Term 2: 2006-2010

Intelligent Waterloo - 2007

As one of the originators of the "Intelligent Community" movement in Waterloo, Mark continues on as chair of the committee.  They seek to capitalize on the global recognition brought to the city by being chosen the global "2007 Intelligent Community". Local employers and universities have stated that being recognized as the "Intelligent Community" is one of the most successful economic development exercises that Waterloo has ever undertaken.  It has helped job creation and economic development in the broadband economy in Waterloo.

10,000 TREES PROJECT

Mark is the founder of the 10,000 Trees Project, a national and international award winning organization whose mission was to plant 10,000 trees in Waterloo, on public lands, at no cost to the taxpayer. In 2008 the organization commemorated reaching their goal by planting their 10,000th tree, a four metre tall Autumn Flame Maple, in a special location near the entrance to city hall.   Even though they have reached their goal, along with their partners, they continue to grow the tree canopy in Waterloo which has a positive environmental and economic impact on our city.

June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for Volunteerism in Ontario - 2009

Ontario’s highest award in honour of superlative voluntary contribution to the quality of life in his community, Mark was presented the award by the Minister of Culture at a gala reception in Toronto.  He was chosen among the 20 recipients from across the province to be the spokesperson for all volunteers.  In his remarks to the minister and audience Mark commented on the privilege of community service and how volunteerism gives back in equal measure to the giving.

(This picture was taken in 2006, when Mark and June Callwood were both awarded the "Urban Leadership Award".  Since her passing, the Outstanding Achievement Award for Volunteerism In Ontario is given in her name.)

Honourary Member of the 31st Combat Engineer Regiment

On  September 12,  2009 the 31st Combat Engineering Regiment known as the Elgins, along with the local 48th Engineering Squadron were given the "Freedom of The City" honour bestowed upon them by the City of Waterloo.  At a gala dinner following the ceremony in the Public Square  Councillor Mark Whaley was given the special sappers coin designated him as an Honourary Member of the Regiment. 

Mark views his second term as one of opportunity to mature into the role as an elected representative and to be a guide for others who aspire to leadership.

Term 1: 2003-2006

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY

TOP 7 INTELLIGENT COMMUNITY

Mark has been the originator and driving force behind Waterloo as one of the world’s most Intelligent Communities. The Intelligent Community Forum is an international think tank that focuses on job creation and economic development in the broadband economy.

Waterloo competes for ‘knowledge workers’ on a global basis.  For the city to continue to compete on a world scale such programs are integral to sustaining business and employment opportunities.

WIFI PIONEER

Mark continues to be the leading advocate for expanding WIFI across the community.  He believes remaining on the cutting edge of new technologies will give Waterloo the competitive advantage in business, government and personal success in the 21^st century.

WIFI is a term that is used to describe a wireless system enabling people to log onto the internet and receive emails on the move.  Later this year, Waterloo will be one of the first cities in the world to have completely wireless internet access anywhere.  As this network expands it will allow emergency workers, city service staff, students, businesses, visitors and citizens to tap in to the world wide web for a host of emergency, business, educational and social applications.

FOUNDER 10,000 TREES PROJECT

Mark is the founder of the 10,000 Trees Project, a national and international award winning organization whose mission is to plant 10,000 trees in Waterloo, on public lands, at no cost to the taxpayer. Since the year 2000 his organization is well on the way to achieving its goal. 

This year Mark received the Canadian Urban Leadership Award in recognition of his visionary work that has had a profound impact on the air and water quality in Waterloo and is a template for other communities to follow.  He continues to advocate on behalf of environmental issues in Waterloo and in Canada.

LIVCOM AWARDS

Even before he was elected, Mark promoted Waterloo on the world stage as the Chairman of its three bids in the International Awards for Liveable Communities where Waterloo received two silvers and a gold award as one of the world’s most liveable communities.

The LivCom Awards were launched in 1997 and are endorsed by the United Nations Environment Programme. LivCom is the world’s only Awards Competition focusing on Best Practice regarding the management of the local environment. At the competition, International Best Practices may be observed and developed, inevitably leading to mutual technical advances and more effective use of resources, including finance and the creation of ‘liveable communities’.

CITY CENTRE GREEN ROOF

Mark is a member of the team of experts who worked to put a green roof on city hall in Waterloo, the first municipal building in Canada to do so.  Fundraising for the project resulted in no extra cost to taxpayers for a roof that will save money on energy costs, provide extra oxygen and moisture to the atmosphere and have a useable lifespan that is twice that of a traditional roof.  Mark believes that Waterloo’s ‘environment first’ policy should be more than just words.

VETERANS GREEN / MILITARY LEAVE

Mark has worked to bring recognition to Canada’s military, both past and present.

He has worked closely with the Canadian Forces Liaison Council to ensure that members of Canada’s Armed Forces Reserves who work for area governments, universities and school boards are protected in terms of job security, pensions and benefits while they are serving their tour of duty.