joy & pride.
All at the same time.
The beautiful.. flotilla(?) of canoes travels along newly moved Don River.
Part of A Lake Story by Melissa
McGill put on by @thebentway.bsky.social. In the background is Ookwemin Minising, & the (morning misty) Toronto skyline behind it.
All at the same time.
The beautiful.. flotilla(?) of canoes travels along newly moved Don River.
Part of A Lake Story by Melissa
McGill put on by @thebentway.bsky.social. In the background is Ookwemin Minising, & the (morning misty) Toronto skyline behind it.
Fringe? On a building?!
Yes! And it sways calmingly in the wind.
.
Designed to evoke a dancer’s shawl, in part by Indigenous Architecture firm Two Row, this is the new Indigenous Health Centre operated by Anishnawbe Health Toronto.
Yes! And it sways calmingly in the wind.
.
Designed to evoke a dancer’s shawl, in part by Indigenous Architecture firm Two Row, this is the new Indigenous Health Centre operated by Anishnawbe Health Toronto.
September 27, 2025 at 7:40 PM
Fringe? On a building?!
Yes! And it sways calmingly in the wind.
.
Designed to evoke a dancer’s shawl, in part by Indigenous Architecture firm Two Row, this is the new Indigenous Health Centre operated by Anishnawbe Health Toronto.
Yes! And it sways calmingly in the wind.
.
Designed to evoke a dancer’s shawl, in part by Indigenous Architecture firm Two Row, this is the new Indigenous Health Centre operated by Anishnawbe Health Toronto.
I’m 6’4”, 190lbs (193cm, 80kg). I’m big.
.
I comfortably drove the hatchback on the left. I wish the vehicle on the right didn’t exist.
.
I comfortably drove the hatchback on the left. I wish the vehicle on the right didn’t exist.
September 24, 2025 at 10:36 PM
I’m 6’4”, 190lbs (193cm, 80kg). I’m big.
.
I comfortably drove the hatchback on the left. I wish the vehicle on the right didn’t exist.
.
I comfortably drove the hatchback on the left. I wish the vehicle on the right didn’t exist.
Sometimes you’re just walking home & run into @jasonthorne.bsky.social participating in a South Asian Society of Architects walking tour. Led by Urban Designers Nasim Adab & James Parakh, it focused on small scale public realm, as well as process. Lots of questions about local process.
September 11, 2025 at 11:03 PM
Sometimes you’re just walking home & run into @jasonthorne.bsky.social participating in a South Asian Society of Architects walking tour. Led by Urban Designers Nasim Adab & James Parakh, it focused on small scale public realm, as well as process. Lots of questions about local process.
The Toronto Urban Design Awards honoured community builders, Indigenous place makers, beautiful bridges, parks, & great buildings. I’m thrilled 90 Dunn House, which I led the Planning of, was honoured. Problem with a great event, w friends & colleagues, is to get home & realise I only took 1 photo!
September 11, 2025 at 2:44 AM
The Toronto Urban Design Awards honoured community builders, Indigenous place makers, beautiful bridges, parks, & great buildings. I’m thrilled 90 Dunn House, which I led the Planning of, was honoured. Problem with a great event, w friends & colleagues, is to get home & realise I only took 1 photo!
Joy in the city.
Came upon this group of rollerbladers & boarders… & whatever the last guy is.
I love my neighbourhood.
Came upon this group of rollerbladers & boarders… & whatever the last guy is.
I love my neighbourhood.
September 7, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Joy in the city.
Came upon this group of rollerbladers & boarders… & whatever the last guy is.
I love my neighbourhood.
Came upon this group of rollerbladers & boarders… & whatever the last guy is.
I love my neighbourhood.
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is on, which means movies & movie makers, culture, media, tourism, & celebration! It also means King Street is open to pedestrians. And commutes are more challenging for some. Regardless, it was lovely to be among the energy this evening!
September 5, 2025 at 12:59 AM
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is on, which means movies & movie makers, culture, media, tourism, & celebration! It also means King Street is open to pedestrians. And commutes are more challenging for some. Regardless, it was lovely to be among the energy this evening!
bikes 🤝 boats.
Multi-modal.
On my way to the gloriously car-free Toronto Islands.
Multi-modal.
On my way to the gloriously car-free Toronto Islands.
September 2, 2025 at 8:47 PM
bikes 🤝 boats.
Multi-modal.
On my way to the gloriously car-free Toronto Islands.
Multi-modal.
On my way to the gloriously car-free Toronto Islands.
E-bike charger along a bike path in Ottawa.
September 2, 2025 at 5:59 PM
E-bike charger along a bike path in Ottawa.
And conveniently located across the street from new offices & residences!
Counts as transit-supportive development? 😉
Counts as transit-supportive development? 😉
September 1, 2025 at 11:56 PM
And conveniently located across the street from new offices & residences!
Counts as transit-supportive development? 😉
Counts as transit-supportive development? 😉
Best commute ever?!
I discovered a today that it’s possible to live in Gatineau, Quebec & work in Ottawa, Ontario.. and take a zip line home across the river!
I discovered a today that it’s possible to live in Gatineau, Quebec & work in Ottawa, Ontario.. and take a zip line home across the river!
September 1, 2025 at 10:48 PM
Best commute ever?!
I discovered a today that it’s possible to live in Gatineau, Quebec & work in Ottawa, Ontario.. and take a zip line home across the river!
I discovered a today that it’s possible to live in Gatineau, Quebec & work in Ottawa, Ontario.. and take a zip line home across the river!
Oh! I like this feature. Been a while since I’ve been on Via.
August 29, 2025 at 2:16 AM
Oh! I like this feature. Been a while since I’ve been on Via.
