On the Queen Street Blaze

Those familiar with the streets of Toronto have likely frequented Queen Street West on a regular basis. And those same people were likely stunned to awaken this morning with the news that a particularly beloved stretch -- about a block between Portland and Bathurst that hadn't succumbed to massive retail chains -- was destroyed by a six-alarm fire.

As of right now, the fire is under control, but I can't help but feel a little saddened.

There are a couple of iconic stores on that stretch -- and they're simply destroyed. Goodbye, Suspect Video.

I'm trying to not feel horribly suspicious about the fact that fire tends to take care of historical buildings that otherwise stand in the way of future condominium sites. And, in this case, a hideous Home Depot/condo plan.

This city hates old structures. Eventually, they are all consumed -- by commerce, condos or flames.

The Star's online coverage of the Queen Street fire.