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Adam Leus, Senior Manager, Brownfields and Permit to Take Water, Ministry of the Environmentl, Conservation and Parks
Adam Leus is a Senior Manager with the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, overseeing the Brownfields and Permit to Take Water permissions programs. He supports the consistent application of Ontario’s environmental requirements and provides guidance on matters involving site assessment, redevelopment, and regulatory compliance. Adam has led key provincial policy and technical initiatives, including updating Ontario’s brownfields regulation in 2011, developing soil and groundwater quality standards, and excess soils standards. He also led the development of the Tier 2 risk assessment approaches (Version 1 and 2). In addition, Adam played a key role in the establishment of the Qualified Person Community of Ontario (QPCO), helping to formalize and strengthen the Ministry’s engagement model with the brownfield’s community. His work emphasizes clarity in regulatory interpretation, constructive engagement with Qualified Persons and stakeholders, and a balanced approach to addressing technical, procedural and pragmatic considerations in brownfield redevelopment.
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Christopher De Sousa, Professor, School of Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of Community Services, Toronto Metropolitan University
Christopher De Sousa, Ph.D., MCIP, RPP, is a Professor in the School of Urban and Regional Planning at Toronto Metropolitan University and previously taught at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He earned his BA, M. Sc. Pl., and Ph.D. from the University of Toronto. He is a Registered Professional Planner and a member of the Ontario Professional Planners Institute and the Canadian Institute of Planners. Professor De Sousa’s research focuses on brownfield redevelopment, urban environmental management, and sustainability in Canada and the United States. His work has received funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, MITACS, US EPA, USDA Forest Service, National Academies (HUD Urban Scholars Postdoctoral Fellowship), US Trade and Development Agency, Consul General of Canada, UW-Milwaukee, TMU, and private foundations. He has authored numerous journal articles, technical publications, and two books, including Sustainable Brownfields Development: Building a Sustainable Future on Sites of our Polluting Past, published in 2021 by Routledge. Professor De Sousa has been actively involved with government agencies and nonprofits. He is the past President of the Canadian Brownfields Network, jury chair and member for the Canadian Brownie (Brownfield) Awards, and Interim Director of TMU’s Center for Urban Research and Land Development. He was the proud recipient of Canada’s Brownfielder of the Year award in 2018.
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David Welwood, Senior Planner, J.L. Richards – Engineers, Architects, Planners
David Welwood, is a Senior Planner and Practice Lead at J.L. Richards & Associates, based in Sudbury, Ontario. With over 15 years of experience in municipal planning and consulting working for the provincial government, municipal governments and the private sector. David takes a practical and strategic lens to community development across Ontario. David provides day to day planning services for a number of municipalities across Ontario, and has undertaken numerous complex planning policy projects including official plans, zoning by-laws and community improvement plans. David is known for his collaborative approach and ability to tailor planning solutions to diverse community needs. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, canoeing, and exploring Ontario with his two teenage sons.
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Devin Rosnak, Business Development Manager, GIP
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Franz Lopez, Environmental Lawyer, Borden Ladner Gervais (BLG) LLP
Franz Lopez is an environmental lawyer based in Toronto. Franz’ practice is focused on representing individuals and corporations involved in various disputes including contractual, regulatory compliance, environmental prosecutions, and tort claims. He also acts in an advisory capacity with mandatory and voluntary regulatory filings and environmental due diligence in support of BLG’s transactional related work. Franz’ combination of academic and professional experiences in environmental science provides him with unique technical insights into environmental law. Franz offers practical solutions to complex litigation, regulatory and transactional challenges that are always informed by both the science and law.
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Freesia Waxman, Senior Environmental Engineer, Grounded Engineering
Freesia Waxman is an Associate and Senior Engineer with Grounded Engineering with over 15 years of experience in environmental and hydrogeological engineering. She is an industry expert on Excess Soil and has extensive experience in a variety of environmental services including Phase One and Two Environmental Site Assessments, Risk Assessments, remediation programs, underground storage tank removals, baseline environmental studies, soil and fill management plans, hydrogeological investigations, and environmental compliance approvals process. She is responsible for external peer review and guidance on environmental, remediation, and brownfield development projects. Freesia holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in Civil Engineering from McMaster University and is a licensed Professional Engineer in the Province of Ontario and is a Qualified Person (QPESA) with the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks under Ontario Regulation 153/04 and O.Reg. 406/19.
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Hélène Chartier, Director of Urban Planning and Design, C40 Cities
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Iain Walton, B.Sc., Division Manager, Treatment Systems, VEI Contracting Inc.
