Candidates for 2020 CWNA Board of Directors
Donald Altman
[3-year term] Donald Altman is a long-time active member of Church Isabella Residents Co-operative. He currently sits on the boards of Home Ownership Alternatives (funding arm of Options for Homes) and the Social Planning Toronto. In the past he has served as a director of the Co-operators Insurance Company, Alterna Savings and Credit Union, and the former Ontario Natural Food Co-op (warehouse for food co-ops) and has been active in various food and housing co-ops in Toronto
Donald is retired after a 35 year managerial career in City of Toronto Finance, where he worked on the City’s long term fiscal plan and the City Budget as well as City Planning where he was a policy planner responsible for assessment reform. He also taught urban & economic geography at Ryerson – 5 years full-time; 20 years part-time.
Don holds a Bachelor of Arts in Geography from the University of Toronto, Masters of Science in Geography from Northwestern University and is ABD from the Geography Department at Queens. Don is a graduate of the Credit Union Director Achievement Program. Don has received the Co-operative Lifetime Achievement Award from the Ontario Cooperative Association, the Gary Gillam Award for Social Responsibility from the Credit Union system and is an Honorary Lifetime Member of the Co-operative Housing Federation of Toronto.
Donald is retired after a 35 year managerial career in City of Toronto Finance, where he worked on the City’s long term fiscal plan and the City Budget as well as City Planning where he was a policy planner responsible for assessment reform. He also taught urban & economic geography at Ryerson – 5 years full-time; 20 years part-time.
Don holds a Bachelor of Arts in Geography from the University of Toronto, Masters of Science in Geography from Northwestern University and is ABD from the Geography Department at Queens. Don is a graduate of the Credit Union Director Achievement Program. Don has received the Co-operative Lifetime Achievement Award from the Ontario Cooperative Association, the Gary Gillam Award for Social Responsibility from the Credit Union system and is an Honorary Lifetime Member of the Co-operative Housing Federation of Toronto.
Paul Farrelly
[1-year term] Paul helped found the association after working with the adjacent Bay Cloverhill Community Association, with whom the CWNA shares a kilometer of long-neglected Yonge Street. Paul has been engaged in a variety of heritage campaigns and socio-cultural enterprises over the years.
Paul has had an active role on behalf of CWNA in planning studies and in the review of development applications and site plans through all phases of consultation and approval.
Paul was an active participant in the start up of the Church Wellesley Safety Network that engages the service providers and city agencies.
As he has already served two three year terms, as per the CWNA bylaws, Paul is standing again for another one-year term.
Paul has had an active role on behalf of CWNA in planning studies and in the review of development applications and site plans through all phases of consultation and approval.
Paul was an active participant in the start up of the Church Wellesley Safety Network that engages the service providers and city agencies.
As he has already served two three year terms, as per the CWNA bylaws, Paul is standing again for another one-year term.
Monica Forrester
- 2Spirit Trans Women of Colour
- Living and working the lbtq2s community (Church & Wellesley) for 22yrs
- 10yrs working at the 519 Church St Community Centre (Trans drop in/ Outreach) 99-2009’
- Sat on LGBTQ2S Police Liaison Committee for 4yr 2001-2005’ for the Church/Wellesley and Trans Community
- 2014 was award International Pride Award for my work and commitment in LGTQ2S community
- 2015 Person of the Year for the Inspire Awards, for contribution in the Trans Community
- 2015- 2016 Co Chair, Inspire Awards
- 2016-2018 Vice President of Board of Directors, 2Spirits of the 1st Nation agency
- 2018 awarded Community One, Steinert & Ferreiro Award for contribution and advocacy work in Trans, lgbtq2s community
- 2018, appointed the Police Internal Review for Missing Persons in LGBTQ2S Community
I love the diverse communities Church/Wellsley and see a vision of safety, growth and equity for all residences/businesses in the area.
I know with my personal attachment and professional experiences, that my knowledge and energy would help support the issues of the community and bring with others on the board an inclusive voice, ideas and vision to all people that live, work in the community.
