Fish Always Stinks At The Head

With Mel something was always going on to celebrate Toronto, sometimes it wasn't something positive, but the old adage about I don't care what people say as long as they are talking about me held true. With Miller it is like watching sponges dry.

Lack of pride blocks city's progress

Nov. 2, 2006. 01:00 AM

I love Toronto as my adopted home and feel that it is one of those cities that have unlimited potential as a world-class metropolis. But as I learn more and deal more with the government and municipal officials, I discover more reasons why it has not become a dazzler like many European or even Asian cities.

There is a lack of passion among those who can make a difference and an overwhelming sense of defeat among those who are passionate to change things.

The average Torontonian lacks a sense of pride in the quality of life here and seeks out other cities for excitement. A good example is the Canadian National Exhibition, which puts on a spectacular show every year but attendance is declining because Torontonians don't take pride in a unique event that does not occur south of the border.

Blaming these tendencies on the city's changing demographics is not acceptable because new immigrants do understand the value and importance of these events, although they may not always have the resources to pay for admission.

Theatre is another example of malaise because the city, promoters and audiences have lost touch with each other regarding what would work and benefit all instead of just one party.

A city a few hundred kilometres away from Toronto illustrates how civic pride can be a force for change. Montreal has a much stronger reputation as a fun city than Toronto because its people have a better attitude toward progress and integration.

Toronto's overwhelming obsession with waterfront development has become a joke among Canadians, while the visionaries who support cohesive city development are pulling out their hair in frustration.

This sense of frustration stems from the lack of solid leadership and the absence of dedicated partnerships to support key initiatives.Torontonians have to take control of their city by forcing themselves to make things happen.

Expo 2015 is very feasible. It will be big, but it does not need to be outrageous. It can be an elegant event that promises further development in the area where it is held instead of becoming a gaudy white elephant. Involving youth and students at an early stage would be an important step because eight years from now they could be potential workers and managers at Expo 2015. And what a fabulous opportunity to make an eco-friendly gift to the younger generation.

Managers seconded from the municipality could be rotated through two-year terms to keep operations fair and transparent. The involvement of private organizations could compensate for mood swings in government funding, although our legislative representatives should make support for this project is a priority.

Involving municipalities outside Toronto would improve the scope of the event and help develop outreach.Toronto needs vision and courage to mobilize this project. And as some wise man once said, even if you cannot always be original, you can still be wise enough to do the right thing.

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Asmara Arshad Mahmood is a former member of the Star's Community Editorial Board.