On VIA Rail train 54 to Ottawa!
Heading to a wedding. Excited!
Had some interesting conversations about this train trip with a friend who was totally oblivious to how national rail works. Surprised me. But I’ve learned that showing people transit & normalising it goes a long way to supporting it.
Heading to a wedding. Excited!
Had some interesting conversations about this train trip with a friend who was totally oblivious to how national rail works. Surprised me. But I’ve learned that showing people transit & normalising it goes a long way to supporting it.
August 28, 2025 at 10:05 PM
On VIA Rail train 54 to Ottawa!
Heading to a wedding. Excited!
Had some interesting conversations about this train trip with a friend who was totally oblivious to how national rail works. Surprised me. But I’ve learned that showing people transit & normalising it goes a long way to supporting it.
Heading to a wedding. Excited!
Had some interesting conversations about this train trip with a friend who was totally oblivious to how national rail works. Surprised me. But I’ve learned that showing people transit & normalising it goes a long way to supporting it.
❤️ Bus stop poles in Sweden ❤️
.
(Limited space? No problem.
No bus shelter? Display on pole.
Next bus timing accurate? Yes.
Accessibility needs? Integrated.
Where does this go? On the schedule.
Too much tech? Nope. Kept simple.)
.
Put a ring on it.
.
(Limited space? No problem.
No bus shelter? Display on pole.
Next bus timing accurate? Yes.
Accessibility needs? Integrated.
Where does this go? On the schedule.
Too much tech? Nope. Kept simple.)
.
Put a ring on it.
August 25, 2025 at 5:27 PM
❤️ Bus stop poles in Sweden ❤️
.
(Limited space? No problem.
No bus shelter? Display on pole.
Next bus timing accurate? Yes.
Accessibility needs? Integrated.
Where does this go? On the schedule.
Too much tech? Nope. Kept simple.)
.
Put a ring on it.
.
(Limited space? No problem.
No bus shelter? Display on pole.
Next bus timing accurate? Yes.
Accessibility needs? Integrated.
Where does this go? On the schedule.
Too much tech? Nope. Kept simple.)
.
Put a ring on it.
8:11 p.m. Saturday regional westbound GO train pulling into Exhibition Station.
The pit to the left is part of the Ontario line subway construction.
Just had a moment of reflection; thinking of those times during the worst of the pandemic when some were saying transit would not return.
The pit to the left is part of the Ontario line subway construction.
Just had a moment of reflection; thinking of those times during the worst of the pandemic when some were saying transit would not return.
August 24, 2025 at 12:16 AM
8:11 p.m. Saturday regional westbound GO train pulling into Exhibition Station.
The pit to the left is part of the Ontario line subway construction.
Just had a moment of reflection; thinking of those times during the worst of the pandemic when some were saying transit would not return.
The pit to the left is part of the Ontario line subway construction.
Just had a moment of reflection; thinking of those times during the worst of the pandemic when some were saying transit would not return.
Details & how to get involved in the photo below.
(It was early morning & there were already people sitting at some of the chairs. I didn’t want to take their photos without permission, so I took a photo toward a corner that was not in use)
(It was early morning & there were already people sitting at some of the chairs. I didn’t want to take their photos without permission, so I took a photo toward a corner that was not in use)
August 23, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Details & how to get involved in the photo below.
(It was early morning & there were already people sitting at some of the chairs. I didn’t want to take their photos without permission, so I took a photo toward a corner that was not in use)
(It was early morning & there were already people sitting at some of the chairs. I didn’t want to take their photos without permission, so I took a photo toward a corner that was not in use)
Temporary park!
Part of a parking lot in Liberty Village will become a park. Decision made, but the park hasn’t been designed yet. While determining the details of the park, this intervention has been installed to signal & help imagine the coming change.
Part of a parking lot in Liberty Village will become a park. Decision made, but the park hasn’t been designed yet. While determining the details of the park, this intervention has been installed to signal & help imagine the coming change.
August 23, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Temporary park!
Part of a parking lot in Liberty Village will become a park. Decision made, but the park hasn’t been designed yet. While determining the details of the park, this intervention has been installed to signal & help imagine the coming change.
Part of a parking lot in Liberty Village will become a park. Decision made, but the park hasn’t been designed yet. While determining the details of the park, this intervention has been installed to signal & help imagine the coming change.
…as well as the new public streets, bioswales, new park, & of course the buildings coming along. Nice to see the residential units fronting public spaces, main entries facing the park, & a change from a site with almost total impervious surface to something that will be more green. 2/3
August 19, 2025 at 5:48 PM
…as well as the new public streets, bioswales, new park, & of course the buildings coming along. Nice to see the residential units fronting public spaces, main entries facing the park, & a change from a site with almost total impervious surface to something that will be more green. 2/3
Most of my career I’ve worked on planning studies, strategies, special projects, urban design guidelines, etc. But I spent a few years on development applications. This is a project I worked on, across from Yorkdale. Took a wander around it on the weekend. Pleased to see the “urban” day care… 1/3
August 19, 2025 at 5:48 PM
Most of my career I’ve worked on planning studies, strategies, special projects, urban design guidelines, etc. But I spent a few years on development applications. This is a project I worked on, across from Yorkdale. Took a wander around it on the weekend. Pleased to see the “urban” day care… 1/3
First time for me seeing a gardener working on a green roof. Photo just above the Waterworks food hall. Green roofs are required by by-law in Toronto, and they can be this lush! The echinacea looked especially good!
August 12, 2025 at 8:18 PM
First time for me seeing a gardener working on a green roof. Photo just above the Waterworks food hall. Green roofs are required by by-law in Toronto, and they can be this lush! The echinacea looked especially good!