Today is Civic Holiday (first Monday in August), a guaranteed annual long week-end in Canada.

Here are excerpts from an article in the Toronto Star newspaper: http://www.thestar.com/editorial/updates/top/20000807NEW01b_CI-FERRY.htmlin

By Bill Taylor Toronto Star Staff Reporter

Given five choices, including a new performing arts centre, a bus terminal, a soccer stadium or a bigger, better zoo, four out of 10 people surveyed in and around Rochester, N.Y., most want . . . a fast ferry out of there. They'd love an easy link to Toronto.

The City of Toronto - with one eye on the revitalization of the waterfront and the other on our bid for the 2008 Olympics - and the Toronto Port Authority are equal partners with Rochester and the surrounding Monroe County in a serious bid to launch the ferries.

John Morand, general manager of the Toronto Port Authority, says the ships could be in service by late 2002 or early 2003 with ``a huge economic and environmental effect on the region. This would take literally thousands of vehicles off the highways.

``While there is a very important element of cross-border tourism, this service could be an economic tool far beyond that,'' said Marshall. ``A gateway to Canada the way cities like Detroit and Buffalo have been, an extension of the interstate highway system for commercial traffic from Pennsylvania, Virginia . . .''

``This is not just a tourist boat going back and forth that we're talking about.''

He believes the service could lead to Pearson International Airport becoming Rochester's ``gateway to the world.''

This is something we have always wanted so we are pleased that it may finally happen.

Regards, Linda&Don