One of Hope's rising star

I first received the acceptance letter into University of Toronto (U of T) two months ago. Undeniably, one of the reasons which prompted me to consider studying there is the ease of gaining admission into the Canadian university, and a relatively prestigious one. I'm also interested in its Peace and Conflict Studies programme, a course which only a handful of universitites around the world offer. And well, studying in Canada is also a much cheaper option than places such as America or the UK!

When the three of us first heard about Friends of Toronto’s potential foray into this city, our eyes bulked at the opportunity to participate in this work of uprooting and planting ourselves to bless this nation. Just talking about it whetted our appetite for adventure and dreams of studying overseas. Sadly, only two of us have the financial means to proceed and it took a while before we awoke from the reality of being unable to head on as a team. This has definitely set me back a little as the three of us are close friends who’ve served God alongside each other for the past four years.

Proverbs 16:3 beseeches us, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” No matter how great or how minor our plans are, we choose to surrender them unto God. Since God has revealed His purposes through the doors he opened and closed before the three of us, we choose to believe that “God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.” (Hebrews 11:40)

Having been reminded in Rev 7:9 that “…there before me [John] was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language…”, it is not hard to understand why Toronto is an important city on our target board. It boasts the most ethnically diverse population in the world, making it a cultural melting pot and a hotbed for globalisation. This city was also the centre of an epic battle in the last decade over the legalisation of same-sex marriages and the decriminalisation of marijuana usage, the first of its kind in the western hemisphere. 1 Thess 2:7 speaks of the reality, “For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work…” As such, Toronto is set to become a very ‘happening’ place (not that it has yet to be).

I’m looking forward to experience the very life of a Torontonian; to fully engage myself in the different social strata and cultures of this growing metropolis; to fulfill my immediate vocation of being a credible and courageous student, faithful in his studies and to the pursuit of righteousness in Christ.

By Liao Jie Xun

"Something Old, Something New" - Friends of Toronto gathering, 7 May 2010

There was something about connecting with old friends that we love. It is in understanding and knowing each other's idiosyncrasies. *grin*. Yet, with new friends, there is always something new that we love discovering.

Today, amongst the four families who were regular members of Friends of Toronto (FOT), we welcomed three new friends and a couple at Richard and Yuet Mei's place. We sat under three giant maple leaves structure which was artistically conceived and hand-made by our designer professionals, Alvin and Sophie. The signature maple leaves carried landmark pictures of Canada both past and present.

Good news always lift us up. We rejoice that three of our students who visited us during Canada Mission Night were successful accepted by the prestigious University of Toronto. Two of them were in fact well on their way to Toronto sometime this year! Halleluia! What a mighty forward team they will make! We eagerly await their testimony!

We learnt about ministering in a changing Canada, faced with increasing trends of immigrants into Canada. In year 2005, there were already 262, 236 immigrants from 213 countries! Three times as many newcomers settled in Toronto as compared to Montreal or Vancouver. Outreach Canada also highlights strategy for outreach. It was exciting to see where the opportunities were. Our hearts were more open to embracing even more cultures than we are faced with in our own country! (Presentation slides are available at Outreach Canada.)

We watched a video entitled titled From the River to the Ends of the Earth, from Acts News Network. "The documentary explores the history of revival in Canada and examines trends that suggest Canada is moving toward unprecedented spiritual revival that could impact the nation spiritually, socially and economically. It also features First Nations and Inuit spiritual leaders who affirm, through dreams and visions, their belief that the entire nation is on the verge of a powerful awakening." It deepens our burden to want to see people come to know the true Lord and Saviour. We want to be part of what God is doing, and we want to be the vessels God can use!

Last but not least, explorations are on the way. The Yeoh family with their two boys, aged six and ten years old will be making a trip to both Alberta, Calgary and Toronto on 22 May on a look-out for job opportunities. May the Lord guide them and speak to them. Please keep them in your prayers.

Friends of Toronto gathering - 7 May (Friday)

Calling all friends!


















Join us for a night of "Something new, something old!"
- a casual night of mingling and learning over drinks and food ...

Date: 7 May 2010 (Friday) pls note that the date which was previously 23 April is now moved to 7 May

Time: 7.30pm to 9pm

Venue: Chuan Park Condo (Function room)

Kindly RSVP by 30 April, 2010. For more information, pls email: Torontoteam@gmail.com

* pls note that we will be taking up a voluntary token of love offering to cover the event

Study: Projections of the diversity of the Canadian population

Visible minorities

According to the scenarios developed for the projections, the visible minority population would continue to be bolstered by sustained immigration, slightly higher fertility and a younger age structure. In 2006, the median age of this population was 32.5 years, compared with 40.4 for the rest of the population.

Under the low- and high-growth scenarios of these projections, Canada could have between 11.4 million and 14.4 million persons belonging to a visible minority group by 2031, more than double the 5.3 million reported in 2006. The rest of the population, in contrast, is projected to increase by less than 12%.

The South Asian population, which would still be the largest visible minority group, could more than double from roughly 1.3 million in 2006 to between 3.2 million and 4.1 million. The Chinese population is projected to grow from 1.3 million to between 2.4 million and 3.0 million.

