HOW DID WE DO IT? While the Great Recession battered other cities, Toronto has emerged triumphant—Bay Street is bullish, our real estate market is hot, and the streets are sparkling for this month’s G20. Yes, our success has a lot to do with our stingy financial system, but it’s also because smart, interesting people move here every day, attracted to a city that’s challenging and gritty and exciting and indulgent (we have a restaurant dedicated entirely to grilled cheese sandwiches, Reason No. 2). If Torontonians have one shared flaw, it’s that we’re pathologically reluctant to acknowledge our greatness. Now, more than ever, we have reasons to brag
+1 to everything Ignatz has said. torontonians are some of the thickest people i’ve seen. its fairly clear when you take a look at their biggest sports franchise, the leafs. terrible team, but even with ticket prices being the highest in the NHL people go out in drones to see ‘the amazing maple leafs’.
@ryan. lol. where have you been? 3rd world countries? if you think toronto is indeed ’2nd best’ at everything i can only imagine where you’ve been.
i am from toronto, and ive had the privilege to travel to quite a few places, in the albeit short time ive been around. without a doubt toronto is no where near 2nd best at everything, or even ‘most’ things. toronto is lacking at just about everything. the only people that dont see this are indeed torontonians, who share the same views as their moronic mayor.
‘toronto is the greatest city in the world’.
ignorance is bliss.
toronto indeed has some good things to it, as does any city, but all things considered, its far from a shining example of a metropolis. i understand some of you are sticking out for your home town, and enjoy where you live, but seriously, open your eyes.
June 18, 2010 at 12:47 am | by SteveI was born and raised in Toronto. I’m a tax-paying property owner in the city now, and will most likely raise my family here. But I’ve also had the chance to both live in and visit countless other cities, in Canada and elsewhere. While Toronto is a fine city, and certainly is leaps and bounds over several other municipalities both in Canada and elsewhere, you can count me in agreement with those that believe Torontonians’ narrow-mindedness and satisfaction with the status quo have held the city back from greatness.
There are many good things going on in this city, and the TL list outlines some of them – much-needed development in Regent Park, a renewed focus on public spaces, injections of true New York-style cool through places such as the Toronto Temperance Society, etc. But this list also fails to come up with 50 really compelling selling points about Toronto – and that’s indicative of some of the city’s problems. Reasons #1 and 2 here are that we like cheese and we have a long track record of electing sub-par mayors. Seriously? A handful of these reasons are focused on what’s going on in places like Oakville and Markham, which aren’t Toronto. #12 is a throw-away piece about one of the most vile corporate crooks in Canadian history. Surely if Toronto is such a fine metropolis, we can come up with 50 legitimate, marketable reasons.
June 21, 2010 at 3:42 pm | by NeilThis list is, for lack of a better term… retarded.
The magazine seems to have jumped the shark.. an intern could have written this crap.
June 23, 2010 at 3:02 pm | by JimA heart that loves is always young.Nike Force
July 8, 2010 at 2:53 am | by jocobWow 18 comments!
There should be thousand raising a voice and cheer about things that are the best or worse in and about Toronto.
Whether the last Mayor was a NOOOOOoooBody but did promote business; will the line painting on Jarvis and Airport (payout) [Airports are a federal issue No one checked]
Who says that Smitherman is a shoe in? After the money he wasted on eHealth? Maybe we should take a serious look at Sarah Thomson.
Other Mayoral Candidates have self destructed and are withdrawing.
We need a promoter and advocate for Toronto on the global and federal scene. Please join in and vote.
Join a political compaign and become involved in your democratic process. Then when the municipal tax assessment notices arrive with your increased tax bills you wil understand where that money is going!
We are a safe haven for your money; Investing in Condos and Houses with Fair Housing Policies in place. Our banking system is sound and the envy of many other countries. Bring your children to our schools and Universities, enrolment is open.
Let’s join to do something meaningful!
David Pylyp
July 19, 2010 at 1:13 pm | by David PylypLiving in Toronto
Toronto is number one – in smugness and complacency.
July 30, 2010 at 12:11 pm | by Proudly TorontonianSave money by ordering with Vancouver florist. Same day delivery of fresh flower across Canada. Just visit : http://www.yourvancouver.com
October 12, 2010 at 1:07 am | by Vancouver FloristSave yourself a bad time at Serpentine [more true cause it rhymes].
Met one of the owners and he was a bit of a pretentious wanker. Went on a 5 minute rant instead of answering a yes/no question about a discount.
Decent products, shit-eating service.
That’s the honest truth; I hope the owner knows that I didn’t go out looking to be berated.
Try DUE WEST and NEXT DOOR for more selection. 431 Queen St. W. 416-593-6267
October 26, 2010 at 7:31 pm | by Play it forward