Editor’s Note
From Bob Purcell

Time to Celebrate!
Toronto Waterfront Magazine is celebrating its First Anniversary. Launched in November 2003, Toronto Waterfront Magazine has endeavoured to provide information that connects the people who work and/or live in the downtown and waterfront area year round, creating a sense of community. Toronto Waterfront Magazine started as a quarterly publication focused on what’s happening in this city’s vibrant downtown core. However, in short order, due to our readers’ and advertisers’ demands, it has become bimonthly.
We are anxious to hear from our readers. Tell us what’s on your mind, what’s happening in your corner of the world and most of all, let us know if we’re doing a good job.

As we go to press, the Toronto Argonauts have defeated the B.C. Lions to bring the Grey Cup home to Toronto. The absence of hockey this year contributed to the surging interest in football. Basketball is also creating unusual press this season with Vince Carter making the comment, “no dunking”. He would like to be playing elsewhere, but for the moment he is still a Raptor and “Man About Town” in this issue. He continues his charitable donations and recently donated a playground for children in Malvern, assembled by the police department.
To everyone out there, sincere best wishes for a happy Holiday Season. We’ll see you again in a couple of months.

Harbourfront Conundrum
A very interesting and welcome perspective on the “Gateway to Understanding”. Having enjoyed it for a number of years, I understand it more. It is unfortunate that the Harbourfront Centre does not understand.
Not only has the Harbourfront Centre permitted the for-profit Kayak School to obscure this sculpture and litter the vista with boats, shacks and oth er odd and sundry pieces of junk, they have effectively eliminated a public park from the scant inventory of green space along Queen’s Quay West.
So much for giving life to Mayor Miller’s vision of a clean and green waterfront.
Signed: “I don’t understand the Harbourfront Centre”

Waterfront Politics
Why can’t our politicians get their acts together and turn Toronto’s waterfront into the majestic focal point of what is now only a nearly-great city? Most of the harbour area is tired, polluted, unsightly and embarassing. In the 30 years I’ve lived in Toronto there have been countless political initiatives announced but not one iota of action. Why do we keep electing these banal, promise-everything, do-nothing buffoons?
John MacDonald,
Toronto

winter-04-community-06

NOOD Toronto
I came across the last issue of Toronto Waterfront Magazine quite by chance and found it a fascinating addition to this city’s magazine scene. As a sailor, I was delighted by your report on the NOOD regatta – ignored on the whole by the mainstream media. It’s great to see a quality publication with its focus on the waterfront. Perhaps some of your enthusiasm might wear off on our politicians, who have been apathetic about it for the better part of a century.
Michael Cane,
Toronto

winter-04-community-07

Queen’s Quay Perspective
As a Summertime resident of Queen’s Quay, I’m fairly aware of the extensive cultural, athletic and water-based activities in my neighbourhood. Your magazine, however, has broadened even my perspective about the history and happenings south of the Gardiner Expressway. I look enthusiastically forward to future editions.
Asta Peet-Evans,
Key Largo, Florida