Opinion regarding the aesthetic merits of Toronto condos is remarkably varied. What qualifies as a total eyesore to one person, might be considered an absolute gem by another. I suppose a certain divisiveness is characteristic of all architecture, but for all their blandness, condos in this city tend to elicit surprisingly passionate responses. Perhaps this is because they've become so ubiquitous. Toronto is quickly becoming a city of condominiums, and from an architectural standpoint, that might not be a very good thing.

I say might because there's nothing intrinsically wrong with condo development in a city. Setting aside talk of housing bubbles, each new building poses, at least theoretically, an opportunity to improve the cityscape. But whether that actually proves to be the case, of course, is another story.

I've said it before. I'm not convinced that Toronto's filled with ugly condos so much as those that are bland. I tend to look at the CityPlace development with ambivalence rather than the scorn I hear meted out from some urban architecture enthusiasts. But there are exceptions. The faux-Deco stylings of the NY Towers at Bayview and Sheppard have always irked me. Similarly, the stretch of Bay between Bloor and Gerrard just makes me feel hollow inside. And don't get me started on the soon-to-open Bohemian Embassy.

So, with an eye towards a longer and more varied list, please weigh in on what you think are Toronto's ugliest condos. It doesn't matter if they're old or new, they just have to hurt your eyes.

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