Kyle Iannuzzi
[3-year term] I have been passionate about social justice and advocacy for as long as I can remember. That passion led me to governance and representation at a young age. In addition to working alongside politicians like Kristyn Wong-Tam, Kathleen Wynne and Olivia Chow to advocate for and create change, I've spent over 15 years in representative roles. As a young closeted queer adolescent growing up in the northwest corner of Toronto, Rexdale, I frequented the Village often. This community is where I formed a lot of my identity and found a place of safety. Living here as an adult, I understand the various systemic challenges that are facing the Church-Wellesley Neighbourhood. Serving on the board for the last 2 years I have contributed to the dialogue around safety and affordability. In my free time, I enjoy walks in and around our neighbourhood and visiting our waterfront. I have a keen passion for plants, and the environment and my professional background is in hospitality/tourism and film and television. I am an associate member of the Director’s Guild of Canada’s assistant director caucus. It is my hope to continue focusing on systemic changes for our community.
Christopher James
[3-year term] I first began living in The Village 20 years ago and until recently operated a lifestyle management company from home. If elected to the CWNA board of directors my focus will be on rebuilding that feeling of community that I believe is possible. Growth and development are inevitable, the real question is how we can ensure that the community is included in that growth.
Sam Katz
[3-year term] Sam Katz (He/Him) is the Director of Development and Communications at Fife House Foundation, the largest provider of supportive housing and support services for people living with HIV/AIDS in Toronto. Sam has over 13 years of fundraising and communications experience and received his Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation in 2019. He currently sits on the board of two non-profit organizations: Community One Foundation and the LGBT Giving Network. Sam is an animal lover, reader, gamer and enjoys traveling across the world.
I am interested in joining the Board of Directors of CWNA to make an impact on the neighbourhood in which I live and work! I think it is imperative during the ongoing pandemic to work towards a united village for all of its residents, free of stigma, discrimination, racism and hate. Now is the time for our community to work together towards a better future!
I am interested in joining the Board of Directors of CWNA to make an impact on the neighbourhood in which I live and work! I think it is imperative during the ongoing pandemic to work towards a united village for all of its residents, free of stigma, discrimination, racism and hate. Now is the time for our community to work together towards a better future!
Connie Langille
[1-year term] Connie has lived in the Church Wellesley neighbourhood for over 30 years and is proud to have raised her family in this vibrant community. Her interest in community advocacy was ignited when development threatened the historic buildings at Church and Gloucester. The push-back from local residents resulted in the proposal being withdrawn.
As Chair of the Placemaking Committee Connie believes the CWNA should address issues relevant to the whole of our diverse community, with the intention of creating public spaces that promote people's health, happiness and well being. As president Connie is honoured to represent a dedicated volunteer board and works to foster a greater compassion for community involvement.
As Chair of the Placemaking Committee Connie believes the CWNA should address issues relevant to the whole of our diverse community, with the intention of creating public spaces that promote people's health, happiness and well being. As president Connie is honoured to represent a dedicated volunteer board and works to foster a greater compassion for community involvement.
Buck Lem
[3-year term] I currently live at 100 Alexander Street for the pass 6 years, and am an active member of our unofficial tenant association that is fighting the AGI application. I am currently employed as an elevator mechanic and bring a great practical and physical knowledge.
Tara Schorr
[3-year term] Tara Schorr (she/her) is a mission-motivated fundraising and engagement professional with over 15 years of experience in the non-profit sector. Much of her career has been spent fostering lasting, impactful relationships with donors, volunteers, artists, hospital staff and other key stakeholders. Mission motivation extends to her personal life as well, as Tara enjoys participating in positive community building endeavours and has volunteered her time as a board member of the Church Wellesley Neighbourhood Association (CWNA), a member of Toronto Bi+ Network’s planning committee, on the screening committee of Inside Out Festival, with Pride Toronto, Out of the Cold and other important non-profit organizations. She currently sits on three CWNA committees that best align with her skills and interests: Safety, Placemaking and Membership/Communications.
Peter Small
[1-year term] Peter started his working life as a theatre actor, then turned to journalism. As a reporter and editor for a Toronto daily newspaper for 23 years, he covered education, criminal justice and city politics. He moved to the Church and Wellesley neighbourhood in 2018, and has come to cherish its unique character, which he believes must be nurtured and protected in the face of powerful economic pressures.