Iain Walton is the Division Manager for Treatment Systems at VEI Contracting Inc. with over 12 years of experience delivering dewatering and remediation solutions on brownfield redevelopment projects across Canada. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences from the University of Guelph. In his role, Iain leads the design, implementation and operation of advanced dewatering and water treatment systems, collaborating with municipalities and regulators on permitting, including Municipal Sewer-Use Applications and Environmental Compliance Approvals. With expertise in municipal by-laws and Ontario’s PWQO, Iain connects regulatory needs with practical solutions, and helps projects navigate a nuance and complex governing framework.
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Ike Umar, Utilities Engineering Tech, City of Kitchener
Ike Umar has distinguished himself as a project manager with over 30 years of experience in design and construction with complete and well rounded technical and professional knowledge to his projects. Through his over 30years career, Ike has been involved in complex municipal design projects, project management, contract administration and environmental assessments. He always puts the interest of the City first and leads by his example in his commitment to the profession. Behind the scenes, Ike ‘s expertise has aided the decision making and processes for Best Management Practices and the Region of Waterloo and Area Municipal Design Guidelines and Supplemental Specifications for Municipal Services (DGSSMS) committees. On these committees, he has contributed his expertise in construction specifications, and the experience has discerned him as a leader in the development and continuous improvement of the City of Kitchener’s SSU specification. Ike takes his responsibility of protecting the public seriously. He mentors and shares his experience with colleagues so they too can work to upload and better engineering practices and standards.
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Janet Bobechko, Environmental Lawyer, WeirFoulds LLP
Janet Bobechko is a Certified Specialist in Environmental Law by the Law Society of Ontario and a nationally recognized senior practitioner with over 30 years of extensive experience in all aspects of environmental law and is a trusted advisor to her clients. Janet’s environmental law practice focus includes climate change, sustainability, Environment Social Governance (ESG),Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), greenwashing, real estate and brownfield development, approvals and environmental dispute resolution..
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Janet advises on ESG issues including climate risk, climate resilient infrastructure, nature based solutions and the impacts to supply chains and supply chain (modern slavery and child labour) transparency reporting and the new federal plastics registry. She advises boards of directors regarding environmental compliance, directors’ and officers’ environmental liability, corporate reporting strategies and risk mitigation and environmental insurance. She routinely provides sophisticated and strategic advice on environmental compliance, mergers & acquisitions, insolvency, real estate and portfolio acquisitions and dispositions, leasing, financings, and environmental management systems. She has significant experience in construction and infrastructure matters as they relate to contamination, remediation and excess soils. Her dispute resolution work includes, providing advice on environmental aspects in complex civil litigation for legacy contamination, migration of contamination, environmental regulatory inspections, defence of charges, orders, and strategic due diligence advice. Janet supports her clients with advice on environmental approvals (all media), chemical management, PFAS, importation of new substances into Canada, transportation of dangerous goods, hazardous products, pesticides, extended producer responsibility and the circular economy. She advises on risk management, emergency planning and spill response, storage tanks, Federal E2 Regulations and strategic communication. She is routinely consulted on issues related to sewage works, waste/process water management and treatment, source water protection and sustainable water supply.
Janet is an appointed Executive Fellow at the University of Ottawa for their new Board of Directors Certificate: Legal and Ethical Governance program where she lectures on emerging issues in Board Governance with a focus on ESG. Janet was a long time member of the external advisory committee for Toronto Metropolitan University’s Corporate Social Responsibility Institute. She co-chair’s the Ontario Environment Industry Association (ONEIA) Climate Change Committee and is on the Province of Ontario’s Excess Soils Engagement Group and a member at large on the Canadian Bar Association, National Environmental, Energy & Resource law section. She is a sought after speaker at industry and business events known for her strategic and practical approach to problem solving. Janet received a career achievement award from the Canadian Brownfields Network as a person who has had a profound impact on the brownfield industry in Canada. Janet is also recognized by many international and national rating agencies for her expertise in environmental, ESG, climate change and energy law including Chambers Global, Chambers Canada, Leading 500 Cross – Border Lawyers, Lexpert Energy, Lexpert Environmental Law, Lexpert Environmental Socia Governance (ESG), Best Lawyers, International Who’s Who, Lexology Environment & Climate Change. She is on the Board of Directors for the Canadian charity, Learning for a Sustainable Future.
