The Doors Open Toronto

An exciting event is awaiting us in the latter half of this month, friends. Once again, the City of Toronto presents the annual Doors Open Toronto. If you are new in Toronto and have never heard of this event, do not worry; this article attempts to give a sufficient explanation. Whether you have participated in the past or not, however, you might be wondering what you can look forward to this year. Read on to find out!

What is the Event About?

Doors Open Toronto was developed as a millennium project in 2000 by the City of Toronto, and its aim is to let citizens and visitors of our city see Toronto as they have never seen it before. To be more specific, more than a hundred buildings of “architectural, historic, cultural and social significance open their doors to the public” every year. Modern structures, heritage landmarks, museums, lighthouses, cemeteries, and much, much more is open to anyone interested. The event is a wonderful chance to freely visit properties that are usually closed to public or charge an entrance fee. Guided tours and various special activities are offered at a number of locations to maximize the positive effect this lovely happening certainly has.

Toronto was actually the very first city in North America to launch its ‘Doors Open’. It is extremely popular and many people are eagerly waiting for the last weekend of May when it takes place every year. Since its start in 2000, it has attracted more than 1.5 million visitors. As every year is different, those who participated in the past keep coming back to explore what their beloved city has to offer. The Ontario Heritage Foundation was so inspired by the event that in 2002, it launched its own Doors Open Ontario.

2012

Theme

As the event always takes place during the last weekend of May, it will probably not surprise you when I say that May 26 and 27 (Saturday and Sunday) are the exact dates this year. In 2012, the main theme of the event is ‘200 Years of Building Our City.’ Toronto commemorates the War of 1812 Bicentennial and thus this year’s edition of the event “looks back over the past 200 years to reveal the fascinating personalities who shaped Toronto’s architecture and history.” On May 24th, the official Toronto Guide will be available in the Toronto Star Newspaper; you might want to get it. For now, I advise you to check out the webpage of the event to satisfy your curiosity about specific buildings opening their doors this year.

What to Expect

Lambton House by Wikimedia Commons

This year, more than 135 buildings are opening their doors for you! Some, such as the Islamic Foundation of Toronto, Scarborough Museum, Toronto Botanical Garden, Fort York National Historic Site, and Lambton House, have participated in the event before and you might have visited them already. There are a number of buildings, including Fool’s Paradise, Gretchen Ross Production Centre for The National Ballet of Canada, Periya Shivan Temple, Atlantis, St. Vincent de Paul Church, Queen City Yacht Club House, and the TIFF Bell Lightbox, for which 2012 is a premiere year.

Doors open Toronto offers an increasingly high number of free walking tours. This year’s program is as rich as ever before. Wear comfy shoes, appropriate clothes, take a bottle of water, and participate! The Harbord Village Neighbourhood tour is ideal for those who would love to see "Victorian buildings surrounded by large mature trees; Faces on Places tour offers something exciting and unique: it aims to showcase the hidden portraits all over Toronto; The Islington Village stroll is awaiting everyone who wants to see amazing building-sized art murals. These are just a tiny fraction of all the fabulous walking tours available this year. I am sure you will not regret taking part in one of them!

Fort York by Vlad Litvinov

Besides all the walking tours, a number of special events is prepared for curious visitors as well! Take a chance and explore Toronto’s financial history with ‘Diaspora Dialogues,’ discover Toronto’s Waterfront (buildings and ships) and very importantly as regards to this year’s main theme of the event, Fort York. It is always lovely to learn about our city and its history. These events are free and will teach you more than any book would.

Modern Technologies

Do you want to learn more and get regular updates? It is very simple. Follow Doors Open Toronto on Twitter or join their fan page on Facebook. Moreover, you might want to download one of the special Mobile apps, or you can to access the Doors Open Data and create an app yourself.

