Additional Information
Multicultural Connections
Approximately 30% of Canadians speak a language other than English as their native tongue. The Greater Toronto Area has been called the most culturally and ethnically diverse region in all of Canada, with more than 50% of the population born in countries outside of Canada. With these facts and predicted growth of this trend, TRCA has developed the Multicultural Connections Program(MCP).
Since 1997, MCP has engaged new Canadians in environmental initiatives and stewardship projects by reducing language, cultural and economic barriers, traditionally limiting new Canadian participation.
MCP collaborates with community partners to continually develop a variety of innovative Strategies and Programs engaging the diverse audiences we serve.
By researching and compiling demographic information we are able to learn about and reach diverse communities in the following ways:
- Building a database of active community, cultural, faith group and settlement agencies.
- Identifying new community action projects in large immigrant settlement areas.
- Translating fact sheets and posters into the 7 most common languages spoken across the GTA.
- Collaboration and consultation with community groups, faith groups, cultural organizations, ESL/ LINC classes and settlement agencies.
Environmental Experience Subsidy Program (EESP)
This program identifies and eliminates barriers limiting new Canadians from exploring green spaces and learning about the watersheds they live in.
This is accomplished by subsidizing group trips and offering guided tours at 7 different conservation areas.
For detailed information on location, programs and facilities at our conservation parks, visit http://www.trcaparks.ca/
Programs include:
- Maple syrup festival at Bruce's Mill Conservation Area and Kortright Centre for Conservation
- Fall colour festival at Kortright Centre for Conservation, Petticoat Creek Conservation Area
- Fishing derby at Glen Haffy conservation Area , Albion Hills Conservation Area and Heart Lake Conservation Area
- Educational guided tours at Black Creek Pioneer Village
Group leaders interested in the EESP should contact the Coordinator of Multicultural Environmental Stewardship Program by email multiculturalconnections@trca.on.ca
ESL Environmental Outreach Program
Students participate in half day interactive in-class programs offered at your facility. These hands on environmental learning experiences further enhance their ESL vocabulary.
The presenter brings all the equipment and provides an ESL vocabulary in advance of each session.
A tool kit consisting of resource materials, games, word exercises and evaluation sheets are provided to the teachers and students.
Program Descriptions:
- Great Lakes
A visual slide presentation, model demonstration, interactive activities and theme based song enable students to learn about some facts, importance and threats to our Great Lakes. They are encouraged to come up with strategies to keep our lakes clean and great through simple day to day choices in their lives. - Climate Change
This innovative program provides general information about Climate Change and how it affects us through games, slide show presentations and group activities. Students will learn to explore different solutions to effectively deal with this global crisis. - Water Conservation
With the help of a DVD presentation and model demonstration, this program provides information about water as a critical resource, the role of watersheds and explores practical ways to conserve water everyday.
For booking a presentation please call 416-661-6600 Ext.5394 or email: multiculturalconnections@trca.on.ca
Peel Multicultural Outreach Project / New Canadian Consultation
By facilitating new Canadian consultation sessions we gain knowledge and insight into new Canadian perspectives of nature and their attitude towards the utilization of green space.
This insight allows us to evaluate the efficacy and appropriateness of existing multicultural outreach programs and assists in developing new effective outreach initiatives tailored for new Canadians.
This research project focuses on multicultural communities located within the Region of Peel and is carried out in collaboration with Credit Valley Conservation and the Centre for Land and Water Stewardship at the University of Guelph.
Religious River Offerings Program
River offerings, both organic and inorganic in nature can include flowers, leaves, fruits, coconuts, jewellery, coins, clothing and ashes.
Credit Valley Conservation and Toronto and Region Conservation are working in partnership with faith leaders to raise awareness of the environmental impacts of religious river offerings placed directly or indirectly into local watercourses.
Faith leaders play an important role in communicating with their congregations the importance of a healthy watershed by promoting religious river offerings that are environmentally sustainable.
In collaboration with the Toronto and Region Conservation and the Mississauga Ram Mandir, Credit Valley Conservation has launched a brochure entitled Religious Offerings and Water Quality. (To view the English and Hindi version of the brochures click these PDF files.)
Religious Offerings Brochure (English)
Religious Offerings Brochure (Hindi)
The brochure outlines the Hindu tradition of placing religious offerings in rivers, the effect on the environment and the alternatives suggested by local Hindu leaders to placing offerings into watercourses. The brochures are available in local temples and community meeting places.
New Canadian Environmental Work Experience Program
This program provides a new comer who has background environmental knowledge and experience with a relevant Canadian job placement in the environmental field for a period of time, usually 6 months.
This placement involves the individual in conducting outreach education, environmental monitoring and environmental stewardship activities with the public and community groups.
Past program participants have been involved in working on various stewardship initiatives such as the ESL outreach program, Aquatic Plants Program, Yellow Fish Road ProgramTM and the Environmental Volunteer Network during the work experience period.
This innovative work experience program addresses the concerns that Canadian employers often overlook or underutilize the skills and experience of highly qualified and trained professionals.
Contact Information
Coordinator, Multicultural Environmental Stewardship Program
Toronto and Region Conservation
Tel: 416-661-6600.Ext.5394
multiculturalconnections@trca.on.ca
Click here to view Photo Gallery
Environmental Experience Subsidy Program (EESP)
ESL Environmental Outreach Program
Peel Multicultural Outreach Project / New Canadian Consultation
