Living in Aurora, Town of Aurora, Ontario » Industrial Parkway

Have You Noticed, The Landmark Crane In Aurora Is Gone

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sun, 05 May 2013 00:43:24 +0000

The famous landmark crane that was standing on The Ridgewood condominium construction site on the John West Way is now gone.

The crane was with us for a while and if you paid attention that crane was visible from few spots in Aurora. The St. John’s sideroad, Bayview Street and Industrial Parkway are just few places the crane was visible.

Partial Crane Left

I have been tracking progress of this building since the foundation. Since the crane is gone now, one can assume that this is the height of the building. The glass windows and doors are now being added, and at night lights are on. It used to be the crane that was lit up before.

The other day I was lucky enough to see departure of the crane sections. I didn’t notice anything at first. Funny how it goes, it was after few snaps that I realized that the crane was missing, but I was fortunate to arrive and to see what was left of the crane.

Taking Crane Parts Away

In addition, visiting this site many times, I encountered few interesting incidences like lifting some major concrete walls, lifting portable toilets and pumping concrete from the concrete truck right across the building. What can I say, I like construction sites.

Just in case you missed the crane, here are some pictures I took last winter – Winter-y Evening Drive Near John West Way, Construction Site & Year 2012 In Review.

This will be probably the biggest yet condominium in Aurora, if I am not mistaken.

Wide Load

And below is an evening shot of one of the building faces I took around nine o’clock after photo shooting the Aurora Art Show at the Town Hall on Friday.

At night, Installing Windows

McKenzie Marsh Aurora Ontario Great Blue Herons Moved In, Cormorants Moved Out?

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sat, 11 Aug 2012 02:16:43 +0000

For some time now I have stopped walking to the McKenzie Marsh boardwalk on the St. John’s sideroad. We never make it as Matthew prefers the community Arboretum, entrance on the intersection of Industrial Parkway and St. John’s. I don’t blame him – on the way home we visit three playgrounds – at the Optimist Park, Northern Lights Public School and Thompson Park.

However, that one day when we did go to McKenzie Marsh we encountered many Great Blue Herons. Firstly, they were flying around as something was about to happen. It was close to the lunch – so may be it was their hunger flight. They were setting themselves up, at least five of them.

Great Blue Heron, McKenzie Marsh, Aurora

One heron flew very close to the boardwalk and stood on the dead tree roots, usually where the red-ear slider turtles are found. I took many pictures of the heron and he didn’t mind. I am assuming that with so many photographers now visiting the boardwalk and even the constant traffic noise from the road, herons are adapting.

Many other birds flew over the body of water, but that day the herons were definitely dominating the McKenzie Marsh. And I was glad. Sometimes it is nice to have one species around so I can observe them closely.

Great Blue Heron, McKenzie Marsh, Aurora

In the past, we used to have an interesting crowd of the cormorants, but looks like the population of them declined over the years. They mainly occupied the landmark tree on the East side of the boardwalk. They are still around. I saw two on the tree the other day, but this is nothing compare to seeing about fifteen of them.

The cormorants are interesting birds, not to mention they are also invasive. I am sure that now with less of them hanging around the Great Blue Herons are having a blast. They can now hang out on the landmark tree.

However, on this side of the McKenzie Marsh I have never seen a cluster of them. Herons always like to sit by themselves scattered in all directions. One somewhere on the back of the marsh, one sitting on the landmark tree, the other one on the stump, then one hiding on the willow tree across and of course this one on the pictures fishing very near to the boardwalk.

Great Blue Heron, McKenzie Marsh, Aurora

Beside Great Blue Herons as always there were Canada Geese and ducks. Seagulls were flying over. Mind you I miss the Caspian Terns. They usually fish on the South side of the St. John’s (Atkinson Wetland). They can be mistaken for seagulls. Look for the distinct red beak and interesting fishing technique.

Great Blue Heron, McKenzie Marsh, Aurora

Coyote Sighting, Hamilton Park Near Playground On Pinnacle Trail

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 19:15:15 +0000

It was kind of ironic that just yesterday for some reason I was thinking about the coyotes. It warmed up and we decided to go for a long walk. We walked from home all the way to the Arboretum entrance on Industrial Parkway.

Industrial Parkway, Community Arboretum

We walked the trail and walked out on the Somerton Ct and then headed for the playground at the Thompson Park. We usually walk all the way to the Optimist Park, but then thinking about the coyote made me cut our trail walk short.

Did coyote hear me?

Perhaps.

Today around eleven we were walking on the Pinnacle Trail. It was us, a caregiver with three children and other couple walking. Matthew with other little boy was running ahead of us.

At some point when we were calling them to get back to us – this dog came out from the Hamilton Park (soccer field) right onto Pinnacle Trail and headed West towards St. Andrew’s Golf Course. He was at least five houses away from us. When I walked up to the playground he was already gone.

Coyote Came Out From Here

At first I thought, oh no not another dog off the leash. But then it did not look like a dog. It did not walk like a dog. It was on the mission. It was definitely a coyote, and a good size coyote too – tall and slender. He crossed the road and walked on the sidewalk, definitely passed by the playground unnoticed.

