2024 Board of Directors
The 2024 CWNA board is a group of dedicated volunteers who live and work in the Church Wellesley Village. The Board meets via Zoom on the morning of the second or third Saturday of each month. Church Wellesley community members may attend or present at these meetings.
Donald Altman
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.
Luben Blagoev
With over a decade of residency and more than 18 years of connection to the Church and Wellesley neighborhood, I have been a dedicated witness to the evolution and vibrancy of this exceptional part of the city. My deep-rooted love for our community has driven my commitment to fostering an environment where all residents can thrive.
Throughout my years here, I've cherished the dynamic spirit and unique character that make Church and Wellesley so special. However, I have also observed signs of deterioration that threaten the very essence of our neighborhood. It is this concern that has propelled me to take an active role in our community association. I believe that by coming together, we can address these challenges head-on and ensure our neighborhood remains a lively and engaging place.
My mission is to inspire and engage our neighbors in collective action, harnessing our shared passion for positive change. Together, we can preserve and enhance the qualities that make Church and Wellesley a vibrant and dynamic community for all. Join me in this journey to safeguard and uplift our beloved neighborhood.
Throughout my years here, I've cherished the dynamic spirit and unique character that make Church and Wellesley so special. However, I have also observed signs of deterioration that threaten the very essence of our neighborhood. It is this concern that has propelled me to take an active role in our community association. I believe that by coming together, we can address these challenges head-on and ensure our neighborhood remains a lively and engaging place.
My mission is to inspire and engage our neighbors in collective action, harnessing our shared passion for positive change. Together, we can preserve and enhance the qualities that make Church and Wellesley a vibrant and dynamic community for all. Join me in this journey to safeguard and uplift our beloved neighborhood.
Matti Charlton
Madison Matti Charlton (best known as Matti Charlton) is a transgender and queer electronic pop musician, author, poet, and human rights/2SLGBTQIA+ activist based in Toronto, Canada. A life-long citizen of toronto, Madison is openly autistic, queer, and visibly transgender and has experienced the highs and lows of living in this diverse city: from homelessness and poverty to artistic success and community membership. Madison is an advocate for mental health issues and poverty, especially homelessness and addiction. They have written several books and articles on these topics, as well as on social issues and modern technology. Matti’s career has spanned a wide range of disciplines, from software development and art direction to fashion design, music production, and writing. They have published 12 albums of electronic pop music, most recently “Almost”, and their first fiction novel “Dendrome”. Matti also writes passionately about social issues and modern technology; most recently, with their book “Homelessness broke ChatGPT” casting a critical eye on the bias of the popular AI software. Matti has also written several children’s books and young adult novels. Matti created the first transgender-owned underwear company in the world, Retromatti Athletics, in 2014, manufacturing the entire line from their apartment in downtown Toronto. The company expanded to provide digital artwork to craft makers during COVID-19. Matti is often seen around town with their service dog, Quentin, who often sits on their shoulder. Matti hopes to use their voice and vision to make Toronto a better place for everyone. They are a member of the Church Wellesley Neighborhood Association’s Board of Directors, representing the interests and needs of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Wasim Ghani
I am a long-time resident of the Church-Wellesley neighborhood, living in a heritage
apartment building.
I greatly value the area's unique culture: The neighborhood's diverse and inclusive
atmosphere is mainly due to its residents who occupy older houses and apartment buildings.
Unfortunately, many old buildings are being demolished by real estate developers who
construct expensive condo towers on the sites. The new condos are unaffordable for many
residents who sustain the neighborhood's distinct way of life. The exit of such residents from
the area may change the very character of Church-Wellesley village. We must resist the
destruction of old housing structures so that long-standing residents can continue to live in
the area and maintain its singular character. My involvement with CWNA's Development
Committee and, Placemaking Committee will enable me to work for the preservation of the
material and cultural heritage of Church-Wellesley village.
I am also a member of 230 Fight Back, an organization resisting the construction of a luxury
condo tower in the Sherbourne-Dundas area.
I have taught at the Toronto Metropolitan University from where I earned a master's degree
in communication and culture and PhD (ABD) in the same program. In a previous existence, I
worked for a UNDP/ILO skill development organization, and for a multinational company.
apartment building.
I greatly value the area's unique culture: The neighborhood's diverse and inclusive
atmosphere is mainly due to its residents who occupy older houses and apartment buildings.
Unfortunately, many old buildings are being demolished by real estate developers who
construct expensive condo towers on the sites. The new condos are unaffordable for many
residents who sustain the neighborhood's distinct way of life. The exit of such residents from
the area may change the very character of Church-Wellesley village. We must resist the
destruction of old housing structures so that long-standing residents can continue to live in
the area and maintain its singular character. My involvement with CWNA's Development
Committee and, Placemaking Committee will enable me to work for the preservation of the
material and cultural heritage of Church-Wellesley village.
I am also a member of 230 Fight Back, an organization resisting the construction of a luxury
condo tower in the Sherbourne-Dundas area.
I have taught at the Toronto Metropolitan University from where I earned a master's degree
in communication and culture and PhD (ABD) in the same program. In a previous existence, I
worked for a UNDP/ILO skill development organization, and for a multinational company.
