November - December 2002

Win-Door North America Approaches
by Penny Beverage

As the world readies itself for the holiday season and gathers with family and friends, beginning with Thanksgiving, the fenestration industry will have a chance to gather as well in Toronto, Canada, for Win-door North America 2002. 

The premier event for the Canadian fenestration industry will be held November 20-22, 2002, at the Metro Toronto Centre (South Building) in the midst of the largest city in Canada. Schield Associates, the organizers of the show, have lined up more than 100 exhibitors from 32 countries for the 2002 event. Last year, the show drew a crowd of 2700 and approximately 160 exhibitors. 
The show will open at 5 p.m. on November 20 and 10 a.m. on November 21 and November 22.
Despite the busy show schedule, hopefully attendees will have a chance to get out and see some of the large city and its many landmarks, including the longest street in the world.

Historical Guide
Among the city’s landmarks are a number of art museums, historical sites and modern-day wonders.

Fort York, the original marking spot for Toronto, is still open to the public Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and until 5 p.m. on weekends. The Fort was the site of one battle of the War of 1812, but was originally founded in 1793 by Lt. Gov. John Graves Simcoe, who wanted a fort to construct and guard the then-new capital of Ontario, Toronto, which he’d moved from Niagara, Ontario. Today, the fort has been reconstructed and is Canada’s largest reconstruction of original War of 1812 buildings. Admission is $5 for adults (Phone: 416/392-6907).

Another of the city’s attractions is High Park, the largest of its many parks, and Colborne Lodge, a monument to the couple who founded High Park. High Park comprises a pond, numerous wooded areas, trails, open picnic areas, a pool, ice-skating rink, tennis courts and an “Adventure Playground.” 

Colborne Lodge, situated on the park grounds, was the home of John George Howard and his wife Jemima, who designed the park and later in life retired to this country retreat. The lodge is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout most of the year, with the exception of holidays, and costs $5 for adults (Phone: 416/392-6916).

Also of interest to Toronto visitors may be the Gibson House Museum, the restored home of David Gibson. Gibson came to Canada in 1825 as a surveyor and purchased a farm on Yonge Street (which is now known as “The Longest Street in the World”). He was elected to the legislative assembly in 1834 but became disillusioned and joined the Mackenzie Rebellion in 1837, after which his home was burned by government forces and his family was forced to flee to the United States. They finally returned to Canada in 1848, at which time they built the home now open to the public. Admission is $2.75 for adults (Phone: 416/395-7432).

Continuing in the trend of Gibson, the Mackenzie House—the home of the leader of the rebellion Gibson joined, Lyon Mackenzie—is also on Toronto’s list of tourist spots. Mackenzie was also the first mayor of Toronto. His former home is a late-Georgian townhouse located at 82 Bond Street and is restored as it would have appeared in Mackenzie’s later years. Admission to the Mackenzie house is $3.50 for adults (Phone: 416/392-6915).

Fun Stuff/Sports Scene
Toronto is home to the CN Tower that has made Toronto’s skyline one of the most recognizable. More than 2 million people visit the tower each year to take in the view of Toronto from 553.33 meters in the air and to take advantage of its own attractions, including several restaurants, the Edge arcade, the Maple Leaf Cinema and the Marketplace for any shoppers in the group (Phone: 416/868-6937).

In addition, a number of companies offer tours around the harbor and the outlying areas of Lake Ontario. Along with its historical and cultural offerings, Toronto is also a hub of sports activity with its own professional baseball, hockey and basketball teams.

On the evening following the show, November 23, Toronto’s own National Hockey League (NHL) team, the Toronto Maple Leafs, will take on the Philadelphia Fliers at the city’s own Air Canada Centre (Phone: 416/870-8000).

What’s for Dinner?
Finally, while there will be tons to do and see, everyone also needs to eat. Thankfully, Toronto is a hub of good food and offers a variety of restaurants. The following is a small sampling of some of the city’s offerings in a variety of cuisines.

If you’re craving Italian food while in the nation’s capital, try Joe Badali’s Italian Restaurant Bar at 156 Front Street West. (Phone: 416/977-3064) Also, in the tradition of Julius Caesar, Veni, Vidi, Vici is located at 650 College Street West (Phone: 416/536-8550).

If it’s seafood that’s tempting your tastebuds, head to Big Daddy’s Crab Shack & Oyster Bar at 212 King Street West (Phone: 416/599-5200) or Boat House Bar & Grill, located right on the harbor at 207 Queens Quay West (Phone: 416/203-6300).

For those who enjoy the tastes of India or those who are feeling a bit adventurous, try DHABA, located at 309 King Street West. DHABA was selected as the restaurant with the most “innovative and taste-intensive food in Toronto” by NOW magazine (Phone: 416/740-6622).

To get a taste of Toronto’s own native flavors, head to the Summit House Grill at 40 Eglinton Avenue East (Phone: 416/440-0030).

Arlequin Restaurant and Fine Foods is available for those craving a French cuisine and is located at 134 Avenue Road (Phone: 416/928-9521).

For those craving a good ol’ steak and potato dinner, try Canyon Creek Chophouse at 156 Front Street West (Phone: 416/596-2240).

The Work Day
While there is tons to do in Toronto, it will be hard to fit much in with the hours of the busy trade show, but hopefully you’ll be able to extend your stay or take a short break to see the sights of the Canadian capital.

During the show, be sure to stop by and visit the DWM/BCM staff in Booth #343/345. We look forward to seeing you there. 

Penny Beverage is a contributing editor for DWM/BCM magazine.

DWM
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