The usual roar of the Grand Prix race cars will be conspicuously absent this July. Unfortunately it is estimated that the silence will cost Toronto approximately $50 million. The Toronto Grand Prix, which started off as the Molson Indy in 1986, was a huge drawing card and a rain maker for our hospitality and tourism industries. The death knoll for the event was a deal between the Indy Racing League and Champ Car World Series which left the race calendar too crowded. The Toronto Grand Prix was declared expendable.

There is talk that we may get the race back in 2009, but I don’t know if that is realistic or wishful thinking. Some are even reporting that there are negotiations to keep the Grand Prix in Toronto this year, but on a different date. Unfortunately there is nothing to substantiate these reports.

Even if the Toronto Grand Prix had gone on as planned, a new sponsor would have had to be found. Steelback Breweries is no longer solvent, but has no debts with the Toronto Grand Prix. According to the organizers, there are 6 parties who have expressed interest in becoming the title sponsor.

No matter how much the loss of the Grand Prix is sugar coated, the economic reality of this loss is enormous.

• Over 3.5 million people have come to Toronto specifically for the car race since 1986
• The car race supports approximately 448 full time jobs in the GTA
• Approximately $5.1 million in tourist spending in Toronto from outside Ontario was directly attributed to the Grand Prix

Are you directly affected by the loss of the Toronto Grand Prix? Will you miss the race?

Whether you love it or hate it, a recent poll shows that 74% of all Canadians celebrate Valentine’s Day. It puts a lot of pressure – emotionally and financially on couples – and sends many unattached singles into a downward spiral. Why not throw convention to the wind and do something different this year? Who knows, you may even start to enjoy it!

Instead of spending money on decadent indulgences, the Sick Kids Foundation has wonderful Valentine cards and gifts that are not just beautiful, but will truly make a difference. Follow the link below for the details.
http://www.sickkids.ca/

For sports minded couples, why not take in a hockey game? The New York Islanders will be in town taking on the Leafs on Valentine’s Day. Follow the link below for more information.
http://mapleleafs.nhl.com/

Do you have marriage on y our mind? There is no time like Valentine’s Day to tie the knot! The Toronto Wedding Chapel is offering an all-inclusive Valentine’s Day Wedding Special. Follow the link below for more information.
http://www.torontoweddingchapel.com/holidayspecial.html

Valentine’s Day is not just for couples. It’s a wonderful time for families to celebrate too. The Montgomery Inn is hosting a St. Valentine’s Day Tea on February 14th from 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM. And, it’s affordable for the whole family - Adults: $3.77 Children: $0.94 Seniors/Student: $1.89 Family Pass: $9.43 plus GST. For more information on the Montgomery Inn follow the link below.
http://www.toronto.ca/culture/montgomerys_inn.htm

For singles who feel that Valentine’s Day holds no appeal for them, Meet Market Adventures is hosting a Toronto Singles Anti-Valentine’s Day Party at Shmooze located at 15 Mercer St. For all of the details follow the link below.
Singles Anti-Valentine’s Day

Here’s a neat little natural weather phenomenon discovered along the lakefront in Ajax, Ontario last week:

Notice the snowballs, and no footprints around them! Some even are donut-shaped … only in Canada.

Essentially, I don’t know what the phenomenon is called, but have heard it explained before.

Conditions must be just perfect … specifically:

The result … these naturally rolled snowballs. When the wind is strong or fast enough, it will even create the donuts you see in the pictures.

Last fall the City of Toronto was thinking of getting into the food services business. They actually wanted to purchase 35 carts and lease them out to independent street vendors. Their plan was to diversify from hot dogs to ethnic fare, making the choices healthier and more in keeping with the diverse ethnicity of Toronto residents. Sounds like a good idea, doesn’t it. If I told you that it would have required the City of Toronto to take out a $700,000 would you still think so? No one else did either. Mayor Miller had no choice but to remove the $700,000 loan from the 2008 capital budget – a good move considering the amount of services that he cut citing lack of funds.

Not content to let this ill-fated plan die, Toronto has now resurrected it in a more modest form. It seems that no one really objected to the plan. It was the $700,000 loan that was highly objectionable. The current proposal involves a pilot project with 15 food service carts to be located in public parks or squares this summer. Under the new plan the City of Toronto will purchase the carts and then select where the carts can be located. They will be actively pursuing a private partner to help with the financing. Vendors would be selected according to the following criteria:
•    Financial viability
•    Compliance with city bylaws
•    Experience
•    What type of cuisine they are planning to sell
•    How healthy the food is
•    Reputation

This is bad news for existing hotdog vendors who would not be eligible unless they agree to give up their vending licenses. A full-scale program could begin in 2009. Do you think that the City of Toronto should be in the food service business?

Now in its 15th fabulous year, The Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto is running its “Room at the Inn” program from December 1 – December 30. Partnering with St. Michael’s Hospital, Casey House Hospice, and Hospice Toronto this outstanding Toronto hotel is offering short-term, complimentary accommodations to families in need that are visiting hospitalized relatives in Toronto.

