Main Street Ontario Grant Application

The Economic Development and Parks Committee recommends the adoption of the recommendations of the Millennium Task Force embodied in the following report (September 9, 1999) from the City Clerk:

Recommendations:

The Millennium Task Force on September 8, 1999, recommended to the Economic Development and Parks Committee, and Council, the adoption of the report (August 18, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, wherein it is recommended that:

(1)the following projects be submitted in the City's application (see Appendix) for consideration to the Province of Ontario's Main Street Ontario Grant Program for total funding of $350,000.00:

(a)Sharing the Future project from the Access and Equity Centre in the Chief Administrator's Office for $14,000.00;

(b)Main Street banners and murals from the Economic Development Division of the Economic Development, Culture and Tourism Department for $18,750.00;

(c)Millennium Fashion Gala from the Economic Development Division with Economic Development, Culture and Tourism for $25,000.00;

(d)Circle of Trees - A Timepiece from the Parks and Recreation Division of the Economic Development, Culture and Tourism Department for $42,000.00;

(e)Lost Rivers, Found Opportunities from the Parks and Recreation Division of the Economic Development, Culture and Tourism Department for $50,000.00;

(f)Children's Programs and Community Gardens from the Parks and Recreation of the Economic Development, Culture and Tourism Department for $14,000.00;

(g)Toronto's Guide to the Millennium from the Special Events Division of the Economic Development, Culture and Tourism Department for $50,000.00;

(h)Destination Carlaw - Design Competitions and Streetscaping from the City Planning Division of the Urban Planning and Development Services Department for $7,000.00;

(i)Holiday House Renovation, Parkdale from the City Planning Division of the Urban Planning and Development Services Department for $19,000.00;

(j)Jane/Finch Streetscaping from the City Planning Division of the Urban Planning and Development Services Department for $23,000.00;

(k)Firefighters' Memorial from the Fire Services Division of the Works and Emergency Services Department for $42,000.00;

(l)Doors Open from Heritage Toronto for $35,000.00; and

(m)Wetlands' Wildlife Preservation from the Toronto Zoo for $10,250.00; and

(2)the appropriate City officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary action to give effect thereto.

Background:

The Millennium Task Force had before it a report (August 18, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, entitled "Main Street Ontario Grant Application", together with the list entitled "Main Street Ontario Applications and Recommendations".

(Report dated August 18, 1999, addressed to the

Millennium Task Force from the Commissioner of

Economic Development, Culture and Tourism)

Purpose:

To request that the Millennium Task Force review and approve the following recommendations to submit an application for 13 City projects to the Provincial Main Street Ontario Grant Program.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1)the following projects be submitted in the City's application (see Appendix) for consideration to the Province of Ontario's Main Street Ontario Grant Program for total funding of $350,000.00:

-Sharing the Future project from the Access and Equity Centre in the Chief Administrator's Office for $14,000.00;

-Main Street banners and murals from the Economic Development Division of the Economic Development, Culture and Tourism Department for $18,750.00;

-Millennium Fashion Gala from the Economic Development Division with Economic Development, Culture and Tourism for $25,000.00;

-Circle of Trees - A Timepiece from the Parks and Recreation Division of the Economic Development, Culture and Tourism Department for $42,000.00;

-Lost Rivers, Found Opportunities from the Parks and Recreation Division of the Economic Development, Culture and Tourism Department for $50,000.00;

-Children's Programs and Community Gardens from the Parks and Recreation of the Economic Development, Culture and Tourism Department for $14,000.00;

-Toronto's Guide to the Millennium from the Special Events Division of the Economic Development, Culture and Tourism Department for $50,000.00;

-Destination Carlaw - Design Competitions and Streetscaping from the City Planning Division of the Urban Planning and Development Services Department for $7,000.00;

-Holiday House Renovation, Parkdale from the City Planning Division of the Urban Planning and Development Services Department for $19,000.00;

-Jane/Finch Streetscaping from the City Planning Division of the Urban Planning and Development Services Department for $23,000.00;

-Firefighter' Memorial from the Fire Services Division of the Works and Emergency Services Department for $42,000.00;

-Doors Open from Heritage Toronto for $35,000.00; and

-Wetlands' Wildlife Preservation from the Toronto Zoo for $10,250.00; and

(2)the appropriate City officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary action to give effect thereto.

Discussion:

Outreach to City Departments about the City's Main Street Grant application was directed to senior managers across the departments, agencies, boards and commissions and to all Members of Council. In addition, the Interdepartmental Millennium Workgroup members were requested to announce information regarding the Main Street Ontario Grant Program and the submission deadline to their respective organizations.

A total of 17 projects were submitted for consideration. One project was later withdrawn.

The application is a compilation of 13 applications submitted for projects from four of the City Departments (i.e., Chief Administrator's Office; Economic Development, Culture and Tourism; Urban Planning and Development Services; Works and Emergency Services), Heritage Toronto and the Zoo. The Interdepartmental Millennium Workgroup formed a sub-committee to determine a method to score and weigh the submissions, review all the project applications, select the successful applicants and develop the consolidated application. The application is the result of this process.

The three remaining projects, although worthy and recommended for endorsement by the City, did not meet the criteria for the Main Street Ontario Grant Program.

Conclusion:

The above recommendations have been reached through a process exercising due diligence and these projects reflect the City's best opportunity to be successful in accessing the funding under the Main Street Ontario Grant Program.

Contact:

Ms. Cathi Forbes, Culture Division, 395-6192.

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City of Toronto Millennium Projects

Main Street Ontario Applications and Recommendations

SponsorDivisionProjectRequest Recommendation

Total $445,350.00 $350,000.00

Details and descriptions of these projects are contained in the attached Appendix of this report, Main Street Ontario Application Projects.

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Appendix

Main Street Ontario Application Projects

Project 1:"Our Millennium"- Sharing the Future

Project Purpose:

The City of Toronto has demonstrated leadership in providing an accessible government by actively engaging residents and community organizations in shaping the future of Toronto. An accessible, accountable and responsive municipal government occurs when proactive programs eliminate discrimination and barriers. An education and awareness series, will be implemented to mark the Millennium. This series will examine our changing City, celebrate the diversity for which we are internationally recognized, and reflect on the challenges for municipal government and communities beyond the year 2000. The series will expand upon established programming and reach new audiences to build a more inclusive society.

Education forums and an awareness campaign designed for a range of different audiences will celebrate Toronto's cultural heritage and diversity in areas outside downtown. The campaign will support local community initiatives and neighbourhood pride, as well as provide opportunities for everyone in Toronto to collectively celebrate and promote a more inclusive city for the future.

Main Street Ontario funding would enable the City of Toronto to expand each of the following programs.

Poster Campaign:

An expanded campaign will help celebrate the City's diversity at the turn of the millennium. The campaign will be launched at the beginning of the year and subsequent posters will establish a positive image of a diverse, vibrant and inclusive Toronto that encourages everyone to fully participate in civic life. Posters will be displayed using municipal space, bus shelters, community centres and other strategic locations.

Education and Awareness Series:

An expanded series of public education forums, cultural displays and art exhibits, economic development seminars, civic awards, ceremonies, strategy sessions, celebrations and festivals could be held from February to December, 2000. Examples of events and days of significance, which would be recognized include:

-Black History Month;

-International Women's Day;

-International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination;

-Refugee Rights Day;

-Disability Access Programs;

-National Aboriginal Day;

-Pride Week;

-St. Jean Baptiste Day*;

-International Literacy Day;

-Women's History Month;

-Persons' Day; and

-Human Rights Day.

*St. Jean Baptiste Day - June 24, 2000: a celebration of Francophone culture in Toronto. St. Jean Baptiste Day is a significant tradition in Canada. To better celebrate the Canadian nation and its two founding languages, we are planning an event highlighting the diversity of Francophone culture in the City. For the year 2000 and in the context of a culturally diverse Toronto, we are planning an event for St. Jean Baptiste Day which includes: a colourful celebration of Francophone art, culture, music, food, dance and community.

"Equity and Human Rights" Banner Program:

The successful "Equity and Human Rights" could be expanded in the year 2000 to areas outside the downtown. High traffic areas could be targeted to celebrate communities and neighbourhoods across the City.

Homecoming:

Toronto's diversity will be celebrated through special events, posters and banners displayed in prominent spaces across the City. In addition, special events and the poster campaign will be highlighted on the City of Toronto website. Visitors to Toronto will have an opportunity to share in public forums and events and gain an awareness of how our diversity makes the City more interesting, one of the best places in the world to live, and contributes to global competition.

Land of Opportunity:

The City of Toronto is the destination point for over 70,000 immigrants and refugees annually. This collective history defines Toronto. Local community pride and neighbourhood certitude has become the foundation from which the City has socio-economically matured. An education series will discuss innovative policies and programs to address barriers and ensure equitable access to services. By examining past history forums, we will explore the challenges Toronto faces in the new Millennium.

