Our Programs
The Monarch Park Community Trust offers a range of programs for community members of all ages. Our programming is designed to be accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of the East York community. Most programs operate on a sliding-scale fee basis, and subsidies are available for those who need them.
For a complete overview of our current program offerings, please download our Program Guide (PDF).
Youth Arts Workshop Series
Weekly after-school workshops in visual arts, ceramics, and mixed media for children ages 6–12. Held at Stan Wadlow Community Centre, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:30–5:00 PM during the school year. All materials provided. This program is offered in partnership with the East York Community Centre.
Fee: $85/session (10 weeks) | Subsidies available
Contact: programs@monarchparktrust.ca
Summer Arts Camp
A full-day arts camp running for six weeks each summer for children and youth ages 6–14. Campers explore visual arts, theatre, music, and creative writing through themed weekly programs. Lunch and snacks included. Extended care available until 5:30 PM.
Fee: $275/week | Early bird discount available | Subsidies available
Note: Camps typically fill by mid-May. We encourage early registration.
Adult Art Classes
Evening and weekend classes for adults in watercolour, acrylic painting, pottery, and life drawing. Classes run in 8-week sessions, three times per year (fall, winter, spring). Taught by local professional artists.
Fee: $120–$180/session depending on materials | 15% member discount
Heritage Voices Oral History Project
The Heritage Voices Oral History Project is one of MPCT’s most significant and long-running initiatives. Launched in 2015 with support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, this project records and preserves the personal stories of long-time East York residents, creating a living archive of our neighbourhood’s rich and diverse history.
To date, the project has recorded over 150 oral history interviews with community members representing a wide range of backgrounds, ages, and experiences. Interviews are conducted by trained volunteers using professional audio equipment, and each recording is transcribed and archived in partnership with the Toronto Public Library’s Digital Innovation Hub at the S. Walter Stewart branch.
In 2024, MPCT received a $75,000 Ontario Trillium Foundation grant to fund Phase 2 of the project, which focuses specifically on the experiences of newcomer communities who settled in East York during the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. This phase includes a community training component that will prepare 15 new volunteer interviewers from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Heritage Voices content is shared through multiple channels: the Heritage Voices Podcast (available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify), our Heritage Walking Tour series, and a growing online archive. Selected excerpts have also been featured in exhibitions at the East York Civic Centre and the Toronto Public Library.
James Whiteduck, Heritage Programs Coordinator, leads this initiative. If you would like to share your story or volunteer as an interviewer, please contact heritage@monarchparktrust.ca.
Community Events Program
MPCT organises a calendar of community events throughout the year, including the Annual Spring Arts Fair, the Summer Concert Series at Dieppe Park, neighbourhood block parties, and the Annual Gala & Fundraiser. Many of these events are free or pay-what-you-can.
For a full list of upcoming events, please visit our Events page.
Questions about our programs?
Contact us or call 416-555-0187 during office hours (Mon–Fri, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM).