A Reference Guide to Toronto: City of Diversity

Christine Linge MacDonald, a past director of the Toronto & District
Parent Co-operative Preschool Corporation and a freelance writer, is an
elementary-school teacher in Whitby.

Most of Canada’s population lives in its cities. Urban centres attract
a cross-section of society, people whose jobs and recreation respond to
the economic and cultural needs of the region in which they are
situated. Students learning about Canada’s provinces and territories
can observe them in microcosm when they learn about the capital cities
of these regions.

Weigl’s sturdy Canadian Cities volumes look at each provincial or
territorial capital in great detail. From location and climate to
population, they move through chapters on the past, famous people,
culture, the economy, sports and recreation, tourism, and architecture,
and conclude with some “fascinating facts” and a brief quiz with
activities. Brightly colored blocks of text and lively graphics break up
each book into tasty chunks of accessible information.

A cheerful, positive tone is maintained throughout each book, likely to
persuade readers in every province and territory to feel pride in their
homes and eagerness to visit other centres. Halifax is the “Warden of
the North” because of its strategic military location. Regina,
“Queen City of the Plains,” is a bustling oasis in the heart of the
prairies. Edmonton’s lively cultural heritage and arts community make
it the “City of Festivals.” Toronto is the “City of Diversity,”
where foreign-born residents make up more than 50 percent of the
population. Fredericton, as the “City of Stately Elms,” is
characterized by its Victorian charm. Yellowknife, the “Diamond
Capital,” boasts North America’s first diamond mine. Each city’s
slogan is explained in the introduction to its volume, setting the tone
for an all-out celebration of that city’s unique charms and
significance. All of the books are highly recommended.