Toronto Zoo Goes Digital

The Digital Access Project

A 25,000 grant from the Department of Canadian Heritage (Museums Assistance Program) has finally made it possible for the Toronto Zoo’s 30-year history to be recorded in digital form. The many thousands of images captured over the years will be scanned and archived to ensure their permanent survival. The completion of this project offers a wonderful array of benefits to the Toronto Zoo and the community. The Zoo’s heritage — its plants, animal, structures and people — will be preserved and in turn form the basis for community outreach to schools and community groups. Using the images will aid Zoo staff and volunteers by increasing the effectiveness of their conservation-focused presentations. As well, this rich resource will be available to other accredited Zoos and aquariums for conservation education purposes all across Canada.

For more about the Toronto Zoo: www.torontozoo.com

Taste of Asia Festival goes to Parliament Hill


This year’s Taste of Asia festival took the festivities to the Nation’s capital, and kicked off in grand style with a launch party on Parliament Hill, hosted by Derek Lee and festival co-chairs Ken Ng and Mobeen Khaja. M.P.s, Senators and members of the community got a welcome, if brief respite from the machinations of political life, as they enjoyed performances of music and dance, as well as an abundant buffet of Asian delicacies.

The festival itself will open its doors at Kennedy and Steeles on June 25 and 26, and will feature a singing contest, an orchid show, and a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, as well as entertainment and food for everyone in the family.

For more festival information: www.culture-canada.ca