SIMON: Before the debit card made the advent of our everyday lives, one technology were herald as a way to revolutionize the way we purchase stuff. Chip-equipped cards of smart cards as they call it help make transactions easier unlike cash and/or credit cards. As we first reported in 1997, Newswatch traveled to Guelph on where the pilot project is taking place and they were the latest thing. Here’s Ian Hympus.

REPORTER: Mondex, the electronic cash system has made its debut all over the City of Guelph. Its purpose to solve problems involved with cash and cheques by allowing the monetary value to be stored inside a special chip card which in turn, enables the user to simply pay the purchase by inserting the card, confirming the amount and entering the PIN number.

BANK REPRESENTATIVE: Our customers were very impressed on the technology we have offered. We were able to equip our readers on payphones, restaurants and even on transit buses. We are trying to publicly notify all Guelph residents to test drive the technology and from our response they were more impressed.

REPORTER: So how does it compare to the current magnetic card system as it has for Interac?

BANK REPRESENTATIVE: Well the Interac system works in a similar manner to credit cards. The merchant swipes the card and enters the amount and unlike a credit card, the transaction is turned over to customer who can then confirm the amount.

REPORTER: Many Bell Payphones around Guelph have recently retrofitted with chip card readers so that Bell QuickChange stored value cards along with Mondex cards can be used in place of a quarter or even credit cards. So what impact does the new Mondex system hold for many businesses? Many of them however, refused to accept the new system. We visit one cycle shop to discuss the dirt.

REPORTER: So why do you decided not to accept the new system?

CYCLE SHOP OWNER: Well for starters, it could cost us a lot of money to implement the new system and the letter that the company mailed to us that we don’t need to opt in directly and that’s the right thing to do.

REPORTER: We asked consumers on how they felt on using this new technology.

CONSUMER #1: It’s very easy to use. It eliminates the need to carry cash, checks and credit cards. I can load any amount on my card and use it simple as that.

CONSUMER #2: Just now, I used this card to pay for my groceries and then I used the card to pay for my coffee. It’s very interesting to use this card and I hopefully many Canadian cities will adopt this type of technology.

CONSUMER #3: I used this card to pay for my bus fare and the machine deducts the proper fare off my card so that way, I wouldn’t have to round up my amount to the nearest dollar.

REPORTER: The Guelph Mondex project is still ongoing and there’s no word on when the new technology will be implemented nationwide, but the company has promised that the system will be ready for nationwide deployment sometime by the end of 1999 or the early 2000s.

SIMON: Since that story had aired, Mondex had failed to provide a nationwide implementation and in 2001 the project was quietly shelved. As the security of debit card skimming began to increase, the Interac association along with the major credit card companies is starting to implement cards equipped with a microchip and provided guidelines on equipping all bank machines and PIN pads to handle chip cards. It is expected by 2010, every Canadian debit and credit card will be equipped with these chips to reduce the amount of fraud associated with debit and credit card skimming. Currently a pilot project is well underway in Kitchener-Waterloo and the planned project in the Quebec town of Saint-Jerome will commence in the spring of this year. Both projects are expected to be completed in the fall. Join us next week on Flashback, when we go back into the archives to revisit a upcoming female rockstar, some few years ago.

SIMON: It was a controversial project that spanned almost a century. In 1972, the Trudeau Government had expropriated a piece of farmland in North Pickering for a future airport, as a proposed plan to close Pearson Airport back then. Almost 30 years ago, the residents are still fighting against the plan, as we go back to this story back in 1998, a coalition formed by a group of people would not rest the case. As Newswatch reported at the time, its controversy was noisy.

[Cut to protestors yelling in background]

REPORTER: Tensions mount high as residents along with the Voters Organized to Cancel the Pickering Airport             Lands, aka VOCAL continued to fight against the proposed Pickering Airport. The land, located in a small community of Brougham was very controversial. One resident who lived in the area for many years were shocked by the current process the government had treated her.

RESIDENT: I couldn’t get myself to sleep almost everyday and I still have to pay for the land I owe to the federal government. Next up, they are going to evict me from my property.

[Cut to various shots of the lands, which No Trespassing signs in English and French]

REPORTER: In the 1970s, the Federal government under Pierre Trudeau made a study on where the new airport should be built. The report narrowed down 59 sites, but Pickering wasn’t among them at that time. The government then decided to move forward on a piece of land located in North Pickering, despite the report indicates that Pickering was eliminated from the shortlist.  

