Heritage Language: Italian

Resources in Toronto

Community Centres

The only way for a population to maintain its resilience and cultural fortitude in a city filled with diversity is through organizations which promote cultural vitality. For Italian-Torontians important examples of such organizations are the community centres in the city. The Columbus Centre of Toronto, for instance, is recognized as the Italian Canadian contribution to multiculturalism in the Metropolitan Toronto Area. The centre houses dancing, music, cooking and Italian language classes, various fitness classes, programs for children, an art gallery, banquets, and is currently working to complete and release a WWII historical recognition project entitled "Italian Canadians as Enemy Aliens: Memories of World War II".
Another example is the Italian Cultural Institute in Toronto, "a centre for cultural and academic activities" (Italian Cultural Institute in Toronto [ICIT], 2011). features language classes and art exhibitions, as well as Italian film screenings, theatre, lectures, and food and wine tastings. Most of their events are open to the public, however having a membership allows one access to concerts and event openings. The institute has been called "a source of information about contemporary Italy" and rightfully so as it's actions play a crucial role to in helping to unify the Italian-Canadian community in Toronto.

Schools & Churches

Throughout Toronto there are many institutions which teach the Italian language to students of a variety of ages and abilities. The Toronto Catholic District School Board's website boasts over 75 elementary and high schools all over the greater Toronto area which teach Italian. For parents who would rather a more personal classroom environment offered by a private school, there is the Leonardo Da Vinci Academy of Arts & Sciences which teaches students aged preschool to eighth grade. For adult learners there are several different Toronto-based schools such as Cactus, Hansa Language Centre, Language Trainers, Tutorino, and many more which teach from beginner to advanced levels. These classes are in a private or group format and geared towards students interested in learning Italian for business, travel, or professional purposes.
In terms of religious institutions, there are a few parishes which not only cater to the Italian-Canadian community, but actually hold full masses in Italian. The church of San Nicola offers private tutoring.Another Church, Di Bari, features masses that are both fully in English and fully in Italian. St. Norbert's Roman Catholic Church also features a diverse array of Italian and English masses and services.

Clubs & Events

There are several organizations which feature a focus on Italian food and drink. The Chefs' House holds an event called Viva Italia! in which the culinary students of George Brown College celebrate Italian wine, cuisine, and culture (The Chefs' House, 2011). There are also multitudes of dinner clubs within the community like Massimo Bruno's Italian Supper Club, to just name one. Some more general clubs include The Toronto Italian Language Meetup Group, The Toronto Italian Connection, and the Alvito Italian Social Club which all serve to bring together the Toronto Italian community.

Newspapers and Magazines

Corriere Canadese

Panoramitalia

Services & Facilities

There are many services offered to Italians in Toronto. Some cater to those who are seniors or have disabilities. These include the Canadian Italian Family Assistance Association, Caboto Terrace, and Casa Abruzzo Independent Living for Seniors. These services are offered in both Italian and English and cater to Italians in Toronto's community.Many more services are listed can be found at www.211toronto.ca.

Besides all of the tools and links listed above, the city of Toronto features many more valuable opportunities and resources for Italian-Canadians. The University of Toronto houses several kinds of books, journals, and other forms of media written in and about Italian. An overview of these and other resources which may be helpful for Italian Torontonians can be found here.

Authors: Nancy Correia, Kathleen Walsh, Tsenat Keleta, Laura Prange, Vanessa Zeoli