May 13, 1998

  To:Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee

 From:Jaye Robinson, Interim Lead, Toronto Special Events Office

 Subject:Canada Day and the Celebrate Toronto Street Festival

  Council Reference:

 Council at its meeting held on March 4, 5 and 6 requested the Interim Functional Lead for Special Events to investigate the possibility of having all of the church bells in the new City of Toronto ringing at a convenient hour on Canada Day and to report thereon to Council, through the Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee.

 Recommendation:

 It is recommended therefore that this report be received for information.

 Comments:

 A letter has been forwarded by the Toronto Special Events Office to the heads of various religious institutions in the Toronto area requesting that they partake in the Canada Day celebrations by ringing their church bells on July 1 at noon. Furthermore, these institutions were asked to disseminate information with respect to this request to churches within their jurisdiction. All religious institutions were asked to confirm their participation by calling the Toronto Special Events Office prior to April 30.

 To date, the Toronto Special Events Office has received confirmation that all of Toronto=s Roman Catholic and Lutheran churches will participate along with a number of Greek Orthodox and Baptist churches. Confirmation with respect to participation by the Anglican and United churches is expected shortly.

      Toronto=s bell ringing campaign is being executed in conjunction with the Canadian Heritage=s province-wide AMake a Joyous Noise@ for Canada Day campaign.

 Contact:

 Jaye Robinson395-7310

 Jaye Robinson

Interim Lead, Special Events

 Joe Halstead

Commissioner, Economic Development, Culture & Tourism