Plenary Session (7:45 A.M. - 8:15 A.M.)
Education, youth and the environment have been the focus of Lisa Glithero’s professional and personal life. With Bachelor of Science, Education and Master of Education degrees, she has taught in Canada, Nepal and has served as the Education Director for Students on Ice, an organization that leads educational expeditions for youth to Antarctica and the Arctic. Through 8 Polar Expeditions, Glithero has witnessed firsthand the impacts of Climate Change, further igniting her passion to connect today’s youth to the planet’s global ecosystem.
Glithero’s dedication towards a ‘greener’ society led to her establishment of the EYES Project in 2004. EYES is a Canadian not-for-profit organization committed to bringing a sustainability imperative into educational pedagogy and practice. She is currently a Visiting Professor with the Faculty of Education at the University of Ottawa and continues to serve as the Director of the EYES Project, as well as Chair of the Education Advisory Committee for Students on Ice. Glithero is also a board member of the Chelsea Foundation.
In March 2006, she was honoured with an international "Women of the Earth Award" by the Yves Rocher Foundation for her work in environmental education and in April 2008 was named by Nobel Peace Prize Nominee (2007) Sheila Watt Cloutier, as one of Chatelaine’s “Amazing Canadian Women to Watch.”
Glithero inspires audiences to engage in the (re)visioning of society. Her extensive travels and work as an educator and community innovator motivates groups to actively participate in the dialogue and relationship building needed to effect positive societal change. Through personal stories, powerful visuals, knowledge and humour, she addresses such topics as Environmental Education, Transformative Learning, Educational Reform, Youth Engagement, Sustainable Community Building, Leadership, Vision, and Organizational Change.
A new generation with a new narrative is needed; a narrative that breaks through the ‘environment or economy’ ethos to embrace a way of being that values the inextricable link between humans and the natural world. Such a narrative will require a generation that believes in cooperation and collaboration; a generation that questions and thinks critically; a generation that promotes social well-being and civic engagement; a generation that recognizes their own agency. How can our respective learning communities work together to foster such a generation?
Participation in Watershed Management PlansAfter obtaining an MA in Canadian history and working as a marketing manager in the aerospace industry, Andrew decided in 1990 to transform his passion for the environment into his work. This has resulted in 19 years serving as a consultant to or staff member of numerous agencies and environmental organizations, augmented by 16 years on the boards of Ontario ENGOs such as the Taylor Massey Project. At the OHI, Andrew facilitated a March 2009 symposium called Preserving Ontario’s Freshwater that attracted over 100 participants and is currently developing a power-point presentation on the importance of headwaters in Ontario.
Public engagement bubbles up from legislative and regulatory springs, meanders through permitting, monitoring, access to data, and governance, and fills pools of volunteerism and stewardship. What can be done during watershed management planning exercises to tap community wisdom and meet expectations?
Gemma Boag has just completed her MSc in Water Science, Policy and Management at the University of Oxford, United Kingdom. Previously, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Queen's University in Political Studies and International Development. Her Master's research project looked at participatory watershed management in Ontario's source protection process. Broadly, her research interests are focused on how societies use, manage and protect their water resources.
This presentation will discuss how members of Ontario's Source Protection Committees are learning from and about each other as they move through the source protection process (2007-2012) outlined in the province's Clean Water Act, 2006. It will focus on learning outcomes around socio-economic issues and comment on why social learning is important and how it can be fostered and hindered in participatory frameworks.
CHANDRA SHARMA is Professional Planner with over 10 years of experience in the environmental field. Chandra has a Master of Environmental Studies (MES) from the Faculty of Environmental Studies and Management Certification form Schulic Schools of Business at York University, Toronto. She is also a registered member of the OPPI (Ontario Professional Planners Institute) and CIP (Canadian Institute of Planners). Ms. Sharma's field of interest and expertise is in strategic environmental planning and management.
Chandra is currently working as a Watershed Specialist with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). In her current role at the TRCA, Chandra provides leadership to watershed staff and community-based task forces for the effective implementation of Watershed Plan and TRCA’s Living City Program. She has also been instrumental in leading several key strategic climate change initiatives for TRCA. Chandra has also been actively involved as a volunteer with the OPPI and CIP. Recently, Chandra also participated in the development of CIP’s Climate Change Policy paper. In addition to her work with the CIP and OPPI, Chandra has also been a member of the Ontario Nature Board of Directors for 5 years including one year as Vice-President.