The “Room at the Inn” program makes up to 10 guestrooms per night available to families in need, with a maximum of 7 room nights per family. The medical partners are responsible for determining the eligibility of each family on an individual case by case basis. In addition to the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto, the Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa, The Fairmont Winnipeg, and The Fairmont Newfoundland are also participating.

It’s wonderful to see a world class hotel open its doors and its heart to those families who are struggling with illness, particularly at this time of year. Through the generosity of the Fairmont Royal York these families will be able to remain together and be able to offer love and support to each other during this difficult time in their lives.

For families visiting hospitalized relatives in Toronto, there truly is “Room at the Inn”. Please pass this information along to those who may be able to avail themselves of this wonderful, charitable program. For more information please call 1-800-441-1414 or follow the link below. www.fairmont.com

Bravo Fairmont Royal York for giving back to the community in a meaningful way and helping to make the holidays a little brighter for families in need.

Have you finished your holiday shopping yet? If not, have no fear. There are plenty of great shopping spots in Toronto for all tastes and budgets. And, there is plenty of time left.

The Toronto Eaton Centre is considered by many to be the main shopping area in the city. It is also a designated tourist area and such is open even on statutory holidays. With more than 285 stores for your shopping pleasure right in the heart of the city, you will have no problem finding something for everyone on your gift list. Follow the link below for all of the information.

http://www.torontoeatoncentre.com/home/index.ch2  

Bloor/Yorkville is also known as Toronto’s Mink Mile. Home to the most exclusive and expensive boutiques in the city, shopping in Bloor/Yorkville is an experience not to be missed. Follow the link below to find out where the rich and famous will be doing their holiday shopping this season.

http://www.bloor-yorkville.com/

The St.Lawrence Market area is not only the home for the best food shopping in Toronto, but the streets surrounding the market have become the Mecca for home décor. Whether you are looking for a little curiosity, a unique gift item, or hand crafted furniture, you’ll find everything that you are looking for on King east of Jarvis and on Front Street near the Flatiron Building.

Queen Street West, is Toronto’s SOHO area. Known for funky shops, art galleries, retro boutiques, and local designers, you can find everything from a designer gown to a Goth outfit. Check out the shops for something original.

Queen’s Key Terminal, is in the heart of Toronto’s Harbourfront district. There is a diverse selection of shops showcasing jewelry, art, lingerie, fashion, and toys. Take a break and enjoy the views of the waterfront from the lovely restaurants and cafes. For all of the information on the Queen’s Key Terminal follow the link below.

http://queensquay.sites.toronto.com/

PATH, Toronto’s underground shopping system, is the answer to Toronto’s winter weather. Path is the largest underground shopping network in the world, 27 kilometres long and home to more than 1,200 shops. You can find everything that you need without ever coming above ground.

Are you a bargain hunter? For discount shopping deals in the Greater Toronto Area follow the link below to the Shoestring Shopping website.

http://www.shoestringshopping.com/

The holiday season is a great time to reconnect with friends and family. Hosting a party doesn’t have to be a big production.  It can be relaxed and inexpensive or elaborate and formal, depending on your personal style and your own holiday traditions. Here are ten great ideas for your holiday party in Toronto.

1. Theme Party: Spice up your holiday party this season by making it a theme party. Try themes like Casino Night, Hawaiian Night, Victorian Christmas, Roaring 20s, or make up your own. Ask your guests to all come in costume. Try to select a menu and drinks in keeping with the theme. Tropical themes are all great fun in the midst of our winter season.

2. Boat Cruise: I’d be willing to bet that many of you don’t know that you can take a Christmas cruise in the Toronto harbour. Cruising in our winter wonderland is just spectacular. Don’t worry about the temperatures. All of the yachts are fully heated. Contact www.merrycruises.com for more information.

3. Caroling Party: Share the spirit of the season. Once your guests have gathered, head out for some caroling in your neighbourhood. If someone in the group plays a portable instrument like the guitar, even better.

4. Personal Chef: Hiring a personal chef is the ideal way to serve a magnificent sit-down dinner without any of the work. Consult the Canadian Personal Chef Alliance for personal chefs in your area by following the link below.

http://www.chefsearch.ca/

5. Christmas Scavenger Hunt: Scavenger hunts are fun for adults and children alike. And you’ll have as much fun creating the hunt as your guests will in participating.

6. Hire Entertainment: A great way to make your party a memorable occasion is by hiring entertainment – karaoke, fortune tellers, and hypnotists are some of the most popular. Follow the link below for some entertainers in Toronto.

http://www.buyitcanada.com/Toronto/Arts-Entertainment/Entertainers/

7. Charity Party: Gather all of your guests and go out to volunteer together at a mission or a soup kitchen. Or, ask everyone to bring a non-perishable food item which you can then take over to your local food bank. Or, bring a toy for a child in need and deliver it to one of many organizations in your area accepting donations.

