Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s (TRCA) Multicultural Connections Program (MCP) helps introduce new Canadians to their local natural environment
Language and economic barriers can limit the participation of newcomers in nature-based events and outings. To help overcome these barriers, the MCP program engages newcomers through in-class environmental educational programs at English language learning centres, as well as through field trips and participation at cultural/faith events.
Our programs enable newcomers to Canada to experience local green spaces, and to receive information that helps them participate in climate change initiatives, including water, waste and energy conservation efforts at home.
Adult language centre presentations are often delivered with local and regional municipal partners, to provide context and ensure consistency with water and waste messaging within in each municipality.
NEW! The Multicultural Connections Program has developed an educational program titled Growing Pollinator Plants, with support from the EcoAction Community Funding Program. LEARN MORE.
Presentations at Language Centres
Pick from one of the following half-day programs:
Great Lakes and Water Conservation
Explore the importance of the Great Lakes and learn about water as a critical resource. Discover practical ways to conserve water every day at home.
Great Lakes / Water Conservation Presentation Vocabulary
Solid Waste Management
Through the use of props, group activities and an interactive presentation, you will learn the importance of the “3Rs” and how waste is managed in your municipality.
Solid Waste Management Presentation Vocabulary
Climate Change
Learn the vocabulary related to climate change and explore different solutions to effectively deal with this global crisis.
Climate Change Presentation Vocabulary
Energy Conservation
Through the use of props and group activities learn about the importance of conserving energy and practical ways to do so.
Energy Conservation Presentation Vocabulary
The Variety of Life: Biodiversity and Pollinator Plants
Explore the importance of biodiversity, pollinators and pollinator plants. Instructors will receive training to accommodate future independent program delivery.
The Variety of Life Presentation Vocabulary
An Introduction to First Nations
Learn about First Nations Peoples across Canada prior to European contact. This interactive presentation focuses on the Iroquoian peoples living around the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River basin.
Introduction to First Nations in Canada Presentation Vocabulary
The Contact Period
Travel through the history of the New World with the use of a Power Point presentation and interactive activities. Learn about European colonization and its impact on the Indigenous people of Canada.
The Contact Period: The European Arrival in the New World Presentation Vocabulary
Contact Us
Toronto and Region of Peel:
Lisa Ward, Coordinator
416.661.6600 ext 5854
lward@trca.on.ca
York Region:
Leigha Howard, Supervisor
416.661.6600 ext 5343
lhoward@trca.on.ca
Community Events
Want to participate in free learning and fun-filled activities with your family and friends? Click here to learn more about free community events in your watershed.
To learn more about TRCA corporate events, click here.
Watershed Map
Learn More about your watershed!
Plan Your Field Trip
Planning on taking your group on a field trip? Explore the wide range of outdoor locations TRCA offers for you to enjoy with your family and friends.
Transportation
We know that bussing costs can be a barrier for language centre groups participating in field trips. Limited funding is available to language centres to assist with bussing costs for trips to our local green spaces. Providing bussing for the field trips allow TRCA to introduce new Canadians to our Conservation Areas, trail networks and recreational opportunities for their families.
Funding is limited and the bus subsidy will be provided on a first come-first serve basis
To apply for transportation subsidy, please complete and submit the application form here.
Train the Trainer
Training sessions are available to language teachers who are interested in delivering environmental –theme presentations to students at their centre. Training will include lesson plans, vocabulary sheets, power point presentations and simple games and activities.
Training sessions will run at a nominal cost and will be promoted by email to the language centres. Depending upon the interest, training sessions will be offered twice a year (March and September). To add your names to the list for the next session please contact us.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Are your presentations free?
Yes, the presentations are free and the costs are covered through the generous support of our regional funding partners.
2. Where are the presentations held?
Presentations are held at your language centre. We can run the presentations in the classroom, in a boardroom or in a large room able to accommodate all the students and a Power Point presentation. If you have an outdoor space at your site, we would welcome the opportunity to take your group outside.
3. How do I book a presentation?
You can book your presentation by phone or email.
4. How many presentations can I book?
You can book two presentations per day at your language centre.
To book a presentation, please contact:
Shintu Cherian (for centres located in Peel Region) at 416.661.6600 x 5394 or scherian@trca.on.ca
Lisa Ward (for centres located in Toronto and York Region) at 416.661.6600 x 5854 or lward@trca.on.ca
5. How long are the presentations?
The presentations are typically 2 hours to 2.5 hours in length.
6. How many students can participate at once?
To book a presentation, we require a minimum of 20-15 students per session.
7. Can I book presentations on different topics?
You can book presentations on different topics. You can pick one topic in the morning session and a different topic in the afternoon.
8. How do I know which dates are available to book presentations?
Please contact the program coordinators for available dates.
9. What language levels can participate in the program?
Our presentations are designed for adult students with an intermediate to advance language level. Presentations are not suitable for literacy and lower language level classes. Ask our coordinators about the presentation content before you book.
10. What should we do as a class to prepare for your presentation?
Language teachers who have confirmed a booking will receive a vocabulary sheet two weeks prior to the presentation. Please familiarize the students with the new words and terminology. Reviewing the vocabulary as a class is an essential part of the preparation.
11. What are some of the classroom resource needed?
We will need to use a laptop, projector and a white or black board. If any of these resources are not available, please inform the coordinator when booking a presentation.
12. What will our students learn during the presentations?
Students will be learning about local environmental issues, the importance of conservation and actions they can take at home and in their own community. For the learning objectives of a specific topic, please refer to the presentation descriptions.
13. Are there any follow up activities after the presentations?
Yes. Following each presentation the teacher and the students are asked to complete a presentation evaluation. Worksheets, web links and resources will be provided to the teachers as follow-up activities.