That’s when in 1972, the Provincial and Federal governments moved forward on announcing new plans for a proposed airport. This has sparked a protest against the government on stopping the proposed lands for many years. Months later, expropriation notices began and the houses were torn down gradually.

[Cut to various clips of file footage of a protester dressing in a KKK-like wardrobe, complete with street plays by various people]

Many people lost their land which they had cherished for generations, others ran away. Others meanwhile fought the proposal. It took three and a half years of fighting until the government shelves the plan after a report released in 1975.

[Cut to a protester announcing at the airport lands which torn down houses in background]

PROTESTER: WE CLEAR THESE LANDS! WE MADE FARMS! WE MADE COMMUNITIES! WITHOUT SCHOOLS, WE MADE A HOME FOR OURSELVES IN OUR COMMUNITIES HERE! WE WORKED HARD BUT THE GOVERNMENT DIDN’T LIKE WE GET THINGS OUT HERE IN RADICAL CORNERS! THAT’S WHAT THEY CALLED US AND IN 1837 CAME, WE MARCHED TO TORONTO AND MY SONS WERE ARRESTED, AND OUR MEN FOLK WERE ARRESTED, AND HER HUSBAND PETER MATTHEWS WAS HANGED BY THE GOVERNMENT!

RESIDENT #2: We don’t want another Mirabel in our backyard. Ever.

REPORTER: Montreal’s second airport located in a northern community of Mirabel opened in 1975 but at a greater expense than the original budget.

[Cut to protesters getting off school bus at night]

REPORTER: Protesters made their grand entry towards Pickering Town Hall.

PROTESTERS: We’re VOCAL, No Airport! We’re VOCAL, No Airport! [Chanting continues]

[As the protesters enter town hall, two men were holding a large banner marked, “V.O.C.A.L., Voters Organized to Cancel the Airport Lands”, with the “O” as a No symbol over an airport sign]

REPORTER: As the voices get louder and louder by the minute, the tension is building. Police were on hand making sure nothing went hostile. [Cut to protesters at the front doors of town hall, with chanting continues]

VOCAL Organizer: WE ARE VOCAL –

PROTESTERS: NO AIRPORT!

VOCAL Organizer: WE ARE VOCAL –

PROTESTERS: NO AIRPORT!

REPORTER: Meanwhile at the town hall, councilors were wondering, what was the commotion is about.

[Cut to outside town hall]

VOCAL Organizer: The business of this meeting is for the Town of Pickering, to reinstate and to reinforce the opposition that is has always had. We have clear indication from them that they are willing to do that, and what we wanted to do is to go in and show the federal officials and the provincial officials who so far have not come to the table, but we’re VOCAL and we want no airport! WE’RE VOCAL, NO AIRPORT [Protesters join in]

[Chanting continues]

REPORTER: Suddenly a change of plan by the police.

[Cut to police officer]

POLICE OFFICER: You are doing a good job, sir, [inaudible], but at the same time, when you know – everyone’s welcome in, okay, but at the same time, no signs, no [inaudible], keep it reasonable. Okay, because people will be asked to leave and they will be escorted out.

[Cut to a full crowd at town hall]

REPORTER: The protesters eventually comply with the police, but they continue to chant. People range from to 6 months, to 80 years joined in the fight. Even the councilors stepped in. [Cut to the town council chamber with people throwing paper airplanes in the background, applauses]

MARK HOLLAND: My community members are working hard against the proposal that almost existed for 20 or 30 years and we will not rest until the federal government matters are resolved! We also sent a request to the federal minister of transport for the review.

REPORTER: Many people who lived in the area for years will not stand a chance; they will still continue to fight against the airport proposal until the federal government steps in. The bulldozing of houses being torn down will most likely to continue after eviction notes are handed out. In Brougham, Ian Hympus, NewsWatch.

SIMON: The GTAA or Greater Toronto Airport Authority currently owns the Pickering airport lands and has a site office located in North Pickering. As for the fate of Pearson Airport turned out, the airport recently completed a multi-billion dollar expansion to the entire airport terminal.  In a report back in November 2004, the authority has released a final report that an airport will cost $2 billion. Mark Holland, now a Member of Parliament of Ajax-Pickering along with the VOCAL organizers continues to fight against the new Pickering Airport to this day. The Mirabel airport meanwhile has since ceased passenger operations. The airport now handles mainly cargo flights. As for the future of the Pickering Airport, the final decision won’t come through until 2009. Next week, we’ll go back in time when electronic payments were new. See you then.