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Judy Lam, formerly of City of Hamilton
Judy Lam has recently retired after 13 years as the Manager of Commercial Districts and Small Business within Economic Development at the City of Hamilton. While retired, she remains committed to helping with important causes including sitting on the Board of Goodwill Industries which changes lives through the Power of Work as well as continued participation in the Brownfield sector, and consulting in her spare time.
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She believes that brownfield redevelopment offers significant benefits for the environment providing economic and social benefits. She is a Board member at the Canadian Brownfields Network (CBN), Co-chair of CBN’s Government Relations Committee, member of CBN’s Development Committee, and participates on the new cross-country municipal committee on brownfield education and sharing best practices.
Judy joined the City in 2012 where she led her team focussed on the revitalization and development of properties within Hamilton’s six downtowns, commercial corridors, and 12 Business Improvement Areas throughout the whole city. Judy has delivered transformational work at City of Hamilton's Economic Development Division. This includes the development of 5 Community Improvement Plans (CIPs); the remediation of over 206 acres of contaminated land through the City's ERASE program and the oversight and administration of almost 1,800 grants to support small businesses. The CIPs have created innovative programs that included financial incentives including the award-winning ERASE brownfields programs,
Judy has over 35 years of diverse experience that span both the public (provincial and municipal) and private sectors that includes small and medium-sized business lending, leasing, commercial banking and infrastructure financing. Prior to joining the City, Judy came from Infrastructure Ontario where she funded numerous infrastructure and affordable housing projects across Ontario by providing billions of dollars.
Judy holds a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) and Bachelor of Commerce Honours Degrees from Dalhousie University in Halifax, N.S. and is also a Certified Public Accountant of Ontario (CPA).
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Meggen Janes, Executive Director, CBN
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Nicolas Aiello, RPP, MCIP
Nicolas is the Manager of Policy Planning with the City of Welland. Before becoming a policy planner, he began his municipal government career in economic development. As a Planning Manager, he has been the project lead on the development of several Community Improvement Plans, including programs supporting downtown revitalization, housing, employment areas, and strategic redevelopment. His work includes coordinating financial incentive programs, shaping policy direction, and collaborating with stakeholders to guide targeted community investment. He is also the municipal lead for the update of Welland’s Brownfield Community Improvement Plan. Nicolas has contributed to and led the development of numerous municipal policies and by-laws, including work related to cannabis, short‑term rentals, parkland dedication, and cash‑in‑lieu of parking. He is currently the municipal lead on Welland’s Official Plan update. With a Bachelor of Arts in Geography from Brock University, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Environmental Management and Assessment from Niagara College, and 12 years of experience in municipal government, Nicolas brings considerable knowledge and a practical outlook to his role.
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Noah Simms, EIT, Savron
Noah Simms, B.ASc., is a Senior Staff Professional at Savron, a division of Geosyntec Consultants International, Inc., based in the firm’s Toronto office. Mr. Simms has been with Geosyntec for five years, beginning as an Intern, primarily in an on-site operations role. He now leverages this on-site experience alongside his technical expertise in mechanical and software engineering to support the design of remediation plants. Mr. Simms has been involved in the entire lifecycle of remediation plant design, for systems of all sizes. This includes design, construction oversight, commissioning, and operational management. His work frequently integrates custom software tools and data-driven solutions to support design, operations, and decision-making. During engineering efforts, Mr. Simms also regularly integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI) into his workflows. He applies AI to accelerate equipment selection, and support decision-making in remediation system design. Leveraging his background in programming, Mr. Simms also develops custom tools, including data management applications, AI-powered chatbots for operational support, and other AI-enabled applications.
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Prasoon Adhikari, Manager, Environmental Compliance and Utility Performance, City of Kitchener
Prasoon Adhikari is a professional engineer with over 21 years of experience in civil and environmental engineering in both municipal and private sectors. His expertise includes environmental compliance and utility performance for sanitary and stormwater systems, city-wide stormwater monitoring, excess soil and sediment reuse, low-impact development/green infrastructure, and the management of contaminated landfill sites. He has extensive experience in remediation, risk assessment, and brownfield redevelopment, and has led programs involving stormwater management pond operations, maintenance, and LID credit and rebate initiatives. Prasoon has authored several key policies and technical guidance documents, including those related to contaminated site development, excess soil management, and PSAB/PS 3260 liability reporting. He was honoured with the 2021 HUB Award in the Pillar category for his leadership in environmental engineering.
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Reese McMillan, Head of Risk Assessment, DS Consultants
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Richard Steer, Senior Scientist, Geosyntec International Consultants Inc.
