You’re Invited: Canadian Events Sept.19 – Dec.20, 2013 + Ontario News + Toronto & TTC Alerts

Here are some great events, celebrations and green events in Canada.

  • Most events and celebrations are FREE.

Justina M. Barnicke Gallery

Presents

Bouchra Khalili: ‘The Opposite of the Voice-Over’

FREE Admission

Exhibition continues to December 20, 2013.

Justina M Barnicke Gallery
Hart House, University of Toronto, St. George Campus
7 Hart House Circle
Toronto, Ontario

Telephone: 416-978-8398

Gallery Hours
Thursday to Tuesday, 12:00 – 5:00 pm
Wednesday, 12:00 – 8:00 pm
Closed Sundays and statutory holidays.

  • As part of Paris-Toronto, the Justina M. Barnicke Gallery presents French-Moroccan artist Bouchra Khalili’s first solo show/exhibition in Canada, « Bouchra Khalili: ‘The Opposite of the Voice-Over’ », which includes the following two major video installations about the experience of migration.
    • The Mapping Journey Project (2008–2011)

      • “The Mapping Journey Project, produced between 2008 and 2011, is a mixed-media installation that combines eight video works, The Mapping Journey, and eight silkscreen prints, The Constellations.”
    • Speeches—Chapter 1: Mother Tongue (2012) “is part of a trilogy entitled the Speeches Series (2012-2013), articulating issues of language, citizenship, and working class.”

Textile Museum of Canada

Presents

Farandole: Perspectives on Western Canadian Metis Culture

Exhibition

by

Artists Colette Balcaen and Pascal Jaouen

Admission is ‘Pay What You Can’ only on Wednesdays from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Admission charges apply for other days.

Sept. 18, 2013 – Nov. 14, 2013

Textile Museum of Canada
55 Centre Avenue (Dundas St. W & University Ave., St. Patrick subway)
Toronto, Ontario
M5G 2H5
t. (416) 599-5321
f. (416) 599-2911
info@textilemuseum.ca

Exhibition Tour: Wednesday, October 9, 2013, 6:30 pm

  • “Farandole: Perspectives on Western Canadian Métis Culture exhibition combines contemporary visual art and haute couture to explore the reinvention of tradition through the work of artists Colette Balcaen of Manitoba and Pascal Jaouen of France.“
  • Enjoy the opening reception of Farandole: Perspectives on Western Canadian Métis Culture exhibition.
    • Artist Colette Balcaen will be in attendance.
  • Also, join Textile Museum of Canada’s Curatorial Director Sarah Quinton as she “offers insights into traditional practices, narratives and techniques used in the intricate embroidery and costumes of fashion designer Pascal Jaouen and the work of artist Colette Balcaen.”
    • FREE with admission.
  • Please click here for more info about the exhibition and the artists.
Samuel de Champlain to illuminate the sky of the Capital.
Samuel de Champlain to illuminate the sky of the Capital.

National Capital Commission (NCC) and the French Embassy in Ottawa

Present

Plain Chant

An Interactive Light and Sound Installation

FREE Admission

September 19 – 21, 2013
Thursday, 7 to 11 pm; Friday, 7 to 11 pm; Saturday, 7 pm to 4 am

Nepean Point
380 Sussex Dr.
Ottawa, Ontario

Phone: 613-239-5000
Email:info@ncc-ccn.ca
Website:http://www.canadascapital.gc.ca

  • Plain Chant is an interactive, sound and light installation that reacts to the voices of the audience to showcase the statue of Samuel de Champlain.
  • It was created by French artists from 1024 Architecture to mark the 400th anniversary of Samuel de Champlain’s passage in Canada’s Capital Region.
    • Come see Champlain up-close during the day, and enjoy the spectacular view of the Ottawa River.
  • Presented for three days only at Nepean Point, behind the National Gallery of Canada.
    • September 19 and 20, continuous loop from 7 pm to 11 pm
    • September 21, continuous loop from 7 pm to 4 am for Nuit Blanche Ottawa-Gatineau.
    • In the evening, a light and sound spectacle will be presented every 15 minutes.
  • Please click here for more info about “Samuel de Champlain to illuminate the sky of the Capital.”

take a walk in forest york region 2013.gif

Regional Municipality of York

Presents

2013 Take A Walk in the Forest

FREE Events

September 21 – December 7, 2013

York Regional Forest, Ontario, Canada

Phone: 1-877-464-YORK (9675)