Managing Water for All Uses: The Business PerspectiveSince graduating from the College of Engineering at the University of New Brunswick (Fredericton) in 1981, the presenter has been employed by Agriculture and Agri Food Canada in a variety of technical roles related to the development of water supplies for individuals, groups and communities for rural and agricultural projects across Canada.
While common in many intensive agricultural areas, organizing as self-directed groups to access water for agricultural purposes has not been a common alternative in Eastern Canada. In developing a producer-owned irrigation water delivery system which will supply water drawn from Lake Erie to approximately 2000 ha of field crops in Essex County, the farmers, project technical team and consultants addressed a number of technical and regulatory issues related to environmental performance and compliance as the project moved from concept to construction.
Shannon Denny began her career with Coca-Cola Bottling Company (CCB) in June 2000. In her current role, Ms. Denny is responsible for leading internal strategic communications priorities, and working to enhance the company’s image and reputation by strengthening relationships and effectively communicating with governments, the media and community stakeholders.
Additionally, Ms. Denny is a Director-at-large on the Governing Council for the Brampton Board of Trade and is the Board’s representative on the Brampton Clean City Committee where she initiated the annual Brampton Clean & Green Corporate Challenge.
As a graduate of the University of Waterloo, Bryan has worked on Peel’s Water Efficiency Team for 4 years running. Bryan has worked on such programs as Peel’s multi family retrofit project, the toilet replacement program, and most recently the indoor & outdoor water audit programs.
Outlining the Region of Peel’s roles in water quality and conservation efforts as they relate to businesses. Peel actively maintains high water & wastewater standards and runs numerous conservation programs specifically geared towards businesses.
Ecosystem Services: From Valuing to ConservingAmy Handyside is Senior Planner with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources’ Southern Region. She has worked on the development of the Greenbelt Plan, the Natural Spaces Program and with Ontario’s Biodiversity Council. Ms. Handyside holds a Master’s degree in Ecological Economics from York University and has previously worked in community economic development in Toronto.
This presentation will explore the economic value of intact natural areas and outline how valuation and modeling tools may be used in decision making about development or conservation. It will also explore the extent to which these values are ‘real’… given that there is no such thing as a ‘wetland shop’.
Transforming Corporate Greed to Corporate GreenDr. Ingrid Leman Stefanovic is Director of the Centre for Environment and Professor of Philosophy at the University of Toronto. Her research interests relate to how taken for granted values and perceptions affect environmental decision making. Highly successful international workshops and certificate programs in Environmental Finance and Carbon Finance have been developed under her guidance at UofT. A recipient of the Dean’s Excellence Award in Scholarship and Teaching, publications cover themes ranging from codes of ethics in provincial parks, to children’s perceptions of urban nature. A recent book is entitled "Safeguarding Our Common Future: Rethinking Sustainable Development."
While businesses increasingly integrate issues of corporate social responsibility into their management strategies, this session discusses how such strategies can be better informed by environmental ethics.
Robyn Hall is the Communications Manager for Canadian Business for Social Responsibility, a non-profit learning organization and business network focussed on environmental, social and economic solutions for Canadian companies. Prior to joining CBSR, she spent several years in the co-operative sector in communications roles at the Ontario-based credit union Alterna Savings. Robyn has a strong interest in CSR and part of her role at Alterna included community investment and other CSR activities. She previously worked for Greenest City, a Toronto environmental organization, and the West Coast Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund in Vancouver.
Transformational companies are thriving in today’s challenging environment by making social and environmental considerations central to their business strategy. How are they doing it, and how does the economic downturn provide a crucial opportunity for change?
Kevin Brady is a partner, and Director of Strategic Sustainability Services, at Five Winds International a leading sustainability management consultancy with offices in Canada, the US and Europe. He has over twenty years experience advising corporations, industry associations, governments and non-governmental organizations on the integration of environmental, social and broader based cost considerations into their strategy, policies and decision-making processes. Kevin is the author or co-author of numerous reports and books including; Mapping the Journey: Strategies and Action toward sustainable development and Eco-efficiency: Global challenges and opportunities in the 21st Century. He is a member of the CSA’s Standards Policy Board and a guest lecturer at the Sustainability Enterprise Academy.
