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Greetings!
Welcome to The Ripple, your Waterfront BIA e-Newsletter! We've revamped our e-News just in time for
summer. Feel free to share this issue with your colleagues, friends and family by following the
instructions at the bottom. It's better by the water.
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Tell us how we can improve our e-Newsletter!

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1812 NAVAL SQUADRON TO HOIST ENSIGNS IN TORONTO The naval aspect of the War of 1812 will come alive on Toronto's waterfront on Friday, July 13, when a Navy-sponsored "1812 Squadron" of traditional sailing vessels will arrive alongside Toronto's HTO Park East, beginning at midday.
Led by Toronto's own brigantines Pathfinder and Playfair, the Squadron will include the brigantines St Lawrence II and Fair Jeanne, and the replica picket schooners Caledonian and La Revenante. Crewing these ships will be a mix of young sail trainees and experienced naval re-enactors, all in the sailors' clothing styles of 1812.
Period ensigns and flags will be hoisted on each ship, lanterns will be lit in the evening, and the ships' colourful presence alongside will be enhanced by music from traditional musicians and other strolling players of the Regency era. Arriving in mid-afternoon, the Squadron will be on display to the public through the afternoon and evening, and then will sail at dawn Saturday for Niagara-on-the-Lake and a joint 1812 commemorative event with Parks Canada, entitled The Navy Of 1812: Sailors On The Lakes. Many of the ships are equipped with black powder-firing cannon, manned by certified and trained black powder technicians to ensure safety. These will be used in the colourful battle demonstrations that will take place off Niagara-on-the-Lake on Saturday afternoon.
"We really are pleased that Toronto's brigantines Pathfinder and Playfair will be such an important part of this adventure," said Squadron Commodore Victor Suthren, who is an Honourary Captain in the Royal Canadian Navy, and is leading the effort on behalf of the Navy's Directorate of Navy History and Heritage." Along with Commander Tim O'Leary and his people of HMCS York, they've really come through for us to make this work". Suthren is particularly pleased how the young men and women sail trainees are excited about dressing up as sailors of the 1812 era. "They keep alive the skills of that past age," he says, "and now they'll look like they are back there!" The ships will be available for close inspection, but general public visiting right on deck won't be permitted for safety reasons. Still, the crews and their officers will welcome anyone wanting to take a summer evening stroll down by the water - and find themselves in the middle of some exciting history! More on the City of Toronto's Bicentennial Commemoration of the War of 1812 can be found here. | |
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WHAT EVERY LAND TRAVELLER SHOULD KNOW ABOUT CRUISING
Did you know that many cruise guests do not get off the ship at every port? For these cruisers, the fun is along the way - the ship itself is the destination and a grand resort! With all its grandeur, activities, dining choices, entertainment, and exceptional service, many find they cannot take in all that a large contemporary or premium ship such as Princess, Celebrity, or Royal Caribbean has to offer in just a 7 day cruise. Some even book "on board" for another week, "cruisenavigo" (cruise to cruise).
There are unlimited options available today, from the yacht experience on sail ships like the Windstar or Starclippers to luxury small ships like Oceania or Azamara, or river cruiseships such as Viking, Uniworld, Ama, or Avalon that are able to dock at ports in exotic places the larger ships can't get into. These small ship and river ships stay longer, stay overnight, have night touring and allow time for guests to immerse themselves in the local culture and nightlife, stroll along white sandy beaches, and experience magnificent shopping - there's even time for golfing in other countries! So no, you won't feel rushed on these ships. You will have plenty of time to really explore a city or place of interest and take your premium hotel with you! With no luggage to drag around or time wasted in congested traffic getting to an expensive hotel, you can truly enjoy the land experience!
The prices we are seeing for 2012 and 2013 (into the beginning of 2014) are unprecedented. Cruiselines, whether contemporary, luxury or river, are offering bonuses, substantial onboard ship credits, 2 for 1 sales, free airfare for some sailings, and upgraded suites for early bookings! If you've been thinking about taking a cruise within the next year, NOW is the time to book it!
COMING UP - Our biggest sale of the year: the Princess 1 Day Sale on June 16th, 2012 for eligibility for 5 great Bonuses. Up to $175 USD onboard credit, $200 CAD reduced deposit, $650 USD in onboard coupons, plus up to 5,000 Bonus Aeroplan Miles. PRE-REGISTER TODAY! Avoid disappointment and book earlier if you have a specific sailing in mind, like the brand new Royal Princess sailing in 2013 (*All bonuses are not included in bookings prior to June 16th).
Looking for upscale luxury on a small ship? Azamara is offering Europe for up to $2,000 in Choice Air credits per couple, complimentary stateroom upgrade from Oceanview to Veranda on select sailings, 125% on Single supplement on select sailings, plus up to 50% savings on brochure rates, 50% savings on shore excursions, and gratuities included. Book by June 30th, 2012.
. . . And land travellers, if you're still not on board with trying a cruise vacation, is your full personal service travel agency where you can book all of your land travel including flights, hotels, inclusive resorts, ski vacation packages, rail vacations, adventure or exotic vacations or corporate travel to anywhere in the world.
