Wednesday, July 27, 2011

bpNichol Lane


The older parts of downtown Toronto are criss-crossed by a network of laneways that run behind the streets and their buildings and whose purpose it is/was to provide service access to the various properties. These lanes are usually not named but in some circumstances that is not the case when it is felt that naming the lane would be a suitable commemoration for someone. A lane in the Annex that runs through the U of Toronto has been named for bpNichol, a well-known Canadian poet and author. The lane is also the site of Coach House Press, one of Canada's most venerable literary presses which is suitably housed in a quirky old coach house! More on this lane & bpNichol tomorrow.
Taking part in Signs, Signs. For more signs click here.

19 comments:

Andy said...

Thanks to you I learned something new about Toronto. Thanks.

Nellie from Beyond My Garden said...

Anywhere close to Dennison Ave? Named after my relatives. My grandmother was born at Dovercourt (family home) over 100 years ago. I have a painting of it in my living room.
nellie

Lesley said...

I stumbled on this about two months ago. Often wondered where it was (but never bothered looking it up)

Pat said...

This is neat! Thanks for the info!

LĂșcia said...

This is very interesting, I think it's a great idea to name these lanes after someone important.
I like the design of the sign. ;-)

EG CameraGirl said...

I had no idea that some of the laneways are named!

Anonymous said...

interesting and very informative.

Kay L. Davies said...

Fascinating. I love lanes, although I am choosey about which ones I'll walk down alone these days. This looks like one I'd enjoy.

—Kay, Alberta, Canada

Regina K said...

interesting post, I like it.

VioletSky said...

If more laneways were named, then maybe there would be more infill housing. I would love to live in a lane.

Kim, USA said...

I found Canada's address different the first time a friend of mine gave me her home address. A lane for me sounds private and houses are cozy and beautiful ^_^

Signs

Gemma Wiseman said...

A distinctive name! I have never seen a lane or road sign with lower case lettering!

Anonymous said...

I imagine these old lanes must be a great place to walk and photograph. The signs are certainly cool!

Jack said...

Well, I don't know any other bpNichol's, so he won't be confused with anyone else.

Randy said...

Very nice that they named it after him.

Montreal Photo Daily said...

Neat! Just learned something new here. Don't know if we have similar in Montreal. Interesting "signs" post... :)

Joy said...

I like the lower case initials, not a poet I am familiar with. I like the idea of lanes named after poets, so appropriate.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

I think lanes should definitely be named, if you got lost down one ...you can see where I'm going with this!Love the sound of the quirky old coach house Red.

Francisca said...

I've lived in Toronto, but did not know this...