June 2003 - Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership

On Tuesday June 24, 2003, the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation had the pleasure of hosting TMAC’s June Munch n’ Mingle meeting. The evening reception took place at the Mill Street Brewery located in Toronto’s newest neighbourhood, the Distillery Historic District.

The evening’s keynote speaker, Ontario Minister of Tourism and Recreation, Brian Coburn, was on hand to greet TMAC for the first time and announce OTMPC’s intention to create a new award for Canadian travel journalists. Details of the award will be announced in 2004.

Also on hand were partners of the “Just the Ticket” theatre alliance, highlighting Ontario’s summer theatre offerings for 2003. Exploring the many theatre productions in Ontario’s charming towns can make for some of the most entertaining getaways to be had. That idea was definitely brought to life by Marie Baron, Ann Warn Pegg, Barbara Barsky and Lona Davis - four “fabulous broads” from the musical comedy “Menopositive”. The cast performed three numbers from the production, which lit up Lighthouse Festival Theatre in Port Dover, this summer. Directed by Janet Laine-Green, “Menopositve” tells the story of four women who are planning their 35th high school reunion and end up swapping stories about middle age.

TMAC learned that theatre will play a key role in the evolution of the Distillery Historic District. The artistic neighbourhood will welcome four new theatres in the coming months, including the permanent home for the acclaimed Soulpepper Theatre Company.

Prior to its recent renovation, the Distillery Historic District was the site of the Gooderham and Worts Distillery, Canada’s largest 19th - century distilling firm. The site remains an outstanding example of Victorian industrial design and is now home to a dynamic mix of tenants, including art galleries, retail boutiques and restaurants.

Distillery partners David Jackson, John Berman and Mathew Rosenblatt guided guests through the Distillery’s historic walkways and alleys and introduced them to some of those tenants including the Sandra Ainsley Gallery, Artscape and Balzac’s Coffee House.

Throughout the evening, TMAC had the chance to be some of the first to savour the organic beer created by the Mill Street Brewery and the culinary delights to be had at Pure Spirits Oyster Bar, one of four new restaurants on site.

Thank you to all our friends in TMAC who helped make the evening a success and continue to support us in promoting our wonderful province.

To help you discover Ontario, visit us online at www.ontariotravel.net

For more information about the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corp., please visit our industry website at www.tourismpartners.com.

Distillery Historic District: www.thedistillerydistrict.com
Mill Street Brewery: www.millstreetbrewery.com