Toronto Tourism Magazine 2009 - (Page 9) Cityscapes around town Pedal Power Toronto’s newest green initiative? Pedal-powered taxis that offer urbanites free rides within the downtown core. Although trips are short — six to 12 blocks — they give eco-conscious Torontonians the chance to help meet Mayor David Miller’s long-term goals to dramatically reduce carbon emissions and make Toronto a truly green city. Sponsored by brands eager to prove their green credentials, the EcoCabs project was launched on May 1st by GO Mobile Media. According to company president William Kozma, the cabs have been an “unbelievable success,” with similar fuel-free fleets set to hit Montreal, Vancouver and Calgary on April 22 to coincide with Earth Day. There are no designated pickup points for the two-seater cabs — simply flag one down if you see its yellow shell cruising through the downtown core. And keep your eyes peeled at the city’s busy festivals and sporting events; you’ll be sure to spot them there. — Andrea Grant Older, Better, Stronger When William Lyon Mackenzie became the first Mayor of Toronto in March of 1834 he could hardly have foreseen the global centre Toronto was to become. Soon after moving the provincial capital here from the more vulnerable village of Niagara, the province incorporated the town of York, renaming it the City of Toronto on Mar. 6, 1834. At the time, Toronto’s population of just over 9,000 made it the largest community in all of Upper Canada. This year, Torontonians proudly mark their city’s 175th anniversary with celebrations that wind through what still remains the country’s largest city. Festivities will start at New City Hall and move through the city to the site of the first parliament buildings in Old Town. Those parliament buildings may be gone, but Old Town, along with the Distillery District, Old Fort York and other heritage buildings, keep Toronto’s history close at hand. (See “Past Perfections,” page 36, for more on Toronto’s heritage buildings.) Great Golf What’s a golf lover to do while in downtown Toronto? Get swinging! • When golf courses are closed for the season, hit a bucket of balls at the Waterside Golf Dome, which offers indoor, climate-controlled stalls for long- and short-range play. 255 Queen’s Quay E., www.watersidesports.com • For those who prefer the outdoors, the 300-yard driving range at Polson Pier operates year-round. Stalls are covered and heated in the winter months. An 18-hole mini-putt is open seasonally. 11 Polson St., www.polsonpier.com • Wish you were playing Pebble Beach? No need to pack your bags. Visit InnerGolf, an indoor facility offering 3-D, state-of-the-art simulation of 30 of the world’s most challenging courses that can be played in an hour. Monitor your technique, or simply hit some balls. Reservations recommended. 99 Sudbury St., Unit #103, www.innergolf.ca • Or if you’re simply looking to dress the part, pay a visit to Golf Town, one of Canada’s largest golf retailers. It carries Nike, Lacoste, Zegna and Photo: (top) Mike Szilagyi other designer labels to ensure you at least look like a pro. Says Stephen Bebis, Golf Town’s founder: “Golf Town’s Pro Shop is perfect for the visitor to downtown. Repair a broken club or try out new ones.” Or book a time with one of its pros to work on that swing — a simulator will monitor it for accuracy and mechanics. 266 King St. W., www.golftown.com If these urban quick fixes are no substitute for 18 holes, book a tee-time at some of the best courses, just outside the city, including: Two championship courses open to the public at Lionhead; Angus Glen, north of Markham, which is rated one of the top 80 courses in the world and was the site of the 2007 Canadian Open; and Glen Abbey in Oakville, ranked 8th best course in Canada and host of the 2009 RBC Canadian Open, and also the place where Tiger Woods executed his famous “shot of 2000,” cinching his win at the Canadian Open and the Triple Crown. Check out visitmississauga.com and yorkregion. com and get linked up. — Hilary Carter TORONTO 2009 | 9 http://www.watersidesports.com http://www.golftown.com http://www.polsonpier.com http://www.innergolf.ca http://www.visitmississauga.com http://www.yorkregion.com http://www.yorkregion.com
Contributors
Welcome
Cityscapes
Toast of the Town
In the Night Garden
Gooooal!
Take a Moment
Faces of Toronto
Red Rocket
Past Perfection
Water Lust
The Artist’s City
Living the Green Dream
York Region and North Toronto
Mississauga Marvels
Vine Country
Discovery Walks
Neighbourhoods of Greater Toronto
Listings
Visitor Resources
2009 Event Calendar
Parting Shot
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