Experiences (Newsletter)

New Web Site Highlights Toronto's Co-operative Spirit

The streets and buildings of Canada's biggest city have a million stories. Too often, however, these stories are lost or forgotten in the hustle and bustle of big-city life.

A new Web site, called The National Historic Sites Urban Walks: Toronto (www.pc.gc.ca/toronto) is designed to invite online viewers to experience these stories through a series of walking tours. The tours connect some of the city's historic neighbourhoods with the history of everyday life and the city's colourful stories. The site shows that the threads of Toronto's colourful narratives are intricately woven into the cultural fabric of the nation.

To develop the new site, Parks Canada worked with the National Historic Sites Alliance For Ontario, Ontario Heritage Foundation, Ontario Realty Corporation and Historic Places Initiative, and partnered with the City of Toronto (Toronto Culture - Doors Open Toronto) and consulted with the more than 15 organizations that manage Toronto's national historic sites.

Jane French, project manager for Doors Open Toronto, says the success of the annual celebration of the city's built heritage, which is held one weekend each year, depends on strong partnerships.

"When Parks Canada approached us to partner on the launch of National Historic Sites Urban Walks: Toronto, it seemed like a win for everyone. The Web site provides a new tool for visitors and locals to enhance their urban experience year round. We're looking forward to working with Parks Canada on phase two and seeing this initiative roll out in other Canadian cities."

The National Historic Sites Urban Walks: Toronto Web site reflects the co-operative spirit that built the city. A renewed appreciation of our built heritage helps develop a greater desire to preserve our cultural heritage, so it can be experienced by future generations.