There is the ‘great divide’ amongst this city (and the city above the city). Those of us who live in the 905 vs those who live in the “GTA” or the 416. I have written before how I was mortified when I had to give up my 416 land line for my 905 one. I actually received this comment a couple of months ago, “why do you still have a land line?” To have or not to have a land line isn’t what this story is about….

Anyone who has attempted to drive anywhere in this city is aware of the fact that all the parking lots are gone. They have all been taken up by condos. A few weeks ago I attended an event at the Arcadian Court event venue space. Have you EVER tried to park around there? Well, if you did, you probably ended up at the city hall parking lot.

I am happy to say that I have found the best parking lot in the city. It just happens to be the TTC parking lot at Wilson Heights. I know!! Not even close to the downtown core, however three times in the last three weeks I have been downtown and parked there.

First time: Parking cost: $4
During a recent day off from work, I decided to spend the day downtown doing some good for others. Originally I was going to park at Downsview but that lot was full. I knew that Yorkdale would be full, and for a brief second thought I would drive. I didn’t want to drive, not just because the hassle of driving downtown, or the $20 it would have cost to park. It was more about spending the 25 minutes on the subway listening to music and taking a well needed time out. I asked on the intercom where I else there was to park. The unfriendly voice on the other end told me to go to Wilson Heights, there was a big parking lot. Not only that, but the entrance to the subway is right there, not a walk, like Downsview or Finch for that matter.

 A friend has a child at sick kids and I brought her lunch, and we spend a few hours talking, and catching up, as well as visiting her son. I have only ever been in the NICU one other time, and let me tell you, it is quite the place. It also allows us to be grateful that we live in a city with a hospital like Sick Kids, or Princess Margaret – life saving hospitals at our front door.

My second stop was visiting a family member at Mount Sinai, where again, I realized that the time you give to others is so important. What seems like a small gesture to one, is a HUGE gesture to another. I was glad that I was able to do both. While I was on the train on the way home, I felt very good about the day that I spent.

Second time: Parking cost: $2
Two weeks ago I was going with two of my friends to see Josh Groban at the ACC. During the discussion about how to get down there, it was a no brainer….”the better way”…and parking at my new favourite place to park. The two other ladies I was didn’t know about the lot, and because it was after work hours, we scored a spot right by the door, and within minutes we were on the train heading to the concert. Of course Union Station is short walk from the ACC….so we were good to go!

Today: Parking cost: FREE
Weekends are free to park….so really a no brainer. I was going to the International Woman’s show at the convention centre, where I think onsite parking is $20. I parked for free and my tokens (3) were $8, so I was ahead of the game, and have one left over for future use.

For those of you who know me well, you know that subways were not always my thing. In fact, for a very long time, I avoided them. But now, if it makes sense to use the subway as a mode of transportation, I would choose it. I am NOT saying that I want to become a commuter and work downtown….please do not misunderstand me, I admire those who do that every day, but that is not me. I know…never say never, but for now, the odd time (3 in 3 weeks) is just fine with me.

Thanks for reading, see y’all tomorrow!