Toronto neighborhood invites World Cup visitors to join hunt for strategically placed beaver statues

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Category: Human Interest

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. flock / flɒk / (v.) – to go somewhere in large numbers
    Example:

    Thousands of people flocked to the concert last night.


  2. strategically / strəˈti dʒɪk li / (adv.) – in a planned way that helps achieve a goal
    Example:

    The company strategically placed its stores near busy areas.


  3. diversion / dɪˈvɜr ʒən / (n.) – something that takes attention away from something else or provides a different activity
    Example:

    The game was a fun diversion from the stressful workday.


  4. scavenger hunt / ˈskæv ɪn dʒər hʌnt / (n.) – a game where people search for items or complete tasks by following clues
    Example:

    The children joined a scavenger hunt at the park.


  5. rodent / ˈroʊd nt / (n.) – a small animal with sharp front teeth that keep growing, such as mice and rats
    Example:

    The building had a problem with rodents getting into the kitchen.


Article

Read the text below.

Berczy Park is home to a much-loved fountain that features canine sculptures that shoot water out of their mouths. Now, there’s a new dog in town at Berczy. Rather, a new Doug in town.


Thousands have already flocked to the Toronto park to catch a glimpse of a beaver sculpture, nicknamed Doug, that is part of a new World Cup-themed contest.


The Great Beaver Quest challenges participants to locate 51 beaver statues that have been strategically placed throughout the city’s Old Town Toronto neighborhood.


“We expect that it’s going to be something that people who are coming in from out of town and looking for something to do and keep their kids busy will love to do. It’s easy to participate in,” said Robyn Posner, with the neighborhood’s Business Improvement Area.


Old Town is about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) from Toronto Stadium, which will host six World Cup matches, when the host nation takes on Bosnia and Herzegovina.


With city officials estimating 300,000 visitors coming to Toronto during the three-week Cup run, Posner said the Beaver Hunt can provide both an enjoyable diversion and serve as a way to get to know the area and its businesses.


“The goal was to draw people to this area, to come and experience what it’s like being in Old Town and to meet up with some like-minded people,” she said.


Forty-eight of the nearly 4-feet-high (1.2-meters) resin fiberglass beavers represent the nations competing in the World Cup, each hand-painted by a local artist. Doug represents Canada and sports a Canadian-influenced soccer uniform layered beneath a red flannel shirt.


The other 50 beavers are situated throughout Old Town—in parks, along sidewalks, and even indoors, with the Norway beaver staring out the window from inside an office building lobby.


The beavers are accompanied by a QR code that takes participants to a free digital scavenger hunt.


Still, why exactly did Old Town Toronto BIA officials decide to center their contest around dam-building rodents? “Well, because it’s Canada’s national animal, and we thought they were super cute,” Posner said. “And they’re small enough. And so, we went with the beaver.”


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • Berczy Park’s new beaver sculpture was chosen because the beaver is Canada’s national animal. Do you think countries should use animals as symbols of their identity? Why or why not? What makes an animal a good representation of a country or culture? Discuss.
  • What is your country’s national animal? Do you think people in your country or people visiting your country are aware of it? If you were to create an awareness program for your national animal, what activities would you do (ex. posters, social media campaigns)? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • Officials hoped the scavenger hunt would help visitors discover Old Town Toronto and local businesses. Why do some tourists prefer hidden local places instead of popular destinations? What can small businesses do to attract tourists who usually go to famous places? Discuss.
  • The Beaver Quest was designed to be easy to join and enjoyable for visitors, including families with children. How can cities make public activities enjoyable for both locals and tourists? Should public events focus more on entertainment or building community connections? Why? Discuss.