  • Experience the beauty of the York Regional Forest with 2,300 hectares (5,600 acres) located in 21 different tracts.
  • Hike the trails at the monthly guided events and learn more about the Forest.
  • Children under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Terrain varies from sandy dirt paths to woody debris-covered forest floor.
    • Poison Ivy is common.
    • Closed-toed footwear, long sleeved shirts and long pants are recommended.
  • For your safety, please stay on the trails.
    • Forest tracts are used at your own risk.
  • Registration is required for all events as space is strictly limited.
    • Registration opens one month before each event.
  • Carpooling is recommended due to limited parking.
  • Take the Healthy Hikes Challenge from Conservation Ontario and register your hikes online for a chance to win Merrell and MEC gift cards worth up to $1,200!
  • Here are the upcoming events of 2013 Take a Walk in the Forest.
    • NATURE’S CREATIONS” FOREST FESTIVAL: *NEW TIME* Saturday, September 21 from 10 a.m. to 3p.m.
      • Location: Eldred King Tract, 16232 Hwy 48, Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville.
      • Celebrate our York Regional Forest at our Fall Forest Festival.
      • See local artisans and wood-crafters demonstrate their exquisite art made from nature.
      • Enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride…hike with a forester to learn about our forest and its management.
        • Watch a timber harvester at work in the forest and a traditional horse logging demonstration.
      • Art will be for sale or to simply admire.
      • Please click here to register for this event.
    • Forest, Fish and Fungi: October 26; 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
      • Please note that REGISTRATION OPENS: September 26.
      • Location: Hollidge Tract, 16389 Hwy 48, Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville.
      • Join an ecologist on an educational walk to a stream to learn about fish and how forests support sensitive water bodies.
      • Learn about the interesting life of fungi with our mushroom expert.
    • IT’S ALL ABOUT TREES!: Saturday, November 2 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
    • FOREST JINGLE BELL WALK: Saturday, December 7 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
      • Learn about the holiday tradition of bells, Christmas trees and the benefits of natural Christmas trees.
      • Jingle bells will be provided.
      • A mitten donation to the “mitten tree” for the Salvation Army is appreciated.
      • Registration required.
  • Please click here for more info.

8th Edition of Francophonie en Fête Festival

FREE Concerts

  September 21 – 22, 2013

David Pecaut Square, 55 John Street, Toronto, Ontario

Email : info@francophonie-en-fete.com

This video presents “Flash Mob de l’AESD au Square David Pecaut.”

  • Flash Mob of l’AESD students during the Franco-Ontarian Day / Le Flash Mob des étudiants de l’AESD durant le Jour des Franco-Ontariens et des Franco-Ontariennes.

franco-ontarian day 2013

Franco-Ontarian Day in Toronto

FREE Admission

Sunday, September 22

11 AM – 2:30 PM

David Pecaut Square, 55 John Street, Toronto, Ontario

  • September 25 is Franco-Ontarian Day in the province of Ontario.
  • This Day, every year, officially recognizes the contribution of Ontario’s Francophone community to the cultural, historical, social, economic and political life of the province.
  • Toronto will host a celebration of the proud heritage of Ontario’s Francophone community.
    • This event will take place in David Pecaut Square and feature Brian St-Pierre, Swing, and Le R.
  • Please click here for more info.

Word On the Street Book & Magazine Festival

A National Celebration of Literacy and the Written Word

FREE Events

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Invitation to the Fourth Edition of

EUROPEAN DAY OF LANGUAGES 2013

FREE Admission

September 27

5:00 PM- 8:00 PM

The Spanish Centre – 46 Hayden Street, Toronto, Ontario

RSVP at hola@spanishcentre.com

Website: http://www.spanishcentre.com/
Tel: 416-925-HOLA (4652)

  • ‘”Promoting the lifelong language learning and stressing the importance of intercultural understanding are the main objectives of the events associated with the European Day of Languages.
  • Acting as promoters of plurilinguism in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area), the Goethe-Institut Toronto, Alliance Française de Toronto, Istituto Italiano di Cultura Toronto, Spanish Centre Toronto and Camões Toronto will be hosting their 4rd European Day of Languages in Toronto.
  • This year’s program features exciting events from FREE 25-minute sample language classes in French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Lithuanian, Polish, Portuguese, and Spanish to a Speak Dating fun language activity.
  • There will be a Rhythm, Dance & Music workshop hosted by Dalilyn Martinez, as well as a Sing and Language workshop brought to you by Prologue.
    • “Cuarteto Habanero” a Cuban jazz band, will delight audiences with a performance to round off the evening.”

