In its role as sole shareholder of the Northumberland County Housing Corporation, county council today approved the appointment of two new citizen members to the NCHC Board of Directors.
“County council is pleased to approve two new members for the NCHC Board of Directors,” Warden Bob Crate stated in the announcement.
“These individuals have valuable skills, experiences and professional backgrounds that will prove to be a great benefit to the board, as the NCHC continues to explore and identify opportunities to increase the local affordable housing supply and meet the complex and evolving needs of the community.”
The board is comprised of county council representatives, Chief Administrative Officer Jennifer Moore and citizen directors, overseeing operations related to the NCHC’s portfolio of more than 350 rent-geared-to-income and affordable rental units across Northumberland County.
With council’s approval now confirmed, Cathy Borowec and Steve Gilchrist will receive formal appointment to the board at its 2022 Annual General Meeting in May.
As Chief Executive Officer for Habitat for Humanity Kingston Limestone Region, and as a long-time member and former Chair of the Northumberland Affordable Housing Committee, Borowec has extensive experience with affordable-housing matters. In addition to her current role as CEO of Habitat for Humanity in Kingston, Cathy also worked for the national Habitat Canada office for 10 years, supporting the operations and growth of all local Habitat for Humanity organizations across Canada. She is passionate about the role that safe and affordable housing plays in our lives and in our community.
Gilchrist also brings valuable skill sets to the board, including a professional background in business, valuable experience in politics, and a passion for environmental activism. He served as MPP for Scarborough-East for eight years, during which time he held a variety of posts including Co-Chair of the Red Tape Commission, Commissioner of Alternative Energy, and Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Since retiring from politics, Gilchrist has been active in the design and implementation of renewable-energy and clean-water generation projects in developing countries.
“There is immense value in being able to leverage unique knowledge, experience and skill sets from members of our board to help us improve our strategic planning and operations,“ NCHC Board Chair Gil Brocanier observed.
“On behalf of the board of directors, we extend a warm welcome to Cathy and Steve, and we look forward to the valuable skills and perspectives they will bring to the team as we continue to work with county council and staff to foster a safer and more inclusive community for all.”