Photo Contest

The photo contest, which only premiered last year, is coming back! With more than 500 entries, the very first 2011 edition of the contest was a huge success. This year, pictures will be judged in four categories:

• Best building exterior at Doors Open Toronto 2012
• Best building interior at Doors Open Toronto 2012
• Best architectural detail at Doors Open Toronto 2012
• Best door at Doors Open Toronto 2012

Best building exterior at Doors Open Toronto 2011
by Dan Cronin

The judges (a professional photojournalist, a representative from Lumix, and a Doors Open Toronto featured architect) will evaluate the shots based on “content, image quality, creativity, uniqueness, relevance to the contest theme and category, and overall visual appeal.” They will select first place in each of four above-mentioned categories and the overall winner of the competition.

A brand new People’s Choice category is introduced this year. The judges will select ten runner-up pictures from the four categories will be posted on BlogTO, which means that we, the people, will be able to decide one of the five winners. I strongly encourage you to post your photos in shots in the official Doors Open Flickr and win one of five LUMIX DMC-GF3X cameras. The winning pictures will furthermore be announced in the Toronto Star and displayed on the City of Toronto Doors Open Toronto website.

If you like photography, go for it! Nearly anyone who is 18 or older and attends the event can participate in the contest. There are a few restrictions for the City of Toronto employees, Councillors/elected officials, and sponsors.

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1001 Bay St. #1408 (Wellesley and Bay streets)

• Asking price: $385,000
• Sold for: $382,000
• Taxes: $1,951 (2011)
• Monthly fee: $489
• Bedrooms: 1
• Bathrooms: 1
• Time on the market: two days

“A spectacular view of the city can be enjoyed from this suite, in a luxury condo on Bay Street,” says listing agent Elli Davis.

1001 Bay Street 

The one-bedroom, one-bathroom suite has a combination living and dining room, stainless steel appliances in the kitchen and French doors and a four-piece ensuite bathroom in the master suite. The den has an east view of the city.

The suite has an ensuite laundry and comes with one underground parking space and a locker.

Building amenities include a concierge, an exercise room, an indoor pool, a sauna and a squash court.

The suite is within walking distance of the TTC and shopping.

Listing Broker: Royal LePage Real Estate Services (Elli Davis)

Posted in National Post, May 14, 2012

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There are not many people (in the developed world, at least) who have never heard of the Guinness Book of Records. It is the dream of thousands to be mentioned in this annually updated collection of world records and thereby prove to be exceptionally good at something. Athletes, for instance, are often trying their hardest to not only win but actually break records. It is no different for Canada and some of its citizens. Do you know what are we THE BEST at?

The Book of Records

As usual, I find it important to briefly discuss the origins of the publication, which is something like The Bible in the world of records. It was more than six decades ago, in 1951, when the then managing director of the Guinness Brewery (the name of the book of records is not a coincidence, as you can see) Sir Hugh Beaver realized answers to simple questions that were going through his mind were nowhere to be found. To be more specific, he was wondering what Europe’s fastest game bird was, and he was unable to get a satisfying response.

Since he was distressed by the fact that an informative book containing superlative facts was missing, Sir Hugh took the initiative in his own hands. Thanks to his activity and immense help of the fact-finding twins Norris and Ross McWhirter, the very first Guinness Book of Records or Guinness World Records, as it has been called since 2000, was published on 27 August 1955. Needless to say, it was amazingly successful; by Christmas of the same year, it became number-one bestseller in Britain. What I find quite fascinating is the fact that book itself actually holds a world record, as is it the best-selling copyrighted book series of all time.

Guinness World Records Day

The annual Guinness World Records Day was celebrated for the first time on November 9th, 2005. Are you wondering why it started more than half a century after publishing the first edition of the World Record’s Book? The answer is indeed very simple. It was in November 2004 when the World Records became the world’s bestselling copyright book and the event was created to regularly commemorate this fact. What is the point of this day? As you may have guessed, the aim of this event is to encourage people to break world records. The celebrations every year are huge: more than 300,000 enthusiasts eager to break a record participated the last annual celebration in November 2011. That certainly is a great success!

