Tooncast (Canada)

Tooncast is a Canadian English language specialty channel owned by Corus Entertainment. Based on the Latin American cable network of the same name, Tooncast broadcasts classic cartoons, both from Hanna-Barbera and Cartoon Network.

History
In November 2000, Alliance Atlantis (via the Showcase Television subsidiary) was granted approval by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to launch a television channel called ''Wow! Television'', described as "a national English-language Category 2 specialty television service devoted to all children programs. Programming will include kids shows, animated series, and sitcoms. Other programs will explore the world of action and adventure for older kids."

The channel was launched on September 8, 2001 as Showcase Kids, a spin-off of Showcase. Programming consisted of primarily children's content.

In January 18, 2008, acquired control of Showcase Kids through its purchase of Alliance Atlantis' broadcasting assets, which were placed in a trust in August 2007. On October 27, 2010, ownership changed again as Shaw Communications gained control of Showcase Diva as a result of its acquisition of Canwest and Goldman Sachs' interest in CW Media.

On May 30, 2012, it was announced that Showcase Kids would be rebranded as a Canadian version of Tooncast on August 27, 2012. The rebrand would result in the addition of more classic cartoons, live action shows and other original series from Cartoon Network.

An HD feed was launched on May 29, 2013, along with HD feeds for H2, Slice, Lifetime, and the DHX-owned Disney Junior (now known as Family Jr.)

On April 1, 2016, Shaw Media was subsumed by Corus Entertainment, making Tooncast form a duopoly with Cartoon Network and Boomerang Canada.