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 Dennis Lee is the author of numerous award-winning books of poetry for adults and children. Some of his most beloved titles include Alligator Pie (1974), Garbage Delight (1977) and Jelly Belly (1983).
During his three-year tenure as Toronto's Poet Laureate, Lee continued to bring sheer delight to kids and published two children's books, Bubblegum Delicious (2000), and The Cat and the Wizard (2001), in addition to a new volume of adult poetry, Un (2003). His latest poetry collection entitled So Cool features poems for early teen readers, was released in September 2004.
Lee created the Cultural Legacy Program as his legacy project. The program weaves the names of Toronto's artists and thinkers into the fabric of the city by naming streets, squares, parks and other public places after well-known figures.
The Cultural Legacy Program will continue to be implemented over the coming years and will identify revered individuals associated with Toronto in appropriate venues. Lee will be assisted by The Friends of the Poet Laureate, a volunteer committee whose members share Lee's enthusiasm for the literary arts.
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A legacy in the making: Cultural Legacy Program
The renaming of the Toronto-Dominion Courtyard to Oscar Peterson Place was the first site to be designated as part of Dennis Lee's Cultural Legacy Program. For many years, this square has become synonymous with excellent outdoor concerts and is the perfect location to commemorate Canadian jazz legend Oscar Peterson. |
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Oscar Peterson reacts as Dennis Lee remarks, "this is probably the only time in his career that Oscar Peterson has been called a square. |
| A celebration was held to honour Mr. Peterson on June 22, 2004. Mayor David Miller also proclaimed the day as Oscar Peterson Day in Toronto. |
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Mayor Miller stated that "For six decades, Oscar Peterson has entertained the world with his mastery and passion for the piano and promoted the recognition of our multicultural heritage. He has been an asset to our city by being a musical ambassador." |
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Dennis Lee and Oscar Peterson. Dennis lee said that "The Cultural Legacy Program provides a living legacy of those who came before us and achieved great things. It will enrich the city for generations to come. Oscar Peterson Place is an homage to one of Toronto's foremost citizens." |
A special thank you to Cadillac Fairview owners of the Toronto-Dominion Centre for embracing the concept of the Cultural Legacy Program and allowing the courtyard to be renamed Oscar Peterson Place.
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