How is the Archives of Ontario working to expand its private collections? We are working to broaden the representation of Ontario society in the records we collect. Our Private Acquisitions Strategy [Word, PDF] guides our efforts to target acquisitions from individuals, businesses and groups.

The goal is to acquire records that reflect Ontario’s diversity in all its forms, including age, ethnicity, gender, religion, ability/disability, socio-economic status, and political perspective.

A core component of the strategy is keeping the public informed of our ongoing acquisition priorities and how we’re expanding our collections.

We are committed to promoting the Archives of Ontario as the suitable place for private donations of provincial significance.

Yes, the Archives of Ontario has identified sectors for acquisition to reflect interactions between government and citizens. Our assessment of sectors of high-priority acquisition aligns with the administrative divisions found in the Ontario Government.

Nine high-priority sectors for private records acquisition have been identified.

Health

Including;

• provincial health-focused organizations
• colleges of practitioners
• professional associations and unions
• advocacy organizations
• healthcare and research organizations
• individual practitioners

Education

Including;

• publically and privately funded educational institutions
• professional associations
• advocacy and labour organizations
• research and advancement organizations
• individuals and educators

Environment

Including;

• provincial environment-focused organizations
• conservation authorities
• advocacy organizations
• environmental research organizations
• for-profit entities
• individuals and environmentalists

Transportation

Including;

• Integrated transit agencies
• Municipal transit agencies
• Public transit advocacy
• Alternative transportation bodies
• Commercial and freight
• Transportation training and education
• Individuals and activists

Infrastructure

Including;

• Professional organizations
• Construction, engineering and architectural companies
• Planning and consulting firms
• Advocacy and labour organizations
• Individuals and consultants

Community Services

Including;

• Community services support organizations
• Professional associations
• Advocacy organizations
• Individuals and practitioners
• Developmental and rehabilitation centres

Labour

Including;

• Labour union organizations
• Employers’ organizations
• Workers’ rights organizations
• Labour activists (individuals)
• Workers’ support organizations
• Facilitators / mediators
• Workers’ health and safety organizations

Energy

Including;

• Corporate power generators
• Community and individual power generators
• Power management, transmission and planning agencies
• Advocacy organizations
• Alternative energy researchers
• Raw material suppliers

Business and Industry

Including;

• Aerospace
• Automotive
• Clean energy
• Clean technology
• Culture
• Digital gaming
• Environment
• Financial services
• Food and beverage manufacturing
• Information technology
• Life sciences
• Materials
• Media
• Medical technologies
• Mining
• Natural resources
• Nanotechnology
• Tourism investment
• Small business

We continue to review Ontario sectors in order to identify our gaps and guide our priorities.

Other Ontario Sectors of interest include, but are not limited to;

• Agriculture
• Culture
• Natural resources
• Science and Technology
• Sports and Tourism
• Consumer Services