1. WHERE DO YOU LIVE?

My family and I live on Creekside Drive in Ward 1 East Guelph

2.    HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN GUELPH?

My wife Katherine is from Owen Sound, I am from Kincardine, Ontario. We’ve lived/worked/schooled in the Tri-Cities/GTA corridor most of our adult lives. We chose Guelph as our home in the spring 2010 when we decided to start our family.

3.     WHAT EXPERIENCE DO YOU HAVE?

My formal education includes a B.Sc. from Trent University and a Masters degree in Environmental Science from the University of Toronto. I am a Senior Environmental Scientist (working in natural sciences and renewable power generation) and have over 25 years working experience in both the private and public sector. By design, my education and career have always focused on sustainable development and seeking innovative ways to resolve complex issues. This is further highlighted by some of my professional experience;

  •  Guest lecturer at Carleton University’s School of Environment on strategies for balancing environmental concerns with societal needs in Ontario;
  • Published author of industry leading environmental Best Management Practices (BMP) for the hydroelectric industry;
  • Contributor on multiple federal and provincial socio/economic studies on the impact of environmental legislation;
  • Served on numerous national and provincial recovery strategies for endangered wildlife in Canada;
  • Chair of Waterpower Canada’s national working group on Fisheries policy. A working group aimed at increasing industry compliance with federal environmental legislation;
  • Experienced in land use planning/development and watershed management planning;
  • Experience in over 50 provincial and federal Environmental Assessments across Canada in both the private and public sector
  • In 2013, delegated on behalf of the Canadian Electricity Association at a Federal House Environment Study in Ottawa on the development of a National Conservation Plan for Canada;
  • In 2014, delegated on behalf of the Canadian Electricity Association at a Federal Environment Minister’s Round Table in Ottawa on SARA (Species At Risk Act) implementation in Canada.
  • In 2016 and 2018, delegated on behalf of the Canadian Hydropower Association to the Federal House Committee on Fisheries and Oceans studying amendments to the Fisheries Act
  • In 2017, appointed to the Federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Species At Risk Advisory Committee (SARAC) for a 3 year term. 
  • Served as Vice Chair and Chair of the Infrastructure, Development and Enterprise Committee (IDE) for the City of Guelph for 8 years.
  • Served on the Downtown Guelph Business Association board of Directors from 2014-2020.

My professional career necessitates that I work with stakeholders from all viewpoints in order to balance the many social, economic and environmental aspects of complex issues. I am results driven; am energized by a challenge, and have a desire to serve my community.

Katherine and I are active members of our community.  In past years I’ve served as a volunteer at the Salvation Army men’s shelter in downtown Toronto. From 2019-2022 I also hosted a local on-line program produced by BNR Media Group entitled “Royal City Stories”.  A program highlighting short stories about the everyday heroes that make Guelph so special for everyone.  Katherine has also served as past Chair of the Board for Habitat for Humanity (Wellington/Dufferin/Guelph Chapter) as well as on the board of directors at Guelph Community Christian School (current).

On a more personal note, one of my most rewarding volunteer experiences as a Dad has been coaching both our boys (Luke and Marcus) through Guelph Minor Baseball since 2016.

4. HOW DO YOU COMMUNICATE WITH OTHERS IN DEBATES, ARE YOU ABLE TO PERSUADE OTHERS IN A DIPLOMATIC MANNER?

While I have my convictions (which I believe many share) I am also cognisant of the need for measured debate on council. This is a healthy way to express opinions and viewpoints across the city/political spectrum. And while a certain amount of conflict of opinion is healthy, I believe strategic, measured responses have greater impact. To this point, I have professional training in the seven elements of principled negotiation through my professional position. “Getting to Yes” and a “Positive No” are proven, successful strategies when debating, consensus building, and fostering working relationships.