Expedia CruiseShipCenters, Harbourfront
Queen's Quay Terminal, South Atrium
207 Queens Quay West, Suite 106
647 361 7545
cruiseshipcenters.ca/harbourfront
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HONOURING THE BOND BETWEEN PETS AND PEOPLE On May 7, 2012 three incredible pets and one service dog were honoured into the Purina Animal Hall of Fame™ at a special Induction Ceremony at PawsWay. For more than four decades, the Purina Animal Hall of Fame™ has honoured an elite group of pets and service dogs for their extraordinary acts of heroism and bravery, which have saved human lives. From sensing deadly medical conditions to saving their owners from wild animal attacks, more than 150 inductees have been recognized including 128 dogs, 26 cats - and one horse!
 | | Titan and his partner, Constable Tara McLorn |
Since 1992, the program expanded to specifically recognize the key role of service dogs in protecting the public and providing independence, comfort and hope to so many Canadians. To date, 17 service dogs have been honoured for their acts of extreme bravery and courage.
| | Monty |
This year's inductees were carefully selected from hundreds of nominations across the country. The four 2012 Purina Animal Hall of Fame™ Inductees included Nanook, a Siberian Husky cross; Monty, a ginger tabby cat; Bree, a Dachshund; and Titan, a German Shepherd and accomplished Police Service Dog. Each of these four amazing
| | Bree |
animals saved a human life, displaying extraordinary acts of courage, devotion, and an intuitive sixth sense for the safety of those around them. Meet the 2012 Inductees and hear their stories here!  | | Nanook |
The bond we share with pets can be lifesaving and inspiring. Come and learn about all of the pets and service dog Inductees at PawsWay, the permanent home of the Purina Animal Hall of Fame™. Open year-round, general admission is FREE.Do you know of a pet or service dog that has helped save a human life? Send your story and nominate a hero. The special cat or dog you tell us about might be inducted to the Purina Animal Hall of Fame™! PawsWay 245 Queens Quay West 416 360 PAWS (7297) PawsWay.ca | |
INTRODUCING: THE NEWEST ADDITION TO THE WATERFRONT FAMILY The Radisson Admiral Hotel - Toronto Harbourfront is pleased to announce the opening of our new Atrium Conference Centre! Featuring a contemporary look and feel, the glass-enclosed Atrium is equipped with state-of-the art audio-visual equipment, private washrooms, a bistretto, and a large open foyer suitable for exhibits or receptions. In addition, this exquisite space is complemented by 2 additional boardrooms - Cove and Retreat - each equipped with mondo boards guaranteed to enhance the meeting experience. Now booking well into November, this much-in-demand space has attracted the attention of corporate clientelle throughout the GTA and beyond and we are confident that, combined with superior service, excellent cuisine and competetive pricing, the Atrium Conference Centre will continue to be a popular venue choice for years to come. But there's more! The Atrium Conference Centre is just the beginning of a new facelift for the Radisson Admiral in 2012 that will include a newly renovated lobby and guests elevators. Come see us now! Radisson Admiral Hotel 249 Queens Quay West 416 203 3333 Reservations: 1 800 395 7046 (Toll-free in the US and Canada) radissonadmiral.com | |
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Our Mission Statement
The Waterfront Business Improvement Area is the voice of the business community. It is committed to improving and promoting the Waterfront area through investment and advocacy to maintain its position as one of Toronto's premier shopping, business, entertainment and tourist destinations.
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QUICK LINKS

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EAST COASTERS ARE "COMING TO THE
PARTY" ON TORONTO'S WATERFRONT
The Redpath Waterfront Festival, presented by The Waterfront BIA, returns June 21 to 24! Headlined by "Saltscapes," this FREE event brings the best of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick's East Coast lifestyle with music, art, culture and cuisine to HTO Park.
Also experience:
~ The Wharf at York: Where folklore gets interactive and waterfront stories come alive before your eyes at Harbour Quay.
~ Sweet Smokin' Suga' Beach Jam: A laid-back music showcase of indie female folk and blues artists. Enjoy a sweet and savory experience in sugar artistry demos and workshops at this smokin' beach BBQ.
Where:
HTO Park West to Sugar Beach (Queens Quay from Spadina to Jarvis Street)
| | Redpath Waterfront Festival Toronto
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TORONTO BRIGANTINE
SPRINGS INTO SUMMER
With warmer weather now upon us, Toronto Brigantine Inc. (TBI) is looking forward to a busy summer on the waterfront.
On May 26-27, TBI participated in Doors Open on Toronto's Waterfront for the first time, an exciting opportunity to showcase the 50 years spent as part of the waterfront community. Here, a photo of Pier 6 from 1965 shows the ship Pathfinder, a proud partner to TBI's other vessel, Playfair.
TBI has been named the Charity of Choice for the Redpath Waterfront Festival and is thrilled to take part in the Festival on June 21, as well as the Great Lakes United Tall Ship Festival in 2013, when international tall ships are welcomed back to Toronto.