SIMON: They have make popularity of the Canadian music scene. Simple Plan, formerly known as Reset back then has broken ground since they made their major debut in 2002. As our Stacey Patton reported and appeared back then when Simple Plan filmed a music video in Toronto back in June of that year, Simple Plan has lots of opportunities down the road.

[Cut to scene of the “I’d do anything” music video. It lasted for a few seconds, but as the video continues to play, a voice over comes up.]

STACEY PATTON: Hey Canada, meet Simple Plan. The guys behind Simple Plan are: Pierre Bouver, Chuck Comeau, David Desrosiers, Jeff Stinco and Sebastien Lefebvre. Those guys hail from Montreal, Quebec and we caught up of them in Toronto filming their new music video “I’d do anything”. We caught up with Pierre Bouvier, the lead singer in Simple Plan and Chuck Comeau, the drummer.

[Cut to Pierre Bouvier and Chuck Comeau, sitting in chairs]

PIERRE BOUVIER: It’s a really good music video. There’s one bodyguard who is guarding the doors to our performance and the fans wanted to impress him on seeing us in concert. Sometimes, it’s really funny.

CHUCK COMEAU: There was one scene when our sidekick Patrick is trying to impress the doorman on going in to see our concert; but as a result, the guard kicked him in the balls! (laughs)

[Cut to scene in which doorman kicks patron in private parts]

STACEY: Quite weird, eh?

CHUCK COMEAU: Sure is……

[cut to scene of the music video shoot]

STACEY PATTON: The weather was bearably hot during the shoot and all the band members and crew have to take drastic action. We meet up with Sebastien Lefebvre and David Desrosiers in a warehouse where they were filming a scene inside a warehouse, in which the band performs in front of a crowd.

[Cut to David Desrosiers and Sebastien Lefebvre, both sweating]

SEBASTIEN LEFEBVRE: This is hottest scene we have to film in. We’re sweating and we are going to collapse real soon….

DAVID DESROSIERS: This is getting so ridiculous! I’m sweating like a kettle! [laughs]

[Cut to performance inside the warehouse, fans jumping in the background, band playing]

STACEY PATTON (Voice Over): Lots of fans lined up on getting a chance to make an appearance on Simple Plan’s music video. I managed to talk to one of the fans who got his opportunity on meeting the band and making a big step on getting famous [Cut to interviewer talking to fan] What’s your name, little one?

FAN: Dakota.

STACEY PATTON: You are the person who is with a few girls impressing the doorman on entering to see the band Simple Plan first hand, correct?

FAN: Yup. One of the girls is sporting a “Simple Plan” tattoo…[laughs]

STACEY PATTON (asking to one of the girls): How long did it take for you to create that particular tattoo?

GIRL: Almost up to 2 days…[laughs]

[Cut to video]

MARK HOPPUS: I close my eyes, and all I need is you…..

PIERRE BOUVIER: I close my eyes, I try to sleep, I can’t forget you…

BOTH: Na-na-na, na-na-na…

STACEY PATTON (Voice Over): Mark Hoppus, known for his role in blink-182 made a cameo appearance in Simple Plan’s music video. I spoke to him during the break.

MARK HOPPUS: Me working with one of the members of Simple Plan, broadens my horizons and to be recognized almost in a global scale.

STACEY PATTON: How will fans of Blink-182 will impact on your appearance in Simple Plan’s song?

MARK HOPPUS: Well, [laughs] the results will be huge.

[Cut to the members of Simple Plan]

CHUCK COMEAU: We came a long way from our humble beginnings of Reset, now we are currently in the process on promoting ourselves to the world; we have to research every step seriously to make sure that the fans will appreciate our music in the long term.

JEFF STINCO: We performed for many shows in our lifetime and we are planning to perform in the Warped Tour this summer. It’s going to be very challenging for us.

[Cut to the last few seconds of the music video with fans rushing towards the door knocking down the doorman]

STACEY PATTON: Simple Plan’s debut album, “No Pads, No Helmets, Just Balls” is in stores now. In Toronto, Stacey Patton, Newswatch.