Neil Gibb
I’ve lived in this neighbourhood since the early 90s, on Homewood, now on Alexander. Safety issues on Homewood including harassment and a double murder, galvanized my community involvement. On moving to Alexander St, I joined CWNA, learned from our submissions at OLT; condos at 72 Carlton, 411 Church, and AirBNB bylaw challenges. My apartment building formed a tenants committee to mediate an AGI; I helped argue successfully for a reduction.
My experience with CWNA has led me to look for solutions on the financialization of housing and removals of rental regulation, with FOSTRA’s affordable housing committee. I’ve just completed the FMTA’s excellent Tenants Rights Workshops. I have also recently attended other seminars, UofT’s School of Cities, and the Interior Design Show, with excellent seminars on affordable and green housing. Lucky to have extensive work experience maintaining, painting, and photographing downtown condos, both management company rentals and AirBNB, enabling an inside look at those markets. I continue researching potential and realistic affordable housing goals., and how to get our government to regulate fairly for us all.
Our little village exists in a world of big issues. Think of this, it costs us as taxpayers 2x 3x more to keep people unhoused than it does to house them! The 'market' isn't working, except to ignore the problem and have us all pay too much to solve it. Housing is key, how can you, reading this, help CWNA with your experience?
My experience with CWNA has led me to look for solutions on the financialization of housing and removals of rental regulation, with FOSTRA’s affordable housing committee. I’ve just completed the FMTA’s excellent Tenants Rights Workshops. I have also recently attended other seminars, UofT’s School of Cities, and the Interior Design Show, with excellent seminars on affordable and green housing. Lucky to have extensive work experience maintaining, painting, and photographing downtown condos, both management company rentals and AirBNB, enabling an inside look at those markets. I continue researching potential and realistic affordable housing goals., and how to get our government to regulate fairly for us all.
Our little village exists in a world of big issues. Think of this, it costs us as taxpayers 2x 3x more to keep people unhoused than it does to house them! The 'market' isn't working, except to ignore the problem and have us all pay too much to solve it. Housing is key, how can you, reading this, help CWNA with your experience?
Connie Langille
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.
Scott Morrison
Scott has been a longtime resident in the Church Wellesley neighbourhood and has witnessed its evolution firsthand. Through his years of residency, Scott has seen both the vibrancy and challenges that have shaped the Church Wellesley Neighbourhood. Understanding some of the intricate dynamics of the community and recognizes the need for community, revitalization and positive change.
Armed with a vision for a more inclusive, thriving, and vibrant neighbourhood, Scott has joined the CWNA to harness the collective strength of the neighbourhood to address issues such as urban decay, safety concerns and economic revitalization, tempering big development while understanding the need for growth and change.
Scott endeavours to be a catalyst for positive change, striving to create a brighter future for the Neighbourhood and all who call it home.
Armed with a vision for a more inclusive, thriving, and vibrant neighbourhood, Scott has joined the CWNA to harness the collective strength of the neighbourhood to address issues such as urban decay, safety concerns and economic revitalization, tempering big development while understanding the need for growth and change.
Scott endeavours to be a catalyst for positive change, striving to create a brighter future for the Neighbourhood and all who call it home.
Phil Parsons
Phil is an out and proud resident of the Church and Wellesley neighbourhood for over 30 years. Currently retired from the House of Commons of Canada.
Phil Graduated from Canadore Collage in North Bay, completing the three years Hotel, Resort Restaurant Management program. His first career was over 20 years in various restaurant senior management positions in Canada, Australia and England. He has gained strong skills such as customer service, hospitality, co-ordinating events and treating all customers and staff with respect and dignity.
His second career was the Toronto Assistant to two former federal Ministers and one Member of Parliament. He specialized in assisting constituents with complex Citizenship and Immigration cases and worked directly with various federal Ministries. He represented the Members of Parliament with various community groups and organizations and at meetings. He is experienced in planning events, meetings and community gatherings. He was a diplomatic respectful and professional liaison with federal Ministries and departments.
“I have loved our village since the day I first sat on the steps of the old second cup and watched as many diverse and fabulous folks strolled by. As our community goes through various societal issues and changes, I will strive to be a voice of reason and understanding while advocating for a safe and welcoming Village.”
Phil Graduated from Canadore Collage in North Bay, completing the three years Hotel, Resort Restaurant Management program. His first career was over 20 years in various restaurant senior management positions in Canada, Australia and England. He has gained strong skills such as customer service, hospitality, co-ordinating events and treating all customers and staff with respect and dignity.
His second career was the Toronto Assistant to two former federal Ministers and one Member of Parliament. He specialized in assisting constituents with complex Citizenship and Immigration cases and worked directly with various federal Ministries. He represented the Members of Parliament with various community groups and organizations and at meetings. He is experienced in planning events, meetings and community gatherings. He was a diplomatic respectful and professional liaison with federal Ministries and departments.
“I have loved our village since the day I first sat on the steps of the old second cup and watched as many diverse and fabulous folks strolled by. As our community goes through various societal issues and changes, I will strive to be a voice of reason and understanding while advocating for a safe and welcoming Village.”
Tara Schorr
Tara 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.