What the Locals Recommend

There is so much to do in the Distillery Historic District (www.thedistillerydistrict.com) of downtown Toronto. It was once one of Canada’s largest distilleries, and has now been transformed into a center for arts, culture and entertainment. The distillery has maintained its Victorian Industrial Architecture, while creating a village for creative minds and ideas alike. The Distillery Historic District has art galleries, theatres, restaurants, cafs, artist studios, and even offices. The district also has festivals all summer long, including a street circus in the midst of July, as well as the farmers market, and PartiGras, which is a celebration of music and culture. This establishment is also the filmsetting for various blockbuster movies, including Chicago and Cinderella Man to name a few. The Distillery Historic District is within walking distance of the subway system in downtown Toronto, and is a place where you can truly see the beauty in Toronto history. Mark McDonald Member Service Representative The Toronto Electrical Utilities Credit Union Limited Toronto is a wonderful mosaic of cultures and communities. Whatever your tastes, your interests or your shopping needs, you can find it here! One of my favorite places to visit in the city is tucked away in the far reaches of Queen Street East – a funky little neighborhood known to locals as The Beach. The Beach was once cottage country for the downtown set, being located right along the Toronto shoreline, but as the city expanded into the 1920′s and 1930′s it became it’s own residential enclave. The Beach boasts both a large movie complex where the latest releases can be seen and one of Toronto’s famous Festival Theatres – The Fox – where you can take part in alternative cinema or see major motion pictures at a fraction of the cost. There are a number of coffee houses, pubs and restaurants along the Queen Street strip that offer everything from Thai food to micro brewery samplings and nearly every one of them has an outdoor patio for people watching and catching some rays. There’s also a fantastic variety of stores selling everything from Indian batiks to designer jeans and one-of-a-kind jewelry and fashions. And when you’ve had your fill, it’s just a quick step down to the famous boardwalk where rollerbladers, dog walkers and families spend time enjoying the sandy shores of Lake Ontario. So be sure to hop on the 501 streetcar and take a stroll through one of Toronto’s most vibrant and lively communities! Sean Jackson President/CEO Meridian Credit Union Limited Toronto can appear like a lot concrete if you stick to the downtown core. But move outwards in any direction and you’ll see it’s one of the greenest cities around. Not only that, but Toronto is known for its eclectic neighbourhoods. Chinatown, Kensington Market, Little Italy, Queen West, the Annex, Leslieville, Roncesvalle, the Beach and more. While in Greek Town, be sure to check out Big Carrot-a worker’s co-operative organic grocery store with a delicious deli and juice bar. Other hot spots: 401 Richmond (art), Fresh (vegetarian delights) and The Gladstone (bar/art centre/hotel). Sheila de Peuter Marketing Manager Alterna Savings and Credit Union Limited