KESKUS project lead Ellen Valter opened the ceremony before a large crowd of spectators from near and far. She noted that Estonians have weathered violent storms throughout history, scattered by war and occupation, but persevered, planted roots, and returned to leaf (referencing poetry by Timo Maran). With this in mind, the audience then joined in singing the Estonian and Canadian national anthems, gathered at the front of the centre.
Valter noted that Estonia was also celebrating thirty-five years of restored independence. She emphasized that the building’s glass front offers a welcoming openness with “no iron curtain.” And while candidly sharing past project hurdles, including local raccoons chewing crates that held the building’s glass, it was clear that determination and a sense of humour remained.
Attendee Kaisa Pitsi echoed the spirit of openness when sharing her excitement: “From what I've heard and seen so far, it's going to be magnificent. It'll be a building that is ours as well as open to everyone else. And I can't wait to see if there's going to be an Estonian café, maybe even an Estonian design store—that would be my dream personally.”'
Täismahus artikkel on loetav Eesti Elu tellijatele
Igal nädalal toome me sinuni kõige olulisemad kogukonna uudised ja eksklusiivsed lood uutelt kolumnistidelt. Räägime eestlastele südamelähedastest teemadest, kogukonna tegijatest ja sündmustest. Loodame sinu toele, et meie kogukonna leht jätkuks pikkadeks aastateks.
Hind alates $2.30 nädalas.
