HuffPost Canada closed in 2021 and this site is maintained as an online
archive. If you have questions or concerns, please check our
FAQ or contact
support@huffpost.com.
nuit blanche
Toronto was breathtaking this weekend.
Nuit Blanche draws criticism -- all answerable. Some say that the event has strayed too far from its original focus on art -- others say that there's too much corporate involvement and focus on cultural tourism. The payback to Toronto is meaningful. I take these concerns seriously. Its impact since 2006 has grown from $1 million to $40.5 million last year, a lot of money flowing into Toronto's economy for just one night.
It starts off so well.
So for those salivating for a Toronto reset, I suggest a more modest brand refresh -- one where an asterisk is added to our otherwise great city. Here we can note our city's mind-numbing congestion, condo lined waterfront, failed Olympic bids, overpriced housing and political mismanagement. All this without clouding the overwhelmingly positive attributes this city has to offer.
With events on all six habitable continents and 24 cities participating in Nuit Blanche events across 2013, Toronto's edition is North America's largest, boasting over one million visitors in 2012. That number is expected to continue growing in 2013 and beyond as the event gains more traction with Toronto and its neighbouring cities.
The City of Toronto's adventure with the all night contemporary art event, Scotiabank Nuit Blanche, came about when, at the invitation of the City of Paris, we decided to present a one-off edition in 2006. The event has been repeated each fall. What a true joy it is to continuously change the way we all look at this city, even if it happens to be just for one night.
