Change of Address

When the German Canadian community celebrated last October Germany’s National Holiday on October 3^rd in the heart of the City of Toronto, we knew that it was the location of the next permanent home of the Consulate General, but it was not apparent when the new premises would be ready to be moved into. In August of this year great strides had been made in the planning and the skeletal structure of offices started to take shape with recognizable spaces for all the various functions of a Consulate General.

On the 25^th floor of 2 Bloor Street East Consul General Holger Raasch welcomed the representatives of the contracted firm CPI Charterhouse and the German Government’s Federal Ministry responsible for the acquisition and building of such property, as well as architects of the Zeidler Partnership, signing responsible for the design of the premises.

The signing of the agreement

As it was explained during a walkabout after the signing of the papers and a toast, the whole idea for the Consulate is a welcoming open space that spells transparency right from the start. The reception will be all glass encased and totally visible as visitors step out of the elevator. As a backdrop there will be a huge piece of photographic art constructed of the pillars where the visitors of the October 3^rd festivities of last year signed their names, thus becoming part of local history.

It was apparent that every possible need for such offices was anticipated, even with an eye to future growth and a European connection. The view from the 25^th floor is still spectacular at this time, but a sky scraper is being built opposite the Bay Building and likely will obstruct the spectacular downtown vista. However, the Consul General Holger Raasch might just be able to peek through on the side from his fabulous south east corner office, as might Vice Consul Catrin Stibbe, who will occupy the other corner office on the south west side.

The official change of address will have occurred as of January 2^nd, 2009, by which time the doors will be open for services to the public.

Farewell Dr. Sölter

A major change of address occurred to Dr. Arpad Sölter. The director of the Goethe Institut was recalled to Germany after nearly 7 years in Canada and promoted to be administrator of the Department for Strategy and Evaluation. There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that he earned this position due to his excellent time of hands-on administration in Canada, that led the image of German culture from barely known and accepted to being into a condition of high normal, meaning that any remnant resistance to German content ceased to exist.

During his time he brought about many changes for the way German culture is viewed in this country. The small "Trampelpfad" became a wide "boulevard", or at least a 6 lane "highway", as it was put in speeches held at the farewell reception that Consul General Holger Raasch gave in his honour at his own residence.

l.t.r.: Sonja Griegoschewski, Beate & Dr. Arpad Sölter, Mrs. & Mr. Holger Raasch

The weather was cooperating as the guests arrived on a late afternoon in August, just 2 days before Goethe’s birthday. In the beautifully appointed building, a room opening up to the terrace and garden, Mr. Raasch and his wife, Dr. Sölter and his wife Beate, and Sonja Griegoschewski, the new director of the Goethe Institut Toronto, received a long stream of invited guest, who had come to say good bye.

The "who is who" of the local academic and diplomatic world, as well as other opinion leaders assembled to pay homage to the man, who had made German culture a mainstream feature.

Sybille & Prof. Mark Webber
Dr. Klaus Rupprecht & Sybille Forster-Rentmeister	Sybille Forster-Rentmeister with colleagues Robert Oriwol and Eva Wazda

Mr Raasch had heard much of him and worked, if only for a year, with him in great harmony. He had nothing but praise for Dr. Sölter’s efforts and was only too happy to bestow a very special award on him on behalf of the German Ambassador in Canada, usually only given to non Germans.

Award Ceremony Thank you and praises

This German Canadian Friendship Award in Recognition for outstanding Support and Achievements in German Canadian Relations found a worthy recipient in Dr. Arpad Sölter, who understood it like no other before him to direct the sentiments of people into a productive creative and cooperative direction that laid the groundwork for a new model between cultural partners. His innovative approach and his people skills made him accelerate a trend that was only moving slowly before his time.

Mr. Raasch also honored Beate Sölter with special mention and a huge bouquet of red and white carnations. "If your husband just won the Oscar for best performer, then you deserve the one for best supporting performer", he said. Indeed, Beate Sölter was always there at his side whenever it was possible or appropriate and very touched by the outpouring of emotions and accolades.

In his short acceptance speech, just before Mr. Raasch introduced the new Director of the institute, Sonja Griegoschewski, Dr. Sölter remarked that the Canadian experience had shaped and changed him in many ways and that this experience was unforgettable.

The guests

Time did not permit lengthy words, so he later chose a more intimate moment to thank all his colleges and partners, like deputy director Doina Popescu and Jutta Brendemühl, as well as the teachers of the language departments and schools and the library, and all the other players, who deserved to share this award that was bestowed on him, for working so hard with him to achieve the goals and purposes of the Goethe Institute.

We wish him well in Munich and his new post, which will no doubt benefit German culture everywhere.

"It is good to know we have a friend at Head Office", commented Mr. Raasch.

Indeed!

Until next time
Sybille Forster-Rentmeister