TFO/TCTO TEAM
Mike Bender
Chair,
Board of Directors
Mike is a passionate environmental steward and an active outdoor person. Mike participates in both recreational and competitive sports such as skiing, running, paddling and biking at local and international levels. In professional life, Mike was involved in Conservation planning, land and trail management, partnership building and project implementation. For over 30 years, Mike worked at Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) where he served as the Associate Director of Master Planning and Greenspace Conservation and also the General Manager of Rouge Park. As a part of his responsibility on behalf of TRCA, Mike directed the interim management of Rouge Park in partnership with Parks Canada and developed long term service arrangements for natural, cultural and agricultural initiatives. Mike studied Landscape Architecture at the University of Guelph and is a member of Ontario Association of Lan-scape Architects (OALA) and Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CLSA). Mike joined the Board of Trans Canada Trail Ontario in 2011 and took on the responsibilities of the Chair of the Board in 2017. Mike is also the Co-Chair of Aurora Community Arboretum, Secretary/Treasurer of the Board of the Ontario Marathon Canoe and Kayak Racing Association as well as the President of the Board of Hike Ontario.
Shompa Hai
General Manager
Shompa is a spirited hiker, a rigorous swimmer, and enjoys skiing and paddling. In addition, she likes to explore nature through sketching and painting landscapes. Shompa is an ecological designer. With over 15 years of work experience in landscape design in the private and public sector and teaching at Ontario’s universities and colleges, Shompa took on the General Manager’s position with Trans Canada Trail Ontario in 2017. She has established TCTO’s mentorship program and supervised students who completed academic projects related to Trans Canada Trails in Ontario. Shompa is the author and creator of TCTO’s Strategic Plan. Additionally, Shompa serves on the Board of the Executives of Hike Ontario as Vice President.
Christine Weibe
Member,
Board of Directors
Secretary/Treasurer
Kristen Wiebe’s time spent in Northwestern Ontario has formed her into an outdoor enthusiast. Kristen spends her summers on Lake of the Woods and surrounding remote lakes camping, hiking, canoeing, and fishing. Growing up on the Canadian Shield led her into the science of geology and Kristen has spent the last twelve years working as an exploration geologist and various roles with the Ontario Geological Survey. Kristen’s work takes her to remote places and communities all over Northwestern Ontario creating a unique insight into that corner of the province. Kristen joined the Board of Trans Canada Trail Ontario in 2018.
Reaz Noman
Analyst
Coming soon….
Alex Kilgour
Member,
Board of Directors
Alex grew up in Northern Ontario but has called Ottawa and Eastern Ontario home since 1990. He started his career as a landscape architect/urban designer and spent a number of years with the National Capital Commission in Ottawa working on landscape and urban design issues in the core of Canada’s National Capital. Alex transitioned to a career in law and is currently the Chief Legal Officer for Solace, an exciting and growing Ottawa technology company. He loves the outdoors and enjoys golf, skiing, bicycling and just being outside getting some exercise!
Keith Saunders
Member, Board of Directors
Keith loves the outdoors, going on walks with his family, traveling and golf. Keith is a Certified Professional Accountant, and a certified Management Accountant. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree (Business Administration) from York University, and he recently retired as a Senior Business Analyst for Vertex Business Services. Keith currently has his own Financial Consulting Business called Relevant Accounting Services. Keith started working with Trans Canada Trail Ontario in 2018 as a Financial Officer. He also has served as the Treasurer on the Board of the Aurora Community Arboretum for the past 9 years.
Richard Scott
Member,
Board of Directors
Richard Scott’s career in environmental, regional, and park planning spans more than three decades. He began his career with the National Capital Commission in Ottawa in 1987, where his primary responsibilities involved planning for the 20,000-hectare National Capital Greenbelt. After moving to Parks Canada in 2006, Richard served as a member of the secretariat for the Panel on the Future of the Trent-Severn Waterway, and planner for the waterway itself. Since 2012, Richard served as planner for the new Rouge National Urban Park in Toronto until he retired in 2020. Richard serves as a member of the Peterborough Bicycling Advisory Committee.
Mahsa Torabi
Graphic Illustrator
Coming soon…
Credits
Music credit:
Guitarist:
- Dan O’Connor
Video creator:
- HAI Design Studio Ltd.
Trans Canada Trail Ontario Map:
- Mahsa Torabi
Photo credit:
- Shompa Hai, Location: Oak Ridges Conservation Corridor Park, Richmond Hill, Ontario.
- https://www.pilgrimchris.co.uk/my-hiking-plans-for-2015/
- https://friendsoffishcreek.org/poplars/
- https://btceb.org/trails/
- https://greenbeltlandtrust.org/event/trail-maintenance-work-party-saturday-october-29th-10-am-2-pm/
- https://www.dreamstime.com/photos-images/autumn-bike.html
- https://pixels.com/featured/autumn-forest-trail-bob-jackson.html
- https://awaywithacamera.com/2023/11/21/hiking-fall-colours-at-mountsberg-conservation-area/
- https://fitmaine.com/tag/the-birches-resort/
- https://www.pdxmonthly.com/travel-and-outdoors/2017/09/this-portland-based-nonprofit-helps-tots-and-parents-hit-the-trail
- https://petermcgill.org/en/enjoying-fall-on-the-mountain/
- https://stock.adobe.com/search?k=kids+planting+tree&asset_id=204266466
- https://dialedincycling.com/coaching-skills/kids/