Among the passions which Peter enjoys and avidly supports are ‘the arts’. This is manifested in his efforts to have a Performing Arts Theatre created at Yorkwoods Library. The Theatre has also become the venue for the yearly classical concert series performed by Downsview Orchestra, as well as performance space for theatre groups and choirs. In 1986, Councillor Li Preti and Maestro Pietro Drago, began an orchestra to celebrate various artists such as the Centennary of Giuseppe Verdi, Rossini and other classical artists. Councillor Li Preti is a proud sponsor of young emerging artists from diverse Cultural backgrounds. Music from the Philippines, Latin America and the Caribbean have been featured under the auspices of Councillor Li Preti.
More pictures on the arts
The Downsview Pipe Band in the annual Canada Day Parade which was held at Elm Park. Councillor Li Preti is the proud sponsor of Festivals in the Park and the tradition continues to date.
Li Preti at the official opening of the Yorkwoods Library theatre. This project was a community driven venture of a 300-seat facility with modern acoustical equipment. The funding for this theatre was co-shared by the Province and the former City of North York.
The Hispanic community of Toronto celebrated “Dia De la hispanidad” in its first annual festival. The spectacular event, held on September 20, 2001, more than 20 allegorical floats and over 300 people who took part in the parade that traveled 6 kilometers down on Jane St. from Steeles to the Downsview Arena on Wilson Ave. “We are very pleased to host the first annual Canadian Hispanic Day parade,” Councillor Peter Li Preti told a cheering crowd of 5,000 at the end of the parade. Participants represented many of the 23 Latin American countries who live and work in the Downsview community. The parade was the result of months of work by hundreds of volunteers. Brazil, Ecuador and Argentina provided the most colourful floats with dozen dancers in traditional costumes dancing to live Latin American music.