Councillor Rowena Santos proudly marks six years of dedicated service on the Board of Directors of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). As an environmental advocate and representative for Brampton, Councillor Santos has been instrumental in advancing numerous conservation and naturalization projects that enhance the city’s ecological health and community well-being.
Reflecting on her tenure, Councillor Santos stated, “It is an honour to serve six years on the TRCA Board of Directors. As an environmental advocate and representative from Brampton, we have important waterways, catch basins, wetlands, trails, forests, and naturalization projects like the Etobicoke Creek Trail, Riverwalk, Loafers Lake, Heart Lake, Claireville, naturalization of the Jordan Jefferson Jayfield channel, Bike the Creek, and more. I love working with fellow councillors like Chair Paul Ainslie and the amazing staff like CEO John MacKenzie. Thank you for this recognition. It’s truly an honour to serve alongside all of you!”
Key Initiatives and Contributions:
- Etobicoke Creek Trail: Enhancing recreational opportunities and promoting active transportation through the development and maintenance of scenic trails along Etobicoke Creek.
- Riverwalk Project: Collaborating with TRCA and the City of Brampton to implement the Downtown Brampton Flood Protection Project, aiming to mitigate flood risks and revitalize the downtown core.
- Loafers Lake and Heart Lake Conservation Areas: Preserving and improving these vital green spaces to support biodiversity, provide recreational activities, and offer educational programs for residents.
- Claireville Conservation Area: Supporting the conservation of one of the largest natural areas in the region, offering habitat protection and passive recreational opportunities.
- Naturalization of the Jordan Jefferson Jayfield Channel: Implementing ecological restoration projects to improve water quality, enhance aquatic habitats, and increase resilience to climate change.
- Bike the Creek: Promoting sustainable transportation and community engagement through annual cycling events that highlight Brampton’s natural and cultural heritage.
Throughout her service, Councillor Santos has worked closely with TRCA Chair Paul Ainslie and CEO John MacKenzie, as well as fellow board members and staff, to advance these initiatives. Her efforts have been pivotal in fostering partnerships and securing investments that benefit both the environment and the residents of Brampton.
The TRCA, established in 1957, plays a crucial role in protecting the region’s natural environment and safeguarding communities from flooding and extreme weather events. Through science-based approaches and collaborative efforts, the TRCA provides programs and services that promote public health and safety, contributing to the sustainable development of the Greater Toronto Area.
Councillor Santos’s six-year tenure on the TRCA Board underscores her unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable urban development. Her leadership continues to inspire initiatives that balance ecological preservation with the growth and prosperity of Brampton.