This vidoe presents “Culture Days | Fête de la culture. Highlight Reel.

culture days french 2013

Culture Days

FREE Admission

Canada

September 27, 28 & 29, 2013

  • Culture Days is a collaborative Canada-wide volunteer movement that is raising the awareness, accessibility, participation and engagement of all Canadians in the arts and cultural life of their communities.
  • The fourth annual Culture Days weekend will take place September 27, 28 and 29, 2013, and will feature thousands of FREE, hands-on, interactive activities that invite the public to participate “behind-the-scenes,” to discover the world of artists, creators, historians, architects, curators, designers and other creative people in their communities.


Design Exchange (DX)

Presents

Festival des Métiers

A RENDEZ-VOUS WITH Hermès CRAFTSMEN

FREE Admission

October 2 – 6, 2013

11AM – 7PM Daily

Design Exchange (DX)
234 Bay Street, Toronto

Phone: 416.363.6121

  • “This engaging cultural exhibition provides a fascinating insight into the longstanding traditions and values of Hermès in the crafting of fine objects defined by an uncompromising commitment to the highest standards of quality.
  • Festival des Métiers features intimate behind-the-scenes demonstrations by masterful craftspeople from the renowned Hermès workshops in France, illustrating the methods in which products are painstakingly made-by-hand using techniques passed from generation to generation.“
  • Please click here for more info about the Festival des Métiers and Hermès.

Nuit Talks 2013

FREE Admission

October 2, 4, and 5

Toronto, Ontario

  • A series of themed talks that allow for candid discussion, contemplation of the creative vision and a behind-the-scenes look at the art and artists of Scotiabank Nuit Blanche, one of North America’s largest contemporary art events.

nuit blanche 2013 poster

Scotiabank Nuit Blanche Toronto

Saturday, October 5, 2013
6:51pm to sunrise

Experience Toronto transformed by more than 110 contemporary art projects created by close to 500 artists. All night long!

Scotiabank Nuit Blanche Toronto Event Map

  • Scotiabank Nuit Blanche is an annual sunset-to-sunrise celebration of contemporary art that brings together the exceptional talents of hundreds of artists and curators.
  • Based on results from an Ipsos Reid survey, the economic impact of Scotiabank Nuit Blanche 2012 was calculated to be $38 million with an additional $4.2 million spillover impact for the Province of Ontario.
    • The event attracted both local and out-of-town audiences, with an estimated attendance of one million including more than 170,000 out of town visitors.
  • MY NIGHT PLANNER
    • While you spend some time online looking through this year’s projects, click to add your favourites and build a My Night Planner.
    • Create an account, share your Planner with friends and take it to the event on your mobile device. Get started now!
  • EVENT GUIDE & MAP
  • INDEPENDENT PROJECTS
    • The community-produced portion of Scotiabank Nuit Blanche 2013 will feature more than 65 projects created by cultural and educational institutions, museums, galleries, neighbourhoods and individual artists.
    • These one-of-a-kind projects expand the boundaries of the event and showcase the diversity of Toronto’s art community.
    • The Bata Shoe Museum, the Gardiner Museum and the AGO along with 401 Richmond, the Gladstone Hotel, TIFF Bell Lightbox, Artscape at Daniels Spectrum in Regent Park and Wychwood Barns, and many more organizations are hosting important projects in their unique venues.
    • Entire neighbourhoods including St Clair West, Queen West and the Distillery District will feature multiple installations by local artists.
    • Please click here to learn more.

nuit blanche contest 2013

WIN A TRIP TO SCOTIABANK NUIT BLANCHE

“Nuit Blanche” Metro contest commences 12:01am (EST) on September 13, 2013 and ends 11:59pm (EST) on September 23, 2013.

  • You and a guest could win a VIP arts weekend for two in Toronto, including two round-trip train tickets from VIA Rail and a two-night stay at the Grand Hotel & Suites to attend Scotiabank Nuit Blanche on October 5, 2013.
    • The approximate retail value of each prize is: Two Thousand Dollars ($2000).
  • Please check the contest rules and regulations at the above link to each municipal area.

Ontario News; Toronto & TTC Alerts

Ontario Premier Recently Announced Transit Investment Strategy Advisory Panel

  • Premier Kathleen Wynne announced that the government has appointed a new advisory panel to review Metrolinx‘s Investment Strategy.
    • The strategy recommends ways to fund public transit across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA).
      • Congestion costs GTHA residents and the economy about $6 billion a year.
        • On average, people in the GTHA spend 82 minutes a day commuting.
      • If nothing is done by 2031, people will spend 109 minutes a day commuting.
    • Since October 2003, the Ontario government has committed almost $5.7 billion in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area to support municipal public transit, and has invested more than $7.7 billion in GO Transit improvements.
  • The panel will meet with stakeholders and residents in the GTHA to get input on Metrolinx’s recommendations.
    • It will also consider other options to fund public transit.
    • The panel will report its findings to the government.
  • The Transit Investment Strategy Advisory Panel is composed of 13 members and will be chaired by Dr. Anne Golden.
    • Dr. Golden has chaired two influential task forces in the past and is known for her work on public policy issues.
  • Metrolinx’s The Big Move transportation plan is expected to create thousands of jobs, and save billions of dollars in time, energy and other efficiencies.

