Our Organization

PIA was incorporated in 1979 (Ontario). In 1994, it acquired registered charitable organization status
from the federal government. In its early development, PIA’s multicultural and education
activities were supported by the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship. 

Our History

The Parkdale Intercultural Association (PIA), formerly Parkdale Intercultural Council (PIC) grew out of the outreach initiatives of the Parkdale Branch of the Toronto Public Library (‘70s), under the leadership of Branch head, Rita Cox. These initiatives included the Community Information Centre and Project Read, an adult literacy programme. PIA has since emerged from the library and is housed in two locations on Queen Street West encompassing 12000 square feet and providing services in 14 different languages with more than 30 staff members working to serve the community’s needs.

The establishment of PIA was a response to the identified and expressed needs of new immigrant groups. Through partnerships with the library and other organizations PIA developed programs which were designed to respond to issues and challenges such as need for information and community education including police-community relations, race relations, multiculturalism, strengthening leadership and organizational development, human rights, minority women’s concerns; community building, and other barriers to information and services.