Richard Steer, BSc, is a Project Scientist with over a decade of environmental consulting experience, recognized for his expertise in advanced field methods and innovative approaches to site assessment and remediation. Richard has led complex, field-intensive investigations across Canada and the United States, integrating high-resolution data collection with the design, implementation, and performance evaluation of remedial solutions, including vapour mitigation systems and in-situ remediation programs. He is known for his hands-on approach and his ability to translate complex subsurface conditions into actionable risk management and remediation strategies.
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Sandro Perruzza, Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE)
Sandro Perruzza is the Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE), the voice and champion for Ontario’s engineering community. In this role, he leads the organization’s advocacy agenda and member services, working closely with stakeholders across industry, government, academia and media to elevate the impact of engineers in shaping public policy, innovation, public safety, and economic growth. Sandro also serves on the Board of Directors for Minerva Canada and the Construction Design Alliance of Ontario, and contributes his expertise to numerous committees and advisory boards nationwide, helping to advance safety, sustainability, and professional excellence. Previously, Sandro was Chief of Client Services at Workplace Safety & Prevention Services, where he also sat on the Ontario Ministry of Labour’s Prevention Operations Forum. Widely recognized for building inclusive workplaces, high-performing teams, and a culture grounded in trust and mutual respect, he continues to champion people-first leadership in every role he takes on.
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Sri Sangaraju, Supervisor – Brownfields unit, Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
Sri Sangaraju is a Supervisor with the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP), where he oversees the submission and filing of Records of Site Condition (RSCs) under Ontario’s Brownfields Redevelopment Program. In this role, he supports the consistent application of Ontario’s environmental requirements and provides expert guidance on site assessment, redevelopment activities, and regulatory compliance. Sri joined the Ministry in 2010 and has since played a significant role in the evolution of Ontario’s brownfields program. He has been actively involved in major regulatory amendments introduced in 2011 and 2019, reviewed numerous RSC submissions, and conducted both desktop and field audits. He also played a key role in the modernization of the brownfields program, including the migration to the Permissions Enterprise Platform (PEP) system, serving as a subject matter expert and project lead. In addition, Sri has contributed to the development of technical guidance materials and has delivered training to both internal staff and external stakeholders. His work involves close collaboration with brownfields hydrogeologists, as well as policy and legal staff, to support regulatory interpretation and implementation. He also works extensively with internal and external stakeholders to support the effective delivery of Ontario’s brownfields program.
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Steve Desrocher, Director of Soil and Groundwater Management, Waterfront Toronto
Steve Desrocher is the Director of Soil and Groundwater Management for Waterfront Toronto, having joined Waterfront Toronto in 2021 after over 22 years in a range of private- and public-sector roles related to contaminated site management. After completing a B.Sc. in Environmental Geosciences from the University of Toronto and an M.Sc. in Geology and Geochemistry from the University of Calgary, his professional career started in the southeastern USA, where he conducted site investigation and remediation programs across Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee and Florida under State and Federal programs.
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Returning to Canada in 2000, he continued his consulting career investigating and remediating a variety of active manufacturing, pipeline, and rail facilities including facilities in the Port Lands. In 2006, Steve joined the Ontario Realty Corporation as an Environmental Specialist, which initiated his work on the West Don Lands and prompted his continuing work on the revitalization of Toronto's waterfront.
Subsequent work in the private sector has included environmental programs on some of the largest brownfield redevelopment projects in Canada, including the West Don Lands, Brantford’s Greenwich-Mohawk Lands, Toronto’s East Bayfront, Quayside, Central Waterfront, and most recently the Port Lands Flood Protection Project. Joining Waterfront Toronto's staff in 2021, he oversees the environmental approvals and remediation programs across Waterfront Toronto's active projects, working with project stakeholders within all three levels of government. In his current role, he has managed the completion of risk assessment and CPU monitoring programs within several Waterfront Toronto projects and precincts including the West Don Lands, Bayside, Quayside and the Port Lands.
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Tim Edwards, Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
Tim Edwards is a professional engineer with more than 28 years of experience in environmentalengineering across both the public and private sectors. Since joining the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks in 2001, he has held roles including Compliance Officer, Waste Approvals Engineer, and Special Project Engineer, providing subject matter expertise to key policy and regulatory initiatives. Tim has served as the District Engineer for the Halton-Peel District since 2010. In this role, he leads the review of brownield submissions, manages high-priority contaminated site projects, and provides engineering and technical guidance to district management and compliance staff across all environmental media.
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