Message from the Chair of the Board of Governors of Exhibition Place
I am delighted to continue as Chair of the Board of Governors of Exhibition Place. Many significant accomplishments were realized during my previous term as Chair (1994-2000). Among these were the construction of the state-of-the-art Direct Energy Centre (1997) which opened ahead of schedule and under budget, and which has received national and international acclaim; initiating discussions with the City and Province for the integration of Ontario Place into Exhibition Place (1997); the development of the first Memorandum Of Understanding with the Canadian National Exhibition Association (1998) that established organizational and financial principals to govern our relationship with the CNEA; and approval of a Concept Development Plan as a guide for development of private-public sector partnerships to more fully utilize the buildings and the grounds for entertainment purposes. For my second term (2003--), the Board and I have already, with the financial help of the federal and provincial governments and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment opened the 20,000+ seat BMO Field. Not only did the soccer fans of Toronto fill the stadium for every game of the Toronto Football Club, but BMO Field also hosted the Federation International de Football Association (FIFA) Men's Under-20 World Cup in July 2007 (an event watched by 500 million people worldwide).
Other projects include the renovation of the Automotive Building to Allstream Centre opening October 2009 and a hotel scheduled for a 2013 opening immediately south of the Direct Energy Centre. Both these facilities will respond to the needs of the consumer/trade show and convention industry; other show exhibitors; attendees from the new Allstream Centre project; and those attending annual events such as the Canadian National Exhibition, the Honda Indy, and the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. Other support/infrastructure projects designed to make Exhibition Place the place to visit more often are in various planning stages. The Board and I are now also focusing on the environment with a commitment to cease our reliance on the provincial hydro grid (self-sufficiency) by 2010. Through the GREENSmart Program we promote our “green” program and encourage our partners and clients to be part of the solution. Sustainability projects on our site include the solar photovoltaic pilot project on the roof of the Horse Palace; Tri-Generation in the Direct Energy Centre; building the Allstream Centre to achieve LEED Silver certification; Fuel Cell Demonstration Project; a Green Roof (also in the Horse Palace); a geothermal installation for the Press Building and a 5-building retrofit. Waste reduction currently achieved is 77% (our 2010 target is 80%) and we have, consequently, been conferred the Platinum Waste Minimization Award by the Recycling Council of Ontario for our achievement in this area. Exhibition Place is also a proud member of the Ontario’s Environmental Leaders program since 2008.
It is critical for the Board to maintain Exhibition Place as Toronto’s key venue for public celebration, large events, festivals, and community events, while protecting its parkland, historical assets and core businesses. We must ensure that the needs of our major tenants and events such as the Canadian National Exhibition and the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair are addressed; capitalize on business and development opportunities; realize the full potential of the Direct Energy Centre and Allstream Centre; strengthen Exhibition Place as a year-round destination; and ensure our continued financial success. These are but a few of the tasks that face us in this term. I look forward to continue to lead the Board’s efforts in bringing positive resolutions to each of them.
It would be impossible for the Board to have achieved all these accomplishments without the imagination, dedication and hard work of our staff, and on behalf of our Board I congratulate them. Exhibition Place is a significant public asset on Toronto’s waterfront and hosts over 5.3 million visitors a year. I personally invite you to visit Exhibition Place and enjoy our year round events, festivals and activities.
We look forward to seeing you!
Joe Pantalone is a political veteran with a compelling track record of serving the City. He is well known for his dedication to preserving beautiful and safe neighbourhoods, efforts in greening the City, and service to his constituents. Joe has served in a number of positions, and, as the City of Toronto’s Tree Advocate, oversaw the planting of hundreds of thousands of new trees in Toronto. He is also the Founder of the new public-private non-profit organization “Toronto Parks and Trees Foundation”. Joe has been Deputy Mayor for the City of Toronto since 2003.
Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone
City of Toronto, Ward 19 Trinity-Spadina
Chair, Board of Governors of Exhibition Place