We Are Ontario:

Through an exciting calendar of special events and forums we will celebrate and promote a better understanding of what Toronto looks like in the year 2000. Diversity does not just include characteristics such as gender, race, sexual orientation, disability, age, education, religion and ethnicity but also an increasing diversity in life styles, values, power and life chances. Forums will examine the social and economic impact of diversity and what our changing demographics are telling us about the future.

Community Partners:

Community partnerships will be integral in planning and implementing the project. Specific working groups, citizen advisory committees and community partners will help deliver the educational forums and celebrations. Residents involved with the project will have an opportunity to build relationships with elected officials and City staff. Community representatives will facilitate seminars and speak at public events during the course of the year.

Management:

Access and Equity staff will manage the project in consultation with resident advisory committees and community agencies. The project will be evaluated on the following criteria:

-attendance at events;

-number of volunteers in the project;

-composition of audience: did the events attract new and more inclusive audiences;

-media coverage;

-expansion of database;

-number of "hits" to information on the website;

-number of new community partnerships for future projects; and

-increased participation and awareness of resident advisory committees.

Sponsor: Chief Administrative's Office - Access and Equity Centre.

Request for Provincial funding: $14,000.00.

Project 2:Main Street Millennium Banners and Murals

Project Purpose:

The purpose of this project is to foster pride of local community by installing banners and murals which celebrate the millennium and local history on the "Main" business streets of these communities. The banner and mural program will complement the community setting, celebrate special attributes of the community, and, as one of the revitalization tools, will act as a means to instill pride and economic activity into areas designated for economic renewal. While the banner and mural program is an ongoing component of the City's support to local communities, the enhanced funding in the millennium year will permit more local communities to participate in this program, and to focus on millennium themes.

Description:

The project will involve the design and installation of banners and murals in Toronto's designated revitalization areas. In most cases, this will involve working with local Business Improvement Areas (BIA's), Business and Industrial Associations, Residents and Local Art Groups. Within the Employment Area Revitalization program, multi-stakeholder community associations will be involved in the planning, design and installation of banners and murals. In particular, the mural program involves the use of local artists and concentrates on local themes and history.

Outcomes:

It is anticipated that the banner and mural program will satisfy all of the objectives identified, including the "Homecoming", "Beautify Ontario", "Land of Opportunity" and "We Are Ontario". The City's banner and mural program celebrates local resident and business communities, adding aesthetic value and enhancing local features. Since most mural projects depict historical events, these projects provide a direct link with the community's history and display the strength of diversity which exists in Ontario. The location of banner and mural projects on the City's Main Streets improves local commerce, encourages local shopping, and increases the pedestrian use of Main Streets, which in turn enhances local community vitality, improves community relationships, increases security and reduces crime.

Results of the Project:

The banner and mural program will strengthen the local volunteer sector because the local community will be involved in the design and selection of banner and mural installations. The decision-making activity builds local community capacity, builds and strengthens bonds between community members and, in the design of banners and murals, permits the opportunity to showcase special local talents. The cultural capacity of the local community also increases as a result of this activity.

The celebratory character of banners, and the uniqueness of murals, increases the attractiveness of stores on local Main Streets, and increases commerce and business activity in these areas.

Since the Economic Development Division is committed to working with local business, residential, industrial, and employer associations, which are brought together on the local selection committee, local inter-sectoral relationships and community capacity is increased. Often increased public and private contributions result from the stimulus of programs such as the banner and mural program.

The volunteer sector in the local community is provided with an opportunity to participate in collective decision-making and to assume leadership roles in the process of determining the optimal expenditure of the resources provided.

Volunteer Contribution:

It is anticipated that 10 to 12 installations of banners and murals will result from this program. Local volunteers will be actively involved in the development and selection of local projects. As a result, between 50 to 75 local volunteers will likely participate in the design, development and installation of projects. Approximately 75 percent of the work will be provided by local volunteers.

Management:

As described above, City staff will design the application form and establish selection criteria and manage the application process and timelines, in accordance with the Description section above. Local review committees will decide on the banner and mural installations and will make their recommendations to City staff. City staff will administer the formal award and will manage the disbursement of funds.

Sponsor: Economic Development, Culture and Tourism - Economic Development Division.

Request for Provincial funding: $18,750.00.

Project 3:Millennium Fashion Awards

Project Purpose:

As we approach the Millennium, and following the creation of the new City of Toronto, we would like to take advantage of this important opportunity to showcase the strengths of our fashion industry. Each year the City of Toronto presents the Awards for Excellence in Fashion Design, a program initiated in 1986 to recognize outstanding achievements in Toronto's fashion/apparel industry. This industry has been identified as being of strategic importance to the City. The Awards are presented in six categories: Designer of the Year; Specialty Designer; Accessories Designer; Industry Achievement; New Designer; and Fashion Graduate. Funding for the event is committed in the Economic Development budget allocation for the Fashion Industry Liaison Committee, and staff time has been allocated for organizing this event.

The Year 2000 Toronto Millennium Fashion Awards (working title), would provide an enhanced opportunity to showcase an elite group of Millennium Award winners, develop new partnerships with supporting sponsors and industry representatives, to involve the community and build pride in Ontario's capabilities. This application is in keeping with the City's "Quality of Life" theme, particularly with regard to the Healthy City principle of economic vitality.

Description:

Given that approximately 80 percent of the Province's apparel industry is located in Toronto, this event would recognize the accomplishments of outstanding companies among the majority of Ontario's fashion/apparel industry.

Project planning will begin as soon as the funding is approved by the Province sub-committee will be struck within two weeks, to provide industry input to the event planning process. Once details are confirmed, sponsorships will be negotiated and companies interested in participating in the fashion show identified. (Depending on the degree of interest, a jury may need to be established to select the final line-up.)

Outcomes:

The Toronto Millennium Fashion Awards project will meet three of the Province's four Main Street Ontario objectives.

The Homecoming:

Although not its main purpose, the Millennium Awards will attract visitors to the City, who have an interest in, or a connection to, Toronto's fashion/apparel industry. Scheduled within the first quarter of the year, this program may provide some Ontarians with their first opportunity to celebrate the Millennium, and encourage them to do so in their own Province.

Land of Opportunity:

The Millennium Awards are intended primarily as a showcase for the success of key members of Ontario's fashion/apparel industry. It will provide a unique opportunity to highlight the rich past of this important industry, to demonstrate the vibrant present through a show of the designs and accomplishments of industry members, and to instill pride in the bright and confident future for this industry in Ontario.

We Are Ontario:

Workers in the fashion/apparel industry are primarily members of the wide variety of cultural communities in our City, as are many of the designers, contractors and manufacturers. The industry has a long history in this City, particularly in the King-Spadina area. The Awards presentation will honour the culture and heritage of one of Ontario's founding industries.

Results of the Project:

A number of the Province's community objectives will be met by this proposal for the Toronto Millennium Fashion Awards.

The solicitation of nominations, selection of winners, public presentation of the awards and media coverage will build pride by showcasing the achievements of the fashion/apparel industry. Measures of this success will include the degree of industry and community involvement, as well as the value of the publicity and goodwill generated.

One of the goals of the Awards program is to publicize the capabilities of the sector, creating stars in the public's eyes, to increase demand for the product and thus strengthen the local economy. Short-term results, such as sales increases, and long-term results, such as employment increases, are expected.

With the support of the Province and industry across the new City, and the all-important Millennium theme, we believe this program will encourage the development of new partnerships through local public and private sector groups working together.

In the fashion industry many students gain credibility and important contacts by providing volunteer services. This event will give participating students an opportunity to learn new project management skills.

The Toronto Millennium Fashion Awards will be a high-profile event for the community, accessible to people of all ages and abilities.

Volunteer Contribution:

The City has considerable experience in, and a good reputation for, coordinating fashion industry initiatives with wide support from industry members. The Fashion Industry Liaison Committee (FILC), established by Toronto City Council in 1994, is made up of industry volunteers who represent all the various sub-sectors of the industry (manufacturing, design, labour, wholesale, retail, accessories, fur and education), and chaired by Councillor Chow and Councillor Kelly.

A sub-committee (FILC) will be struck to provide guidance and support for the Awards. Nomination and selection of the Award recipients is undertaken by industry members on a volunteer basis, increasing industry "ownership" of the process and the results. Key representatives from manufacturing design, retail, wholesale, labour and media sub-sectors volunteer to sit on the Independent Selection Committee. The process is managed by the City.

With the widened scope of this event, students from Toronto area fashion schools (George Brown College, The International Academy of Merchandise and Design, Ryerson Polytechnic University and Seneca College), will be asked to provide volunteer assistance. In addition, the friends, colleagues and families of the Award winners will provide invaluable support for the event.

Management:

The project will be managed by the City's Sector Development staff person responsible for the fashion/apparel industry, and overseen by Economic Development management staff. The (FILC) Awards Sub-committee will provide industry support.

Sponsor: Economic Development, Culture and Tourism - Economic Development Division.

Request for Provincial funding: $25,000.00.