Playground at the Hamilton Park, Pinnacle Trail

Later walking on the Rush Road we found garbage mess. We thought may be he was looking for the food – they always do. I think these sightings will be more common especially with all all the loose rabbits and chipmunks hanging out in our subdivision on our front and back yards.

Now message to all the parents – don’t loose sight of your child on the playground. The play structure can block your view. Stay with your child all the time especially in the areas where there is a lot of open park land and trees.

This was my second sighting of the coyote in the Hamilton Park. First time I was actually at the soccer field when I saw one snooping around on the other side. I don’t know how much we can do about the wildlife around us, but do keep your eyes open around you and watch your small children.

Sorry no picture – I wasn’t fast enough. It is usually the shock of the unexpected slows me down getting my camera. Not to mention safety is always first and we had two children ahead of us.

Canine Leash-Free-Park, Found Parking On Industrial Parkway To Access The Arboretum

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 03:13:02 +0000

I always walk to and enter the Arboretum from the Industrial Parkway and St. John’s Sideroad intersection. It cannot be missed. It has wooden pergola on the East side of St. John’s sideroad built by the Home Depot in Aurora. Beside there is a nice flower garden patch and further the trail information booth as shown below.

Nokiidaa Trail, Information Booth

It never occurred to me that the parking for the Canine Leash-Free-Park on Industrial Parkway is also parking to access the Arboretum. This is a good news in fact, because I can drive to the parking lot, and actually enjoy longer time on the trail as opposed to be walking along the St. John’s sideroad during high traffic hours – just too much road noise, and pollution. Never mind the accident that occurred few weeks ago on St. John’s sideroad. You just always have to look over your shoulder even on the sidewalk.

Aurora Community Arboretum

The other day I visited the Arboretum from the Industrial Parkway and used the parking lot for the first time. While there I took some pictures of the dog park and the dogs.

I have seen this park regularly from the other side of the trail, but I didn’t know that it was actually that big. I think this is great thing for the dogs, they need to have some freedom too. The parking is big enough to accommodate both dog owners cars and anyone who wants to access the Arboretum.

Canine Leash-Free-Park

Sometimes we don’t realize but we do have many great things here in Aurora. I was surprised to see all the recycling boxes and compost green containers on the site for the dog park users. Obviously there must be a regular garbage and compost pick up.

Canine Leash-Free Park

In lieu for that great land to use and service, Town of Aurora has a big sign asking users to adhere to Rules and Code of Conduct. I re-wrote the rules here, as I found it rather interesting. The list has 15 items. Well thought out and carefully written list. I couldn’t resist to add some of my thoughts too.

Rules and Code of Conduct

1. Dogs are allowed off their leash only within the fenced compound.
‘Yes, yes good point, just wished that in the land somewhere far far away from the dog park still in Aurora dog owners did not follow the same rule.‘

2. All dogs must be licensed and have up-to-date dog tags.
‘In fact every dog I saw up close had dog tag. Up-to-date tag, I cannot comment.‘

3. All dogs must have up-to-date vaccinations.
‘Yes, not sure if there are any means to verify it.‘

4. You must pick up and properly dispose of your dog’s waste.
‘There is a fundamental flaw with this item – there are still some that do not adhere to it. The parking lot in front of the wooden guard is full of it. I had to do my wild dance again to walk off the crap of my shoes.‘

Watch For You Know What Around Those

5. Dogs are not to be left unattended. It is recommended that dogs remain within sight and voice control at all times.
‘At the gate I saw four unattended dogs, beautiful dogs. However, they were within my sight and voice control, hopefully that counts.‘

Husky

6. It is recommended that you only take into the park the number of dogs you can control.
‘I must say, dog walkers like this park a lot. I hope they are dog walkers?‘

7. Aggressive dogs must be muzzled or removed from the park immediately.
‘Not sure if one dog wrestling another dog can be called an aggressive activity in the park.‘

8. Female dogs in heat are not allowed in the park.
‘No comment, it was cold day that day. Not sure what that means either.‘

9. Sick dogs are requsted no to use the park.
‘And if they do, that is torture.’

10. It is recommended that all dogs using the park be spayed and neutered.
‘Good idea.‘

11. It is recommended that dogs do not wear spiked or chain collars in the park.
‘Better idea.‘

12. Parents are stronly advised that this is not a suitable environment for children under the age of 12.
‘We stayed outside the dog park.‘

13. No vehicles are allowed in the park.
‘Not sure how one with a vehicle would get in.‘

14. Professional dog trainers are prohibited from using this facility to conduct their business.
‘How can you tell?‘

A Bench Inside the Park

15. Always respect other users of the park.
‘Yes, yes, yes …‘

Humming Hummingbirds, None This Year

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 20:11:16 +0000

I guess I wasn’t the only one looking for them. Couple of weeks ago THE AURORAN, Week of July 26, 2011 published in the section Letters to the Editor, a letter from David Tomlinson ‘Had hummingbirds drop in on you lately?‘. This week David is asking for help again in his another letter to the editor, ‘Reader still looking for hummingbirds‘.