By Cecilia Nasmith

At last month's Port Hope and District Chamber of Commerce Mayor's Breakfast, Mayor Bob Sanderson stressed one of the municipality's major priorities – getting the Waterfront and Riverwalk Working Group started.

On Wednesday, the municipality issued a press release announcing the appointment of its first members, seven individuals who will form a vital citizen advisory committee established by (and responsible to) council for shaping the vision, objectives and design of a waterfront and riverwalk plan.

The group includes five residents and/or ratepayers of the municipality, one member of the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority and done member of the Parks, Recreation and Culture Advisory Committee.

The application process spanned several months in 2019. After a rigourous interview-and-selection process, appointees were approved by resolution for a two-year term commencing Feb. 4. The municipality provided the list, along with some relevant details.

George Kallonakis, a local entrepreneur and business owner, brings a background in marketing, promotion and social media, and a history of advocacy for environmental initiatives.

Roland Cave-Browne, a certified landscape designer, is Supervisor of Parks and Open Spaces with the City of Belleville.

Mark Vermeire is semi-retired, with a strong background in business and engineering project management.

Gary Bowen has more than 40 years' experience as an aquatic biologist studying water quality and aquatic communities across Canada and Latin America.

Dian Carlo is an experienced design artist and entrepreneur with a background in art-related architectural works for buildings and grounds.

Parks, Recreation and Culture Advisory Committee representative Faye Langmaid is Manager of Planning with the Municipality of Clarington and has extensive experience in planning and waterfront redevelopment.

GRCA representative Cory Harris is the agency's Watershed Services Co-ordinator and has a background in environmental engineering.

Additionally, municipal-staff resources dedicated to the group include members from the Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture and Community Development (as well as the mayor as an ex-officio member).

Sanderson said in the press release that he is pleased with the caliber of these appointees.

“We have individual with a high level of environmental expertise and experience in the fields of landscape and open-space planning, public education and community outreach, terrestrial and aquatic ecology, and hydrology,” he listed.

“The group is poised to roll up their sleeves and launch into this important community initiative.”

In accordance with the terms of the group, members will work to address three objectives over time.

Complete a review of the Consolidated Waterfront Master Plan and develop a revised plan inclusive of an implementation strategy.

Identify and recommend improvements to trails and recreational access to the Ganaraska River and Waterfront.

Identify potential investment opportunities and partnerships to encourage economic-development initiatives along the Ganaraska River and Waterfront.

The formation of this group aligns with the municipality's Strategic Plan priority for the enhancement and development of the Waterfront and Riverwalk. Their first meeting is scheduled to take place Feb. 11.

Council expresses its gratitude to all who applied for the committee, and for their continued support and passion for the community as a whole.