Project 4:Circle of Trees - A Millennium Time Piece

Project Purpose:

Create a public art work to commemorate the Millennium in the City of Toronto for residents and visitors.

Description:

The work consists of the planting of seven maple trees in a circle located in the new Greenwood/Woodbine Park. One of the trees is not a living tree, but a real tree cast in bronze. This will be only the beginning of the life of the work. It is meant to be left to let nature and life unfold around it. The living trees will grow while the bronze tree will stay the same, continuing to act as a measure of time as experienced by the living trees. Its meaning as a piece of art will grow as the work naturally changes through the seasons and the years. The "Circle of Trees" is meant to be a timepiece like the Millennium, which is essentially the measurement of time.

The installation will be raised about two feet above grade to distinguish it as something separate from its surroundings. The piece will be erected in a clear field-like area so that the trees in the circle will not be associated with the other neighbouring trees or landscaping. This will create a stage-like area for theatrical and/or dance performances. There will be a plaque in front of the relief sculpture illustrating the "Circle of Trees" as they were first planted.

Outcomes/Results:

The installation will benefit the residents and the community as an artistic and environmental enhancement of the park and surrounding areas. The lasting benefits to the community and the whole City is a new green space in which the piece will grow, change and provide a thoughtful approach to the Millennium while at the same time be truly integrated as part of the park. The neighbourhood is fully supportive and this will increase ownership of the Millennium project. In addition, it will attract visitors to the park and stimulate lively discussion. It will leave a legacy of the Millennium for future generations to enjoy and explore, and become a desired destination within the City of Toronto.

The "Circle of Trees" blends art and nature in a unique living project which will be an ecological timepiece. The living trees present time as measured by growing objects. The Bronze Tree is a symbol of man and his desire to capture time through art, freezing a moment in hopes of capturing the beauty around him. However, the natural beauty of a living tree is ever changing. The irony of stopping the natural life of the object in order to hold on to it forever is common in both art and man's approach to the environment. There is a strong desire to control nature and time in both.

Volunteer Contribution:

The "Circle of Trees" project is a partnership involving the artist, Ms. Laurie McGugan, the Toronto Parks and Recreation Division, a local Community Centre, Community 55, and the Beaches Triangle Residents Association. The proposed budget is $105,000.00. Volunteers will contribute their time and talents in each stage of the project. Some examples are marketing and promotion to assist in fundraising (this has already resulted in the donation of the boulder from Beaver Valley Stone Ltd. on which the plaque will be mounted), some landscaping materials and the park design, plantings and general stewardship of the completed project. Expected in-kind donations are approximately $40,000.00 and volunteers will help generate much of it.

Management:

The artist and the Parks and Recreation Division have worked closely together in the initial stages and are jointly responsible for the project. The installation of the piece will be in the spring of the year 2000, as this is the best time for planting. The community groups have enthusiastically sponsored and endorsed the "Circle of Trees" and are committed to its upkeep which is minimal. Part of the philosophy of the work is based on the uninterrupted growth of the living trees. If a tree dies, a new tree will not be planted in its stead.

Conclusion:

This project was rated as one of the premiere projects supported by the City of Toronto. To date, it has received a Millennium Grant from City Council of $5,000.00, partnership with the Parks and Recreation Division, endorsement of the City for the Main Street Ontario application.

Sponsor: Economic Development, Culture and Tourism - Parks and Recreation Division.

Request for Provincial funding: $42,000.00.

Project 5:Lost Rivers, Found Opportunities

There are three community-based projects within the scope of this application:

(1)The Toronto Labyrinth at Trinity Square

This project creates a place for contemplation and relaxation. Taddle Creek once flowed through this park, providing a place of respite. The creation of a labyrinth as a healing place will give new meaning to the land that carried Taddle Creek. Walking a labyrinth has calming effects on people and its construction will benefit those who work or visit the area. Its creation will add to the North American campaign of constructing numerous labyrinths at the turning of the Millennium, as a gesture towards world peace.

(2)The Stream of Sweetgrass at Moss Park

This initiative is meant to bring a new sense of hope to the Moss Park communities by bringing people together to take pride in their park and enhancing their quality of life. The creation of a winding pathway of tallgrasses and aromatic plants will both provide safe access through the park and also reflect the former course of Taddle Creek. A healing garden and communities garden will also foster community revitalization and park stewardship. As the Millennium approaches, people look forward in anticipation to a better quality of life in their community and in their City. Supporting this community project as a Millennium initiative is key to these hopes and aspirations.

(3)The Taddle Creek Millennium Walk of Exploration - Signage

Community groups along Taddle Creek want to explore their local community heritage. The series of signs placed along the Taddle Creek will foster local pride and interest in natural and social-cultural heritage, and will provide points of interpretive interest for visitors. This is a relevant Millennium initiative as it highlights the recognition and celebration of the past rich cultural and natural heritage of the Taddle Creek communities, the City and the Province in commemorating the new Millennium. This project also complements the other two projects by providing context.

These projects are all identified as initiatives of a broad-based grassroots, not-for-profit organization, entitled "The Taddle Creek Watershed Initiative". Its aims are to foster healthy city living through community renewal and environmental work. Its work is highly dependent on partnerships with other community organizations and institutions like the City of Toronto.

Communities located along the alignment of Taddle Creek are very interested in recognizing and honouring the local historical aspects of this buried creek through highly symbolic gestures. They feel it appropriate that Taddle Creek should be commemorated as the City enters a new era. These projects are unique as Millennium initiatives. They meet the Main Street Ontario application criteria and will point to:

(i)enhancing and celebrating community living;

(ii)recognizing and honouring community and natural heritage;

(iii)generating awareness of the lost rivers heritage of our City; and

(iv)local and visitor interest about how our City came to be and where it is going into the Millennium.

Each project described in this application is intended to celebrate the arrival of the Millennium by fostering restoration in community pride and in the use of the landscape. They imbue the landscape with meaning and provide opportunities for people to heal at the individual and community level.

(1)Toronto Labyrinth

Purpose:

(1)to provide a unique and meaningful way to commemorate the Millennium year, January 1 to December 31, 2000 can launch a legacy;

(2)to attract a new kind of visitor to Toronto's parks;

(3)to contribute a classic park feature - as functional as it is beautiful;

(4)to facilitate and enhance workshops and study groups at Holy Trinity Church and elsewhere;

(5)to offer an experience to Toronto residents and visitors not readily available elsewhere, including the disabled; and

(6)to provide a symbol (like Toronto's Peace Garden) that speaks to individuality and the cultural mosaic within the collective whole which is Toronto.

Description:

This project consists of the construction of a labyrinth structure at Trinity Square, the adjacent park square to Holy Trinity Church. The Toronto Labyrinth Community will provide the required technical assistance to facilitate the construction of this initial labyrinth of grass and stone. They believe this site to be an ideal location and to be Toronto's contribution to Veriditas, program based out of San Francisco's Grace Cathedral. The aim of the program is to introduce the labyrinth in as many forms and in as many places as possible, by the start of the millennium. The grass and stone labyrinth will encourage people from all walks of life who work and live in the City, as well as visitors to the City, to walk its specific maze as a type of active meditation. By virtue of its design, the labyrinth is considered to be a tool that promotes health and well being, and many have recently been built in the United States.

As a public amenity, this Millennium project would also be part of the Taddle Creek Millennium initiatives. Trinity Square is located on the historical alignment of the creek and the labyrinth is identified as another project in the Taddle Creek Healing Waters and Gardens Program.

Outcomes:

This project meets all of the Main Street Ontario objectives.

The Homecoming:

What else could be more Main Street to Toronto than the Eaton's Centre and City Hall, already a major draw for tourists? Labyrinths are a proven tourist attraction - hundreds of thousands flock to San Francisco's Grace Anglican Cathedral which features two labyrinths. Why the Millennium year? Partially due to the focus of the Veriditas project in San Francisco, the labyrinth has become a symbol of our place in this time.

Beautify Ontario:

This project aims to create a millennium garden. Part of the Taddle Creek Healing Gardens and Waters Program, the Labyrinth is seen as a type of healing garden. It enhances an existing civic space. Beautification of a grass square by the creation of this labyrinth structure will be undertaken in such a way that interprets the former path of a buried creek. The circular shape of the labyrinth works well with the square and provides a stunningly pleasing effect viewed from ground level or from the glass towers around it.

Land of Opportunity:

Ontario's rich past, in terms of natural and cultural heritage as reflected in Toronto's local history is showcased here in the sense that Taddle Creek's natural and cultural history will be interpreted.

Ontario's history will also be linked to the 4000 year-old history of the labyrinth by its creation here, at the dawn of a new Millennium. Additionally, landscape planners and designers involved with this project will receive public and media profile. The labyrinth will become an attractive public and tourist amenity all Torontonians will be proud of, contributing to a healthier City.

