The CCPTA allocates a large part of its donations to produce Canadian content, with the assistance of Buffalo Toronto Public Media, (BTPM) as its agent. Acting as principal and using Buffalo Toronto Public Media as its agent, CCPTA engaged BTPM to produce the following programs:
Toronto's First Family of Theatre (2016)
Examines Toronto’s vibrant theatre community in the documentary, “Toronto’s First Family of Theatre.” The city is a world class theatre destination and much of its success over the last 50 years can be attributed to the Mirvish family. In the early 1960s successful Toronto business owner Ed Mirvish purchased the aging Royal Alexandra Theatre, one of the most revered theatre houses in North America. Few expected the theatre novice to make a success of the Royal Alex. Without the natural business instincts of Ed Mirvish, the theatre empire which resulted would not have been possible.
The Klondike Gold Rush (2015)
The Klondike Gold Rush tells the legendary story of the Alaska-Yukon Gold Rush. Over 100,000 people voyage to the far North intent of reaching the Canadian boom-town Dawson City and striking it rich. It’s an incredible story of determination, luck, fortune and loss. Historians and authors bring insight and perspective to the event that changed the lives of thousands. Present-day characters reveal that the frontier spirit is still alive in the Klondike.
1812 on the Niagara Frontier (2013)
The program featured 1812-related sites in Western New York and Southern Ontario, including Fort York, Fort George and Fort Erie.
The Shaw Festival: Behind the Curtain (2013)
This inside look at a Canadian artistic icon follows the theatre company throughout its 2012 summer season. With unprecedented access, we explore one of Canada’s cultural treasures.
Underground Railroad: The William Still Story (2012)
This program tells the story of William Still, one of the most important figures in the history of slavery and the Underground Railroad. It also tells the important, but often overlooked, story of the role that Canada and Canadians played in the Underground Railroad.
The War of 1812 (2011)
This two-hour documentary recounts the story of one of the most important historical events along the Niagara Frontier. Two centuries after it was fought, the two-and-a-half year conflict that forged the destiny of a continent comes to public television in a comprehensive film history. The program uses stunning re-enactments, evocative animation, and the incisive commentary of key experts to reveal little-known sides of this important war. The broadcast is accompanied by a companion book, mobile apps, a website, as well as comprehensive binational educational resources.
Buffalo Toronto Public Media also produces its own independent programming of interest to residents of Southern Ontario. Using suggestions from the CCPTA Board and residents of Southern Ontario, Buffalo Toronto Public Media produced the following programs:
Garden Wisdom for Western New York & Southern Ontario (2016)
Hosted by Susan Hunt and geared toward the specific needs of gardeners in Western New York and Southern Ontario, this program offers secrets to planning, cultivating and nurturing your own great gardens and landscapes using time-proven solutions and sustainable practices as well as tips and shortcuts for gardeners of all levels of experience that will save time, money and resources. The production approach of the program focuses on practical, useful information that viewers can easily put to use. It is about getting our hands into the dirt and demonstrating time-tested gardening techniques. Gardening experts from Western New York and Southern Ontario will have you cultivating your own great garden in no time.
A New Season for the Blue Jays and Bisons (2013)
For the 2013 season, the Buffalo Bisons entered a new chapter in their history. The team is the new Triple-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, creating a binational partnership that will benefit fans as well as both teams and communities. This 30-minute program gives fans a sneak peek into what Blue Jays and Bisons fans can expect from the new collaboration.
Hockey: More Than a Game (2011)
This entertaining and powerful documentary celebrates one of the fastest, most challenging games in the world, relaying its Canadian spirit, traditions and dramatic human stories. Exploring hockey history and culture, the one-hour special offers an insightful, intimate look at the game described as “Canada’s gift to the world.”
Chefs of Toronto (2011)
The 80-minute food special celebrates the cuisine of Canada’s largest city, highlighting Toronto’s world-class chefs, restaurants and signature dishes.
Glorious Battle: The Siege of Fort Erie (2011)
For two months in 1814, Fort Erie became “Canada’s bloodiest battlefield” – a gruesome distinction that stands nearly two centuries later. This brutal battle is brought to life in a 30-minute film through historical characters and re-enactments, as well as extensive special effects and a complex audio soundscape.
Remembering Crystal Beach Park (2008)
For just over a century, millions of Western New Yorkers and Southern Ontarians created memorable moments at a beloved lakeside amusement park in Southern Ontario. This documentary brings the park experience to life through the memories and home movies of some of its greatest fans.
Wineries of Canada’s Niagara Peninsula (2007)
This program journeys along regional wine trails, exploring history, natural beauty and quality wines along the way. Southern Ontario produces a variety of wines and each wine – and winery – takes on a distinctive local character that reflects the climate, the winemakers’ passion and process, and the land itself.
Niagara Falls (2006)
More than a celebration of a natural wonder, Niagara Falls is a study of human achievement and human folly on an epic scale. A tale of affable lunacy and high drama, it’s also a story of danger and desire. The awesome Falls were the first great symbol and an emblem for the vast untamed continent.
Toronto’s Houses of Worship (2005)
Explore Toronto’s landmarks of faith in this inspiring tour of the city’s sacred architecture. This program presents masterpieces of magnificent structures and highlights the important role they have played in the life of the community.
Remembering Toronto (1998)
Ten cents a dance … a show at Shea’s Hippodrome … bringing the Stanley Cup home. This program takes a nostalgic journey back to a pivotal era in Toronto history (the 1920s through the 1950s).
Our Town Series (2003-2019)
This video scrapbook chronicles the people, places and happenings of Southern Ontario, one town at a time. Enthusiastic residents volunteer to capture film footage and provide the narration. Canadian episodes include: Oshawa (2019), Burlington (2013), Niagara Falls (2011), Brantford (2009), Markham (2006), Oakville (2005), Welland(2005), and Niagara on the Lake (2004).