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Category: News

MPCT receives $75,000 Ontario Trillium Foundation grant

The Monarch Park Community Trust is pleased to announce that we have received a $75,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to support the next phase of our Heritage Voices oral history project.

The two-year grant will fund the recording of an additional 75 oral history interviews with long-time East York residents, focusing on the experiences of newcomer communities who settled in the neighbourhood during the 1970s, 80s, and 90s.

“This grant is a tremendous vote of confidence in the important work of preserving East York’s diverse heritage,” said Priya Sharma, Executive Director.

The Heritage Voices project launched in 2015 and has recorded over 150 interviews to date. Recordings are archived in partnership with the Toronto Public Library.

For media inquiries, please contact communications@monarchparktrust.ca.

Heritage Voices Podcast — SEASON 3 now streaming

Season 3 of the Heritage Voices Podcast is now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts!

This season features eight episodes exploring the industrial heritage of the Don Valley and its impact on East York’s development. Highlights include:

  • Episode 1: “The Brickworks” — How the Don Valley brickworks shaped the physical landscape of Toronto
  • Episode 3: “Working on the Line” — Former factory workers share their memories
  • Episode 5: “The Floods of ’54” — Community members recall Hurricane Hazel
  • Episode 8: “From Industry to Parkland” — How abandoned industrial sites became green spaces

The Heritage Voices Podcast is produced by James Whiteduck, Heritage Programs Coordinator. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a review — it really helps more people discover the show.

MPCT Launches New Community Mural Project on Coxwell Avenue

We are excited to announce the launch of a new community mural project on the south wall of 1450 Coxwell Avenue!

The mural will be designed collaboratively by local artist Nneka Obi and community members through a series of design workshops this spring. The project is funded by a City of Toronto StreetARToronto grant and a generous donation from Coxwell Hardware.

“Public art has the power to transform a streetscape and create a sense of belonging,” said David Chen, Director of Programs. “We want this mural to reflect the stories and experiences of the people who live and work in this neighbourhood.”

Community members are invited to participate in the design workshops, which will take place at our studio at 15 Monarch Park Avenue on the following Saturdays:

  • April 9, 2022 — 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • April 23, 2022 — 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • May 7, 2022 — 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

No artistic experience necessary! Light refreshments will be provided. Please email programs@monarchparktrust.ca to register.

Painting is scheduled for June 2022, and we will be looking for volunteer painters to help bring the design to life. Stay tuned for details.