President’s Message

October 21, 2024 • 0 Comment

For more than 30 years, the Ontario Association for Impact Assessment has brought together practitioners, researchers, Indigenous Knowledge holders, regulators, proponents, academics, and public- and private-sector professionals to advance impact assessment practice in Ontario.

We are meeting at a pivotal moment. As governments seek to accelerate major projects, streamline approvals, and reduce duplication, our profession must continue to uphold environmental responsibilities, support meaningful consultation with Indigenous communities, and maintain public trust through transparent, evidence-based decision-making.

Our theme, “Beyond Assessment: Shaping the Future of Assessment Through Innovation & Lifecycle Thinking,” reflects the role impact assessment plays throughout a project’s lifecycle. Over the next two days, we will explore how early decisions shape projects, how impact assessment is evolving, and how commitments drive meaningful results from design through construction and operations.

This theme was brought to life during our Pre-Conference Walking Tour at the groundbreaking Biidaasige Park. Heidi Whetung (Curve Lake First Nation), OAIA’s Indigenous Knowledge Committee, Waterfront Toronto, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, and other experts, shared how assessment, Indigenous engagement, design, restoration, and monitoring contributed to the incredible transformation of the mouth of the Don River and surrounding lands.

We welcome Heidi Whetung and thank her for opening and closing our conference through traditional ceremony. We also recognize OAIA’s Indigenous Knowledge Committee for embedding Indigenous perspectives and experiences throughout our program.

My sincere thanks go to Conference Chair Sabrina Wong, Co-Chair Alexia Miljus, and the Conference Planning Committee for developing such a timely and engaging program. I would also like to recognize our Past President, Beth Williston, and the OAIA Board of Directors. OAIA is in a strong position because of the leadership and momentum built over the past several years.

Thank you also to our presenters, panelists, sponsors, volunteers, student delegates, members, and attendees. Finally, your active participation brings these discussions to life every year. So please ask questions, challenge assumptions, make connections, and take these conversations back to your organizations and communities.

Thank you for your continued support. I hope you enjoy the conference.