Tree Grates + Cages

As a final addition to the sidewalk work for the season, tree grates and cages were installed around the newly planted trees. These kind of tree protection grates are so much better for the trees (as opposed to the standard cement slabs and collars that are used in other places) as they let lots of water in. We are told this system is also outfitted for tubes that will be installed when the ground has thawed to allow for a hose to be slid in and water delivered deep into the planting medium.
The cages also provide much needed protection for the new trees to avoid stressing them in this critical time of growth. This is already a challenging environment for trees to grow in so anything we can do to improve their chances is well worth the effort.

Road Restorations

John Rutkowski spraying the finishing tar sealant on the pavement. 

John works with the road-rollers, who press the sealant into the pavement, evenly distributing it.

Photos by Simone Truemner-Caron

Finishing Touches

All the trees have successfully been installed along the sidewalk.

Workers adding the finishing touches to the sidewalk. This includes putting topsoil in the tree pits, and laying out the final granite pieces.

The last of the granite, shipped and ready to be installed.

 Pablo Cornejo and Rigobrto Aguiluz smoothing the primer sand layer.





Laying down granite.

 Rigobrto Aguiluz and Rodrigo Montt.

Photos by Simone Truemner-Caron

Welcome, Trees!

The trees are here!

Their roots are in burlap sacs...

Some are oak...

Some are maple...

 And they'll soon be put-up vertically.

 Right now they're just chillin' in the rain.

Photos by Simone Truemner-Caron

Granite Down, But Still More To Go...

The granite has successfully been installed between 401 Richmond and Spadina.

Granite portions of sidewalk finished.

The construction work on the north side of 401 Richmond is complete. Now we're waiting for the rain to stop and shipments to arrive, so that the rest of the granite and the trees can be installed.

A man walks along the unfinished sidewalk, not seeming to mind the huge holes. 

The concrete under the burlap is drying, protected from the rain.

Notice that the amount of truck poo in the ditch seems to be growing... a sure sign of progress.

Photos by Simone Truemner-Caron

Healthy Trees, Please

Ernie Summers, the municipal inspector, explains that the tree roots are able to extend underground past the actual square where the trees will be planted. This will allow enough root room to support lots of tree growth.

Ernie also explains that just before planting the trees, they will dig out all garbage and concrete trailings down to the soil, and then fill it up with topsoil. The trees to inhabit this sidewalk will most likely be maples and elms.

Photos courtesy of Margie Zeidler

Luxurious Sidewalk Additions: Granite Beginnings

Granite instillations are in full-swing. This is how it works:

1) Lay down a rough layer of concrete.

 2) Smooth some sand over it.

3) Deliver the granite blocks.

4) Lay down the granite blocks as tightly as possible. According to the resident expert Ernie, loose blocks allow theft, causing a serious hazard for people in heels. 

5) Once the granite is laid, sprinkle some sand on the blocks. This will act as lubrication for the "plate tamper."

6) Use the plate tamper to stamp down the granite. After this step, the granite blocks should be safely nestled.

With every construction project, there is some waste. The technical term for this concrete pile, according to an anonymous worker, is "truck poo."

Photos by Simone Truemner-Caron

Rain Rain, Go Away...

Large pieces of burlap are stretched over the newly-laid concrete to prevent damage from falling rain drops. Bad weather is often the cause of delayed construction. From left: Rodrigo Montt (gray hat), Mike Lamanna Jr. (red), Manuel Cornejo (red), Ernie (white).

Photos by Simone Truemner-Caron

Clutter

Shown above are scraps of wood from the moulds used to support the tree-hole concrete while drying. 

Alternating pits between the holes designated for trees will be filled with granite for aesthetic purposes. Between each tree, benches will also be installed.

Rigobrto Aguiluz leaning into the frame, and workers dis-assembling the concrete moulds in the background. 

A solution to the clutter? "Just put everything down this hole." From left: Mauricio Cornejo, Rodrigo Montt, Mike Lamenna (Jr.)

Photos by Simone Truemner-Caron

The Work

Have you ever wondered how sidewalks get their unique ridged texture?

By broom!

Mauricio and Manuel Cornejo (cousins).

Photos by Simone Truemner-Caron

The People

Upon learning that the pictures I was taking of the sidewalk construction were being published online, the immediate reaction of most workers was to stop working and strike a pose. For further examples, please see "The Stars."

Mike Lamanna, the operations coordinator, is seen here on the "safe" side of the caution tape (since he's not wearing his safety gear).

Ernie the inspector, on the other hand, is fully equipped to work within the realm of danger (within the restricted area).

Pablo Cornejo standing on an island amid the drying concrete, with Mike Lamanna (Jr.) reaching out to him.

Jaimie Droncoso and Rodrigo Montt.

Photos by Simone Truemner-Caron