SIMON: It has been there for five years now; the University Of Ontario Institute Of Technology has attracted many people from all points. The Oshawa-based post-secondary institution located on the same site as Durham College and as we hear from this report in 2003, students have to represent a new challenge during the “Double Cohort” at the time. Here’s Liam Swick.

[Cut to a ribbon cutting ceremony]

LIAM SWICK: It has been many years in the making, the newest university in Ontario has opened its doors, and the University Of Ontario Institute Of Technology welcomes new students and staff in a ceremony today brought by Oshawa MPP Jerry Oullette, Minster of Colleges Training and Universities Dianne Cunningham, MPP for Pickering-Ajax-Uxbridge and current finance minister Janet Ecker and MPP for Whitby-Ajax Jim Flaherty.

[Cut to finance minister talking to the media]

JANET ECKER: We invested millions and millions of dollars in this new university and by the looks of it, local people don’t have to go as far as Toronto to study their programs there and we look forward for our students as we move towards the future. [Applause]

[Cut to the students performing activities]

LIAM: Sarah MacMillian, one of the newest students at the university told Newswatch that she got an opportunity to learn more about the university before its opening.

[Cut to reporter talking to a student]

SARAH MACMILLIAN: I really love this new university, the people are very knowledgeable, friendly and the programs there are interesting. The facilities are top performing and it seems that there is room for enough growth for future students.

LIAM: So are you thrilled to see many new faces and possibly see old faces back in the days when you are a kid?

SARAH: Hopefully….[laughs].

[Cut to another student talking to the reporter]

LIAM: Tobi Gnawasaki, formerly of Japan moved to Canada in 2002 loves the new university and its vision to educate students toward their opportunities.

TOBI GNAWASAKI: I really love the people in this country. They are very friendly, generous and they easily get along to each other. I told my Japanese friends to study at this new university. If they will, they will love it.

LIAM: And what program you are studying at this new university?

TOBI: Information Technology. I really love computers and someday, I want to be an IT support technician for a major company in Japan. [Laughs]

LIAM: You sure do have a good knowledge in computers, do you?

TOBI: Of course. Computers are my passion.

[Cut to a construction site at the university]

LIAM: However, the university is still going under massive construction, the Library is slated to be opened in 2004 and the new generation engineering building is slated to be opened in 2006. Ontario Power Generation, the crown corporation of Ontario’s generating system is proud to provide a generous support for the construction of the new facility. [Cut to reporter] Future plans for the new institution include a new Campus Recreation Centre which will start construction sometime in 2005 and will be completed tentatively in 2007. The funds needed to build the new facility will be taken from the students’ tuition starting in 2005. This also includes students at Durham College. They will take that share into the new facility. [Cut to a father] James Kendalwood, a Durham College alumni student told newswatch that his son is ready to take his opportunities toward the new university.

JAMES KENDALWOOD: I really like my son to be motivated. I want my best with my son. Be able to overcome new challenges, responsible and smart every step of the way. That’s all I want to do for my son.

LIAM: And what’s your view with the Double Cohort?

JAMES KENDALWOOD: Well it’s quite a big challenge for my kids. The provincial government is phasing out OAC, simplified its curriculum and introducing many new features that will help strengthen our education for our kids today which will guide them towards their future tomorrow.

LIAM: Paul Sheehan, currently the program coordinator at Durham College is impressed by the new University’s use of laptop computers for its programs.

[Cut to a brief shot of a wide-open area, filled with computers]

PAUL SHEEHAN: Well, it’s the first kind in Canada and all of Ontario, the first university to have laptops. Students can take notes and use state of the art software our partners have provided to us. We have many technology companies providing generous contributions to us. Microsoft, Cisco and IBM all managed to hop on board. We are also studying a possibility to have a testing centre being constructed so people can get certified in various certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, A+, MCSE and many other countless certifications.

LIAM: Liam Swick, Newswatch.

SIMON: The UOIT has come a long way for its students, close the 700 students majoring in various programs graduated from the UOIT back in June 2007. The UOIT will celebrate its five years as a University starting this September. Next week on Flashback, a Montreal-based Pop-Punk band is getting ready to “Do Anything”. See you then.

