The Lynch Mob: The Island

Who Knew?!
Right here in Toronto, only ten minutes by ferry, there are some little islands that have all the rustic charm of tiny villages and hold views Trump Tower would envy. In fact, if it weren't for Alana's school mansion project we still wouldn't know they existed!

This particular school assignment involves designing a mansion on an imaginary plot positioned on Toronto Island (which is actually an airport) and so because there are no residential properties at this location students are required to visit neighbouring islands, Wards and Algonquin. The purpose of the trip is to give students a more personal feeling for what life on these islands might be like, and from what we experienced it would be positively divine!

As soon as we stepped off the boat it was like the city no longer existed, although all you needed to do was turn-around and you were instantly reacquainted. The birds didn't chirp on Ward Island, they warbled, almost like they knew they were living on the best kept real estate secret in Toronto. The houses, mostly small bungalows, weren't owned, only leased (a Toronto legal nightmare we won't go into) and most were run-down and neglected. The residents of course were your expected tortured artists.

Amazingly none of this altered the islands charm. After experiencing this zen-like place, an over-sized mansion (which Alana is now thinking of boycotting) seems very out of place. These tiny bungalows fit the environment perfectly and for the both of us, two very jaded city people, it was inspirational. In fact, the most memorable moment was when we realized there was a complete lack of traffic. On these islands there are no cars, trucks or vans and all you see is the occasional emergency vehicle. The residents, using bikes and carts, make their way to the ferry, load up with supplies in the city and then push and roll their way back home. Amazing!

Anyway, it was a nice surprise for us to find that Toronto can still make us smile. It can be smoggy, busy, rude and down-right annoying living here, but on days like this we are reminded that it's not all that bad. So here are some pics of our short visit to Wards and Algonquin Islands.