March 11, 2015
The City of Toronto has appointed nine citizens for the second term of the Riverdale Farm Stewardship Group (RFSG). Established in 2013, the RFSG works closely with the local councillor, City staff and Riverdale Farm's numerous stakeholders, partners and members of the public to create partnerships that inform, educate and increase public awareness of the role farms play in our lives – now and for future generations.
"We have brought together a highly energetic and diverse group of residents with a broad scope of backgrounds and expertise,” said Deputy Mayor McConnell (Ward 28 Toronto Centre-Rosedale). “Their dedication and enthusiasm for this iconic Toronto facility will help ensure that it continues to be an educational hub and a destination site for tourists and residents from across the city."
"I want to welcome the new members and thank them for sharing their time and expertise," said Councillor Michelle Berardinetti (Ward 35 Scarborough Southwest), Chair of the Parks and Environment Committee. "Riverdale Farm plays an important role in the community and the city. It is a place where people can learn and connect with animals, one another and history."
The goal of the RFSG is to secure a stable and sustainable funding base to offset the operating costs of Riverdale Farm and ensure that existing service levels are maintained or enhanced, while remaining accessible to the public.
The nine members appointed to the Riverdale Farm Stewardship Group for its second term are:
• Mischa Hamara: Seed by Seed co-founder who has dedicated his life to educating youth about social justice issues and engaging them in local and global movements.
• Anne Pastuszak: Active volunteer and resident of Cabbagetown, research scientist and Director of Planning and Research at Canada Health Infoway.
• Céline Rouzaud: Communications and public relations professional with over seven years of experience in the consumer lifestyle, travel and tourism, beauty and technology sectors.
• George Rust-D'Eye: Resident of Cabbagetown for over 40 years, municipal lawyer, Certified Specialist in Municipal Law and co-author of four books on Municipal Law in Ontario.
• Allison Sandmeyer-Graves: Non-profit leader with a wealth of experience gained over almost a decade as a director with Free The Children.
• Robyn Stewart: Education and Outreach Coordinator at LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests), has a Master of Science degree in Education from Cornell University with research focused on educational farms.
• Tiffany Sun-Krebel: Riverdale community member and third-year business student at Ryerson University.
• Christine Wilby: Seasoned marketing professional with over 20 years of experience in multiple marketing disciplines, including broadcast, digital and social media.
• Silvia Yee: Marketing professional who loves connecting with people and promoting community engagement.
In addition to welcoming the new members, the City and local councillor Pam McConnell would like to thank the stewardship group's outgoing members for their invaluable contributions.
Riverdale Farm is situated on 7.5 acres in the heart of downtown Toronto and is maintained by the City’s Parks, Forestry and Recreation Division. Open year-round, the farm sits in a natural setting on the slopes of the Don Valley and is home to some rare breed animals consistent with a 19th century Ontario farm. Known as an oasis in the city, the farm offers a tranquil setting for Torontonians and tourists to meet, interact with nature and educate children about farming and food issues.
More information about the Riverdale Farm Stewardship Group and its members is available at
http://bit.ly/1zFzf29.
Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit
http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.
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