South Asians would represent 28% of the population belonging to visible minority groups, up from 25%, while the share of Chinese would decline from 24% to 21%. This is because Chinese women have one of the lowest fertility rates in Canada, unlike South Asian women. Also, people born in China have a higher propensity to emigrate than South Asians.

Canada's Black and Filipino populations, which were the third and fourth largest visible minority groups in 2006, could also double in size. The Arab and West Asian groups could more than triple, the fastest growth among all groups.

Religious denomination

By 2031, the number of people having a non-Christian religion in Canada would almost double from 8% of the population in 2006 to 14% in 2031.

The proportion with a Christian religion would decline from 75% to about 65%. The share with no religion would rise from about 17% to 21%.

Within the population having a non-Christian religion, about one-half would be a Muslim by 2031, up from 35% in 2006.

For full article, pls click: http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/100309/dq100309a-eng.htm

Short Mission Trip - May/June 2010

Take a Summer break! Summer temperature in Toronto can range anywhere between 20°C to 35°C. It's perfect weather for going to all the outdoor activities and events around Toronto including Canada's Wonderland, Jazz festival and more.

Date
22 May - 16 June 2010 (3 wks, over school holiday period)

Objectives
Encourage Hope Toronto
Explore entry vehicles

General
Explore different places and take in the sights and sound of what this multicultural city has to offer.

Budget
Lodgings = About C$40/day
Flight = Cathay Pacific S$1700 (Stopover in Hong Kong)
Food - C$40/day
Transport = C$20/dayMisc
Total = Approx C$3000 - C$4000 (including airfare)

Interested to find out more? Please contact Richard Yeo
mobile: 9679 8578 or email: richyeoh@singnet.com.sg

We look forward to your response by March 2010!

Toronto's Neighbourhood

Discover the character of each of Toronto's unique neighbourhoods. Whether you're interested in the history of the people and places of our great city, or whether you need to find that special neighbourhood to buy your next home, you can find it all here.
http://www.torontorealestateboard.com/about_TO/Neighbourhood/index.html

Friends of Toronto Gathering (photos) - Jan 2010

The inaugural Friends of Toronto gathering was held on 23 January 2010 over a simple outdoor afternoon tea.

Special guests who were either Canadian or have studied in Canada were invited to this gathering. The atmosphere was congenial and people chatted about taxation issues, cross cultural communications, evangelism, living and work life in Canada. There were about 13 people, together with one or two new friends.

Everyone took away important facts that helped in their preparation towards their move to Toronto.

This event followed Canada Mission Night, held in September, 2009 attracted a good mix of people who were keen to live, work, study or be involved in missions in Canada.

Friends of Toronto BBQ

Inviting all who are interested to find out more about Canada living and working!


















Date: 23 Jan 2010 (Saturday)

Time: 4-6pm

Place: Chuan Park Condo BBQ Pit (Next to Club House)

For more information, pls email to : Torontoteam@gmail.com

Toronto’s 2010 Capital Budget and 10-Year Capital Plan funds infrastructure and creates jobs

The infrastructure that supports the many services delivered to the residents and businesses of Toronto got a major boost today as the proposed 2010 Capital Budget and 10-Year Capital Plan were introduced by City staff at a meeting of Toronto’s Budget Committee. The proposals speed up job creation and the maintenance of City infrastructure by moving more capital spending into the first five years of the plan. The 2010 capital budget and 10-year capital plan introduced today totals over $16 billion with $2.4 billion earmarked for 2010 and over $2.5 billion budgeted for each of 2011 and 2012. The City’s total capital budget plan, including Water and Waste Management is $25.7 billion over the next 10 years.

The proposed budget and plan includes funding for the ongoing maintenance and replacement of the City’s major infrastructure such as transit, roads and bridges, police stations and emergency communications systems. The capital budget also funds ongoing environmental initiatives, improvements to the waterfront and Toronto’s many parks, trails, libraries and community centres. Maintaining the City’s assets is an important component of the capital plan. Over the next 10 years the City will spend $9.9 billion - more than 60 per cent of all capital spending - to maintain the City’s existing assets.

More than 50 per cent of the City’s 2010 capital budget and 10-year plan (over $8.7 billion) will go towards the infrastructure required for the operation, maintenance and expansion of the TTC. The proposed capital budget will pay the cost of major infrastructure for the TTC, including new streetcars. In total, the 10-year capital plan sets aside over $11.7 billion for transportation in Toronto (including TTC) - more than 70 per cent of the total capital budget.

“We continue to make the right investments to support our city,” said Mayor David Miller. “The initiatives we have undertaken over the years to improve the quality of life in Toronto continue to serve our city well and the plan introduced today ensures those investments can and will continue.”

“These are times of almost unprecedented financial challenges and governments must do all they can to maintain services, create and maintain jobs and protect the economy,” said Councillor Shelley Carroll, Chair of the City’s Budget Committee. “The City must make these investments while keeping spending at an affordable level. The Budget Committee and Council will review the proposed capital budget to ensure the City gets the most out of a capital budget program that it can truly afford.”

