https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzM6RshJpvY
Opening ceremony of the Goan Overseas Association (Toronto) new facility 16 Oct 2021. A subdued opening by Goan standards.due to COVID restrictions. Heartfelt speeches by local City, Provincial and Federal Politicians of the area.. Our politicians tend not to read lengthy prepared speeches. Quite a surprise, many noted they have visited Goa and all have attended the Viva Goa Festival. Former Mississauga Mayor, Hazel McCallion is 100 and 1/2 years old and still attends and speaks at community events. A remarkable feat. She was instrumental in supporting the Catholic Archdiocese of Toronto establish St Francis Xavier's Parish. A Community Open House takes place in the afternoon and all day Sunday. The tours are time restricted, masks are mandatory, and 2nd dose vaccination documentation is checked at the door... One benefit from the almost two years of turmoil is that Goans here have turned to become involved in broader development projects beyond the scope of regular social activities. The acquisition of the space is an example. Locations are available now due to the economic slowdown and it still took extraordinary effort to find and close a good deal and then renovate an interior. Many individuals, businesses and small entrepreneurs from the community were called upon and responded by donating time, effort, expertise, and equipment. It should be noted this property is on the City of Brampton side of the municipal border. It is very close to the City of Mississauga. It's quite accessible to the entire Greater Toronto Area and Greater Golden Horseshoe Cities via car. This now means, however, new relationships will need to be developed by the GOA if future government grant applications and permit approvals are to be successful. Mayor Patrick Brown hinted to this in his comment, '...your summer Festival in Mississauga is renowned...I hope we can have a version of this one day in Brampton.' This is not an insurmountable issue of course, there are many, Goan Canadians who live in Brampton. As many infact as live in the City of Mississauga. New relationships can easily be developed and strengthened. Indeed they will have to be, as all the City of Brampton zoning, bylaws and development plans apply to this location and it is a Provincial and Federal Riding where Goans don't currently have established and strong connections. Good work GOA Toronto... --- Albert Peres Goa Culture List [email protected] +1 416-660-0847 www.goaculturelist.ca Canada
