Volunteer
Interested in the diverse stories and lived experiences that make up Toronto’s heritage? Volunteer with us!
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Get outside and meet new people
As a volunteer-led and volunteer-dependent organization, our volunteers come from all walks of life: from students and interns, to accomplished professionals in many fields, to retirees looking to keep active and engaged. Without their invaluable support, our many successes in 2025 would not have been possible. Volunteers attend events and provide on-site support, participate in board and committee meetings, and contribute to key behind-the-scenes work. They also ensure our public programs are relevant to our local communities.
Why volunteer with us?
Community Program Assistants (CPAs) play a vital role in delivering our public programs throughout the city. CPAs:
- Assist with the logistics of tours and events
- Help ensure participant safety
- Support tour leaders and staff members
- Contribute to the smooth operation of tours and other events.
Who can become a Community Programs Assistant?
Are you someone who is:
- Passionate about connecting with people?
- Committed to making a difference in your community?
- Enthusiastic about Toronto’s rich heritage?
- Eager to lend a helping hand?
If yes, we believe you would thrive as a Community Program Assistant.
Want to get involved?
Heritage Toronto’s annual CPA recruitment takes place in March, with training on April 25, 2026. For more information, read our volunteer posting.
2025 Highlights
Last year, 114 volunteers dedicated their time and talents to supporting our agency. Altogether, they contributed over 700 hours of service, bringing their energy, expertise, and passion to help our programs and events run smoothly and strengthen our connection to communities across Toronto.
In 2025, we also began implementing recommendations to better recruit and engage equity-deserving groups among our volunteers, following a process with Evenings & Weekends Consulting to understand our volunteer landscape. We introduced new volunteer perks and recognition initiatives, and provided accessibility information on public events to support volunteer planning and on-site readiness.
Get involved
Learn about Toronto’s heritage and make an impact by becoming a public programs volunteer.
Our Board
As a city agency, Heritage Toronto is governed by a publicly appointed board of directors.
2025 Annual Report
More of the Annual Report is online!
I have so enjoyed my last few years volunteering with Heritage Toronto. I have met many wonderful people and have learned so much about our city’s history. I am eager to continue volunteering in this role and support walks and public programs.
Jocelyn Gordon
I have been a temporary resident of Canada since 2022 and I am continuously learning about the country: its people, history, heritage, and culture. Volunteering is a way to develop my knowledge further, and at the same time, to give back.
Rhoda Samson
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time can I commit to volunteering?
We ask that our Community Program Assistants (CPAs) contribute at least 10 hours during the tour season so that we may effectively plan and deliver our public programs. 10 hours is equivalent to three walking tours.
On completing the required 10 hours, you are eligible to receive a certificate of appreciation for your contributions.
Do you provide training to volunteers?
Yes! In April, we’ll host our in-person training session, which is mandatory for all Community Program Assistants. A meet-and-greet will take place following the training session, and we invite old and new volunteers to attend!
Once you have applied, we will reach out to you with more details about the April training session and volunteer meet-and-greet.
Before working with us, we require volunteers to provide the following:
- Signed Volunteer Agreement/Release and Waiver/Emergency Contact Form
- Signed Acceptance of Volunteer Manual
- Certificate of completion of AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) online training
What are the volunteer roles at Heritage Toronto?
Community Program Assistants make up the largest group of volunteers at Heritage Toronto and play a crucial role in delivering our public programs. However, we also benefit from the support of many other volunteer roles. We occasionally feature tours led and developed by volunteer tour leaders, and we are supported by library assistants, committee members, and our Board members, who are publicly appointed by the City of Toronto. Each volunteer brings their unique skills and perspectives, helping us enrich our mission to share Toronto’s heritage with the community.