🚀 go-pugleaf

Dino Hill wrote:
> 
> Maybe by planting trees and landscaping in metro and rural areas would
> slightly ease the "environmentalist concerns" on interstates????  LIke
> Atlanta!  Does anyone know of any similiar projects that have happened in
> metro areas to "beautify our interstates".

That's been done on the curved section of the Gardiner Expwy. in
Toronto, going around the Humber Bay.  That section has a sort of
cliff/embankment, with a narrow strip before the lake which contains the
Gardiner, as well as a major rail line and Lake Shore Blvd.  The
embankment used to be an eyesore... people would just dump all sorts of
trash down there.  Some businessman or something (i.e., not the city
gov't), tired with the idea that THAT was the first impression of
Toronto for all traffic coming eastbound into downtown, came up with an
idea and put a bunch of money into cleaning it up and landscaping it.

One aspect of the project which was quite unique at the time (may be
done now in other cities, I don't know, but the only other place I've
ever seen it is along the 401 south of the Toronto airport) was the idea
of having landscaped billboards.  Basically, local corporations who have
very strong public service and charity records have their logos made out
of shrubs, flowers in the summer, etc. - i.e., no product advertising. 
Since it's an embankment, it both allows for planting of shrubs, flowers
etc., and for visibility of the actual message from ground level.  It's
quite unique and now creates a new, very favorable, first impression of
the city on your way in.  Very aesthetically pleasing.

I've been trying to find some info on the city's website
(http://www.city.toronto.on.ca) and I have been unfortunately so far
unsuccessful...

Brent