SIMON: Last week in our flashback feature, we featured a SARS benefit concert that features Canadian Artists back in 2003, but in that same year, it’s the international artists’ turn to shine the city. The Rolling Stones along with many other celebrities decided to rock Downsview Park for another SARS benefit concert, but this time it’s bigger. Here again is Liam Swick.

[Cut to an aerial shot from a helicopter showing a stampede of people entering Downsview Park. In the background is a helicopter pilot commentating on the huge people]

HELICOPTER PILOT #1: And they are off!! It’s more like Boxing Day to me!!!!

LIAM SWICK: An estimated of a half a million people flocked through Downsview Park for the Molson Canadian Rocks for Toronto concert also known by many people as “SARS-Stock”. The artists that were scheduled to perform include The Rolling Stones, Sam Roberts, Kathleen Edwards, La Chicane, The Tea Party, The Flaming Lips, Sass Jordan, The Isley Brothers, Blue Rodeo, The Guess Who, Rush, AC/DC and Justin Timberlake. [Cut to the fans inside the venue].

FAN #1: I’m here to see the Rolling Stones.

FAN #2: AC/DC, Sam Roberts and The Guess Who.

FAN #3: The Rolling Stones, Sam Roberts, Blue Rodeo and The Guess Who

FAN #4: Justin Timberlake.

LIAM: Do you have any objection about Christina Aguilera and Justin Timberlake performing for their Justified and Stripped tour?

FAN #4: Um…..not really….[laughs]

[Cut to the vendors]

LIAM: Many vendors were on hand to feed the crowd, from French fries to hot dogs to most importantly Canadian Beef. The beef industry suffered a devastating loss when a case of mad cow disease was found in Alberta this year. [Cut to a vendor serving up steaks] This vendor, who originally came from Leduc, Alberta told Newswatch that the billion-dollar beef industry need some help.

TOM KEWLAM: I recently came back from visiting a farm outside Calgary and my colleague told me that they suffered the loss for sure. Hopefully, we are slowly making progressfor sure!

[Cut to a shot of joggers and cyclists]

LIAM: The Allen Expressway was closed to traffic between Sheppard and Eglington Avenues. Not only that the Expressway provided an open path for concert goers, but the road was good for joggers and cyclists who never went to big lengths. [Cut to a jogger] This Jogger told Newswatch that she never ran on a highway, until now.

JOGGER: It looks like that I have a very open road to jog with. I and my kids enjoyed cycling on this road, it’s very peaceful too.

[Cut to a subway train passing by]

LIAM: The TTC meanwhile ran extra service to cope with the extra demand for the concert goers. The TTC decided to provide extra trains for the people heading to and leaving form the concert site. They are providing a frequent express shuttle service from the concert site to Sheppard-Yonge station. [Cut to a parking lot attendant] For those who wanted to drive, at least 10,000 spots were set up. However there is a catch:

ATTENDANT: You have to call in advance or go online and provide us your name, phone number and credit card information as per your consent. We will e-mail you a receipt of confirmation if you reserve a spot online. The fee is non-refundable thought.

[Cut to a residence, a resident is talking to the driver in a foreign language about parking his car in their driveway]

LIAM: But some drivers don’t want to pay the steep fee. Yanick Ducharme, offers his concert goers a special spot in his driveway at a discounted price.

[Cut to the resident]

YANICK: The concert goers were very nice to me, they all hail from Montreal, Quebec and all they want to see is the Rolling Stones. I also offer them some hospitality in case they want to stay over at my place for the night.

LIAM: Weren’t you breaking the rules?

YANICK: Well sort of [laughs].

[Cut to a reporter walking around with the owner of a furniture store in the basement]

LIAM: Gerrit de Boer, the owner of the Idomo furniture store who is recovering from the massive flood of sewage during World Youth Day in 2002, says that he is watching closely to make sure that a repeat occurrence won’t happen to his business ever again.

GERRIT DE BOER: I’m going to stay over my store non-stop to make sure everything went flawless at my store. I don’t want to relive the stench of 2002 all over again. My pals are going to keep me company throughout the leg of the concert.

