SARS - lest we forget

This is an old post from my original blog . I thought I'd resurrect it, because the stupid film finally aired on CTV the other night. Torontoist posted about the film recently.

(2/19/2005)

I was watching Movie Television on City TV tonight and was horrified by a story about a film being made about SARS. It's actually made for TV, so with any luck it won't be picked up by any US stations. The film in question is called Plague City: SARS in Toronto.

I don't get it, I'm certain that most Torontonians (especially those who work in the tourism, health and hospitality industries) just want to forget about SARS. Those who weren't in the city during that summer of chaos will probably not be too interested in the film - I hope.

My point is that Toronto tourism dropped dramatically due to the SARS paranoia, we still haven't recovered. There's no need to give potential visitors a reason to think twice.
The Economic Impact of SARS CBC News Online Updated July 8, 2003

Cancellations at Greater Toronto Area hotels led to an estimated $39 million in lost revenues during the month of April 2003 alone (Source: Canadian Tourism Commission) audiences at theatres dwindled. Bus and tour companies were hit – more than 800 bus tours were cancelled as of April 24, with an estimated economic loss of $5 million to $6 million*.

Fewer people were dining at restaurants – restaurant business was down between 20 and 30 per cent, according to economic development commissioner Joe Halstead*.
Conventions were cancelled – the cancellation of one health-care convention probably cost the region about $6 million, according to Ontario Enterprise Minister Jim Flaherty.

*Source: Toronto Star

The amazing thing is that the film is partly produced by our government! This is the same government that had students handing out leaflets, scaring tourists, about West Nile Virus last summer at Harbourfront...... Plague City is a Slanted Wheel Entertainment Inc. production. It is developed and produced in association with CTV; produced with the participation of the Canadian Television Fund created by the Government of Canada and the Canadian cable industry; Telefilm Canada: Equity Investment Program; CTF: License Fee Production Tax Credit Program; and the Government of Ontario - Ontario Film and Television Tax Credit. Read about it more here.

With any luck Canadian viewers will not choose to view it and Americans won't bother watching it, oh, and tourists will start flocking here again.

Dave