F E ATU RE Torontos spectacular skyline featuring the iconic CN Tower A CULTURAL MELTING POT Think of Toronto and the shining, high-rise CN Tower and the majesty of Lake Ontario come to mind. Less well-known, perhaps, is the industrial diversity of Canadas most populous city. Andrew Bennett reveals all R DAVID EMERY, PARAMOUNT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS GENERAL MANAGER ated as North Americas second-best city in terms of quality of life and with its economic engine generating up to 20 per cent of Canadas gross domestic product (GDP) Toronto can certainly be considered among the worlds greatest cities. This dynamic metropolis, just across Lake Ontario from the United States, is home to native Canadians and expats from numerous countries, and is at the heart of the populous Golden Horseshoe region. Toronto is also a smart place to do business; it is home to all five of Canadas major banks, plus most foreign banks operating in Canada, as well as the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) the worlds principal exchange for mining, oil and gas, and a leader in clean tech listings. Canada also ranks among the top OECD countries for WW W. F I D I. O R G FF289FebMar19 pp70-79 City on the Move Toronto.indd 71 completed post-secondary education, while the country is run by a stable, progressive government. Locals regard Torontos housing market as expensive, but crime is not a major concern. Residents enjoy government-sponsored healthcare and the contribution of new citizens from other cultures is welcomed and celebrated. Toronto is home to numerous Canadian headquarters, as well as many foreign-owned, country-representative offices, says David Emery, General Manager at Paramount Transportation Systems Canada, one of five FIDI Affiliates based in Toronto. Social, political and economic indicators have been good to excellent for many years. As a moving company, those are very attractive qualities. Imagine an environment that has enjoyed longterm growth, is inexpensive from a business 71 24/01/2019 13:44