Volunteer
Interested in the diverse stories and lived experiences that make up Toronto’s heritage? Looking to get outside, meet new people, and get involved in your community? Volunteer with us!
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Heritage Toronto Volunteers
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 community events.
This role is perfect for those who enjoy engaging with the community, learning about Toronto’s heritage, and making a meaningful impact through public programs.
Why volunteer with us?
As a volunteer-led and a 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. They also ensure our public programs are not only possible but relevant to our local communities.
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 at Heritage Toronto.
Want to get involved?
Heritage Toronto’s annual CPA recruitment takes place in March, with training in April/May. For more information, read our volunteer posting. Volunteer recruitment has ended, but we encourage you to join our waitlist so we can let you know when volunteer opportunities open.
Want to volunteer with Heritage Toronto as a Community Program Assistant?
“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
Our Board
As a city agency, Heritage Toronto is governed by a publicly appointed board of directors.
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 or two community events.
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! We ask that our volunteers complete online training before attending our annual in-person training session in April. Only new volunteers and volunteers who haven’t worked with us since 2021 are required to attend. 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.