[Cut to reporter in the “flashback” backdrop]

SIMON: Dakota, seen in that report had denied our request for an interview. Mark Hoppus of the now-defunct band Blink-182, who was also seen in that report was later in his new band that drummer Travis Barker collaborated called +44 (Plus 44). Simple Plan meanwhile had come a long way to stardom. Simple Plan had toured in various parts of the world and released many albums and a documentary DVD. As it turned out, they recently released their self-titled third album, after a four year gap from the last album, “Still Not Getting Any” in 2004, which is the predecessor from its debut album, “No Pads, No Helmets, Just Balls” back in 2002. Sebastien Lefebvre and his sidekick for the band, Patrick Langlois (under his alias Patrick Cunningham) has their own podcast called “Man of the Hour”. Pierre Bouvier and Chuck Comeau meanwhile have their own clothing company called, “Role Model Clothing”. Simple Plan continues to tour and meet with fans worldwide to this day. Next week on Flashback, families who lived for generations protested a controversial project: a proposed airport in North Pickering. We’ll see you then.

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: It’s known as the punk rock festival of the summer, The Vans Warped Tour is attracting many punk rocker fans to see their favourite bands perform at different stages. This was a case in 2003, when Punk Rock gains momentum. As we report from our reporter Laura Mundinger, the weather wasn’t co-operating.

[Cut to a band performing for the crowd with fans moshing in the background]

LAURA: At Molson Park today, many punk rockers are having a great time when the 9^th annual Vans Warped Tour comes into town. Many fans waited as early at 8a.m. just to get into the excitement.

[Cut to a male complete with a Mohawk]

FAN #1: I really like rocking out all day, I was moshing non-stop all day long and I want to continue moshing again!

LAURA: Are you a little, tired? [Laughs]

FAN #1: Oh, yeah. I need some badly rest!

[Cut to a group of fans]

FAN #2: We were here to see Yellowcard, Rancid, The All-American Rejects and Simple Plan!!!! YAY!!!

[Cut to fans walking across the vendors’ tents, then a scene of fans lining up to go in]

LAURA: The Vans Warped tour created 9 years ago and spearheaded by Kevin Lyman attracted many punk rockers every summer and many punk rock artists joined in the fun and perform one of the great hits from big artists to little artists, the Warped Tour provide a great dose of punk rock music that everyone can enjoy. We spoke to Kevin Lyman backstage.

[Cut to Kevin Lyman backstage]

KEVIN LYMAN: The Warped Tour has been a staple in punk rock for many years. Next year in 2004, we will celebrate our 10^th year and we always provide many opportunities on not just major bands like Simple Plan, AFI, All-American Rejects, Rancid and Yellowcard, but we provide some new opportunities for some smaller, independent bands, trying to lay a foundation to enter the music scene.

[Cut to another shot of a band performing for the fans]

LAURA: Not many people are quite impressed with the sights and sounds of the tour. One local resident, who we cannot identify, has to file a complaint with city council on adjusting the noise level of the surrounding areas within the concert venue radius.

[Cut to local resident]

RESIDENT: I’ve kept complaining a day before the tour is going to be held until they made me go into city council to post my views. They told me that they are working out on a plan to provide a certain compromise. I don’t want my future of my children to be polluted with noise.

[Cut to a representative of the city]

LAURA: A city representative has a different view.

CITY REPRESENTATIVE: We are trying to work with an agreement with the Warped Tour officials and we have our Acoustic personnel on site to make sure that all decibel levels are within our standards.

[Cut to a crowd surfer in the mosh pit]

LAURA: So what will the future of the Warped Tour will bring?

[Cut to various fans interviewed]

FAN #1: I come all the way from the City of Toronto and I think that reliable transit links should make the trip easier, as opposed to paying a lift to go to the tour.

FAN #2: I want my favourite bands to play longer!

FAN #3: I want every band to appear at the merchandise tent, but it’s up to their management to decide if it’s going to be feasible.

LAURA: In Barrie, Laura Mundinger, Newswatch..

SIMON:  The Warped Tour will be back on the road again for another summer of Punk Rock this June. To keep informed about the bands slated to perform at the tour, please go to www.warpedtour.com. As Laura mentioned, Molson Park, now known as Park Place, The site where the Warped Tour had performed over the past few years is now closed and in the process of gradually being cleared and redeveloped to become a lifestyle shopping centre. The Warped Tour is now going to be held in Toronto this year. Keep checking out the Warped Tour website for more details. Next week on Flashback, the double cohort of 2003 was a big one, as many new students are heading to a new university that open its’ doors in Oshawa.