The summer season will be TBI's busiest with its sailing schedule filling up fast. Don't miss out by signing up today with your Waterfront Savings Card! A 10% discount for new summer program registrations is given when a Savings Card is presented at time of booking. Check out our schedule and fee details here.
Toronto Brigantine
215 Spadina Avenue, Suite 413 416 596 7117 torontobrigantine.org
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TORONTO ISLAND FROM THE INSIDE Enjoy a delightful summer day on the Island in support of a great cause. This Sunday, June 10, the Toronto Island Grannies in Spirit will host their second tour of distinctive private homes and common buildings, each with its own story to tell. You'll have the opportunity to meet Island residents, view historic photographs and memorabilia at the Ward's Island Clubhouse and catch Random Acts of History. Come early and enjoy lunch at the Island Cafe or The Rectory. All proceeds will go to the Stephen Lewis Foundation. Purchase tickets to the Toronto Island House & History Tour fundraiser here.
The Toronto Island community started as a "tent city" in the early 1900s. It is now a unique, year round (and car free) neighbourhood, with more than 650 residents living in 262 homes. There are no stores, banks, or ATMs. Some of the houses were purchased out of the Simpson's catalogue in the 1930s. Others were floated from Hanlan's Point when the Island Airport was built. And still others have been renovated or designed by architects to make optimal use of small spaces. The community is part of the urban landscape, yet magically removed from the city by a 15 minute ferry ride.
Toronto Island Grannies in Spirit
416 203 0902 | |
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CELEBRATING TORONTO'S
WATERFRONT HISTORY
On Thursday, May 24th, the south atrium of Queen's Quay Terminal was buzzing with conversation at the Opening Night Gala of Toronto on the Water, a unique photo exhibit part of Doors Open Toronto depicting Toronto's waterfront history.
Following a smooth registration thanks to a group of committed waterfront volunteers, guests were able to take in the photos of the exhibit and hear from distinguished speakers, including architect Eb Zeidler, "the mastermind behind the Queen's Quay Terminal redesign." A member of the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario, it was an honour to have Mr. Zeidler attend the event!
The Waterfront BIA was proud to present limited-edition Toronto on the Water books containing the photos featured in the exhibit to the sponsors and speakers of the event. These books were printed owing to the outstanding dedication and workmanship of Midtown Reproductions!
We were pleased to share the evening with the incredibly members and friends of Toronto's waterfront community. Thank you for your endless enthusiasm and support! Visit our Facebook page to see tons of great photos from the event.
The Toronto on the Water photo exhibit will remain on display throughout the main level of Queen's Quay Terminal until Labour Day. This summer, be sure to drop by and take in the fascinating history of our waterfront!
The Waterfront BIA
Queen's Quay Terminal, South Atrium
207 Queens Quay West
416 596 9821
info@waterfrontbia.com waterfrontbia.com
COMING SOON!
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CONSTRUCTION ON QUEENS QUAY
The transformation of Queens Quay is about to begin. After years of planning, design and public consultation, construction will start rolling out this spring. Three stages of construction are planned, and there will be changes in how the street operates during construction. Learn more about the revitalization of Queens Quay here. To gain a better understanding of what to expect during construction, view Waterfront Toronto's informative flyer here.
Join Waterfront Toronto for two public meetings: - Central Waterfront Update:
Wednesday, June 6 7pm - 9pm Harbourfront Centre (Brigantine Room)
- Queens Quay Open House:
Saturday, June 9 10am - 2pm Waterpark Place Lobby (20 Bay St.)
If you can not attend the Open House and have specific questions about access to your home or
Waterfront Toronto 20 Bay Street, Suite 1310 416 214 1344 info@waterfrontoronto.ca waterfrontoronto.ca | |

CAPTION CONTEST Send us a caption to this photo.We'll feature the best ones in our August issue!
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 BRING YOUR CAMERA!
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STAFF BOARD OF MANAGEMENT Executive Director: Carol Jolly Kathi Bonner, Brookfield Properties Executive Administrator: Lynn Haderlein Nancy Gavin, Redpath Sugar Marketing Coordinator Christina Medeiros, Maple Leaf Quay & Newsletter Editor: Danielle Biss Helder Melo, Harbourfront Centre Event Manager: Karen Hardinge Rosie Middleton, Briarlane Property Management Public Relations: Peter Ashworth, Craig Somers, CitySightseeing Toronto Ashworth Associates Public Relations Cindi Vanden Heuvel, Mariposa Cruises and Communications Pam McConnell, City Councillor, Ward 28 Adam Vaughan, City Councillor, Ward 20 BOARD EXECUTIVE Contact us at the WBIA Chairman: Kevin Currie, Wheel Excitement info@waterfrontbia.com Treasurer: Dermot McKeown, Radisson Admiral Hotel or 416.596.9821 Vice-Chair: Shey Clark, Great Lakes Schooner Company www.waterfrontbia.com Vice-Chair: Blair Keetch, PawsWay Pet Discovery Centre The Ripple e-Newsletter ~ 6 annual issues

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