Streetcar Track Work on Leslie St: Toronto TTC 83 Jones to Divert and Leslie St. to Partially Close, September 19 – December 2013

  • Starting today, Sept. 19, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) will be conducting watermain and utility upgrades in advance of future track installation on Leslie St. into the future Leslie Barns streetcar facility.
  • As a result, there will be a road closure on Leslie St. between the north side of Lake Shore Blvd. E. and the middle of the plaza intersection south of Mosley Street.
  • During the closure, the 83 Jones route will be required to divert as follows.
    • Southbound buses will divert south on Jones Ave., west on Queen St. W., south on Carlaw Ave., east on Lake Shore Blvd. W. and south on Leslie St. to Commissioners St.
    • Northbound buses will divert north on Carlaw Ave., east on Eastern Ave., north on Leslie St., west on Queen St. W. and north on Jones Ave.
  • This phase of the project is expected to be completed by December, allowing for this section of Leslie St. to re-open.
  • Temporary right-in and right-out accesses to the north side plazas from Lake Shore Blvd. will be installed.

Full Closure of Gardiner Expressway for Fall Maintenance September 20 – 23, 2013

  • The Gardiner Expressway will be closed in both directions from Carlaw Avenue to the Humber River from Friday, September 20 at 10 p.m. to Monday, September 23 at 5 a.m. as the Transportation Services division performs maintenance activities.
  • Full closure of the expressway is required to ensure the safety of the public and the workers.
  • The fall maintenance of Gardiner Expressway during this closure include the following activities:
    • catchbasin cleaning (required to ensure proper drainage) at approximately 400 locations,
    • pavement markings for about 13 kilometres,
    • replacement of a section of the expressway’s deck in the eastbound lane near Cherry Street,
    • pothole repairs at various locations,
    •  sign maintenance for six static signs,
    • closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera maintenance,
    • inspection of 20 overhead signs,
    • guiderail repair for approximately 300 metres,
    • sweeping operations and litter removal throughout the zone,
    • and chipping of loose concrete at the Don Roadway, Jarvis Street, Parkside Drive, South Kingsway and Park Lawn bridges.
  • Motorists can use Lake Shore Boulevard, the Queensway, Richmond Street, Adelaide Street, King Street and Queen Street as alternative routes during the closure.

Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) Contact Info

  • Information on fares, routes, schedules and service.

    • 416-393-4636 (INFO)

    • Recorded information available 24 hours daily.

    • Operator-assisted service is available from 8:00am to 6:00pm daily, except statutory holidays.

    • TTY Hearing Impaired Service, 416-481-2523, Daily, 8:00am-6:00pm; except statutory holidays.

  • Main Switchboard

    • 416-393-4000

    • Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm

City of Toronto Contact Info

Phone within Toronto city limits: 311.

Phone outside city limits: 416-392-CITY (2489)
(can be used within Toronto if you can’t reach 311).

TTY customers: 416-338-0TTY (0889)
Fax: 416-338-0685
E-mail: 311@toronto.ca

If your matter is urgent, please call them. They are open 24/7.

Enjoy! / Amusez-vous!

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

NEWS RELEASE

September 19, 2013

2013 edition of Scotiabank Nuit Blanche made possible by sponsors

Beginning Saturday, October 5 from sunset at 6:51 p.m. until sunrise on Sunday, October 6, Scotiabank Nuit Blanche will transform the City of Toronto into an all-night celebration of contemporary art, featuring 112 art projects created by more than 500 local, national and international artists.

This eighth consecutive year of the event furthers its position as one of North America’s premier cultural events, as it is expected to attract more than one million local enthusiasts and out-of-town visitors. Last year’s event attracted more than 170,000 out-of-town visitors and generated $38 million for Toronto’s economy and a $4.2 million throughout Ontario.

This important cultural and economic event for Toronto would not be possible without the support from sponsors.

