Several experts in architecture and planning who live in the Yonge Eglinton neighborhood have spent considerable time imagining a better future for Yonge Eglinton square.
Architect Andre Le Roux has created this slideshow of the vibrant people-friendly squares around the world and what’s possible for the Yonge Eglinton square with more vision. Did you know that Rockefeller square in New York City is about the same size as the Yonge Eglinton square — and privately owned? Andre presented this slideshow as part of a deputation to councillors at the North York Community Council on March 9, 2010.
Check out this PDF of an alternative design to save open space at Yonge Eglinton that allows for substantial open space as well as the retail space RioCan wants And below is a 3-D modelling of the same concept. Note that the square faces south for maximum sun and has access from Yonge St.
And read this piece in Toronto urban design magazine Spacing about the importance of saving this city square.

Local architects Andre Le Roux and Terry Mills envision a better design for the Yonge Eglinton Centre and square.
This is much better than the current proposal. It looks like it incorporates a lot of new retail space for RioCan, provides a more interesting upper viewing deck with trees which is oriented towards the intersection, the structure will mitigate the wind downdraft created by the towers, and there are two covered spaces for inclimate weather. It’s more functional with better design. Even the subway entrance at the corner works well and would genuinely be able to take some of the pedestrian load off the south side entrance. Good planning and design! Great job!
Congratulations, and thank you.
so much good hard work-since when did intelligence and good sense make a difference in toronto-the city of neighbourhoods-?