What's new here? It looks like the same video we saw months ago.

Hey gal/ man, I almost agree. What's been added are 4 new interior renderings. They are most beautiful, I must agree. Serendipity, when that happens. As an architect one can do crap work and great work. Same architect, different situation. In this case, it's pretty darn fine. Good team. Thanks Kristo!
Ähh, it's the whole neighbourhood meaning and history recombined-combined! But as my brother-in-law Rob said: 'what the hey!?- 10 years too late, dude!' We now have the 'Suur Saal', the streetfront 'Bistro cafe', the non-denominational chapel/ meditation space, the two views of the Entry Hall, connecting the new building to the Eesti Kool and the Chester school, at the back. Structural wood everywhere, maybe from Eesti's own Peetripuit, a client of mine. Not mere window-dressing, but fundamentally integral backbone stuff. I must admit it's far better than I imagined, what a crying shame! And why next I'll be submitting my: 'Despite it all (all the segadus, bureaucratic hard work, and emotions), miks ma üldse otsustasin Broadview Eesti Maja renovation proposal-i ettepanekuga tegeleda?' It's not that very reputable, hard-working and good people, my Toronto family included, didn't warn me not to do it. It's not that I don't respect the fine young gentleman Veiko Parming, nor that I don't have at least one wonderful old acquaintance there at the ECU. But contrary to received opinion, fact is, this is a far cry from previous proposals. And I protest to it being described differently. This should fall into allowable zoning. This is not mainly residential. This would have an entirely different financial plan, aimed at sustainability over time through multiple revenue streams, a legacy to Estonian activities for generations to come. I'd like to see that proven too, but at three times the space, is it impossible? So, it grieves me to be in this situation, stoking up the 'protest vote' (that formally does not count any more), despite myself. I know how I'd revote, too old to be a buffoon just not to kick the boat. One has to live with one's conscience first. Talk about being between a rock and a hard place. Tough stuff, I realize, I realize. Fact is, there was nothing ever slam-dunk about the new International Center. Cost over-runs aren't just waiting to happen? If it's all down to how many donations it receives, doesn't that go flatly against the original mandate to be covered by the sale of Broadview? Or does it not, you folks know for sure. But I would like to see both built. The IEC in a lesser scope taking advantage of all things downtown- fantastic idea - but the Broadview site not sold. I've read it (mostly) all, practically from day one. I still can't get over the argument that a lack of parking doesn't matter - let's just risk this isn't the straw to break the camel's back, this community can afford to sacrifice those coming from far suburbs, because those who want to will come anyway? I don't know. Not everyone's that super-dedicated, life's tough enough anyway? So, from the beginning I didn't buy the New York Eesti Maja argument in the slightest. I guess that was my line in the sand. Besides, who knows, I might be back. My daughter loves the idea of Toronto. Oh yes, and isn't the megatron transformer being proposed for Broadview not a bit of pipe-dream and scaling embarrassment, not to mention wasn't it so that Salvation Army couldn't get densities/ height limits changed? Best and sorry, as but Bianca Castafiore has not yet sung, has she?

We can sing it together, with feeling, but truth remains: "Money talks, b.s. walks."
Meiusi and the "Friends of Eesti Maja" wont put their money where their mouth is.
Meanwhile, over on Madison Ave, money is pouring in freely and without great fanfare.

I find the comments from R Komendant about "palms having to be greased" as pretty incredible. What is the basis for this comment?

to:

You and the person from DeGrassi Street are no better than trolls and/or fake news!

You self-importance is only breaking up the Estonian community....

not sure if you noticed but JJ, that guy from "down-under" and even the man with the Lakeshore Ekspresway have curtailed their anti-IEC rants.

One thing that after all these years that seems (at least to me) is that you don't understand HOW decisions are/were made on behalf of EM.

SHAREHOLDERS have voting authority! NOT the general public.

There were a few Estonians that lived in the US that moved to Canada AND were just plain dedicated to the Estonian Community in the Golden Horseshoe.

To state that only the "super-dedicated" attend functions at the NY Eesti Maja is at best a simpleton's explanation..... parking was or has NOT been an issue at NYEM from 1946 on.

But these are only my observations

"Over 40 years working with BIG LEAGUE Developers."

Guess it MUST be so since YOU have had this sort of experience. It is obvious that everyone else MUST have the exact same experience!

I forgot, exactly how many awards have you received compared to this project's lead architect?

Guess you know more about process in the GTA than he does about those up there in Thunder Bay?

Every developer has to “give back to the community”, read the zoning review from the City. It could be a park, library addition or whatever the councillor’s pet project is. Grease enough palms and the development goes through! Have seen this done, haven’t you?

Nothing is permanent.
Eesti Maja has been sold and it is time to move on.
Sad to see the constant bashing by seemingly intelligent people who have done nothing themselves for the Toronto community but now bark from afar.
Have an opinion but learn to let go!
Hope that time will heal wounds and promote understanding in our small community .

Süda on ikka Eesti Maja ja midagi seda ei muuda. Madison on ikka parkla. Tuleb recession, Eesti Maja rahad on ära raisatud ja midagi ei ehitata. Ainult süda jääb järele, aga kuulub kellegile teisele. So no, we can’t ever get over it- can you?

Wow, Fox, you sure have a lot to say from behind the curtain!
At least Rita & Allan are front and centre as to who they are.
I guess you'll just keep playing at being the wise wizard, working your wheels and levers in the shadows.

to: Another Observer

Guess you like playing "follow the leader"

as the Wiz said to Toto "bite me"

Hey Foxy.
I've got nothing to say, but you sure seem to.
So man up and be counted! Look at how many others do.
Or continue to cower behind your curtain.