We Are Ontario:

Ontario's strength is its diversity. The labyrinth is recognized and welcomed by a diverse populace. It reaches across cultures and religions. This project is an initiative that showcases one of many ways in which Ontarians are promoting and experiencing different forms of health and well-being that are both ancient and new for the next millennium. Community use by a diverse group of health and well-being organizations, professionals and people is expected, church congregations; T'ai Chi practitioners; Jungian analysts (who have used them to help people connect with their sense of well-being); environmentalists (who have used them as a means to commune with the earth); patients from the nearby hospital district; and general park users wishing to go on a contemplative stroll.

Volunteer Contribution:

This project will require volunteer input. There already exists a base of volunteers from which to draw, particularly since this project was initiated by an already existing community organization interested in constructing labyrinths to mark the new Millennium. Six to eight volunteer members of the core group are already extensively involved in a co-ordinating committee. The Toronto Labyrinth Group has about forty volunteers, and hundreds have attended Toronto-area labyrinth workshops. The volunteers will work closely with City staff members, providing direction and some, if not all, the work that will come during implementation and maintenance.

Management:

The Toronto Labyrinth Group core group will undertake the management of this project with assistance from the City Parks and Recreation Division. They will share maintenance duties with the nearby Church of the Holy Trinity.

(2)The Stream of Sweetgrass at Moss Park

Purpose:

(1)to enhance and celebrate community living at the beginning of a new Millennium;

(2)to recognize and honour community and natural heritage;

(3)to generate awareness of the lost rivers heritage of our City; and

(4)to stimulate interest about how our City came to be and about where it is going as we approach the next Millennium.

Description:

The proposal calls for a phased development of a multi-purpose park amenity for the southern end of Moss Park. The basic idea is to create a winding pathway of tallgrass and a community garden/healing garden, both of which are meant to foster, among other things, community revitalization and park stewardship. The project aims to encourage the surrounding communities to become involved in their park by facilitating pedestrian flow through the park, and by providing gardening opportunities. Also notable is the recognition of the human and natural heritage to the park (it was once a significant meadow at the confluence of Taddle Creek and Moss Park Creek). Plans call for the planting of tallgrasses and heritage sweetgrass along a created path of crushed limestone reflecting closely the historic alignment of Taddle Creek. The path would encourage pedestrian flow through the park while also allowing for interpretation of heritage. The community garden and healing garden components would be used by local community organizations for delivery of their services.

Partners/ Participants:

-Toronto Parks and Recreation;

-Toronto City Works and Emergency Services;

-Office of Councillor Kyle Rae;

-John Innes Recreation Centre Advisory Committee;

-Toronto East Downtown Neighbourhood Association;

-Queen East Business Association;

-Anishnaabe Health Centre;

-Salvation Army of Canada;

-The Follower's Mission;

-Moss Park Armouries;

-Evergreen Foundation;

-Foodshare;

-Chidean House;

-Toronto Police Services; and

-The Taddle Creek Watershed Initiative.

Outcomes:

This project meets all of the Main Street Ontario objectives.

The Homecoming:

This project promises to become a local and city-wide tourist attraction for the Millennium year. People from the community and from across the Greater Toronto Area will be drawn to the idea of walking through a path of tallgrasses reflecting the former path of a buried creek. The community garden and healing garden will also draw visitors to the park by providing opportunities for relaxation and interpretation.

Beautify Ontario:

This project is very much about instilling a sense of pride in the local community regarding their park and its heritage. It will ease accessibility into the park and ease security fears. It is a project that aims to improve the area through beautification and expanding programming opportunities such as community gardening. Celebrating the Millennium through community revitalization is key.

Land of Opportunity:

Ontario's rich past, in terms of natural and cultural heritage as reflected in Toronto's local history is showcased here. Again, instilling community pride is a key objective. The Millennium year will be marked with the notion that this project is inspired by the past to move forward with vigour into the future.

We Are Ontario:

This project is both a local heritage initiative as well as an endeavour that will also provide opportunities for staging local community festivals. It will also showcase different ways in which Ontarians can experience different forms of health and well-being, both ancient and new for the next millennium.

Results:

This project will begin to show results when people in the area will once again feel safe to walk to the park for its enjoyment. When people begin using the park for gardening as well as coming to the park out of pleasure for walking through the Stream of Sweetgrass, then this too will be a measurable result. It is a project that aims to instill local pride in the park, as this amenity will not only provide local quality of life improvements but also attract others into the area who otherwise would not visit. By implication, a deeper appreciation for local heritage will also be a result. The project also aims to strengthen the local economy, as people will visit the attraction and shop in the area. It will certainly encourage the development of new partnerships between local, public and private sector groups, as the list above indicates. The initiative will be strongly dependent on volunteer services during the development and construction and ongoing maintenance phases of each aspect of the project. Individuals drawn from the surrounding residential and social services communities will gain leadership, management and other useful skills. These results are long term and are qualitative in nature. The local community will be the ones to benefit from this project directly. Short term, measurable results will be indicated when some of the serious social problems regarding drug use and abuse will disappear from the area. Once people feel good about their park and all the various programming opportunities this initiative provides, they will return to take ownership of it. This will be a powerful symbolic gesture as the community enters the Millennium with renewed hope.

Volunteer Contribution:

This project will require significant volunteer input. There already exists a base of volunteers from which to draw, particularly since this project has been brought forward to the community for preliminary feedback. The project will soon be presented to a wider community audience in order to strike a working committee of six to eight volunteer members of the community. A number of community meetings have taken place and will continue to take place to build support while refining the project to meet any outstanding community needs and concerns.

Management:

The project will be managed by the above-mentioned committee of volunteers drawn from the surrounding community as well as from City staff, particularly from the Parks and Recreation Division. They will be working closely with City staff members and the Toronto Police Services, providing direction and facilitating some, if not all, the work that will come during implementation and maintenance. Maintenance will be jointly undertaken by Parks and Recreation Division staff (minimal requirements) and community volunteers interested in the upkeep of the various aspects of the project.

(3)The Taddle Creek Millennium Walk of Exploration - Signage

Purpose:

(1)to enhance and communicate community living at the beginning of a new Millennium;

(2)to recognize and honour community and natural heritage;

(3)to generate awareness of the lost rivers heritage of our City; and

(4)to stimulate interest about how our City came to be and about where it is going as we approach the next Millennium.

Description:

This signage project consists of the design, development and implementation of four signs, in addition to the two signs associated with Project Nos. (1) and (2). These will recognize local history, educate residents and tourists about the natural history of the relevant areas and give context to the lost rivers projects within which each of the signs are located. All the signs would be located along the historic Taddle Creek alignment. Each sign, designed for purposes of education and communication, would include historic photographs and maps of Taddle Creek, local references to its former existence, its transition from watershed to sewershed and other natural history references. Also included would be an explanation of relevant local community cultural history, as well as an explanation of the various relevant Millennium projects associated specifically with each sign's location.

Taken as a whole, the signs would also point to a type of Taddle Creek Millennium Walk of Exploration. The signs would act as a guide for residents and visitors alike who may wish to discover and walk along the historic alignment of the Taddle Creek (much like the Garrison Creek Discovery Walk) and who wish to know more about each of the surrounding communities.

The proposed locations for each of the signs are:

(1) TTC Hillcrest Yards, at Bathurst and Davenport Roads;

(2)Taddle Creek Park, at Bedford and Lowther Streets;

(3) Philosopher's Walk;

(4) Holy Trinity Church/Trinity Square - helping describe the proposed labyrinth structure, why it is there and how to use it;

(5) Moss Park - describing the Stream of Sweetgrass concept; and

(6) Parliament Square.

Partners/Participants:

-Hillcrest Ratepayer's Association;

-Wychwood Park Trustees;

-Wychwood Park Ratepayer's Association;

-Bathurst-Davenport Community Group;

-Grassroots Albany;

-Annex Resident's Association;

-Moss Park Resident's Association;

-John Innes Recreation Centre Advisory Committee;

-Toronto East Downtown Neighbourhood Association;

-Queen East Business Association;

-Anishnaabe Health Centre;

-Corktown;

-St. Lawrence Resident's Association;

-The Toronto Labyrinth Group;

-The Church of the Holy Trinity;

-Community History Project;

-The Taddle Creek Watershed Initiative;

-The Eaton Centre;

-Heritage Toronto;

-TTC;

-Toronto Parks and Recreation Division;

-Toronto City Works and Emergency Services;

-Office of Councillor John Adams;

-Office of Councillor Olivia Chow;

-Office of Councillor Kyle Rae;

-Office of Councillor Jack Layton; and

-Office of Councillor Pam MacConnell.

The Homecoming:

These signs will promote and interpret local community history thereby attracting visitors and Torontonians to the community and other communities along Taddle Creek.

Land of Opportunity:

These signs will showcase the successes of past and present Ontarians, particularly as their roles relate to local history and present relevant projects.

We Are Ontario:

These signs will promote and interpret local community history, which help tell part of the story that is Ontario.

Results:

The signage program is fairly self-explanatory and the results tied very much into the above-noted projects. The development of the signs will provide opportunities for local community members to have input into the description of the past and present understanding of their community.