LIAM: You guys are light night watchmen, correct?

GERRIT: Definitely. [laughs]

[Cut to the performers at Downsview Park]

LIAM: Back at Downsview Park, the excitement is building every hour. There were many performances from English artists, to French artists and for you fans of Nsync, Justin Timberlake came to perform just to justify all of his fans. [Cut to the Rolling Stones performing] As night falls, the Rolling Stones made their grand finale by performing many of their chart topping hits [Cut to Mick Jagger cheering with the crowd as the band continues to play] Many fans were excited with joy.

[Cut to a massive scene of people exiting the venue, shots of buses, subway trains loaded with people. Security was seen in background making sure everything went smoothly]

As night falls, many fans exited the venue loaded in buses, subway trains and many other modes of transport. Police was on hand to make sure everyone were safe.

TTC SECURITY GUARD [speaking on megaphone]: Passengers, we are currently in limited capacity. You are advised to walk over Sheppard-Yonge station to catch the subway trains there. We apologize for inconveniences!

LIAM: Many people were so tired, they need some medical attention. Luckily, everyone will survive at this point. [Cut to reporter inside Subway station complete with crowds waiting at the platform] Toronto Police, the TTC and GO Transit are working around the clock to ensure the safety of all concert patrons throughout the evening into the morning. As for the concert itself, well it made the history books. Right, guys?

CROWDS: YEAH!!! T-OH LOVES THE STONES!!!! [Many crowds cheered]

LIAM: At Sheppard-Yonge subway station, Liam Swick, Newswatch!!

[Cut to Simon back to Flashback screen drop]

SIMON: An estimated 450,000 to 500,000 (half a million) people attended the concert at the time. The efforts definitely paid off for concert organizers. A special TV documentary DVD called “Toronto Rocks” was released in 2004 to show all the highlights of the events that too place. As for Gerrit de Boer, the owner of the Idomo furniture store whose store was flooded by sewage during World Youth Day in 2002 was happy that a repeat occurrence didn’t happen. He decided to erect a sign to the Rolling Stones saying “Thank you for all on that memorable day on July 30, 2003.” The sign has since been taken down.  Join us again next week on Flashback, when we highlight a time when Toronto was providing a fast ferry link to the United States. We’ll see you then.

SIMON: SARS or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome also known as atypical pneumonia is a very contagious respiratory disease that claimed almost 800 deaths in China as well as some in Toronto. In 2003, Toronto had suffered a massive outbreak of SARS, which contributed to 43 deaths in the city and translated to a slump of tourism in the city. However, many benefit concerts were taking place for the city to revitalize the entire image of the city. It’s all in our two part flashback series on SARS benefit concerts in Toronto. On this day on June 21^st, 2003, this first SARS benefit concert features mainly Canadian artists. Here’s Liam Swick with that report.

[Cut to fans lining up at the Skydome gate]

LIAM SWICK: Countless fans lined up for hours at both the Skydome and Air Canada Centre as the Concert for Toronto concert is held at both venues. Initial reports that the tickets for the concerts at both venues were sold out, but management decided to sell another block of tickets.

[Cut to the report talking to one of the fans]

LIAM: Which artist or artists did you see tonight?

FAN #1: Avril Lavigne.

FAN #2: Sum 41.

FAN #3: Swollen Members.

FAN #4: Sum 41 and Avril Lavigne.

MOTHER OF FAN #4: I have a punk rocker who loves those artists and she couldn’t resist them!!!!

[Cut to Avril Lavigne performing on stage at the Skydome]

LIAM: At the Skydome, Sum 41 along with Avril Lavigne, Swollen Members, Barenaked Ladies, Out Lady Peace and the Tragically Hip performed in front of a big audience. [Cut to Jann Arden and clips of various other artists performing at the Air Canada Centre] At the Air Canada Centre meanwhile, Jann Arden along with Diana Krall, Sarah McLachlan, Glenn Lewis and Remy Shand performed. Both concerts were shown via different satellite feed meaning that fans at the Skydome could watch a performance at the A.C.C., while fans at the A.C.C. do the opposite. My colleague, Jerry Bohen brought his grandfather Neil to the Air Canada Centre to see the great experience.

