How the Eaton Centre should spend its $120 million in make-over money

How the Eaton Centre should spend its $120 million in make-over money

The Eaton Centre will undergo a $120-million facelift beginning in July, and all we know is that the lower level will have more light and Michael Snow’s geese will stay. Cadillac-Fairview will announce its full plans tomorrow. In the meantime, here’s what we’re hoping for:

(Image: Johnathan Nightingale)

• Improved traffic flow around the south Queen street entrance. The area is packed during lunch hour, rush hour and  Saturdays. May we suggest a separate lane for slow walkers?
• Better lighting in the south food court. Its orange glow is depressing and unflattering.
• More elevators—the crowd of senior citizens and strollers in front of the elevator bay on the third floor never thins.
• A stage reserved for Bieber mall performances: the Justin Bieber Centre for Performing Pipsqueaks. If you build it, he will come.
• Obvious signage on Yonge Street. We’ve been asked for directions to the Eaton Centre by many a tourist who was standing in front of it.
• A preservationist society devoted to maintaining the fountain. Everyone loves the fountain.
• Coin-operated storage lockers and a coat check, and not just during the holiday season.
• A Bored Boyfriend Lounge. Let’s get PlayStation on as a sponsor.
• Simplified escalator and staircase layout.
• Another expensive art installation: a set of planes flying toward the geese, perhaps, or a $57,000 fake lake—we hear they’re all the rage.

Toronto Eaton Centre set for $120-million upgrade [Toronto Star]