“The City continues to meet the challenge of maintaining the City’s existing assets and invest in the projects that meet the demands of growth,” said City Manager Joe Pennachetti.

“Funding the needs of our capital budget programs will be done through a mix of financing strategies that closely match the lifespan of projects and keep the City’s total debt within Council approved guidelines,” said Cam Weldon, Deputy City Manager and Chief Financial Officer.

In December 2008, Toronto City Council adopted a capital budget for 2009 and a 10-year (2009-2018) capital plan totalling $25.9 billion. Over the 10-year period, the plan will create or maintain approximately 300,000 jobs. In the plan introduced today, more spending has been moved into the first half of the plan. Recent City of Toronto stimulus partnership agreements with the Federal and Provincial governments have enabled the City to accelerate its capital programs and create jobs at a time when they are most needed. The majority of City funding for these programs comes from the City’s capital budget plan. To meet the requirements of this funding capital budget investments be accelerated in 2010 and 2011.

The City and Federal governments recently announced funding for more than 500 infrastructure projects that will begin construction across Toronto as soon as possible, including upgrades to roads, water and sewage infrastructure, public transit, municipal buildings, community centres, and cultural facilities. More than half a billion dollars will be invested, with the Federal Government contributing about $200 million through the federal Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, and the City providing the remaining two-thirds of the cost.

In addition, the City and the Provincial governments recently announced $80 million in funding for more than 100 projects through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) and the Ontario Recreation Program. Approximately $40 million of the projects funding comes from the City with the remainder being funded by the Federal and Ontario governments.

To meet the requirements of stimulus funding from the Federal and Provincial governments, and meet the needs of the TTC, Council approved the acceleration of capital budget investments in 2010 and 2011 and therefore the capital budgets for the next two years will increase.

Details on the partnership funding for these programs and the need to accelerate capital investments and information on the specific projects can be viewed in the report that was approved by Council at its meeting last September: http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2009/cc/bgrd/cc40.10.pdf

A web based map with all of the projects can be viewed at: http://www.toronto.ca/stimulus_fund

The capital budget addresses several categories of funding. In total, the capital budget plan proposed today dedicates 61 per cent to funding the maintenance of City assets, 24.5 per cent to projects required to meet the demands of growth and 9.8 per cent to enhance existing programs, with the balance going to meet the needs of health and safety or legislated requirements.

To accelerate capital plan spending in the next five years; the City will accelerate borrowing during this period. In accordance with the City’s Long-Term Fiscal Plan Toronto City Council has established an affordability guideline that limits the City’s debt (including principal and interest) to 15 per cent of the property tax revenues forecast for any given 10-year plan period. The City’s current tax supported debt is approximately $2.4 billion to the end of 2009.

To properly fund the capital needs of the City needs of the next five years, meet affordability guidelines, protect the City’s excellent credit rating and take advantage of the very low interest rates now available for longer-term loans, the City will refinance parts of it current and future debt by paying down existing debt, and borrowing funds for selected projects on 30-year terms as opposed to the current 10-year term. The 30-year debt will be used to finance long term assets such as subway tunnels and subway cars. This means that the period of time for which money is borrowed will more closely match the life span of the infrastructure being built or purchased.

Municipalities can only borrow money to pay for capital projects - not day-to-day operating expenses.

At present, the City borrows money for shorter terms meaning that higher re-payments are made in shorter periods for major infrastructure which has a much longer life span than the term of the loan. Moving to this financing strategy for some of the City’s borrowing needs will also help manage the pressures of debt repayment on the annual property tax base. Repayment of principal and interest on the City’s debt continues to be the second highest expense on the annual property tax bill. Lowering the annual debt payments, and spreading them out over a longer period, will allow the City to direct more property tax dollars to services each year and less to debt repayment. To implement this approach the City will use the proceeds of the Toronto Hydro promissory note, which had been dedicated to two specific areas of investment (Spadina subway and Waterfront development), and pay down approximately $600 million of existing debt. The projects previously funded from this reserve will be refinanced for that amount over a 30-year period and only when the funds are actually required.

In their remarks at Budget Committee today, both Mayor Miller and Councillor Carroll spoke about the importance of the continued partnership with both the Federal and Provincial governments that is required for the City of Toronto, and all Cities in Canada, to succeed. Councillor Carroll recently appeared before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance pre-budget consultations in Toronto and detailed a series of recommendations that will assist the federal government in preparing the next budget. Read the full presentation here: http://wi.toronto.ca/inter/city/newsrel.nsf/d632920b56e322cb85256dad00585dad/fdf7106884cdbff98525765800738d3e?OpenDocument

The City has both a capital and operating budget. The capital budget funds major infrastructure and the operating budget pays the day-to-day operating costs for City services such police, fire, emergency medical services, employment and social service programs, libraries, transit, and includes costs such as wages, fuel, hydro, supplies, etc. The operating budget will be considered beginning in February, 2010.The presentation made today at Budget Committee can be viewed at http://www.toronto.ca/budget2010

more details at : http://wx.toronto.ca/inter/it/newsrel.nsf/9da959222128b9e885256618006646d3/797039395965bce3852576630062de4f?OpenDocument