Introducing The Village at Black Creek

October 1, 2024, Toronto, ON — Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is proud to formally re-introduce The Village at Black Creek to new and returning visitors.

Formerly known as Black Creek Pioneer Village, the name change is part of a full rebranding effort that reflects a more inclusive and accurate representation of the diverse histories that have shaped the region.

heritage buildings line a street at the Village at Black Creek

Since 1960, The Village at Black Creek has been a unique, natural setting for immersive experiences that bring the stories of our region to life.

Recognizing the historic scope of the museum and collection, efforts have commenced to expand the programming and storytelling to integrate diverse perspectives into the buildings and exhibits of the museum to achieve a more inclusive and holistic approach to community-led history-keeping and interpretation.

a young family explores a traditional Wiigiwaam at the Village at Black Creek
an Indigenous artist delivers a presentation to visitors during the Village at Black Creek First Saturdays series
a costumed historian greets visitor to the Tinsmith shop at the Village at Black Creek

Recognizing the need for a broader and more inclusive approach, TRCA began the Changing the Narrative initiative in 2017.

This multi-year project, undertaken in collaboration with Indigenous scholars, artists, elders, and community members, seeks to ensure that the stories of all peoples—shared from their own perspectives—are represented at The Village.

To reflect that commitment, The Village has rebranded as The Village at Black Creek with a fresh look and story that speaks to our vital role as the Toronto region’s storytelling home.

a costumed educator at the Village at Black Creek teaches young visitors how to use a traditional 19th century loom
a costumed educator at the Village at Black Creek teaches young visitors how to use a 19th century slate to write out math problems

“As The Village at Black Creek, we believe exploring our past enables us to work together to create a more inclusive, equitable future for everyone,” said Darryl Gray, Director of Education and Training at TRCA.

“This name change is not about excluding or removing any part of our history. Visitors will still have the same engaging, educational experience that is iconic to The Village. Now we want to go further and inspire our audiences to find their place – through a wide variety of fun, meaningful, and illuminating experiences that reinforce a sense of belonging – right here at The Village.”

a costumed historian guides visitors through a heritage building at the Village at Black Creek

The Village at Black Creek welcomes curious residents and visitors of all ages to explore our new look and discover the surprising, often under-represented stories that have shaped our region across millennia.

About Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)

Since 1957, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), as enabled through the provincial Conservation Authorities Act, has taken action to enhance our region’s natural environment and protect our land, water, and communities from the impacts of flooding and increasingly extreme weather events – Ontario’s leading cause of public emergencies.

As the region’s first line of defence against natural hazards, TRCA maintains vital infrastructure and provides programs and services that promote public health and safety, protecting people and property.

TRCA mobilizes a science-based approach to provide sound policy advice, leveraging its position as a not-for-profit operating in the broader public sector to achieve collective impacts within our communities and across all levels of government.

TRCA’s jurisdiction includes nine watersheds and their Lake Ontario shorelines, spanning six upper-tier and fifteen lower-tier municipalities and representing almost five million people, approximately 10% of Canada’s population.

To learn more about TRCA, visit trca.ca.

Media Contacts

Afiya Jilani
Communication Specialist
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)
afiya.jilani@trca.ca