Markham is building for the future

A 2005 Van Hool newA330 stops at Warden Vivastation, in Markham, Ontario. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

So Markham wants to build a 20000 seat arena and entertainment complex that will rival the Air Canada Centre. In a way it makes perfect sense. There has been a lot of talk around bringing an NHL team to Markham, however I believe Toronto residents and possibly the media have it backwards. I used to live in Markham and based on the makeup, demographics and changes in Toronto, I think it will do quite fine with or without a team. Markham is building a new downtown and the facility is part of the plan. With a large ethnic mix of Asian and South-Asian residents; along with the diversity of York Region and north Toronto, other uses are possible. It’s perfectly situated near the Unionville GO station and is well served by VIVA. I remember when prices for brownstone styled homes were listed at $400000. At the time I thought it was high, but now it seems like a bargain. Will it work, who really knows. The world does not only revolve around downtown Toronto. I believe that Markham politicians have recognized that the times are changing and they are betting that they will be on the right side of the future.

Related articles

• City of Markham votes in favour of plans for new arena (tsn.ca)
• Markham council approves massive arena (thestar.com)
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• Markham Town Council votes 11-2 in favor of finacial framework for 20,000-seat GTA Centre (thehockeynews.com)

Alison Redford's PCs win majority in Alberta election

Reblogged from National Post | News:

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Reuters

HIGH RIVER, ALTA — Defying the odds of pollsters and naysayers, Alberta’s long-ruling Progressive Conservatives elected their 12th straight majority government Monday night.

Despite the most contentious election campaign in living memory, the Tories were on track to become the longest ruling provincial party in Canadian history.

Alberta Election results

Results as of 12:48 a.m. MT (2:48 a.m. ET)

Read more… 1,100 more words

Alberta votes to keep the right progressive. With the Federal Conservatives looking more like the Wildrose party and working to help the party, and not the Progressive Conservatives, has the relationship been strained?

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Unnatural Selection and killing off girls in Indo-Canadian / Asian Families

With all of the controversy over a the Washington Center for Reproductive Medicine, I thought it would be good to look at the following book. Remember the movie Gattaca? Unlike those who believe in “weeding out imperfection”, what happens in communities that prefer boys or girls? Please take time to read and review the following book “Unnatural Selection: Choosing Boys Over Girls, and the Consequences of a World Full of Men”.

Book: Unnatural Selection

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Embarrassed to sing “O Canada”? It’s only a ”Pittance in Time”!

national Flag of Canada (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Toronto Catholic District School Board had to pass new guidelines, forcing students to “sing” O’Canada. I just listened to the news and heard students state that they will not sing “O Canada“, or that they were “embarrassed” to sing it. Also heard one say “I will not be singing it because its my right not to”, with a very disturbing tone. How did we get to this point? What happened to our patriotism? Do we care about Canada? It’s only a ”Pittance in Time”, to those who fought and died so we could enjoy it. Just saying!

Read more “Students must sing O Canada, school board rules”

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Wildroses in Alberta – but the grass is not always greener on the other side

Danielle Smith and the Wildrose Caucus, (R to L) Guy Boutilier, Heather Forsyth, Danielle Smith, Paul hinman, Rob Anderson (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In an interesting twist of fate Alberta, long a stronghold for the Conservatives, is going through some family issues. Till death do us part is not the motto for conservatives today. Alberta is going through growing pains. With an influx of Canadians, of all stripes, change seems to be affecting the province as a whole. The Wildrose party has surged in popularity, but will it last? Cracks in the foundation are already apparent; with Wildrose members sounding both intolerant of immigrants and out of step with Canadian values. In some sense we can draw a comparison to the Republican Party in the United States. With forces split between what is seen as moderates, like Mitt Romney and The Tea Party elements of the Republicans. I sense that this is more of a protest vote; similar to the ADQ in Quebec. The Progressive Conservatives are holding true to the name “progressive”, but will the residents of Alberta give them another chance. With the election near Wildrose party members are under close scrutiny. Can the Wildrose Party grow into a sustainable political force? Or will they continue to bloom and show their true colours?

http://www.thestar.com/mobile/news/canada/politics/article/1164711–tim-harper-alberta-s-wildrose-leader-danielle-smith-s-bumpy-road-to-history

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Oprah in Toronto

Oprah Winfrey in Denmark on 30 September 2009 to promote Chicago as Olympic host (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Die-hard fans lined up at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre to see Oprah Winfrey bring her life-class north of the border. The event had motivational speaker Tony Robbins, spiritual healer Deepak Chopra, Iyanla Vanzant and Bishop T.D. Jakes. The event aimed to inspire and help individuals change their world.  It was the first-ever Canadian broadcast and it will air live on the Oprah Winfrey Network.