Guinness World Records Museum

Guinness World Records Museum

4943 Clifton Hill
Niagara Falls, Ontario
If you are interested in learning some of the amazing record-breaking facts but reading a book just does not seem exciting enough, you do not have to go too far from Toronto to find exactly what you are looking for. Explore “sports, animal, and structures sections,” see life-sized models of remarkable human beings, and much more. I am positive that a visit to the museum that “brings the Guinness Book of Records to life” will make for a lovely family afternoon. Take your children and discover who/what is the best, fastest, the tallest — or simply the most extraordinary. Have fun!

World Records Set in Canada

Do you know at least some of the world records of Canada and its citizens? I only knew a few, but after a little research, I feel relatively well informed and eager to share my newly found knowledge with you! Here is some of Canada’s (and Toronto’s) greatest past and present world records.

Largest Smoothie

Why not to break a record and please hundreds of people at the same time? Mixing a large smoothie is a fantastic way to achieve both. Smoothies are not too difficult to make, they are delicious, and at the same time good for your health. Canadians are sure aware of all that! In 2010, Dairy Farmers of Canada successfully mixed a 1,000-litre blueberry smoothie in Toronto in July 2010 and earned a mention in the Guinness books of records.

The 100 per cent Canadian smoothie was made up of up of 550 litres of Canadian milk, 300 kilograms of frozen Canadian blueberries, 150 litres of Canadian vanilla yogurt, and 35 litres of Canadian honey. A huge number of people participated in the event and tasted the record-breaking blueberry goodness. Who knows? It might have inspired them to mix their own smoothies at home. Canada is certainly great at that — interestingly, the previous largest smoothie was made in our country as well. Yummy!

Largest Gold Coin

For more than three years, Canada was the home of the most remarkable coin in the world. In spring 2007, the Royal Canadian Mint issued the then largest gold coin, the face value of which was a fantastic $1 million. This precious piece was 99.999 per cent pure gold and its weight was about 100 kilograms (220 pounds). Queen Elizabeth II was depicted on the front side of the coin — it was actually the largest official portrait of Her Majesty in gold — and its back showed something typical for Canada, three maple leaves.

Unfortunately, this coin is no longer the largest in the world. In October of last year, the new largest gold coin was unveiled in Perth, Australia. It is actually quite similar to our coin: Queen Elizabeth II is depicted on one side, and a typical Australian feature (a kangaroo) is on the other. The coin is, like the Canadian one, 99.999 per cent pure gold, but it is A LOT heavier. Its weight is an unbelievable 1,000 kilograms.

Longest Street in the World

Yonge Street by Wikimedia Commons

All those who have ever lived in or at least visited Toronto certainly know Yonge Street. Not only is it a national historic site, well known for offering great fun and food, but it is also extremely long. While there is controversy about whether it actually is the longest street in the world, patriotic Torontonians certainly believe there is no longer street anywhere, so I just have to mention it.

Years before it was paved, Yonge Street was a trail used by the Huron First Nation and colonial explorers. The founder of Toronto, John Graves Simcoe, named the street after the British secretary Sir George Yonge. Until 1998, the amazing 1,178 miles long street was listed in the Guinness Book of Records. However, without Highway 11, which apparently is not really a part of this street, it loses this precious recognition. Many people, including me, still believe there is no longer street in this world.

World’s Longest Freshwater Beach

Wasaga Beach by Wikimedia Commons

Take a trip about two hours north of downtown Toronto and you will find a record-breaking place. The 8.5 miles Wasaga Beach is the longest freshwater beach in the world. Wasaga Beach is one of the best and most popular places that is accessible and not too far from Toronto.

In the white sands, right on the waters of Nottawasaga Bay, you will find entertainment all year long. The weather is moderate during both summer and winter, thanks to which you can enjoy sunbathing as well snowmobiling and skiing in the most pleasant way possible — without unbearable heat and frequent snowstorms. Now, while the weather is not that warm yet, you can take your kids and have a lovely family picnic on the beach. There are tables available for you. Besides all this, you can shop, play minigolf, hike, or take part in one of the many events that take place on the extremely popular beach over the year.