“Every year Scotiabank Nuit Blanche is made possible through the generous support of corporate and media sponsors, the commitment of cultural agencies and arts organizations, as well as hundreds of artists and volunteers,” said Toronto Mayor Rob Ford. “Their hard work and dedication have made this fantastic event a major economic and cultural driver for our great city.”

Scotiabank has been the official title sponsor of Nuit Blanche since its inception in 2006. Through their continued support, Scotiabank has demonstrated dedication to enriching Toronto’s cultural offerings and commitment to the event by bringing forward innovative artistic experiences to the program.

“We believe embracing the arts pushes us to develop new perspectives and inspires us to pursue our passions. That’s why we’re proud to present installations like 1nspired Night and Scotiabank Nuit Blanche as it gives people the chance to discover art in their community,” said Jacqueline Ryan, Scotiabank’s Vice President of Sponsorship and Partnership Programs.

1nspired Night is just one of the unique art experiences being offered at this year’s Scotiabank Nuit Blanche. Videos and photos shared by festival goers will be projected onto a 15-metre (50-foot) canopy of screens, creating a live, immersive experience that allows the audience to walk through a moment in time, absorbing images from the installations and exhibits taking place throughout the city.

As international awareness of Scotiabank Nuit Blanche grows, sponsorship from the Province of Ontario, through Celebrate Ontario and Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation (OTMPC), as well as Tourism Toronto, continues to have a considerable effect on the event. The support from these organizations goes beyond funding. They help to market Scotiabank Nuit Blanche and position the event as a must-see event for visitors to Toronto.

“Scotiabank Nuit Blanche has become one of Toronto’s most exciting annual happenings and a centre point for the city’s renewed sense of creativity and pride in our artists,” stated David Whitaker, President and CEO of Tourism Toronto. “It’s a truly memorable night and showcases Toronto’s individuality and energy to over a million residents and visitors each year.”

As new sponsors for 2013, H&M, Nokia Products Ltd. and Toronto Hydro have embraced the event through their financial support and development of featured art projects.

H&M
Sustainability is an important part of H&M’s mandate, and H&M strives to reduce the environmental impact of clothes throughout their lifecycle. Passionate Toronto creators Chinedu Ukabam and Gabrielle Lasporte’s The (Re)Generator Project, 2013, sponsored by H&M, is supported by donations from the H&M Garment Collecting Initiative. The installation will feature an interactive multimedia installation that explores the concept of “RE” – REcycling, REmixing, REinventing, REusing, REpurposing, etc. – while using elements of fashion design, visual art, social media and projection mapping. Event attendees will be able to engage with the live installation through social media.
Location: H&M store, Toronto Eaton Centre, 222 Yonge St.

Nokia Products Ltd.
(X)Static Clown Factory, sponsored by Nokia and created by Toronto artists Ruth Spitzer and Claire Ironside, will feature a Dr. Seuss-inspired enactment of the economy of desire including working clowns, their workshop float and an assembly line as their parade route. Spectators will act as the procession to this static parade. Nokia will be onsite with Capture the Moment, a photo opportunity allowing the audience to capture and share the X(Static) Clown Factory through the Nokia Lumia 1020.
Location: University Avenue and Gerrard Street West.

Toronto Hydro
The Big Crunch, from prolific Parisian artist Frank Scurti, is sponsored by Toronto Hydro. This installation will feature bicycle wheels fitted with clockwork mechanisms and each of the mechanisms moving the hands of the clock in clockwise and reverse rotation. The wheels will be exposed to the wall as mechanical gear and stools are placed in front of the wall so spectators can sit and watch the wheels turn. This installation speaks to the work of Marcel Duchamp’s Bicycle Wheel, created in 1913, in which a bicycle wheel was affixed to a wooden stool.
Location: 1 Trinity Sq. (accessed from Bay Street, south of Dundas Street West)

The City of Toronto would also like to thank all travel partners including VIA Rail Canada and The Fairmont Royal York; media sponsors City, OMNI, Toronto Star, NOW Magazine and Virgin Radio; and onsite sponsor Subaru Canada.

About Scotiabank Nuit Blanche
Scotiabank Nuit Blanche is Toronto’s annual all-night celebration of contemporary art, produced by the City of Toronto in collaboration with Toronto’s arts community. Since 2006, the event has featured more than 850 official art installations, created by nearly 3,500 artists and has generated more than $138 million in economic impact for Toronto.

Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work, both in Canada and abroad, through our global philanthropic program, Scotiabank Bright Future. Recognized as a leader internationally and among Canadian corporations for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, Scotiabank has provided on average approximately $47 million annually to community causes around the world over each of the last five years. Visit us at http://www.scotiabank.com.

Toronto is Canada’s largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 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.

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