The presentation will address corporate sustainability trends, drivers, strategy and implementation and the distinguishing characteristics of leading companies.
The Lake ViewMichael has a degree in Political Science from Wilfrid Laurier University and a post graduate diploma in Ecotourism Management from Fleming College. He has worked as a tour manager and facilitator for watershed ecology study trips and field schools in Belize, a wilderness guide in northern Ontario and a program coordinator with Peterborough Green-Up. Currently, Michael is the coordinator for the Lakeland Alliance where he facilitates the delivery of a region-wide shoreline owner outreach program.
Michael will discuss the history and the structure of the Lakeland Alliance as a unique regional collaborative. He will also outline its successes and challenges in reaching out to and educating cottagers about the importance of natural shorelines, septic systems, invasive species, pollution prevention and habitat enhancement.
Tracey holds a degree in Environment and Resource Studies with a minor in Environmental Law from the University of Waterloo. She has worked in the natural resources field in Northern Ontario for over ten years, specifically working with the Forest Industry to promote forestry education, implementing a Great Lakes Coastal Wetland Project for Ducks Unlimited Canada, and has lead the implementation of a recycling program for an unincorporated area north of Sault Ste. Marie. Most recently Tracey has taken on the task of establishing a Stewardship Council in the Sault Ste. Marie District for the MNR’s Ontario Stewardship Program. Tracey was born and raised in Northern Ontario and now lives on the North Shore of Lake Huron in Thessalon with her husband and two young children.
Lakes in the Central Algoma area are being threatened by Blue-Green Algae and Eurasian Watermilfoil. A volunteer group, the Central Algoma Freshwater Coalition has been formed to face these issues head-on and find a solution.
Annabel Slaight is co-founder of Owl , Chickadee, Chirp magazines for children, Owl Books and Owl Television. Now retired and living on Lake Simcoe, she is co-founder of the Ladies of the Lake, an innovative organization combining art and research to raise awareness of, and participation in Lake Simcoe’s return to health. The group's current focus is youth, and the major project for 2009 is the "We Are Saving The Environment" (W.A.S.T.E .) Film Project with the participation of 64 youth in the Lake Simcoe watershed. Mrs. Slaight is also Chair of the Shaw Rocket Fund which invests $12 million annually in children’s and youth television production.
Maria-Crystal Melo, born in Toronto and presently living in Barrie, Ontario attending Innisdale Secondary School, was the director of the film 'Lake of Memoirs' within the W.A.S.T.E. Film Project. She was also the Assistant Executive Producer for "Deep" a CD produced and performed by Mario Melo, which placed on the Official Ballot for the 2009 Grammy Awards under six categories. As an Assistant Personal Manager, she actively works on promotions and marketing campaigns.
This summer 64 teens from around the Lake Simcoe watershed attended a film school in a solar powered mobile studio. The project, named by teens, was called W.A.S.T.E. (We are Saving the Environment) and it helped the teens make 16 short films exploring the physical, economic, cultural, and social influences that affect Lake Simcoe, our water, and our future. The young film makers' challenge was to make films that would move us to question what kind of future we want for ourselves and generations to come. In the fall, the impact of the school was expanded through a Film Festival gala, film makers workshops in schools, a conference and a powerful online component at www.wastefilms.ca. W.A.S.T.E. is a vitally different way of involving youth. How well did it work? Two views--one from the co-creator of the film project idea, the other from a student film maker participant.
GeoSpatial Technology Developments Supporting Watershed Based Decision MakingAndy brings with him a unique experience profile developed from a broad range of environmental projects with the MOE. He is a past director with the Federation of Ontario Cottagers Association, founder of the Lake Partner Program, and he has been a member of several Remedial Action Plan teams. He conducted many lake restoration experiments as Inland Lake Specialist with the Environmental Monitoring and Reporting Branch. In strategic roles with the Investigations and Enforcement Branch and the Environmental SWAT Team he helped pioneer the development of risk assessment tools for compliance program delivery, industrial sector profiling and diagnostics. Andy is currently the IM/IT coordinator at the Source Protection Programs Branch.