SIMON: In 2003, Toronto has suffered a slump in tourism, due to the SARS outbreak in the city. As the outbreak had subsided, the city’s tourism authority began an aggressive tourism campaign on bring the people that the city is safe once again. There was one company back in 2004 who wanted to provide a fast ferry service from Toronto to Rochester, New York as an alternative of driving down the QEW and then crossing the bridge to the United States. However, the new fast ferry did not surprise everyone during its inauguration. Here’s reporter Maurice Roussieaux with that story.

[Cut to Fast Ferry vessel leaving the dock]

MAURICE: The Spirit of Ontario also known as “The Breeze” sets sail as it leaves the port of Rochester, New York for its maiden voyage to Toronto, Ontario. CATS or Canadian American Transportation Systems actively promoted the service in local newspapers in Toronto and in Rochester. [Cut to view of people walking along the deck of the vessel]  We decided to go out on a test drive to test out the new fast ferry and how it compares on driving the traditional way. Many passengers were quite anxious on the inaugural trip across Lake Ontario.

[Cut to passenger interviewed by reporter]

PASSENGER 1: I have some relatives in Toronto and they told me that their city suffered a massive slump in tourism. They told me that they survived the SARS outbreak, West Nile Virus, Mad Cow Disease, the Blackout; it’s just endless for the city. Hopefully, this new fast ferry service will promote tourism in that city.

PASSENGER 2: It’s a great alternative to the freeway. You have to drive on the New York State Thruway and pay the toll and then cross over Canada to drive on their roads. I can easily go from Rochester to Toronto at a fraction of the time.

[Various shots of the inside amenities on the vessel]

MAURICE: CATS claimed that the new fast ferry service will cut travel time in half as opposed on traveling by road. Customs/Immigration is done before boarding and after boarding on both sides of the country. The vessel is built by an Australian company called Austal Ships and it has a lot of amenities on board. They include a cafeteria, a play room for the kids, two movie theatres, two bars, a video game arcade and for those of you who regularly visit either Toronto or Rochester for a business trip, there’s a satellite broadband connection on board, as well as television service for those of you sports fans. [Cut to reporter talking to president of the company]

CATS president Cornel Martin told NewsWatch that the company has some problems on starting the service up, but reassures that everything is working out.

CORNEL MARTIN: We have some problems with the new permanent ferry terminal back in Toronto and we have to repair a hull that was damaged in New York City. We were planning to have the service ready for May, but we have to delay for one of those reasons.

MAURICE: Are you also addressing the crossing issues with the Canadian government?

CORNEL:  Yes, security for all of our patrons for using the service is one of our top priorities. We have to overcome those obstacles to make sure that our service remains an alternative of crossing the border by land.

[Cut to fans walking across the deck]

MAURICE (Voice Over): There were some drawbacks to the new fast ferry service. Originally it was planned to be in operation back in May until there were a series of delays. First a hull was damaged back in April and problems with the engine affected the service’s launch date. Secondly, dispute with the Canadian government on providing Customs services at a payment. Finally, construction of the ongoing ferry terminal in Toronto also affected the service’s ability to launch. Despite those issues, the new ferry service attracted many people in its first inauguration.

CORNEL: We hope that we can reach a record attendance for our new service. We had many trips that are a sell out and I hope the trend is continuing for many weeks to come as the summer travel season swings into full force.

[Cut to cars exiting the ferry terminal, with people inside the cars honking to the cameraman]

MAURICE: After a brief delay and customs checks in Toronto, we managed to arrive with great flair – with less time of course as compared on traveling by land! Many passengers really enjoyed the experience. We managed to catch up to them.

PASSENGER #1 (in car): When I used to live in British Columbia, we have a great ferry service from the mainland of Vancouver to Vancouver Island. Now by riding this particular ferry, it feels like I’m home again!

PASSENGER #2: Great spectacular views of the lake. Good amenities and the people were very knowledgeable of answering our questions and concerns. 

MAURICE: Maurice Roussieaux, Newswatch, Toronto.

SIMON: Well unfortunately, since that story had aired, the service ran for only three months. CATS later filed for bankruptcy on September 7^th, 2004 due to financial difficulties. The vessel was parked at the Rochester ferry terminal throughout the winter of 2005. A new company based in Prince Edward Island was selected to manage the entire ferry service and the vessel was rebranded from “The Breeze” to “The Cat”. The service was relaunched on June 30^th, 2005 until it suspended temporarily six months later. The newly elected mayor of Rochester later discontinued the service on January 2006 and four months later, the Spirit of Ontario I was up for sale. The vessel is now sold to a German-based company to provide service from Spain to Morocco. The permanent ferry terminal in Toronto located on Unwin Ave., off Cherry St. which has since been abandoned however, still remains to this day.  Next time on Flashback, punk rockers hang out for a great at the Vans Warped Tour.