Volunteer Contribution:

This project will require significant volunteer input. There already exists a base of volunteers from which to draw, particularly since this project has been brought forward to the community for preliminary feedback. As such, for each sign six to eight volunteer members of the public have become or will become extensively involved. The volunteers will work closely with City staff members, providing direction and some, if not all, the work that will come during implementation.

Sponsor: Economic Development, Culture and Tourism - Parks and Recreation Division.

Request for Provincial funding: $50,000.00.

Project 6:Millennium Children's Programs and Community Gardens

Project Purpose:

To promote outdoor exploration, ecological awareness and hands-on gardening opportunities for children and community groups.

Project Description:

Children's Programs:

Spring, summer and fall children's programs will offer 8,000 children, youth and volunteers the opportunity to participate in hands-on nature exploration and gardening activities. The programs will build on two successful years of programming, covering a range of ecological concepts. The programs aim to help children to deepen their awareness of ecological relationships, while learning about Toronto's natural and cultural heritage.

Community Gardens:

The project will support the start-up and development of community gardens across the City with the goal of establishing one per ward by the end of the year 2001.

We are seeking funds to expand the Children's Garden and Exploring Toronto programs and towards meeting the new Parks and Recreation goal* of supporting community gardens (*see Community Garden Action Plan in original proposal). Specifically, we seek to add a new millennium component, comprised of a series of 10 to 15 events that would not otherwise take place. These would include:

(1)Exploring Earth Day in the Year 2000;

(2)The Multicultural Community Garden Touring Festival (three to five events across the City in different regions);

(3)Children's Gardening and Exploring Toronto Millennium Fair; and

(4)Children's Gardening and Exploring Toronto Fall Festival.

This event series will celebrate the emergence of children and youth environmental awareness, engagement and action in 2000 and beyond. The event series will be modelled on five events that we have successfully tested in 1998/1999 (attendance - 500 volunteers/participants at each). Through themes such as "Organic Gardens and Urban Biodiversity," "Exploring Toronto's First Nation's Heritage," "Multicultural Gardens and Foods of the World," "Community Planting and Stewardship" and "Secret Urban Habitats" these events will highlight local and regional community knowledge and achievements (both cultural and ecological). Volunteers from various groups and communities will be encouraged to attend and participate.

New project resources related to event themes (e.g., a child and youth "zine"/booklet on urban exploration, discovery, gardening and stewardship; tips on growing organic vegetables, etc.) will be developed for dissemination at events. This material will be developed with input from children, youth, parents, teachers, and other members of the community. The intent of this material will be to celebrate and generate community enthusiasm for starting, developing and programming community gardens, children's gardens and environmental exploration.

Partners:

-Greenest City;

-Food Share Metro Toronto;

-The Evergreen Foundation;

-Heart Health/Active Living Community Project;

-Lost Rivers Project;

-Metro Separate School Board;

-Seeds of Diversity;

-Task Force to Bring Back the Don;

-Toronto District School Board;

-Toronto Works and Emergency Services; and

-Waste Watcher Volunteers Program.

Outcomes of the Plan:

The outcomes of this plan best relate to Main Street's "Beautify Ontario" theme. The project will improve City parks and lands, increase public access to hands-on environmental education programs, and increase opportunities for positive community interaction with environmental themes.

Results of the Project:

(1)Building pride in communities by showcasing local achievements, heritage, culture, commerce and vitality.

The project will build and foster community knowledge of Toronto's heritage and diversity, traditional food production, farming and organic growing techniques, ravine systems and natural spaces, native plant species and habitats. By supporting community gardens and children's programs, the project will celebrate and cultivate the cultural and ecological knowledge of local communities.

(2)Encouraging the development of new partnerships through public and private sector groups working together.

The project will focus on park site development, and program resource dissemination (web site, newsletters, curriculum links, workshops, and community events). Project resources will be made available to volunteer groups and local businesses interested in starting, developing, supporting and/or maintaining community gardens and children's programs.

(3)Strengthening the volunteer sector by providing opportunities to learn new leadership skills.

The project builds on the volunteer programs already established by the City of Toronto. The project will offer an opportunity for - 5,000 volunteers to participate in community gardens, greening projects and children's programs. Volunteers will have the opportunity to:

-learn how to lead and organize projects within their own communities;

-build personal confidence, social networks and ties to their local communities;

-learn organic gardening and ecological restoration techniques; and

-learn how to lead educational and hands-on children's activities.

(4)Providing community events for people of all ages and abilities.

Ten to fifteen Community Garden and Children's Garden program events will be held over the spring, summer and fall including:

Spring, summer and fall workshop and celebratory events (e.g., community garden and greening workdays, Earth Day eco-games, summer garden cookouts, children's exploration and ecological gardening drop-in programs and Harvest events).

Volunteer Contribution:

Community and volunteer contributions to the project are expected to be extensive with over 5000 volunteers working in community gardens, and many more hoping to contribute to children's program development.

Management:

The Parks and Recreation Division, City of Toronto, will manage the project. Evaluation will be ongoing through the project (program participant surveys, volunteer evaluations, verbal feedback). Seasonal staff and year-end program reports will summarize comments received.

Anticipated participation will total 5,000 at events; 400-500 per event (includes community volunteers, parents, children and youth, partners).

Sponsor: Economic Development, Culture and Tourism - Parks and Recreation Division.

Request for Provincial funding: $14,000.00.

Project 7:Toronto's Millennium Project

Project Purpose:

The arrival of the new Millennium is a defining moment for humankind. Around the world, this "moment in time" is gathering momentum and there is a sense of celebration on a grand scale.

Toronto Special Events has launched innovative plans for a unique project which will:

(1)generate grassroots community excitement about the Millennium;

(2)provide umbrella marketing to a year's worth of Millennium events and projects within the City and the Province; and

(3)bring economic vitality to the City, the communities and the corporate sector.

Project Description:

"Celebrate: Toronto Millennium" Project:

The Toronto Millennium Office has been mandated by Council to generate grassroots community excitement about the Millennium by developing a campaign called "Celebrate: Toronto Millennium". The campaign launches New Year's Eve 1999 and runs throughout the year. Some of these events will be annual events with a Millennium theme, many others will be new initiatives for this special year. The Millennium Office will support and promote this spectacular roster of events, festivals and attractions and create the publicity buzz around them.

There are a number of ways the Millennium Office will achieve their objective:

Toronto's Guide to the Millennium:

This promotional guide will have wide distribution across the City and areas of the Province inviting locals and visitors to take part in a year's worth of special events, attractions, art, heritage sites, and much more. Each month in the guide will have a theme to showcase all that Toronto has to offer. Entries in the guide will consist of a title or name, location, short description, date(s) and contact telephone number (or web site) for more information.

The guide will act not only as a promotional resource but also as an incentive piece to encourage citizens of Toronto to take part in their Millennium year. The Millennium Lights celebration on New Year's Eve will provide an opportunity to launch the guide encouraging continued support of Toronto festivals, community groups and other events that take place in the City annually.

The Millennium Office will conduct an aggressive media relations campaign to generate media coverage about the guide and promote its distribution through designated centres across Toronto and beyond. In addition, we will work with the City's external marketing arm, Tourism Toronto, to generate interest from external markets across Ontario. The launch is planned for late November or December 1999.

Main Street Ontario Contribution:

The generous contribution of the Main Street Ontario Grant Program will provide for the printing and wider distribution of the guide outside of the City to promote tourism within the Province and from across the border. In addition, a portion of the provincial grant could go towards a CD-ROM version of the guide.

Millennium Tool Kit:

In addition to "Toronto's Guide to the Millennium", the Millennium Office is developing the Millennium Tool Kit designed to support and assist grassroots community endeavours. Anticipated to be ready for distribution by October 1999, the kit will include items such as:

(1)event planning materials such as the Frequently Asked Questions brochure about road closures, permits, access information and so forth;

(2)Initiative Endorsement Request form for inclusion in the promotional booklet, "Toronto's Guide to the Millennium", and the Web Site;

(3)booking contract for the Millennium Mascot;

(4)promotional material for the Millennium Lights Celebration on New Year's Eve 1999;

(5)information about the Toronto Millennium programs and activities; and

(6)pre-printed Millennium background sheets, posters and other promotional items for use by community groups.

Main Street Ontario Contribution:

The generous contribution of the Main Street Ontario grant program will allow for the inclusion of the Guide (or CD-ROM version) in the Tool Kit assisting community groups in promoting and positioning their millennium initiative in the year long celebrations.

Other Promotional Projects:

The City has also developed a Web Site to host all community-based and City events, projects and programs relevant to the Millennium. Our Millennium Mascot, Millenni, was officially introduced at Toronto Winterfest February 1999.

Project Outcome:

The Millennium Project will meet the following Main Street Ontario objectives:

The Homecoming:

Tourism and other community initiatives designed to attract visitors to the community and encourage Ontarians to visit their province first, in the millennium year.

We Are Ontario:

Local heritage programs, projects and initiatives and cultural shows and festivals designed to highlight all that is Ontario.

