Mayor's Message

Moose in the City - Presented by Labatt Blue

Mayor's Message

Toronto is a vibrant, multicultural metropolis whose sensational entertainment and sports, great dining, amazing shopping and fantastic festivals make it one of the greatest cities in the world.

The summer of 2000 put Toronto on the world map like never before. With Moose in the City, the talent of our artists and the support of generous patrons transformed the entire megacity into a wonderful outdoor art "moose-eum", with more than 325 fantastic moose sculptures on display for all to see.

We had a tourist moose, a chocolate moose, a dragon moose, a hockey moose, a golden moose, a bride & groom moose, a maple leaf moose and even a Mel Moose! And now we've got a book that captures them all and will preserve them forever in our hearts and memories.

Many thanks to our amazing artists for lending their skills and creativity to this incredible project. And thanks also to our wonderful sponsors along with hundreds of individual and corporate patrons who together brought these amazing moose to our streets!

Cordially,
Mel Lastman
Mayor

Letter from the Chairman

George A. Cohon, Chairman and ''My Best Pal, George'', Moose

Moose in the City was inspired by a trip I took to Chicago last summer. When I returned to Toronto and told Mayor Lastman about Chicago's Cows on Parade, he immediately agreed that the concept should be bought to Toronto.

We seized upon the moose - that quintessential Canadian symbol - as the perfect icon. Thus was born Toronto's Moose in the City.

Almost immediately, more than 300 Toronto artists swung into action. Generously supported by an equal number of patrons, they succeeded in bringing this amazing herd of colourful, funny, imaginative and beautiful moose to our streets. All summer long, the smiles that Toronto's moose brought to the faces of residents and visitors alike were free!

Now, as this wonderful retrospective of Moose in the City goes to print, plans are well underway for the exhibition's grand finale. The Great Moose Auction, scheduled for January 2001 and featuring both a live and on-line component, promises to be one of the wildest fundraising events this city has ever seen! More than half of the exhibition's Patrons have generously donated their moose to this fabulous fundraiser, the proceeds of which will benefit Canada's Olympic athletes and local charities.

Moose in the City has been an incredible testament to the creativity of Canadian artists - and to the wonderful things that can happen when the private and public sector work together in partnership. So, to everyone who made this event happen, and to those who have now captured it for posterity in these pages, Mayor Lastman and I extend our heartfelt thanks.

Yours sincerely,
George A. Cohon
Chairman