Toronto Pearson Airport is our gateway to the world and an entry point for millions to the city. I’ve spent countless hours at the airport, but move through the place on auto-pilot as part of my travel routine. So last night on the way back from New York, I decided to take a step back and see what newcomers experience when first arriving in Toronto.
I flew into terminal three on a small Continental propeller plane. The second we stopped at the gate, everyone jumped up to get their bags and deplane. Our first dose of Toronto policy: we must remain on-board until all checked bags have been brought to the front of the plane. Twenty minutes go by while the passengers stand impatiently in the cramped aisle. It’s a little aggravating but I figure there must be a safety reason behind the procedure. The New Yorkers next to me think it’s just “dumb Canadian policy.”
Finally we’re out and head to immigration. We walk in a pack down a long series of hallway. The space is super-clean and clearly signed but the monotonous grey colour makes it feel like a journey. Grey walls, grey carpet, metal railings all to match the grey sky outside. Two thoughts: Does this experience set the tone for “the city without a soul”? And why are we so afraid of using colour or graphics to express some of our personality here in Toronto?
Everyone has sped up and it feels like I’m in a race to get out. Just before we hit the immigration hall, I stop to check a series of bright orange boards with photos, while everyone rushes passed. It’s a mini-exhibit on Toronto film, associated with the Toronto International Film Festival. Bravo! Some interesting Toronto content that stands out to greet visitors and tell them about our unique culture. Except…no one will ever read it because it’s placed in the most inopportune spot.
Getting through immigration is unexpectedly quick. The space is lackluster but perhaps what people expect for bureaucratic process like immigration. It’s not until I get out of baggage claim and into the arrivals area that the airport takes on some life. The security staff, the baggage handlers, the taxi drivers and the families waiting to pick up visitors are from every conceivable culture.
Pearson gets marks for being clean and orderly, but conveys a cold , lifeless entry to Toronto. The most authentic expression of Toronto personality comes from the people and not the place.
Wendy Gold, Founder and President of OpenCity Projects, comes from small-town Canada. While living and working abroad, she became fascinated with cities and how people experience them. But it took moving to Toronto to show her the value of a city that embraces cultural diversity and green space.
photo by Fhashemi
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