Columbus Centre: A multicultural meeting place

The 'Open Doors and Sharing a Lifestyle' event celebrated 25 years

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."
Anthony Fusco, principal mover and shaker of the group that first developed the idea of the centre and that eventually realized it, said "We're at 50 percent. We still have much to do, there's a long road ahead."
Meanwhile the Columbus Centre has created another structure in Vaughan, where the construction of Villa Colombo "north" is well under way. Fusco was right. There's still plenty to do, particularly in regards to culture, to attract the new generations to the Italian culture and language.
"The Italian language is very important," emphasized Roberto Martella, master of ceremonies. "Italy has a great responsibility. It has to create a great Italy by developing relationships with the Italian communities spread throughout the world, and the language is the tool with which to do this, so it goes nurtured. The consular representatives from Italy have to keep this in mind."
On Sunday, October 16, the Columbus Centre, between Lawrence and Dufferin, opened its doors from 2 pm to evening. Open were the art galleries which showcased works on Pinocchio, the Carrier Portfolio, a Tribute to Dante with ancient prints regarding the Divine Comedy, Architecture on the Decolletè and Italian Regional Artifacts. The artwork took up all the exhibition space at the centre, from the lobby to the top floor of the Carrier Gallery.
During those four hours, the centre transformed into a beautiful Italian "piazza" where the guests tasted the gastronomic delicacies offered; children had their faces painted. The guests of all ages listened to music and il Bel Canto. But the centre was very alive, and at the same time on the second floor the Coro Verdi, under the direction of maestro Giuseppe Macina, rehearsed for a concert to be held at the Columbus Centre. At 3 pm the famous guests began arriving, who shared in their thoughts about the Centre's importance. They included Joe Volpe, Mike Colle, James Bartleman, Marco Giomini and Nick Torchetti. When the speeches ended, it was time to cut the giant cake while Coro Verdi sang "Vincerò" from Turandot from the top floor. This seems to be the Columbus Centre's anthem where the founders and administrators are always taking on more challenges in order to win. And with victory in mind, Federal Minister of Immigration Joe Volpe began his speech.
Volpe remembered when, in 1982, Enzo Bearzot, coach of the Italian national soccer team that had just won the World Cup in Spain, visited. "Everyone has come here, and we've come here over and over," said Volpe. "It's everyone's home, and it represents the identity of all of us. It's our 'piazza' in the true Italian sense, where we communicate, where we exchange experiences and share things. It's open to everyone and today to other communities as well, without barriers: nor political, religious, cultural or other. It's a spiritual home for all Canadians."
Immigration Minister at Queen's Park, Mike Colle said: "The Columbus Centre is the centre of everything. Here we meet art, culture, food, business, politics, and so on. But it's also a centre for caring, where we take care of many things and help those who are in need. It's a centre of diversity and the entire world is welcome here."
So in its 25 years of existence the Columbus Centre has become the centre of multiculturalism and everyone has recognized its importance and the ability the Italians have of looking towards the future.
Marco Giomini, Italian Consul to Toronto, talked with an "open heart in that I feel at home every time I come here." "It's a prestigious piece of Italy in Canada that helped you towards a better life. Thank you for what you've done and hold on tightly to those roots with Italy."
Many were those who helped make the centre possible, and the event recognized the contributions of Dan Iannuzzi with Corriere Canadese and Channel 47 in help raising funds through telethons.
"We've provided many answers," underlined Fusco.

Publication Date: 2005-10-23
Story Location: http://tandemnews.com/viewstory.php?storyid=5671