The project strives to encourage visitors from across Southern Ontario in hopes of attracting visitors from across the Province to explore Toronto and its surrounding areas first in the Millennium year. By hosting a Millennium "kick-off", the Millennium Lights Celebration, the City of Toronto acts as a starting point for Millennium visits. With Toronto's Guide to the Millennium in hand, visitors can embark from the Millennium Lights Celebration to a year of activities neatly and conveniently packaged.

Acknowledging that the Millennium year will warrant community projects and heritage programs, we encourage involvement by all community and cultural groups to highlight themselves, their City and their Province on our Festival Stage, in Toronto's Guide to the Millennium and on our Web Site. We offer marketing support in the form of the Millennium Tool Kit at no cost, for community groups to promote their millennium initiative as part of the City's celebrations, no matter what their size, highlighting all that is Toronto and Ontario.

Results of the Project:

The project proposed by the City of Toronto Special Events Office will meet the following community objectives outlined by Main Street Ontario.

Builds pride in Ontario communities by showcasing local achievement, such as heritage, culture, commerce and vitality.

The Toronto Special Events and the Millennium Office will offer the Toronto's Guide to the Millennium and Millennium Tool Kit to assist in the promotion of community Millennium endeavours

Strengthens Local Economies.

The Toronto Special Events has an extensive portfolio of past events that substantiate our claim that the Millennium Project will bring significant economic impact to the Greater Toronto Area. This trend will continue as we promote Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area all year round with our Toronto's Guide to the Millennium booklet.

By providing grassroots festivals and community groups with access to marketing support as well as festival design and implementation support (through the Millennium Tool Kit initiative), Toronto Special Events will bolster the local economies through the promotion of these events, ultimately attracting larger audiences and achieving greater economic impact.

Encourages the development of new partnerships through local, public and private sector groups working together.

Toronto's Guide to the Millennium booklet and the Millennium Tool Kit unite corporations and community groups giving them the opportunity to work together on new and exciting projects for the future.

The "Celebrate: Toronto Millennium" campaign will highlight new Millennium events as well as existing events that have a Millennium theme. This will aid fledgling festivals by marketing them on a wide scale and providing continued support of annual celebrations that will occur beyond the Millennium year.

Inclusive in nature, this project will strive to build new and significant relationships between the corporate and private sector. Our corporate sponsors embrace the opportunity to be involved at the community level and thus they welcome the involvement of our many not-for-profit groups.

Strengthens the volunteer sector by providing opportunities to learn new leadership and event management skills.

Our staff includes a Volunteer Coordinator who facilitates requests by community groups and individuals seeking volunteer opportunities.

Our office will liaise between groups in our "Celebrate: Toronto Millennium" project who require volunteer support and outside groups and individuals wishing to volunteer their time to community events.

Provides community events for people of all ages and abilities.

The "Celebrate: Toronto Millennium" will provide households in and outside of Toronto with a handbook of the many events and activities to participate in throughout the year. This publication will highlight many different communities across the Greater Toronto Area and list activities that are suitable to a variety of ages and abilities.

Management:

Toronto Special Events Team:

The Toronto Special Events Team is a full-service event production team of the City of Toronto with an integrated approach to marketing, sponsorship, programming and logistics. Reporting to Special Events Division, the Toronto Millennium Office was established to promote and develop community involvement in the City's millennium celebrations throughout the year 2000.

Sponsor: Economic Development, Culture and Tourism - Special Events Division.

Request for Provincial funding: $50,000.00.

Project 8:Destination Carlaw - Design Competitions and Streetscaping

This project falls under two Main Street Ontario project themes, the Environment and Economic Vitality. A design competition for planters, benches and lamp posts, including the development of prototypes will assist in the upgrading of the streetscape environment, which in turn will directly enhance and enrich the Economic vitality of the area.

Success will be measured by the increase in the number of small businesses participating in Event Day over the number of artists that participate in the Studio Art Tour this year. Between 200 to 500 people are expected to participate in the project. Everyone on Carlaw Avenue and the surrounding community are expected to directly benefit from streetscape improvements both visually (with the greening of the street) and physically (offers a place to sit down, throw garbage and safety with the improvement of the street lighting). The direct benefit of the project is to increase local tourism revenues by inviting people into the neighbourhood and seeing the artists at work which will create jobs if we are successful.

The project will have a lasting and meaningful legacy. The direct physical improvement of the street, an art landmark created and the creation of a demand for goods and services produced on Carlaw Avenue by people living and working here. The support of this type of living arrangement reduces the number of cars required and the number of trips to work.

Destination Carlaw is a neighbourhood sponsored development service for the Carlaw business community. Working with the local businesses and business people who are actively involved in the community and surrounding Riverdale area.

This project will be managed jointly with the City area planner staff person and the Director of Destination Carlaw, Paul Winterton. A sub-committee of landowners, a major developer involved on the street, ward councillors and interested individuals are involved overseeing this project to date.

This portion of the project will be completed in the Fall of 2000 to represent the kick off of a new beginning for Carlaw Avenue.

Sponsor: Urban Planning and Development Services - City Planning Division.

Request for Provincial funding: $7,000.00.

Project 9:Holiday House Renovations, Parkdale

Project Purpose:

Holiday House will provide a permanent showcase for Ontario's cultural mosaic, fostering a greater understanding of the diversity of Canadian Culture. It will bring new life to a historic building, assist in the revitalization of Parkdale's Main Street/Town Square, and provide meaningful training and employment opportunities for local youth.

Project Description:

Holiday House will be a non-profit museum where young people are encouraged to join in the celebrations of different festivals from various cultural traditions in today's Ontario. The foods, music, games, dress and visual arts associated with each holiday will surround and involve the children from the moment they enter the building, where they will be greeted as if they were guests to a party in someone's home. They will be invited to take part in many activities that will convey, through fun, some of the essential qualities of each holiday and its culture. In its planning stage, it has received overwhelming community support and it promises to involve thousands of hours of volunteer effort during its development and operation

The Main Street Ontario Project would involve the development of a series of exhibitions devoted to the festivals or holidays of individual culture. The Museum for Children "Celebrating Many Cultures" must also have a long-term exhibition that will portray to its visitors the full mosiac of Canada's cultural diversity, graphically depicting the multicultural make-up of Canada's population.

Principal Project Participants:

-Parkdale/Liberty Economic Development Committee;

-Sponsor/Funding Provider;

-City of Toronto; and

-Parkdale Intercultural Association.

Beautify Ontario:

The Holiday House Project will involve the restoration of the historically designated McMillan building. The site has been identified as a priority for streetscape improvement, representing an integral part of Parkdale's Town Square initiative. The Museum will also be wheelchair accessible, with every effort being made to remove barriers for persons with disabilities.

We are Ontario:

The project will serve as a permanent cultural showcase, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the Province.

Project Results:

Local Economy:

The restoration of the McMillian building will dramatically improve the character and quality of Parkdale's Mainstreet and Town Square area, benefiting Queen Street businesses and the entire community of Parkdale. As an area attraction, the site will have an anchor effect for local retail activity, creating the potential for increased consumer spending for local businesses. The museum will also prioritize the hiring of local youth for the operation of the facility, providing a source of employment and training for Parkdale youth.

New Partnerships:

Holiday House will involve the participation of dozens of community and cultural organizations, local businesses, corporate sponsors, and three levels of government. The project will build on existing community alliances and because of the project's inclusive and unique nature, it will also provide for many new and unique partnerships.

A Museum for All Ages and Abilities:

While the museum will be principally designed for children, its showings will be of interest to all ages. Access to the facility will be barrier free and every effort will be made to ensure that the facility is as accessible as possible.

Volunteer Contributions:

While more than several hundred hours have already been contributed to developing the concept of Holiday House, it is anticipated that several thousand additional hours from as many as 100 community organizations and individuals will be required in the project's development phase alone.

Management:

Management of the development and operation of the facility will be under the direction of Holiday House's Board of Directors. The day-to-day operation of the facility will be the responsibility of the museum's curator and administrative staff.

A Community/Cultural Advisory Board will provide the main source of feedback from the community and will advise the Holiday House Board and staff on all issues pertaining to programming and facility operations.

Sponsor: Urban Planning and Development Services - City Planning Division.

Request for Provincial funding: $19,000.00.

Note on matching funds: The building at 1291 Queen Street West, valued at approximately $300,000.00, will be sold by a local businessman, Mr. Sheldon Fainer, to Holiday House (a newly incorporated non-profit organization) for $1.00.

Project 10:Jane/Finch Streetscaping

The Project:

The Jane and Finch district with its large building setbacks, expansive parking areas and large right-of-ways, as well as diminished levels of safety, is in need of substantial improvements. The intention of this streetscape project is to develop and implement a design for a commemorative bench and plantings, with plaques celebrating local groups and individuals.

Community Interest and Involvement:

The Jane and Finch area is one of Toronto's most vibrant and multi-cultural communities. The residents of this area take great pride in their community and for many years have worked diligently to redefine its image in order to reflect its cultural richness. In many instances, the residents have also challenged the media to re-examine its role in creating negative perceptions about the community and to encourage the promotion of an image more representative of the real situation.

