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Family Time in the City

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Tomorrow is Family Day! Ontario residents first started observing the family day holiday in 2008 and there are always a large number of fun, family friendly events that take place around the province and the city of Toronto during the family day holiday. In celebration of family and to help our readers enjoy the holiday Our Home Toronto has put together a list of some Family Day events happening around Toronto. These are just a few of our favourites:

1) Skating: The public skating rinks will be open including the rink at the Harbourfront which is hosting the HarbourKids Skating Festival. The festival will feature skating performances, dancing, theatre and concerts.

2) Casa Loma: Not only is Casa Loma a Toronto landmark but it also hosting a teddy bear extravaganza on Monday complete with a reading of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, tea, hot chocolate and cake. Tickets are $23 for adults and $17.50 for children.

3) Tiff Bell Light Box: The Lightbox will host a whole day of free activities from 10:00am. Arrive early so you and your family don’t miss the magic shows button making.

4) The AGO: The Art Gallery of Ontario is hosting a dance party this upcoming Family Day! For $39 for a family pass (2 adults and up to 5 children) you can also  see family films, do a scavenger hunt and even try family yoga!

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GREEN Inspiration!

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401 Richmond Street roof top gardenHave you been searching for some green to incorporate into your city lifestyle? It may be hard to believe but there are a number of green initiatives taking place right in downtown Toronto. From government buildings to historic sites more and more builders and planners are realizing the importance of green buildings. With the help of a publication from the Canada Green Building Council and www.greenroofs.com, Our Home Toronto has put together a list  of five of  the  great green building projects happening all around the city.

1) The Fairmont Royal York: The Fairmont Royal York boasts a well known rooftop garden which started in 1998. According to greenroofs.com the 4000 sq. foot space grows herbs and tomatoes that are used in 6000 meals per day. Tours of the rooftop garden can be arranged for visitors and residents of Toronto when they attend afternoon tea at the Fairmont Royal York.

2) 401 Richmond: Home to “140 artists, cultural producers and micro-enterprises” (Toronto Focus: Canada Green Building Council), 401 Richmond Street offers visitors and tenants use of there 6,500 sq. foot green roof free of charge. The space offers not only a multitude of plants but also a “downtown view that includes the CN Tower.” (401richmond.net/gardens)

3) Toronto City Hall: Toronto City Hall’s Green Roof is part of the revitalization of Nathan Phillips Square. In order for the green roof to be green roof 401 Richmond constructed “3,250m sq of concrete was converted to vegetation” (Toronto Focus: Canada Green Building Council).

4) Minto Roehampton: According to the Canada Green Building Council,  this is Canada’s first LEED Gold multi-unit residential building. Highlights of the green initiatives the building offers residents include: automatic turnoff of overhead lights and ventilation systems, dual flush toilets which reduce water consumption and individually monitored heat and electricity.

5) The Evergreen Brickworks: The green projects taking place at the Evergreen Brick Works are quite extensive. According to The Canadian Green Building Council just a few of the improvements to the well-known event space include: a computerized network that controls lighting, ventilation, heating and A/C. Other major projects include a green roof as well as attainment of LEED status.

As you can see, Toronto has many green projects. Whether you are already a Toronto resident, moving to Toronto, or just visiting be sure to visit some of these great green projects in the heart of the city.