8. Winter Activity Party: Go as a group and enjoy the holiday season outdoors by participating as a group in skating, tobogganing, or skiing. I’m sure that they’ll all appreciate the hot chocolate, cider, or mulled wine afterwards.

9. Murder Mystery Night: Enjoy a fun evening of murder and mayhem at home. Create your own game or buy one of the games available at many stores. Have everyone dress their part and serve an appropriate menu to enhance the game.

10. Open House Party: This tried and true holiday party is the most popular and the easiest to organize. There are no rules. Anything goes. Decide on the time, what you want to serve, prepare the guest list, send out the invitations, and voila – instant party.

In Toronto we love to boast about our multicultural city. Currently there are over 145 languages spoken in Toronto. And, over 40% of our immigrants speak very little English or no English at all. This has created an enormous problem for our legal system given that Section 14 of the Charter guarantees everyone the assistance of an interpreter. But with over 145 languages now spoken in Toronto, and this does not take into account all of the dialects, are we really able to guarantee this guarantee?

In order to be an interpreter in a courthouse one must pass the Attorney-General’s accreditation test. The courthouse facing the greatest linguistic challenges in the GTA is in Brampton, which requires the services of more interpreters than any other area in all of Canada. It is estimated that well over 5,000 cases each year require interpreters with skills in Punjabi, Urdu, Tamil, Cantonese, Somali, Kurdish, Spanish, and Polish. It is a well-known fact that the Brampton courthouse regularly uses unqualified interpreters – some have failed the course or not taken it all together. Even those who do become accredited don’t meet the basic standards of court interpreting and would not be able to pass any test in legal terminology.

In 1994 a Supreme Court decision declared that legal interpreters must be competent and impartial. The other issue is the difference between being accredited and certified. In Ontario there are 1,000 accredited court interpreters but only 20 who are certified. Ottawa is still placing the onus on our immigrants, believing that it is their responsibility to speak either English or French proficiently. What does this say about how we are treating our immigrants? What kind of justice are we meting out to new Canadians? Has multiculturalism created a 2 class system of justice?

Don’t Travel Throughout The World, Just Come To Toronto

Toronto is one of the most eclectic and vibrant cities in the world. We are famous for our ethnic diversity. Did you know that?:

• Over 100 languages and dialects are spoken here
• More than 40% of the population is considered a visible minority
• Over 1/3 of Toronto residents speak a language other than English at home
• 49% of Toronto’s population was born outside of Canada
• We are the 5th largest city in North America with a population of 4.7 million
• Toronto has the 3rd largest English speaking theatre district in the entire world
• One of our nicknames is “Hollywood North” because we rank 3rd in North American television and film production
• We have 6 professional sports teams
• Toronto is the business centre and heart beat of Canada
• Toronto has more than 7,000 restaurants
• Toronto has 79 ethnic publications
• Toronto’s CHIN radio broadcasts in over 30 languages
• CFMT-TV, Canada’s first multicultural television station based in Toronto, broadcasts programming in 22 languages throughout Ontario

Wandering the streets of Toronto is like a trip around the world. Our neighbourhoods - Little Italy, Corso Italia, 3 Chinatowns, Korea Town, Little Poland, Little India, Portugal Village, Greektown, Kensington Market, St. Lawrence Market, Bloor/Yorkville, the Beach, the Gay Village, Queen St. West, the Financial District, the Entertainment District, the Distillery District, the Fashion District, Forest Hills, Rosedale, Harbourfront, and Cabbagetown – represent every ethnic culture that you can possibly imagine, and a few that you couldn’t imagine.

Ethnic food is everywhere – on the streets, in the supermarkets, and in the food courts. Each neighbourhood is special, unique and part of what makes Toronto great. What’s your favourite part of Toronto?

Did you know that “extended stay” is the fastest growing segment in the hospitality industry today? ELEMENT Hotels which launched in 2006 and has set out to capture this market is getting ready to launch its first Canadian Toronto hotel. Called the ELEMENT Toronto Downtown, this exciting extended stay Toronto hotel will be open and ready to do business in January 2009. Its 220 guestrooms are being created to maximize both productivity and relaxation. Ideally located on Front Street West, guests will be in close proximity to the heart of the financial district, as well as the sights, landmarks, culture, and entertainment that Toronto has to offer.

Extended stay hotels are designed to recreate a residential feel for travelers who spend a lot of time on the road. The ELEMENT Toronto hotel will be designed to make travelers as comfortable as possible and ensure that their suites are fully equipped with features including multi-purpose modular furniture, entertainment units equipped with flat screen televisions, fully equipped kitchens, and spa showers. On site will be a fitness centre, 700 square feet of meeting space, a technology centre, and an outdoor fire pit and barbeque where guests can meet each other and enjoy a meal and drink together.

A complimentary breakfast of hot breakfast sandwiches, smoothies, coffee, and tea will be served daily. The staff is trained to be attentive and intuitive, never intrusive. These properties marry the best of hotel living with the touches of home.