On September 15, 1998, the Jane and Finch community was awarded a Trillium Communities "Caring Communities" award. Through this award, Jane and Finch is recognized as a Caring Community through the achievements of many community organizations. Jane and Finch was chosen from dozens of submissions to the Trillium Foundation from across Ontario and it was the only one given to any Toronto neighbourhood.

The improvement of its public open spaces and its streets will help improve the safety, create a pedestrian friendly environment, project a positive and distinct image and revitalize the neighbourhood. Community input for the preliminary design concept was obtained in meetings with ratepayers and local business and their recommendations have been incorporated into the design. The community will continue to be involved throughout the detailed design stage.

Sponsor: Urban Planning and Development Services - City Planning Division.

Request for Provincial funding: $23,000.00.

Project 11:Firefighters' Memorial

A memorial to firefighters who have died in the line of duty, the project already has a budget of 1 percent of the construction costs set aside. A new Fire Station is currently under construction in Toronto's Harbourfront beside the Peter Street Slip at a cost of $4 million. Proposed is a bronze statue to commemorate firefighters who died while on duty. It will be a public garden in a high pedestrian traffic and tourist area. It is also a growing residential area in Toronto's Harbourfront community.

Project Purpose:

To provide a memorial which commemorates firefighters that have died in the line of duty.

Description:

It will involve a public art competition that includes a bronze statue of one firefighter crouched down spraying a fog pattern and another firefighter passing in the opposite direction carrying a rescued child. This memorial will be set in a landscaped garden in the heart of Toronto's waterfront. It will be open to the public with benches, a drinking fountain and it will be accessible for people of all ages and abilities.

The Homecoming:

It will attract tourists, especially firefighters from around the world. It will be a landmark that will encourage Ontarians to visit their province first, in the millennium year.

Beautify Ontario:

It will involve a public art competition. The memorial will be accessible for people of all ages and abilities.

Land of Opportunity:

This memorial garden will showcase Toronto Firefighters' bravery while protecting lives, property and the environment. It will instill pride in Ontario's rich past, vibrant present and remain a landmark tribute for the future.

We are Ontario:

It celebrates the heritage of Canada's largest fire service, and the fifth largest fire service in North America, commemorating past and future fallen firefighters.

Volunteer Contribution:

Volunteer artists and landscapers may be considered for the future development and construction of this memorial garden.

Management:

A team from the Toronto Fire Services, the City of Toronto Public Art Program and the Toronto Parks and Recreation Division will manage this project.

Sponsor: Works and Emergency Services - Fire Services.

Request for Provincial funding: $42,000.00.

Project 12:Open Doors - Toronto's Built Heritage

Project Purpose:

The purpose of the project is to generate awareness of and excitement about Toronto's architectural heritage among both residents and visitors and to build Toronto's international reputation as a centre of design excellence. The project, entitled "Doors Open", will do this by establishing a festival-style weekend event during which buildings of historic and/or architectural significance, not normally open to the public, will open their doors. Throughout the City (from Etobicoke to Scarborough, North York to downtown Toronto) the "Doors Open" project will be built on the principles of access, awareness, and excitement. And admission to all participating venues will be free.

Developed as a British garrison town in the late 18^th century, incorporated as City in 1834 and built by immigrant labourers and entrepreneurs from around the world, Toronto has developed a deserved reputation as a livable city, a multi-cultural city, an award-winning city, a place of eclectic architectural styles and excellent urban design. Using Toronto's built heritage as a theme to address our past and embrace the next millennium, Heritage Toronto is planning a two-day event, entitled "Doors Open", during which buildings of historic and/or architectural significance, not normally open to the public, will open their doors.

It's an idea that promises to bring people together to think about and share the stories of this City and to celebrate our built heritage and our shared cultural experience.

An event of this scope, unprecedented in Toronto, requires considerable planning, funding and partnerships within the many communities in this City. While Heritage Toronto is the primary organizing body for "Doors Open", the project will not be possible without support from various levels of government, the business and media sectors and the people of Toronto. To achieve this level of participation from so many sectors is a primary goal of this project and one which we believe is entirely possible.

Specific Project Goals:

-50 buildings participating throughout the new City of Toronto;

-25,000 visitors;

-340 volunteers;

-publishing a free "Doors Open" souvenir program/map/passport;

-project builds Toronto's reputation as a great city that has achieved excellence in architectural design both contemporary and historic; and

-showcase our City; develop civic pride; lasting legacy; attract tourist market (May 27 and 28, 2000 fall on the Memorial Day long weekend in the USA).

Marketing:

The budget indicates $120,000.00 of a total budget of $170,000.00 is allocated for Marketing and Promotion materials and activities. Seeking creative media partnerships to stretch our advertising budget, generate interest (through media contests, etc.) and heighten advance awareness of the "Doors Open" weekend are all planned strategies. Ultimately the campaign's goal will be to get as many people involved in this millennium project by creating a sense of excitement about our city.

Partners involved in the Project:

Major Partners:

The Toronto Heritage Foundation is an organization dedicated to promoting the public interest in the history of the project and will partner with Heritage Toronto to assist in raising funding for the project.

The Design Exchange will provide information about interiors of buildings, and assist with a publication and map. This organization will also provide a valuable contribution by identifying owner contacts and helping the project achieve participation from significant building owners.

City of Toronto Economic Development and Parks Committee has endorsed the project and requested City staff to work with Heritage Toronto staff to support the project.

Other Partners:

Toronto Historical Association is a non-profit umbrella organization that represents volunteer-based heritage groups in the City and facilitates heritage volunteer groups' participation in the project.

The Scottish Civic Trust:

The seeds for the "Doors Open" project were planted in the Summer of 1998 during a lecture in Toronto given by Sir James Dunbar-Nasmith (cousin of Toronto architect, Catherine Nasmith) in which he discussed the incredible success of Scotland's Doors Open Day(s). Dunbar-Nasmith is the Chairman of the Scottish Civic Trust which co-ordinates the program in 24 cities.

"My own office in Edinburgh is open on Doors Open Day, and it's astonishing how popular it is as an activity. Thousands of people spend the day as if it was a sort of carnival, going round the different buildings. It has been a great success and it's something which isn't too difficult to organize, and as effective as anything in introducing people to the enjoyment that can be got out of visiting good buildings."

The Scottish Civic Trust has agreed to act as our mentor and advisor on this project.

The Toronto District School Board has agreed in principle to assist by opening some of their unique school buildings.

The Arts and Letters Club has agreed in principle to assist by opening its doors as a participant in the project.

Roger Du Toit Architects Limited which owns an architecturally significant building in Toronto has agreed to host an open house to the public during the event.

The City of Toronto's Facilities and Real Estate Division has agreed in principle to assist by including several of the City's well known buildings in the "Doors Open" project.

The City of Toronto's Urban Design Department is assisting by identifying significant buildings that should be included in the project.

The University of Toronto has agreed in principle to assist by including several of the university's well known buildings in the "Doors Open" project.

The Toronto Board of Trade Tourism Committee has endorsed the project and is providing advice on promotional and sponsorship opportunities.

Corporate Partners will be approached including Canadian Banking Association; Building Owners, insurance companies, Urban Development Institute, Chambers of Commerce (North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, etc.) Mediacom (transit shelter ad space); former Heritage Toronto Award winners and plaque recipients, etc.

Media Partners will be approached including The Toronto Star (initial discussions have begun), CITY TV, CHUM FM, CBC Radio/TV, Toronto Life magazine, NOW magazine, The History Channel, CFMT, etc.

The "Doors Open" project will meet all of the following Main Street objectives.

The Homecoming:

This project is designed to attract visitors to Toronto. It is specifically being held on the last weekend in May, which is the Memorial Day long weekend in the USA and a great weekend for American Tourists in Toronto.

Beauty Ontario:

This project will increase awareness and appreciation of heritage buildings and will provide reward and recognition for building owners who have restored their buildings. One of the long term outcomes of the project will be to increase investment in historical restorations.

Land of Opportunity:

The "Doors Open" project is specifically designed to showcase excellence in Ontario's architects and their designs. It also uses the built environment as a lens through which to view the City's rich past, and to share the stories of this City.

We Are Ontario:

The "Doors Open" project will give recognition and profile to the City's local heritage groups that have strived for many years to protect the City's heritage.

The project will showcase examples of excellent architectural design and heritage restoration in various communities across Toronto.

Quantitative results will include:

-measurement of number of visitors to the two-day event - goal is 25,000;

-number of building owners who agree to open their doors - goal is 50;

-measurement of local and tourist media coverage of event - goal is to have media partnerships with one radio, television and print publication;

-measurement of number of participating heritage and museum groups - goal is to have all local LACAC panels as partners and to have all historic sites participate in the two-day event; and

-measurement of private sector interest in project through ability of souvenir program to attract advertisers.

