Community members are writing messages of peace on pavement at Withrow Park... #Danforth #Danforthstrong pic.twitter.com/rNm53FqpbR
— Beach - East York Neighbourhood Voice (@BeachEastYork) July 23, 2018
Toronto gets a lot of grief from other parts of Canada, as most countries do with the most populous city in the country. When I encounter people who have never been to Canada, I tell them Toronto is a good gateway city to learn about Canada.
Toronto is a resilient city. The city survived the SARS epidemic of 2003, the 2009 garbage strike, and the entire time Rob Ford served on the city council and as mayor of Toronto.
The city might become the secondary Amazon HQ site, the only Canadian city still in the running.
Toronto does have a high crime rate by Canadian standards though a lot lower than major U.S. cities. The increase in shootings, especially in atypical areas for shootings such as a shooting in Kensington Market and Sunday's night shooting in the Danforth neighbourhood, has made people nervous. This uptake should also include the van driver who deliberately mowed down pedestrians in Willowdale in April.
"We were so use to living in a city where these things didn't happen," Toronto Mayor John Tory said. "But there are things that happen nowadays and they are just unspeakable."
Toronto's numbers through July 8 are 200 shootings/26 fatalities. Through the same period in 2017, the Toronto numbers are 188 shootings/17 deaths.
Gun laws are rather strict in Canada though the Harper Government got rid of the long-gun registry. The Trudeau Government doesn't want to bring the long-gun registry back. Despite the perception, guns loose in the system are not coming from the United States as much as within Canada.
The way people reacted after the tragedy in Willowdale: we saw parallels in the Danforth yesterday. Pausing to reflect but determined to show how wonderful their neighbourhood is within Toronto. The spirit of the people was the takeaway in Willowdale and will be the takeaway in the Danforth.
Life is not about what happens but how you react when something happens. Toronto is a very resilient city after taking a couple of huge punches in the gut in less than 6 months.
Toronto sports cornucopia is a small portion of what makes Toronto a worthy destination
"Words could never express what you’ve meant to me. I was just a 19 year old kid from Compton when we first met, but you took me in and embraced me as one of your own. I am so grateful for the Love and Passion that you’ve given me over the past 9 years. All I ever wanted to do was duplicate it 10x over just to show my appreciation. Thank you Toronto, thank you Canada. #Comp10#ProveEm"
Most players on Toronto sports teams are not Canadian. In MLB and the NBA, you have a 3.3% chance of being on a Canadian team. Most players are okay with the experience of living and playing in Toronto. Mark Buehrle wasn't thrilled about living in Toronto but that had more to do with being forced to separate from his pit bulls, banned in Ontario.
DeMar DeRozan was drafted by the Toronto Raptors with the 9th pick in the 2009 NBA draft. DeRozan set a lot of team records in that time, including games, points, and minutes played.
On top of the prowess on the basketball court, DeRozan embraced Toronto, the 6, We The North. He liked being in the city of Toronto.
DeMar DeRozan "I am Toronto" (2016)
Toronto was always the only choice. I am Toronto.@TSN_Sports #WeTheNorth #Comp10 pic.twitter.com/reAn1YWPSK
— DeMar DeRozan (@DeMar_DeRozan) October 26, 2016
The parallel is from Toronto native P.K. Subban who grew to love Montréal. Watching how Toronto embraced DeRozan after the trade was similar to how Montréal embraced Subban.
When San Antonio comes to Scotiabank Arena (aka Air Canada Centre), you will see a warm, passionate welcome for DeRozan.
'Take This Waltz' showcases a real Toronto neighborhood
"Hey friends! I'm looking for films set in Toronto where we see the city's beauty and/or individuality. The only one I can think of right now is Take This Waltz. Thoughts?"
Over the last few days, a Facebook group on Canadian film and TV of which I am a member had a question of projects that have showcased well the city of Toronto.
Take This Waltz is a beautiful example. other films mentioned in the thread include The F Word, Last Night, Scott Pilgrim Saves the World, Trigger, Picture Day, I've Heard the Mermaids Singing, Chloe, When Night is Falling, Ginger Snaps, Guidance, Don't Talk to Irene, and Goin’ Down the Road.
Orphan Black and Flashpoint were mentioned for TV shows in Toronto. Private Eyes also does a good job at showcasing Toronto. You can't forget Twitch City with its love for Kensington Market.
This list is not complete but this serves as a good starting point.
CanadianCrossing.com film coverage
CanadianCrossing.com television coverage
"If you have been to Toronto and have only seen downtown, take some time to come back and explore some really cool neighbourhoods. Kensington Market, Leslieville, the Danforth. High Park, Bloor West, Chinatown, the Distillery District, Cabbagetown, the Annex: these may be some of the more obvious spots."
This is what I wrote after the Willowdale tragedy in April. Yes, I realise the Danforth is one of the areas that I recommended. Toronto is a beautiful place, especially if you've never been to Canada. I still believe the neighbourhoods are the best part of the city.
Twitter captures: @BeachEastYork; @DeMar_DeRozan
photo credit: Google Maps
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