Nine stewards added to Riverdale Farm group

Siobhan Geary —

On March 11, the City of Toronto announced the appointment of a new nine-member Riverdale Farm Stewardship Group, following the expiry of the term of the first Stewardship group’s two-year term. The Group was established as a mechanism for stakeholder outreach and fundraising in the wake of a campaign to save the Farm from closure as a cost-cutting measure.

The Stewardship Group for 2015-2017 includes two members of the previous one, Cabbagetowners municipal lawyer George Rust-D’Eye and health sciences researcher Anne Pastuzsak, who was chair of the 2013-2015  group.

As defined by its terms of reference, 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.

In addition to Pastuzsak and Rust-D’Eye, the seven new members appointed March 11 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.
• Céline Rouzaud: Communications and public relations professional with over seven years of experience in the consumer lifestyle, travel and tourism, beauty and technology sectors.
• 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.

“We have brought together a highly energetic and diverse group of residents with a broad scope of backgrounds and expertise,” said Deputy Mayor  and Ward 28 Councillor Pam McConnell. “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.”

The new Group will hold its first meeting April 1, when a Chair will be chosen.

More information about the Riverdale Farm Stewardship Group and its members is available on the City website at http://bit.ly/1zFzf29.