Qualitative results will include:

-increased awareness and understanding of Toronto's built heritage and how the City's stories are reflected in it;

-increased investment in heritage restoration;

-increased neighbourhood pride; and

-increased recognition of Toronto as a centre for architectural design excellence.

Strengthens local economies.

The project will strengthen local economics by bringing visitors into specific neighbourhoods and by building local pride.

Quantitative results:

-measurement of number of visitors to specific local economic areas and amount of local media coverage.

Qualitative results will include:

-increase in neighbourhood pride.

Encourages the development of new partnerships through local, public and private sector groups working together.

This project is of a scope that in order to be successful, requires an extensive network of partnerships and community and corporate participation.

Quantitative results will include:

-number of building owner participants;

-amount of in-kind donations;

-amount of corporate sponsorship the project can attract; and

-number of local heritage, architectural and community groups participating.

Qualitative results will include:

-increased organizational capacity to, on behalf of key partners, develop a shared set of goals, problem solve and communicate effectively in order to meet project timelines.

Strengthens the volunteer sector by providing opportunities to learn new leadership and event management skills.

The success of the project will depend heavily on the participation of the volunteer heritage community and its ability to work successfully with volunteer, public and private sector organizations outside of that community. Opportunities for leadership will include forging consensus among new partners and across different types of organizations, attracting local building owners to participate in the project, attracting local media to the project, managing and organizing the "opening of buildings" and public tours on the actual event days.

This project is an event that will attract all ages and abilities. The key to attracting this wide demographic range will be in having project ambassadors from various age groups supporting and working on the project and building enthusiasm among their own constituency. The project management structure will be reflective of this demographic diversity.

Participation rates across age and ability groups will be measured by a participant survey that will be part of the project management.

Volunteer contribution:

A total of 340 volunteers will be involved in the project as listed below:

Volunteer project management - 10 volunteers x 100 hours each = 1,000 hours

Volunteer management at the local level - 100 x 10 hours each = 1,000 hours

Volunteer ambassadors - 30 x 10 hours each = 300 hours

Volunteer event management 200 (50 buildings x 4 volunteers per building) = 200 x 5 hours = 1,000 hours

Total volunteer hours for the project: 3,300 hours

The percentage of work to be completed by volunteers will be about 50 percent.

Management:

The project will be managed by a volunteer steering committee made up of representatives of the major partners and participating organizations. This steering committee will report to the Board of Heritage Toronto.

Heritage Toronto will provide staff for project management.

Heritage Toronto will implement the requisite systems in order to measure and report in a timely and accurate manner on how this program has satisfied the objectives of the Millennium plan. This will include, for example, analysis of how the program has attracted tourists to the community, has resulted in the beautification of communities, has showcased the successes of Ontario and has instilled a pride in Ontario's rich past, and recognized local heritage programs by measuring quantifiable results against budgeted figures, including, for example:

-tracking the number of attendees;

-tracking the number of building owners who have opened their doors;

-measurement of media coverage - include copies of all;

-amount of in-kind donations, corporate sponsorship, etc.;

-number of volunteers;

-number of advertisers and advertising revenue attracted to souvenir program;

-profile of program visitors and participants to measure diversity of audience; and

-number of new memberships sold in Heritage Toronto and Design exchange as a measure of increased awareness and appreciation of city's built heritage.

Sponsor: Heritage Toronto.

Request for Provincial funding: $35,000.00.

Project 13:Wetlands' Wildlife Preservation

Purpose:

Children from 2,000 schools will be invited to participate in a variety of educational programs to learn more about wildlife in wetlands and how people can help to preserve these habitats.

Project Components:

The Adopt-A-Pond Project Program's mission is to conserve wetland biodiversity. It achieves this goal by educating and supporting community and school groups to protect and sustain existing wetlands. Adopt-A-Pond helps Canadians of all ages to sustain a productive and significant component of our environment -wetlands.

The Toronto Zoo's innovative Constructed Wetland ecosystem, in conjunction with the Adopt-a-Pond Program's Outreach programming and events such as "Spring Toad Festival", helps schools, community groups and visitors of all ages to understand and learn more about their local wetlands. This exciting new program will help Canadians of all ages, from all communities, to learn more about the importance of wetland ecosystems and what can be done to protect them.

Wetlands are one of the most diverse and productive ecosystems in the world. Wetlands provide a number of valuable "natural services", from filtering water, to preventing the erosion of shorelines, to helping prevent floods. Unfortunately, wetland ecosystems are being lost to human development at an alarming rate. It is estimated that 75 percent of Southern Ontario's original wetland base has been lost. This loss is not negligible - Canada contains 24 percent of the Earth's wetlands.

The "Toad Festival" is an educational program designed to monitor five American Toads on the Toronto Zoo site to determine habitat use by these animals. Amphibian populations are valuable components in an ecosystem as they are considered indicator species for environmental health. This project offers a significant educational opportunity for participation by schools, Zoo volunteers and outreach programming such as "Meet the Toad Tracker", providing hands-on opportunities for the general public to participate in an amphibian monitoring program. Participants in the Spring Toad Festival will get hands-on experience using radio-telemetry techniques, hear the chorus of male toads calling from the wetlands, and learn more about amphibians by viewing the toads in the wetlands. Providing opportunities for individuals to participate in this program will ultimately increase awareness of amphibian and reptile communities and provide individuals with an opportunity to demystify science through firsthand experience.

Frogwatch-Ontario is a long-term amphibian monitoring program, established through the Toronto Zoo's Adopt-A-Pond Program, Environment Canada's Ecological Monitoring and Assessment (EMAN) Program, and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources' Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC). The Toad telemetry study will further supplement this monitoring program by adding a new hands-on component for individual community participation. For complete information on the amphibian monitoring program, the Frogwatch-Ontario Web Page address is <www.cciw.ca/frogwatching/>.

Adopt-A-Pond receives financial support from numerous organizations and individuals interested in conservation. It receives promotional assistance from like-minded conservation organizations. For example, Environment Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources are working in partnership with the Adopt-A-Pond Program to make Frogwatch-Ontario possible.

Main Street Ontario Objectives:

We Are Ontario:

The Toronto Zoo's Constructed Wetland is a significant toad breeding habitat in close proximity to community members and visitors, providing an ideal location and forum for this type of hands-on outreach education program. This community based program will offer great enjoyment for visitors of all ages. Frogwatch-Ontario is a program for people of all ages, all across Ontario. Frogwatch observers can participate in the program by monitoring frog calls from their urban backyards, at their cottage or from rural areas across the Province. Calling frogs and toads of Ontario are highlighted in this program (including some endangered and rare species) encouraging visitors to learn their Ontario frog calls and then actively explore their local wetland areas, ultimately generating an awareness of the natural diversity of wetland habitat within Ontario.

Results of Project:

Education of community members creates an understanding of ecosystems and allows for a greater appreciation for the flora and fauna within those habitats. Allowing the public to take a role in monitoring and data collection will establish a greater responsibility for land stewardship and appreciation for Ontario's natural environment.

This project offers a significant opportunity for publicity and programming through this public event at the Toronto Zoo. Projects and events are promoted through press releases, articles, the Toronto Zoo web page <www.torontozoo.com>, Adopt-A-Pond newsletters, event banners, posters, the Toronto Zoo visitor guide, and annual report.

The Adopt-A-Pond Program will use several methods to evaluate the success of the Spring Toad Festival. As a whole, the success of the event will be determined by the number of community members, schools, and visitors participating in the Spring Toad Festival. We will also monitor success by the number of participants in "Meet the Toad Tracker", the number of toads with transmitters, the distance moved by the toads and the maps of distribution and habitat use by American Toads.

Currently, over 1,500 school and community groups in Ontario participate in the Adopt-A-Pond program. This interactive education program will offer an exciting new experience for thousands of Toronto Zoo visitors. The Toronto Zoo has the infrastructure and ability to provide labour on a long-term basis. The high public visibility of the Toronto Zoo, combined with the accessible location of the Constructed Wetlands, thereby ensures the long-term viability of these programs.

Volunteer Contribution:

The Adopt-A-Pond Program trained 20 Zoo volunteers as Pond Guardians on wetland and amphibian ecology. These volunteers are valuable educational resources working with community members, offering a great deal of knowledge and expertise in community outreach programs. These volunteers will be involved in the program for the week of the Toad Festival with follow-up activities at the Constructed Wetlands kiosk. Visitors to the Zoo will contribute to data collection by entering information on the displayed chart of toad locations.

Management:

The Spring Toad Festival will be managed by the Coordinator of the Adopt-A-Pond Program (assisted by the Summer Student) through coordination of volunteers, writing and distribution of press releases, writing articles, and production of posters and flyers announcing the event. As a whole the event will be evaluated by the number of community members, schools, and visitors that participate in the Spring Toad Festival. We will also monitor success by the number of participants in "Meet the Toad Tracker", the number of toads with transmitters, the distance moved by the toads and the maps of distribution and habitat use by American Toads.

Sponsor: Toronto Zoo.

Request for Provincial funding: $10,250.00.