Toronto Star

The idea of redesigning Nathan Phillips Square makes some people nervous; but it's the thought of doing nothing that's really scary. There's no doubt it's Toronto's most significant civic space, arguably one of the best in the world, but it has been treated badly. Since opening in 1965, the square has been neglected and disrespected. No wonder it looks so shabby and dejected. That's why the city's decision to launch a $40-million international design competition to "revitalize" Nathan Phillips Square is welcome news. After all, this is the single most important site in the city. Indeed, it's a defining feature of Toronto, one of the ways we know who we are and what it means to be a Torontonian. The winner won't be announced until next March, but already the discussion has started.