The Assessment Report Database has been conceived to provide a centralized data repository reflective of over 350 databases, utilized by all 38 Source Protection Authorities in the creation of their individual reports. Through partnership enhancements with several provincial Ministry's, individual program delivery Sections and Conservation Ontario, the Assessment Report Geodatabase has the potential to become a powerful reporting tool. It will offer policy professionals with authoritative data to support broad provincial initiatives. Scalable in design, it has the potential to provide government and independent researchers with unique "discovery" opportunities related to Source Water Protection Reporting and Planning in such diverse disciplines such as climate change modeling and trend assessment.
With a BA in Geography from York University and post graduate certificate in GIS from Fleming College, Monique has worked in the field of Information Management for 10 years. Her experience includes duties in GIS, Cartography, Web Development, and more recently in the field of architecture including Data Analysis, Business Process Analysis and Enterprise Architecture. Monique has worked with various business areas within MNR and the Land and Resources Cluster including Ontario Parks, Lands and Waters Branch and GIS Data Services and the Water Resources Information Program.
The mandate of the Water Resources Information Program (WRIP) is to improve the quality and information management of numerous datasets related to water, either directly, or by collaborating with partners. These datasets include the Provincial Borehole class, watershed boundaries, bathymetry data, source protection boundaries, digital elevation models in Ontario, and ArcHydro data. This presentation provides an overview of several priority initiatives including Bathymetry, Hydrographic Data Strategy Implementation and the Borehole data class. The review will include key objectives, current activities, future implications and immediate challenges.”
I am a senior aquatic ecologist in the Fish and Wildlife Branch of the Ministry of Natural Resources in Peterborough, Ontario. My main focus is on fisheries monitoring and assessment, and management of fisheries information derived from surveys. Prior to holding this position, I have worked as a biologist for other branches of MNR, other government agencies and the private sector.
I received a degree in Environmental Science from the University of Toronto in 1984, a Masters of Science Degree from Lakehead University in 1987 and Bachelor of Education Degree from the University of Toronto in 1989.
The Fish Web Collaborative (FWC) is a multi-agency initiative to standardize and synchronize the collection, storage, and distribution of fish species distribution data in the Province of Ontario. The presentation will focus on the Phase 1 results of the Fish Web Collaborative.
Tools of the Trade: The Web 2.0 University
When Google wanted to explain online marketing to the top brands in the world (including Wal-Mart, Costco, Sears and Sephora), they brought Mitch Joel to the Googleplex in Mountain View, California. Marketing Magazine dubbed him the “Rock Star of Digital Marketing” and in 2006, he was named one of the most influential authorities on Blog Marketing in the world. Mitch Joel is President of Twist Image – an award-winning Digital Marketing agency. He is a marketing and communications visionary, interactive expert, community leader, Blogger and Podcaster. He is also a passionate entrepreneur and speaker who connects with people worldwide by sharing his marketing insights on digital marketing and personal branding. In 2008, Mitch was also named Canada’s Most Influential Male in Social Media and one of the top 100 online marketers in the world.
Joel is a Board Member for the Canadian Marketing Association, an executive for the National Advertising Benevolent Society of Quebec and an instructor of the CMA eMarketing professional certificate course. He is also a former Board Member of the Interactive Advertising Bureau of Canada.
Joel speaks frequently to diverse groups like Starbucks, Microsoft, Unilever, Proctor and Gamble, The Power Within and has shared the stage with former President of the United States, Bill Clinton, Anthony Robbins and Dr. Phil.
He co-launched Distort Entertainment, the only hard music label in Canada to have major label distribution (Universal Music) and whose roster features the platinum-plus, Juno Award and MuchMusic Video Award-winning acts, Alexisonfire and City And Colour.
Joel is frequently called upon to be a subject matter expert for CTV National News, Canada AM, CBC Newsworld, Marketing Magazine, Strategy, The Globe & Mail, The National Post and many other media outlets. His first book, Six Pixels of Separation, will be released in the Fall of 2009 on Grand Central Publishing – formerly Time Warner Books, and his newspaper business column, New Business – Six Pixels of Separation, runs bi-monthly in both The Montreal Gazette and Vancouver Sun.
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