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”.

SIMON: It was a once-popular tour that pop music fans all across Canada enjoy very well. YTV, a Canadian network decided that they want to promote many pop music artists in one tour. Psykoblast had dated back in the 1990s, but as we go a few years later to this report dated back in 2001, the tour has featured all-Canadian artists. Our very own Michelle Pytlik covers the story from Vancouver back then.

[Cut to fans lining up]

MICHELLE PYTLIK: Many screaming fans were geared up to so much excitement as they lined up for many hours outside the Plaza of Nations early today. YTV’s Psykoblast Tour has many fans anxious to see their favourite artist such as Snow, b4-4, Wave and Vancouver’s own soulDecision.

[Cut to the fans screaming and shouting. Reporter talks with fans]

MICHELLE: Now how long did you wait in line for?

FAN #1: I waited since 8a.m.!

FAN #2: For me, I drove all the way from Kelowna and I waited here since 6a.m.! Whoo!!

[Cut to DJ at a local radio station]

DJ: You’re listening to Z95 dot 3, this is DJ Kev reporting to you live outside the Waterfront. Today is Psykoblast blast day at the Plaza of Nations and if you…..

[voice over]

MICHELLE: We managed to catch up with b4-4 when they were doing an interview for a radio station. We chat with Ryan, Dan and Ohad about their thoughts about the Psykoblast tour.

[Cut to Ryan, Dan and Ohad of b4-4 sitting down in a guest lounge]

MICHELLE: So what are your thoughts of the tour? Are you going to face many challenges of the tour?

RYAN: Well, we are going to meet lots of our fans to show their support on our music and I hope they will think what we will have in store for them [laughs].

DAN: Our cool dance moves combining with our catchy logics of our tunes makes our fans want to dance with us -

OHAD: And probably end up laughing to themselves of course…..[laughs]. Yeah, we really love all of our fans. We eventually might have plans to promote our album to the United States, but it’s not official as of yet. Other than that, Psykoblast will be fun.

[Cut to a soundcheck at the Plaza of Nations with a DJ scratching records in the background. A rollerblader strolls around the background which happens to be Dave Thomson of Wave]

MICHELLE: Back at the Plaza of Nations, we stumbled upon Dave Thomson, the guitarist of Wave who is appeared to be rollerblading in a weird matter….

[Reporter talks to Dave Thomson]

MICHELLE: So why are you rollerblading on a wood floor?

DAVE THOMSON: Well, it’s just my personal preference of course, so if anyone’s watching this, I would not advise rollerblading on wood…[laughs] or any other surface in their homes….

MICHELLE: So how do you feel that you guys get to showcase your music to the masses?

DAVE: Well, it’s a very big leap for us. We want to show the entire country on how motivated we are. Our song “California” is receiving great airplay and great reviews by many famous sources like MuchMusic and locally back home in Niagara Falls.

[Cut to Paul Gigliotti Backstage]

MICHELLE: Paul Gigliotti, the lead forerunner of Wave talks about the different challenges they have to make and tell us what the Psykoblast tour thinks about them.

PAUL GIGLIOTTI: We really love all of our fans. They just can’t resist our song called “California”. It’s a very well-received song and this makes the fans wonder where they can get a fix of our songs. We spent a year on recording our songs partly in Toronto and partly in L.A. and from my experience, it’s very cool.

[Cut to Snow doing a soundcheck and singing “Informer”]

MICHELLE: Darrin O’Brien, known to many people as Snow is also one of the acts of the Psykoblast Tour. He is known for his number-one hit single from 1993 called “Informer” to the most recent songs “Everyone wants to be like you”, “The plumb song” and “Joke Thing”. His musical style is mostly reggae.

[Cut to Snow standing backstage]

SNOW: We recently filmed a music video called “Joke Thing” and it should be aired on MuchMusic any time soon. Right now, it’s on the radio and many listeners really like my great style of music and even those old school fans who like my song “Informer”. From my experience, they seem to like my style…[laughs]

[Cut to soulDecision singing acoustically backstage]

MICHELLE: And finally, Vancouver’s own soulDecision has finally getting to amp up for the fans and no one does it better like them.

