culture
Heroes and Villains of 2014: Hall of Heroes
The people, places, things, and ideas that had a positive impact on the city in 2014.
Once again, Torontoist rounds out the year that was by naming our Heroes and Villains—the places, things, and ideas that have had the most positive and negative impacts on our city. Our nominees for Superhero of the Year (presented below in random order) contributed to the cultural and political well-being of Toronto by broadening our horizons, improving our built environment, making us laugh, and more. Click through to read each one, and once you’ve decided how they stack up, cast your ballot for the winner. Voting will be open until 5 p.m. on December 30. At noon on December 31, we’ll reveal your choices for Toronto’s Superhero and Supervillain of the year.
The Grid A fallen media hero |
Toronto Voters Showing up in record numbers |
Michael Wekerle Saving the El Mocambo |
Nathan Fielder Bringing us television pleasure |
Mustafa the Poet Giving voice to his vision of a better Toronto |
Steve Murray/Chip Zdarsky Ruling both the internet and the comics industry with cuteness and crassness |
Long Winter Creating performance art for all ages and incomes |
Shirtless Jogger Spontaneously giving our former mayor a piece of his mind |
New Streetcars Short-turning transit cynicism |
WorldPride Honouring and expressing Toronto’s pride on a world stage |
Aga Khan Museum Promoting the cultural history of Islam and giving the city a new architectural landmark |
The Theatre Centre’s New Home Putting more life into live performances |
The Toronto Raptors Making professional sports in Toronto fun again |
Pink Umbrellas Demonstrating the difference between cost and value |
David Soknacki Showing us that political campaigns can be better than our worst impulses |
Julie Dumais Osborne, of Bad Dog Theatre Leading Bad Dog Theatre to its new home in the “comedy corridor” |
The Fort York Neighbourhood Rejuvenating a historic site and the surrounding neighbourhood |
Antonia Zerbisias and Sue Montgomery Creating a safe space in social media where women can talk about sexual assault |