Saturday, September 27, 2008

Morningside Crossing Grand Opening



September 27, 2008 saw the end of 3 years of uncertainty, demolition and frantic construction on the site of the old Morningside Mall in the heart of West Hill.

Neglected and in severe decline for many years, the Mall was finally purchased by First Capital who announced plans for the complete demolition of the Mall and the construction of a modern shopping centre in its place.

Today the dream of a completely new and modern shopping experience was unveiled. As Dori Segal, President and CEO of First Capitol Reality declared the new Shopping Centre open steel drums were playing, kiddies were enjoying a carnival atmosphere and parents were heading for the new stores.

On hand to welcome the new facility to West Hill, on behalf of the City, were Councillor's Ron Moeser from Ward 44 and Paul Ainslie from nearby Ward 43.

The new Centre meets the stringent LEED environmental standard making it the Greater Toronto Area's first Green Shopping Centre. A milestone commemorated by a plaque unveiled on the site.

90% of the old Mall was reused on the site; the Centre uses 25% less energy and 30% less indoor water consumption. A 500 cubic metre storage tank is buried under the main parking lot to store captured rainwater from the roofs of the buildings to be used for on-site irrigation. Parking lot lighting is all focused down where its needed and not up into the night sky blocking the view of the stars.

But it wasn't the Centre's environmental friendliness, the rides, the free gifts, the food or the band that was exciting the thousands who came out to celebrate this newly reinvigorated centre of the West Hill area, it was the new shopping experience and the beautiful new stores.

Sunday, September 21, 2008

West Hill's Family Fun Day 2008

West Hill's Annual Family Fun Day at Heron Park was a rousing success with well over 1000 people attending.



With not stop concerts, displays by Metro Zoo, bouncing castles, bingo, food, drink free giveaways, face painting and numerous other events it was a feast for the mind and body.

The event was thanks to the tireless work of Toronto Parks Recreation and Forestry, The Manse Valley Community Association, The Coronation Community Association of West Hill and Resident's Rising.

Thanks go out to our numerous participants including Storefront, Toronto Police 43 Division, Toronto Public Library and every one who donated their time or just came out to have Fun.

See you all next year!