[Cut to the guys of soulDecision]

TREVOR GUTHRIE: We recently came back from Cuba on filming our 5^th music video off our album “No one does it better” and our experience from that was a memory that we won’t forget.

DAVID BOWMAN: The Psykoblast tour is one step for us to promote our work to all the fans all across Canada and eventually we have a plan that we will release our album in the United States.

KEN LEWKO: For my part, the fans can’t really get a hold of us, of course. They just like our greatest themes to all of our songs like the time of breaking up, to familiy situations whatsoever.

MICHELLE: The Psykoblast tour will conclude in the Toronto, Ontario-suburb of Mississauga on June 25^th. This is Michelle Pytlik reporting.

SIMON: The Plaza of Nations seen on that report where the Psykoblast tour was held was later demolished by city officials due to a structural concern to the glass roof.  The Psykoblast tour on the other hand, was active throughout a couple of years, then, as has been the case with so many such tours, it quietly folded. As for the artists mentioned in our story, they quietly since broke up or disbanded. However, Ryan and Dan Kowarsky formerly of b4-4 decided to form their own duo which combines pop music with classical music called “RyanDan”. Their debut album has been released since November 2007 and the two now resides in London, England. As for the latter part of b4-4, Ohad Einbinder now resides in Los Angeles pursuing his own music career. The fate of Snow releasing new material remains uncertain to this day. Join us next week, when once again we’ll visit the Simon Tonekham archives for another flashback feature. We’ll see you then.

SIMON: They had been the most popular pop rock duo in Canada and the answer was simple: “Wave”. They were the most popular duo in Canada with their hit singles “California”, “Think it over”, “Sleepless”, “That’s how it feels” and “Don’t Say Sarah”. As our Sophie Davidson reports back in 2001, Wave is headed for a new direction.

SOPHIE: Hailing from Niagara Falls, Ontario, Paul Gigliotti and Dave Thomson – the guys in the duo “Wave” has embarked fans all across Canada with flying colours. With their popular hit “California” already receiving massive airplay on Canadian radio stations and their music video already in MuchMusic, these guys are ready for anything that will lie into them. They recently filmed a new music video which is already in MuchMusic’s airplay. I spoke to the guys when they were at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto. [Cut to reporter with the guys of Wave] So, how do you feel when you receive your first record contract with your label?

PAUL GIGLIOTTI: Well, when we first visited the record label and we showed our demo to the executives, they were very impressed on our creation. After we left the building of the company, a person came out and asks us, “Hey, come back here. Have I got something to tell you….” We then go back inside the building and instantly we got our deal inked.

DAVE THOMSON: It was a great experience for me and Paul. We finally get to work recording our songs, we spent almost our time partly in Toronto and partly in L.A. We always love our work and we want to show our work to the people all across the country and eventually the U.S.

SOPHIE: Now when I first listen to your debut CD, “Nothing As It seems”, it makes me that I want to go a place away from a very populated area. What do you think of that?

PAUL: The first song on our CD, “California”, gives you a first impression on wondering the listener wants to visit the place someday in his life. It’s gives the listener the “hook” on our song. When I was growing up, I really love the inspiration of my favourite artists such as Depeche Mode, The Beatles and the Rolling Stones.

DAVE: For me, I used to be in a punk & ska band and we once used to open for a punk band from the U.S. called “Goldfinger” a few times in our life. I used to see them performed for the Warped Tour a couple years back and still, I constantly maintain my “punky” look [laughs].

SOPHIE: What are your future prospects for your band?

PAUL: Our future projects will be going to perform at shows all across Canada and eventually go into various television appearances such as MuchMusic.

DAVE: We also going to some meet ‘n greets as well. We love all of our fans; we cherish them as much as our families.

SOPHIE: The band is currently nominated for Best Pop Video at the MuchMusic Video Awards which is slated to air on Sunday, September 23^rd on MuchMusic. Wave is currently doing a Cross-Canada tour and they have plans to film a new music video soon. For Newswatch, I’m Sophie Davidson.

SIMON: Wave was around for almost a couple of years, as has been the case of other bands in the decline of pop music, it quietly disbanded. The MuchMusic Video Awards which was supposed to be held at the time after that report was subsequently cancelled due to the terrorist attacks of 9/11.  Wave was also one of the heading acts of the since defunct Psykoblast Tour, which we will show next week on Flashback.