Urban Leadership

Award

Mark is a

2006 Canadian Urban Leadership Award recipient

presented by

the Canadian Urban Institute.  This national award recognizes "outstanding contributions to our civic public realm". 

The Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) is a

non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in urban areas across Canada and internationally.

More Awards & Recognition

► June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for Volunteerism

► First Recipient of Waterloo Award

► Stability Award

► AMO Effective Councillor Training Certificate

Term 2:  2006 - 2010

Ambassador Committee

The Ambassador Committee is a citizen led advisory body that was instituted in 2006 to advise Council on opportunities for outreach to share the Waterloo brand in the 1st world, 3rd world and within Canada.  It also maintains a decades old relationship with its sister city in Waterloo, Quebec which includes visits from each municipality on a regular basis.

KW Oktoberfest Advisory Committee

This   group of leaders in government, business, institutions and former board chairs provide ongoing support and guidance to the current Board of Directors of the areas largest annual cultural event. KW Oktoberfest ist Wunderbar!

Laurel Creek & Sanitary Trunk Sewer Task Force

As the elected representative on this committee which includes staff, consultants and citizens, the plan is to rehabilitate the sewage line and the creek corridor from Marshall St. to the pumping Station at University Ave. and the Expressway.  The committee will continue to meet and monitor the large project through conclusion in 2012.

Town & Gown Committee

Today the mandate of the City of Waterloo Town and Gown Committee is to “develop and enhance relationships, communications and policies among the universities, college, students, the City, police and the community.“ This mandate is fulfilled by addressing areas of common concern included but not limited to neighbourhood development, health and safety issues and housing.

Regional Transportation Master Plan Committee

Mark is the chosen representative to sit on this committee for the city of Waterloo as the Region maps out its transportation plan to 2031 including roads, transit, rail and other transportation modes.

Waterloo Economic Development Committee

Known by the acronym WEDC, this volunteer driven community is made up of business leaders in a wide variety of disciplines that provide advice and information to Council and Economic Development Dept. on policies and programs impacting the City of Waterloo's business community.

Mark maintains an active interest in a number of other community groups including Neighbourhood Watch, International Centre for Innovative Communities.

Term 1: 2003 - 2006

Recreation & Leisure Liaison Councillor

Mark is the Recreation & Leisure Liaison Councillor.  Rec & Leisure is the city’s largest department including: Rim Park, Waterloo Memorial Rec Centre, Albert McCormick Arena, Moser Springer Arena, Manulife Indoor Sports Field, Grey Silo Golf Course, 404 Wing, Adult Rec Centre and all outdoor sports fields. 

The department provides programming for all sports organizations, senior services, heritage resources and arts and culture buildings and programs.   

Library Board Trustee

The main branch of the Library is the most used public facility in Waterloo, with over 1,500 patrons per day and over   a million books borrowed per year.  During Mark’s term as trustee, the main library has been renovated, the number of new books has been increased, including other language collections, and innovative technologies have been introduced such as on-line e-books, free wireless internet access, and additional computer terminals.

Mark has been part of the decision to build a new district library on the west side in 2007.  He also sits on the building and fundraising committees which reflects the confidence the Board has in his organizational abilities and his commitment to library expansion.

Waterloo Community Arts Centre Board of Directors

Known as the Button Factory, the WCAC is the centre for the arts in Waterloo, offering classes for all ages, cultural performances and rotating art exhibits.  The Centre attracts almost 25,000 participants and visitors each year.  Mark has been working to secure funding to upgrade this heritage building and promotes local artists by providing gallery space at city hall.

55 Plus Board

55 Plus is an advisory body comprised of local senior volunteers who advocate on behalf of senior programming within the community.  Seniors’ issues play an increasing role in Waterloo as our population continues to age. Mark has helped this group take on such projects as the seniors’ golf league, their own radio segment and guided them toward more autonomy as an organization.

Cultural Development Committee

The CDC is an umbrella group of all the city’s arts and cultural organizations who  promote, educate and celebrate Waterloo's cultural scene.  A vibrant cultural community helps attract and retain knowledge workers from around the world which is critical to Waterloo’s economic success.

Mark has been a leading proponent of getting more funding for our arts organizations.

Heritage Waterloo Committee

The Heritage Committee is a citizen driven organization that seeks to protect and preserve historic building and sites in the community.  With Mark's participation the Heritage Committee recently designated the Albert-McGregor Neighbourhood as the first Heritage District in the history of the city. This will allow the area to be protected for future generations to enjoy and lays a template for future heritage districts in Waterloo.

Trails Advisory Committee

The Trails Advisory Committee promotes the expansion and maintenance of trails throughout Waterloo.  Next year will mark the 150th kilometre of trail development in the city.  Mark promotes trail development as a safe and healthy alternative to driving and seeks to expand the network of these commuter corridors to achieve the goal of linking our neighbourhoods and uptown core.

Mark has also been asked to lend his expertise to several ongoing committees such as the School Safety Committee and Public Art Jury where his knowledge of community issues is in constant demand. 

Mark participates in

a wide array of community activities. He says:

"My work gives me the opportunity to interact with so many people who are committed to making Waterloo an exceptional place to be.  I am energized by their enthusiasm and commitment."