World’s Biggest Beaver Dam

Would you believe there is a beaver dam that can be seen from space? As strange as it might sound, there indeed is one here in our country. The world’s largest beaver dam is located in a national park in Alberta and in 2010, it spread over unbelievable 850 metres.

The ecologist who discovered the record-breaking dam in 2007 thanks to modern technology (Google Earth) claims it has been in the making for approximately 40 years and generations of beavers participated in creating the structure. Nevertheless, it would most likely never have been discovered without Google Earth. That is pretty funny: it can be seen from space yet it took decades to be found.

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• ASKING PRICE: $649,000
• SELLING PRICE: $676,000
• PREVIOUS SELLING PRICES: $475,000 (2003); $455,000 (2002)
• TAXES: $3,588 (2011)
• DAYS ON THE MARKET: Two
• LISTING AGENT: Elli Davis, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd

The Action:

1177 Yonge Street

Few suites are listed for sale at The Ports, so when the opportunity presents itself, they sell quickly like this two-bedroom penthouse, which was purchased in a bidding war after just two dozen showings in two days.

What They Got:

On the top floor of a seven-storey building, this 1,361-square-foot unit features large south-facing windows and hardwood floors in most areas, including a living room with a wood burning fireplace and a dining area with sliding doors to a 100-square-foot balcony, as well as granite floors and stainless steel appliances in the sky lit kitchen.

Other assets include a carpeted master suite with a walk-in closet and entry to one of two full bathrooms, a full sized laundry room, in addition to two lockers and two parking spots.

Utilities are not included in a monthly fee of $1,101, which covers recreation facilities and visitor parking.

The Agent’s Take:

"It's a penthouse that has skylights, so it is very bright and has a gorgeous view down Yonge Street, so you can see the CN Tower," agent Elli Davis said. "It does need some updating, thus the price was more affordable than some of the newer condominium buildings in Toronto."

Residents of this roughly 30-year-old building also have easy access to desirable amenities. "The building offers 24-hour security, a tennis court, barbecues and tables in the park area on the east side of the building," adds Ms. Davis. "Its in a residential area, but it’s on the subway line and steps to shops, so it’s well located."

Posted in The Globe and Mail, May 4, 2012.

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• ASKING PRICE: $895,000
• SELLING PRICE: $975,000
• PREVIOUS SELLING PRICES: $799,100 (2009); $705,300 (2004); $332,500 (1999); $264,700 (1996)
• TAXES: $5,784 (2011)
• DAYS ON THE MARKET: 15
• LISTING AGENT: Elli Davis, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd

The Action:

Amid a mix of semi and detached homes – many with three bedrooms – this detached, two-bedroom house received about three dozen visitors before one paid $80,000 over the list price to buy it.

31 Fairfield Road

What They Got:

A recent homeowner of this roughly 70-year-old house gave it new life by refinishing the maple staircase, installing new hardwood floors in the bedrooms upstairs and remodeling the three bathrooms and an eat-in kitchen.

On the main floor, there is a living room with a wood burning fireplace, an adjacent dining room and a rear family room with double doors to a private stone patio and landscaped garden.

Added bonuses include skylights in the main bathroom and master suite, which also features a Juliet balcony, a guest bedroom in the basement and a private driveway to the side of the 31-by-102-foot lot.

The Agent’s Take:

"There is some redevelopment on the street, so some of the smaller ones are replaced by newer, larger ones," agent Elli Davis said. "But this was an older home redone, so it retained the older charm and was beautifully done inside."

The home’s locale was also in demand. "It’s a quiet street close to Mount Pleasant and Eglinton where there are terrific restaurants and shops," Ms. Davis said. "It’s close to Northern Secondary School, which has a gifted program."

Posted in The Globe and Mail, May 04, 2012.

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