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Are we running out of ideas in Toronto?

Aerial view of The Cinesphere and surrounding marina at Ontario Place, Toronto. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

MGM is making the pitch to make Toronto a new home for a grand entertainment complex, but are we ready? It seems that both the province and city politicians are running out of ideas to generate funds for the city. It is a worry because often the idea of a casino seems to imply that we have hit rock bottom. Or is it? It’s said that this will be a “entertainment complex”, providing much needed jobs for Torontonians. What does this mean for Niagara Falls or Casinorama? I am not sure, but one thing is certain for Toronto; lack of vision for our future. This is something important and we should let Torontonians decide. Its sad to see the demise of Ontario Place. Question is, how long will it be before the entire Toronto Islands are redeveloped into a massive entertainment behemoth? I imagine developers are already seeing green, and I am not talking about grass.

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Trump talks up Toronto

Trump talks up Toronto

Donald Trump sought to stir up buyers for the unsold units in Canada’s first Trump International Hotel & Tower on Monday, undaunted by talk of an overheated real estate market in Toronto.

Even though there are more condos under construction in Toronto than in any other in North America, Mr. Trump insisted he would be willing to do a second project in Toronto if the right opportunity came along.

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Is Toronto a housing bubble?

While Canada’s high-flying housing market continues to stabilize, it’s increasingly evident that one city — Toronto — is a glaring exception.

In sharp contrast to price moderation in most cities and a significant drop in Vancouver, where buyers are being priced out of the country’s costliest market, Toronto buyers are on a spending spree — one that looks as if it won’t end well.

New figures from the Canadian Real Estate Association show prices up by 10.5 per cent in Toronto over the past 12 months, the only major city with a double-digit gain. In contrast, Montreal gained a modest 3.7 per cent and Vancouver is down by 3.1 per cent.

Read more

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Qatar Airways keen to expand in Canada

Qatar Airways keen to expand in Canada

The CEO of Qatar Airways has said he is struggling to secure more landing rights to boost services to Canada.
Akbar Al Baker said in a speech in Montreal that Canadians deserved a better airline service to the Middle East but government restrictions were hindering progress.

“Qatar is of course interested in forging even closer ties with Canada but we are struggling with being granted additional landing rights,”

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Is it time to open the skies in Canada and allow U.S carriers?

Air Canada Boeing 747-133 C-FTOC at Zurich International Airport (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Is it time to open the skies in Canada and allow U.S carriers?

Despite the issues pilots have with their employer, Air Canada, the issues today are showing the serious flaws in Canada’s transportation system. Air Canada, like the photo, is starting to look old and out-dated. There are alternatives for trips to Montreal, Ottawa and other locations; using Porter or WestJet, however other remote and specific locations are leaving Canadians hanging. People are upset and rightly so. There is a dependency in Canada, on Air Canada. However, there are a not a full list of choices. I am sure Buffalo Niagara is seeing an increase and maybe it’s time to get other carriers in Canada. Our Federal policies prevent an American, or other carrier, from flying within Canada. Air Canada is taking a big hit and Canadians are angry. The Conservatives, now with a majority, may take notice. We have underutilized airports in Hamilton, London and even Oshawa. Is it time to open the skies?What do you say?

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Did wireless providers just get the one finger salute?

Canadians are defiantly getting gouged when it comes to wireless service in Canada. Some would say that there just isn’t enough competition, while others feel it’s just utter greed. Providers say that someone has to pay for infrastructure, yet we know have a Government saying that they have heard enough. Wireless providers have already complained; asking that the CRTC step in and create a standard. It will be interesting to see if the Conservatives decide to get involved and act. Only time will tell!