[Cut to a colleague with his grandfather]

JERRY BOHEN: While I’m a great fan of the Tragically Hip, Jann Arden, Sum 41 and Avril Lavigne, my father is a great fan of Jann Arden. Is that right, dad?

NEIL BOHEN: Yes! Jann’s songs remind me of my life as I grew up over my childhood years and reliving the past. As a result I almost cried….other than that, this is one performance I will remember.

[Cut to Sum 41 performing at the Skydome]

LIAM: Back at the Skydome, Sum 41 pleases fans that their performance will be a memorable one. [Sum 41’s Deryck Whibley talks to the fans] [Cut to Barenaked Ladies covered with medical masks talking to the crowd] But the funniest part of the evening was the Barenaked Ladies; they started off the show – with a funny twist. The entire concert at both venues lasted for six hours. [Cut to screaming fans outside the concert venue] After the party’s over, they decided to sing along a line of their favourite songs by their favourite artists as they prance all the way the Union Station, where the majority of concert goers live in the 905 area and such. [Cut to reporter outside] Now at this time, management of the concert have not yet decided when to provide a special broadcast of the performance live on national TV nor they haven’t provide a plan on releasing the entire concert all on DVD. However management told us that the concert they had organized will be a moment they won’t forget. Proceeds of the ticket sales will go to SARS research. On the other hand, the concert had provided a morale boost to Toronto’s devastating tourist industry – and they had a long way to go. For Newswatch, I’m Liam Swick reporting at Union Station in Toronto.

SIMON: I was among of the people who attended the concert on that June day in 2003. After the success of the concert, Roots, a Canadian clothing company managed to sell the “I love T.O.” t-shirts and many related merchandise to that at all of their stores in the Toronto Area, which I am wearing right now. The shirt is slightly wrinkled and accumulated with dust now, but those were the memories I won’t forget. Proceeds of the clothing were contributed to SARS research. As for the plan to release for the entire concert on DVD, nothing has turned out to this day. David “Brownsound” Bakash, one of the members of Sum 41 seen in that report had since left Sum 41 back in May 2006 and now he is in his own band called the Brown Brigade.  Deryck Whibley also seen in that report, married Avril Lavigne back in July 2006. The two are currently living in Los Angeles, California. Next week on Flashback, part 2 of our SARS benefit concert feature. The Rolling Stones can’t get enough satisfaction as they rock Toronto’s Downsview Park for a concert dubbed “SARSStock”.

2003 – Skate 4 Cancer

SIMON: The late Terry Fox, the athlete who wants to go across Canada to raise money for cancer research suddenly didn’t make the grade during his tour. However, one Newmarket native wants to go across North American and skateboard – for a cure. As our Sun Ming-Cho reports back in December 2003, one man wants to go out on an adventure and raise money for the cause.

MING CHO: Rob Dyer, a native of Newmarket wants to skateboard for a cause. At 19 years of age, he decides that he wants to skateboard across North America and raise money for a cure to cancer.

ROB DYER: I had lost many people who succumb to the disease. I lost my mom and my grandmother to brain cancer and to my fellow friend who died of stomach cancer. From my experience, it was very shocking and very traumatic. I [almost] cried.

MING CHO: That’s how Rob Dyer along with a group of his friends started a new organization called “Skate4Cancer”.

ROB DYER: Skate4Cancer is a new plan for me to skateboard across Canada and the U.S., all to raise money for cancer research. I want to change the world by raising awareness about cancer and its big effect on the people who suffer.

MING CHO: Dyer spent four years dreaming about his dream plan to skate across North America and two years later, he later revisited the plan. He wants to create a tour that inspires Terry Fox’s marathon of hope and the mother of Dyer, currently fighting the disease. Eventually, many people along with corporate sponsors want to jump in the bandwagon.
 

ROB DYER: We many sponsors funding the tour, we also have a group of volunteers for fundraising and it’s quite challenging for me. The biggest contribution to the tour was an old school bus that Laidlaw had donated to us, the bus that we will eventually call “home” during the course of the tour. We managed to decorate our bus to make itvisually appealing. The bus has lots of stickers, a coat of blue paint and many other visual touches.

