A new year, a new opportunity.
During the Winter 2026 term, I am a mentor for the “Parks Plus” Advanced Graduate Planning Studio led by Professor Nina-Marie Lister and Jeremy Guth at Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Urban and Regional Planning. We are exploring community ownership models for parks. Ombrello Solutions’ Civic Infrastructure Bond (CIB) proposes a Community Endowment Fund to steward natural sites.
The community ownership and governance model is a central piece of the CIB. The proceeds of this bond would be used to acquire natural assets in Ontario and Québec to be protected in perpetuity. It’s a novel approach where local non-profits can be involved in improving biodiversity.
It’s a full circle moment. Students will be building on work that I contributed to as a graduate student and in my professional career with Ombrello Solutions. I’m eager to see the results that these young minds come up with.
Stay tuned for an update in a few months’ time!
