Toronto’s Star Media Group is launching three new websites – parentcentral.ca, healthzone.ca and yourhome.ca – designed to be crucial resources for things that matter to Greater Toronto Area residents. As owner of TheStar.com, Star Media Group’s new sites will include a combination of news stories along with useful info, tools, databases and listings. The new sites will exist as sections of TheStar.com and independently.

In addition to Star stories, each website provides hard-to-find information such as listings of 24-hour pharmacies and walk-in clinics, and detailed information on local schools and daycares, contractors and trades. Specific examples include the education quality assessment information for all Greater Toronto Area schools, a database of all medications in Canada and a comprehensive home services directory.

The launches of parentcentral.ca, yourhome.ca and healthzone.ca will be supported by an aggressive search marketing campaign on Google and Yahoo, along with print and online advertising.

‘Few other news organizations in Canada can compete with the depth of content the Toronto Star can provide in the area of parenting, health and homes,’ says Star Media Group director of product development, digital media Judy Sims. ‘In addition to our talented Living, New In Homes and Condos editorial teams, we have reporters covering family issues, education and health who produce daily news content that when married with the detailed, searchable listings and information, creates a highly engaging, functional, interactive user experience.’