MING CHO: A team of volunteers decided to help Rob on the entire tour. Kyle Massaar, a friend of Dyer is one of the volunteers participated in the upcoming tour.

KYLE MASSAR: I’ve known Rob for many years and for me, the tour has got to be interesting. Our team will help Rob guide is known whereabouts of the tour and such other things such as what dangers lie ahead [laughs].

MING CHO: The team will start their tour in Los Angeles this February. I’m Sun Ming-Cho for Newswatch in Newmarket.

SIMON: The school bus seen in that report that the team had called home for the past two and half months during the tour was later pulled off the road due to several safety concerns and a sponsorship withdrawal in Louisiana. The team eventually arrived back in Canada three months early on July 2004. In other news, I was able to connect with Rob Dyer, the guy who spearheaded the tour. He told me that the tour was a great experience for him and despite the injuries he sustained during his course of the tour; he will remember the tour for many years to come. Rob Dyer is now 23 years old of age today. Plans are currently underway for a tour skate from Toronto to Tampa, Florida and another tour from Toronto to Vancouver. Medium term plans eventually include a tour all across Australia. If you want to learn more about Skate4Cancer and to help out, please visit their website at www.skate4cancer.com. That’s Skate the number four cancer dot com. Next time on “Flashback”, the Spice Girls makes their debut in front of a sold-out crowd that spiced up their life. We’ll see you then.  

2003 - Asian Longhorned Beetle

SIMON: Currently, the Emerald Ash Borer recently invaded the City of Toronto for the first time, but before the green beetle came to the city, there’s one other unwelcome pest. The Asian long-horned beetle is known to kill many trees, like poplar, elm, willow and most importantly, the valuable maple tree. As our Edmond Fernandez reports back in September 2003, the infestation is rapidly growing.

EDMOND: They have long antennas, white dots, have six legs and they are out for an attack. The Asian Longhorned Beetle has finally arrived in North America and they are considered an unwelcome guest to our city. These beetles have an addiction in maple trees, which Canada’s big maple syrup industry is extremely concerned. Yannick Houde, a representative of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency couldn’t believe his eyes when he first examines the beetle in a known area reported by a local citizen.

YANNICK: When we revisited the area after we got the call by a local citizen, we carefully checked all the trees within the area if there are other signs with this bug and we must take any precautionary actions.

EDMOND: Heiko Mantik, the citizen who immediately detected the beetle was credited and recognized for his heroic actions on informing the CFIA about the sighting of the beetle.

HEIKO: I did some extensive research on the beetle for many years and I recognized many of the effects on what the bug can do. It can wipe out the entire maple tree population which translates to devastation to the maple syrup industry.

EDMOND: CFIA officials will revisit the area and any other surrounding areas to determine if there are known sightings of the beetle. One official told us this statement:

CFIA OFFICIAL: We remind people that if you find this particular bug, please inform the CFIA immediately. Do not under any circumstances; let the bug go out in the wild. Also check if the tree has a few exit holes in them. These holes can be easily inserted with a pen or pencil. If that tree does, there might be a presence of the Asian Longhorned Beetle. Other things to look for is sawdust in coarse form on the branches or base, wounds that are in oval shape on the bark and the oozing of sap leaking from the exit holes or where the egg is laying.

EDMOND: Edmond Fernandez, Newswatch.

SIMON: Currently, a quarantine is in place in Toronto and Vaughan spanning the 401 to the south, Rutherford Rd. to the north, Highway 27 to the west and Dufferin Street to the East. When the bug is discovered, desperate actions were taken: all trees within the sighting of the beetle were immediately destroyed and property owners were compensated for the loss of the trees. Prohibitions were implemented and unauthorized removal of firewood exiting the quarantined area without a permit from the CFIA is strictly prohibited. So far to date, at least 28,000 trees were removed in part of the continuing eradication of the Asian Longhorned Beetle. CFIA survey crew continues to monitor the quarantined area for any new sightings of the beetle. Next week on flashback, one man wants to skate across North America to raise awareness for cancer research.