Please note that Metro Square is the park area on King Street West between Metro Hall (John Street) and Roy Thomson Hall (Simcoe Street).
Luminato, the international arts festival, had issued a press release on March 1, 2011, about its 2011 music and celebrations events which are mostly free events at Metro Square, Toronto, Ontario.
However, Luminato will soon have to rewrite and re-announce it’s 2011 Music and Celebrations Program because Mayor Rob Ford announced today he is asking City Council to rename Metro Square as David Pecaut Square in honour of David Pecaut, who was an urban visionary, business person, volunteer and co-founder of Luminato.
Please note that the City of Toronto will strive to have the square renamed by June 2011 so that an official opening of David Pecaut Square at Metro Square can be timed just before Luminato, the international arts festival that David co-founded.
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
News Release
April 8, 2011
Mayor Rob Ford announces Metro Square to be renamed in honour of David Pecaut
Mayor Rob Ford announced today he is asking City Council to rename Metro Square as David Pecaut Square in honour of David Pecaut, urban visionary, business person and volunteer.
“David represented the very best in volunteerism and leadership – qualities that I would like to encourage in all citizens,” commented Mayor Ford. “We are delighted that David’s family have agreed to allow the City of Toronto to share his memory and inspiration with us.”
Family, friends and colleagues of David Pecaut were at Metro Square this morning to show their support of Mayor Ford’s intention to ask City Council at next week’s Council meeting to support the renaming of the square.
“Thank you, Mayor Ford, for this moving and memorable tribute to David and everything he loved about this city,” said Helen Burstyn. “I hope that David Pecaut Square will always be a place filled with life and activity. A creative hub for festivals such as Luminato and TIFF. A place that welcomes everyone and reminds us of David’s many contributions to civic life and his legacy of community-building.”
“David Pecaut was a huge inspiration to all those who want to make a difference in our world,” said Jeff Melanson, Mayor Ford’s Special Advisor on Arts and Culture. “This naming of David Pecaut Square will serve as a permanent reminder to us all of our obligation not only to enjoy living in Toronto but to actively engage in giving of our time and energy to make this city great.”
The City of Toronto will strive to have the square renamed by June 2011 so that an official opening of David Pecaut Square at Metro Square can be timed just before Luminato, the international arts festival that David co-founded.
About David Pecaut
David Pecaut was a Senior Partner in The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and co-founded the Canadian practice of BCG in Toronto in 1993. A well-known speaker and writer, David advised companies and governments on public policy issues in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. David was also the voluntary Chair of the Toronto City Summit Alliance, a diverse coalition of civic leaders whose mission is to accelerate social and economic development in the Toronto region.
In his volunteer capacities, David was instrumental in the work of the Toront03 Alliance that led the tourism recovery post-SARS; the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council; the Toronto Region Research Alliance; the Strong Neighbourhoods Task Force; the Task Force on Modernizing Income Security for Working Age Adults; and Luminato.
In December 2009, David Pecaut was appointed a member of the Order of Canada for his distinguished service as a civic leader and volunteer, and for his contributions to the arts community of the City of Toronto.
About Metro Square (to be renamed David Pecaut Square)
Metro Square is a unique focal point of the downtown Toronto community in the heart of the cultural entertainment district. The square is designated for use as a public open space.
Toronto is Canada’s largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. Toronto’s government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.