On November 7, Toronto and Region Conservation Foundation hosted the Living City Environmental Dinner, an annual fundraising event in support of the vital work done by Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA).
Drawing Foundation and TRCA board members, community and municipal partners, and valued stakeholders, the event featured speeches by Jennifer Innis, Chair of TRCA’s Board of Directors, John MacKenzie, CEO of TRCA, and the Honourable Jeff Yurek, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.
In celebration of the Foundation and TRCA’s shared vision for the Living City — where human settlement can flourish forever as part of nature’s beauty and diversity — the event also served to highlight the outstanding accomplishments of environmental leaders in the Toronto region. The following awards were given out as part of the event:
Living City Impact Awards
These awards recognize outstanding groups and individuals for initiatives that enrich communities in TRCA’s jurisdiction and help advance TRCA’s mandate.
Healthy Rivers and Shoreline Award – PortsToronto
PortsToronto has been instrumental in fostering strong, healthy, and sustainable communities. PortsToronto has been an important stakeholder in cleaning up the Toronto Islands after this year’s high Lake Ontario water level event, and organized the removal of over 15 tonnes of debris. PortsToronto also recently adopted a Seabin, an innovative floating device that will continuously collect debris along Toronto’s Lake Ontario shoreline.
Greenspace and Biodiversity Award – Toronto Water
Toronto Water‘s Downsview Dells Erosion Hazard Mitigation Project has benefited the Black Creek community by eliminating erosion hazards and creating a new trail that has increased active transportation and improved access to nature.
Sustainable Communities Award – York Region
York Region‘s Bayview Avenue Corridor Project is an outstanding example of using ecological design to improve mobility for drivers and pedestrians while protecting important habitat.
Business Excellence Award – CI Investments
CI Investments recently launched two new environmental investment funds that seek to achieve positive environmental and social outcomes. CI Investments also participated in five Look After Where You Live events offered by the Foundation.
Greenspace Legacy Donation Award – Rosemary Spiers
New this year, the Greenspace Legacy Donation Award was created to recognize greenspace donations. In 2019, Rosemary Spiers generously donated 1.27 hectares of greenspace to TRCA. A lifelong environmental champion, this year Ms. Spiers donated her property adjacent to the Altona Forest, adding significant forest to TRCA’s protected greenspace portfolio within the Petticoat Creek watershed. Ms. Spiers’ donation will not only expand the existing Altona Forest but also allows for important restoration work on the property.
Charles Sauriol Leadership Award
Awarded to an individual for their inspiring leadership and lasting contributions to the conservation sector, this year the Charles Sauriol Leadership Award was presented to Michael de Pencier.
A devoted lifelong conservationist, Mr. de Pencier invests in several environmental initiatives, and has developed numerous programs to create links between urban communities and conservation, and children and conservation. Currently, Mr. de Pencier is working on the Highway of Heroes tribute project, which will see two million trees planted adjacent to Highway 401 between Trenton and Toronto to honour the two million Canadians who have served in the armed forces.
About Toronto and Region Conservation Foundation
Toronto and Region Conservation Foundation contributes to TRCA’s success as an organization by serving as a vehicle for raising awareness and funds to support key TRCA and community projects that help people understand, protect, and celebrate natural and cultural heritage.
Since its establishment, the Foundation has raised more than $50 million to fund stewardship and environmental education programs like Look After Where You Live and Environmental Leaders of Tomorrow, as well as major community-building projects like The Meadoway and Bolton Camp.
Funds raised through the Foundation are also used to help restore important habitats such as those at Tommy Thompson Park and to protect heritage buildings at Black Creek Pioneer Village for the enjoyment and education of visitors.
Thank you to all of our supporters. For more information on the Living City Environmental Dinner and Toronto and Region Conservation Foundation, please visit foundation.trca.ca.
