Architect, urban designer, and a pioneer in the planning and design of zero-carbon buildings and campuses, climate adaptation, and regenerative cities, Craig is a Principal and Founding Partner of DIALOG’s Toronto studio.
Trained as a biologist, and then as an architect and urban designer, Craig is passionate about finding planning and design solutions that make sense in a world challenged by climate change and environmental deterioration. Since graduating from the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University with a Master of Architecture in Urban Design, Craig has focused on leading complex, sustainable planning and design projects, and is internationally recognized for his design and advocacy of zero-carbon regenerative buildings and cities, as well as mass timber building design. Craig’s area of practice at DIALOG includes the master planning and design of institutional and mass timber projects.
In addition to his professional practice responsibilities, Craig speaks about his research and design explorations at conferences and workshops internationally, as well as hosting the Twenty First Century Imperative podcast. Craig was recently appointed Acting Chairman of the Mass Timber Institute and is now working with the MTI Council to reshape the MTI into a National Organization.
Jayson's Throne Speech - July 8, 2022
I am so pleased and excited to take on the role of President of our great Club for the 2022/23 year. We have a rich history, members that are driven and engaged, and year after year our Club has had a tremendous impact in our communities, locally and beyond. In addition, we have evolved and are better than ever. We have streamlined our Club’s structure – thanks largely to our transition team, led by Past President Prince. What an exciting time to be a member!
As part of this journey of modernization, we are making a few tweaks here and there with a mindset of creativity, engagement and simplification. We are finding ways to engage each of you, our members, and will be asking for your input as we move forward. Our Program Committee, Chaired by Neil Phillips, has impressive speakers lined up, and our Logistics Crew, Chaired by John Fortney, has great ideas for our adding interest and fun to the Club’s lunches and cocktails, which are a great opportunity for fellowship with other members. Additionally, Bill’s team at the National Club is working closely with us, and has developed a delicious “lighter” menu for the summer months, along with wonderful wines to accompany our meals. We look forward to seeing you in person soon.
We understand that the pandemic has changed our lives in many ways. I now spend much of my time in virtual meetings, and have adapted to this new way of communicating. However, at the same time I know and understand the benefits of seeing each other in person. I have recently resumed attending Rotary events, lunches and activities in person, and have realized the value of these gatherings. It’s the fellowship and the smile that comes across our faces as we see each other for the first time in a long time.
Imagine Rotary
Jennifer Jones is our new RI President and she imagines a Rotary in which members take action to make their dreams become reality and make the most of their club experiences. She urges members to engage more with each other and use these connections to build partnerships that change the world.
How do you imagine Rotary?
Our Club is constantly evolving and adapting. We are live streaming our meetings, and welcome those who attend virtually. We also believe that now is a great time to connect and reconnect, and we challenge you to find ways to do so. How do you want to connect? How can we engage you in person? Is it early mornings, lunches or evenings? We are working on exciting opportunities to assist you in building relationships in our Club and throughout the community.
I have also been thinking extensively about themes and our focus for this year, and I have a simple mandate for you.
Connect…
We are re-igniting our relationships in the community, across the Rotary District and with each other. We need “all hands on deck”, and want you out there talking to people and organizations.
Educate the world on Rotary!
We are also very excited that Suzanne Boggild has taken on the position of Chief, Community Engagement. She has been an integral part of Toronto’s social fabric and will be assisting our workgroups and committees in identifying opportunities to make a difference. She is spearheading our partnerships and driving a transparent approach to relationship management. If you have an idea or potential partner and want some help, please reach out to her.
Club members, let’s connect, make a difference and have loads of fun in the process. We have an action packed year with lots of events and opportunities for you.
President Jayson
RI President Jennifer Jones
President Jennifer Jones Visit to Toronto – July 5th, 2022
by Michele Guy
A historical moment occurred when Jennifer Jones stepped off an airplane on the morning of Tuesday, July 5th, 2022 at Toronto Pearson Airport. Jennifer had just become the first ever woman president of Rotary International and she decided to start her year with a coast to coast tour of Canada visiting 11 cities and the northwest territories and today she was visiting us.
Our club was excited to participate in the events that were set up for the day as well we sponsored many items to welcome Jennifer to our great city:
Watershed Cleanup – many of us braved the pouring rain to pick up garbage and plastic pollution along the Lake Ontario beach at Humber River all as part of Rotary’s Great Lakes Watershed Cleanup initiative. It is always surprising how much plastic one finds on the shore and so satisfying to clean up that beach.
Kids Against Hunger – Rotarians love to pack food as was evident by the number of members from our club that came to Humber College (other food packing sites that day included Barrie, Belleville, Burlington and North Bay) to stand and measure out just the right amount of ingredients for the food packs so that we could address food security in Indigenous communities in northwestern Ontario as well as some of the poorest areas of the Philippines. Such a great event!
Imagine Rotary BBQ – And finally we Rotarians from the Toronto club can party. The Toronto Botanical Gardens (formerly Edwards Gardens) was the site for over 250 Rotarians from four districts to finally see each other after two years of covid, to eat fabulous food created by our own Geoffrey Johnson of en Ville and to see and hear from Jennifer Jones, the star of the show. Jennifer explained “because we belong to a global organization, our community is our world” and Rotarians have to be “brave, courageous and international leaders”. Not a problem for us, our Rotary Club of Toronto is very brave.
Thank you to everyone who worked on the planning for this great day and who participated in the events! On behalf of the Imagine Rotary Canada Tour Committee, many thanks to the Rotary Club of Toronto for all of its financial support in allowing so many Rotarians to participate in the celebration of Rotary’s first woman president!
Neither rain nor sleet kept our cleanup team away
Packing the nutrition kits
Some of our club's team and DG Iosif Ciosa ready to work
Past president prince packing up the truck
Rotary Royalty - Rika and Past RI President Wilf Wilkinson, Current RI President Jennifer Jones and Mr. PolioPlus Dr. Bob Scott
Cijay Shah, TRCT President Jayson Phelps and RI President Jennifer Jones
Tech Team Reporting
Join us this Friday to hear our tech team leader Andrew St. John update you on the work we do.
This group makes our hybrid meetings work but there is so much more!
From recording the lunches, setting things up at the National Club, preparing slides and videos there is work for many. Consider contacting Andrew to join this great team
Miinawaa-Eyiizh / And-Both
Celebrating coming together
Sept. 15, 2022, 5 p.m. – 8.30 p.m
Register now for an evening of Indigenous entertainment and culture, live and silent auctions. See Jackie Davies if you have articles for the auctions.
Rotary International Convention, Melbourne Australia, June 4-8, 2023
From Anny-Sandra Hamel
I would like to invite you to register early to the Rotary International Convention in Melbourne next year as there are great savings by doing so before June 12, 2022 (midnight). The registration fee is increasing gradually to $675 USD after April 1, 2023. The earlier you register the better!
As President Elect for 2022-23, I will have the honour to host a fabulous party for all Rotary Club of Toronto members attending the Convention. I know it's a little far for a party but if Australia is on your bucket list, this is an amazing excuse to get planning. Attending a RI Convention is where one realises the reach and impact that we have worldwide. You will be inspired, I promise you.
Neither rain nor sleet kept our cleanup team away
Packing the nutrition kits
Some of our club's team and DG Iosif Ciosa ready to work
Past president prince packing up the truck
Rotary Royalty - Rika and Past RI President Wilf Wilkinson, Current RI President Jennifer Jones and Mr. PolioPlus Dr. Bob Scott
Cijay Shah, TRCT President Jayson Phelps and RI President Jennifer Jones
