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Dec 25,2005 - Jan 8,2005 |
Columbus Centre: A multicultural meeting place
The 'Open Doors and Sharing a Lifestyle' event celebrated 25 years
By Niccolò Marras
Originally Published: 2005-10-23
The Columbus Centre, home to the Italians, is the pride of the Italian-Canadian community and respected by all the others. Judy Sgro, liberal member of parliament in Ottawa, summarized what it represents in regards to power and affirmation from Italians in Canada: "If before no one paid attention, it's best they do now because the centre represents the power of the Italian community. It represents the affirmation of the community in terms of business, politics, culture and personal affirmation not only by men, but most importantly by women."
But the Columbus Centre today is much more, not just a temple to being Italian. "The only great Italian monument that we have in Toronto and in Canada," says Luigi Brusatin, one of the founders. The Centre is many things, as underlined by the speakers and guests who gathered at La Rotonda last Sunday afternoon from 3 pm to celebrate the 25th anniversary of its founding.
Ontario Conservative Leader John Tory said, "It makes me think of two things. The first is of Italians who arrived in the 1950s and 60s and who thought of creating such a thing, a home for all Italians, and having realized it. The second is that in 25 years it's become a beacon, a centre of multiculturalism for all of Toronto. It's a good example for others, being together, meeting, even different ethnic groups, learning from one another in progress. It's a great example for all."
Last Sunday's celebrations were dubbed Open Doors and its intention was to become a moment of gathering for the outside world. With the slogan 'Open Doors and Sharing a Lifestyle,' the centre was celebrating, remembering, but most importantly questioning the future.
If the Italians of 50 years ago thought of and realized a centre, and have run it from 1980 to today; now the question is what to do in the next 25 years. "Where will we be 25 years from now?" asked Pal Di Iulio. "Where will Italian-Canadian youth is; the children of second and third generation of immigrants who are now growing up at the centre."
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