Councillor Jennifer Innis elected as chair of the TRCA

February 21, 2019 · 0 Comments

Written By JOSHUA SANTOS

Caledon’s Ward 3 and 4 Regional Coun. Jennifer Innis was elected chair of the Board of Directors for the Toronto Region Conservation Authority (TRCA).

“I am excited about the challenges and opportunities ahead and look forward to working with a great team of dedicated staff at the TRCA and our community partners to build sustainable communities, while connecting people with nature,” said Innis.

Innis will preside over meetings as chair and e a spokesperson for the board. Markham Regional Coun. Jack Heath was re-elected as Vice-Chair.

“I strong believe that advocacy and education are important for our work in protecting the watershed, said Innis.

The TRCA is one of 36 conservation authorities in Ontario working with municipalities to look after the watersheds of the Toronto region and its Lake Ontario waterfront.

Comprised of representatives from the City of Toronto, the Regional Municipalities of Peel, Durham, and York and the Township of Adjala-Tosorontio and Town of Mono, TRCA’s Board of Directors are responsible for the organizations’s strategic direction, ensuring compliance with applicable legislation, according to the TRCA website.

The organization takes care of nine watersheds and the Lake Ontario shoreline, work to preserve and protect the land, improve wildlife and plant habitats, encourage residents to get out and enjoy nature and monitor and report on the health of Toronto’s environment among many other objectives.

“As an active board and executive member for the TRCA during the past term, I have worked hard to build positive relationships with my colleagues across the Board to further the mandate of the TRCA,” said Innis. “Beyond the board meetings, I have attended various TRCA events and initiative to further the work of connecting people with nature through tree plantings, cycling events such as Bike the Creek, supporting programs like the Girls Can Do program at the Bolton Camp and more. As the new Chair, I am humbled by the support of my colleagues.

As chair, she said she will shift her focus on initiatives prioritized by the Board and their mandate of protection. As a Peel representative, she will continue to focus on conversation areas and trails that connect communities and initiatives such as the Lakeview Project and Bolton Camp.

“I look forward to working with our community partners to streamline the development process and work on key priorities for the various partners within their communities,” said Innis.