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Municipal Affairs
March 12, 2009

Chair Named to Corner Brook-Humber Valley Regional Planning Advisory Authority

Municipal Affairs Minister Dianne Whalen is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Don Downer as Independent Chair to the Corner Brook-Humber Valley Regional Planning Advisory Authority.

"Dr. Downer has demonstrated passion and commitment to this region and he brings a wealth of experience and local knowledge to this leadership role," said Minister Whalen. "It is important we have a dedicated individual as chair of the advisory authority who can ensure that the Corner Brook-Humber Valley region is developed in a responsible manner that balances development with the need to protect our resources."

Dr. Downer is a retired professor at Memorial University, Sir Wilfred Grenfell College, Corner Brook. He holds masters degrees in marine biology and in education and a doctorate in education. He has also been an international speaker and has written two books about rural Newfoundland. Every summer, he leads tourist groups visiting the west coast.

"The Humber River and Valley are key to the sustained development of the whole area contained within the Corner Brook-Humber Valley Regional Planning Advisory Authority as well as the well being of Corner Brook and the other six communities," said Dr. Downer. "A regional plan based on solid research, collaboration and public consultation will ensure environmental integrity and resources protection while maximizing development and sensible planned land use. If we do it right, risks and disputes will be reduced and a beautiful outdoor environment without equal will be maintained for future generations."

Over the years, Dr. Downer has served on countless community boards, agencies and commissions. He currently serves as the co-chair of the Rural Secretariat and has recently served as director of the Aquatic Centre for Research and Education. He is also a member of the Centre of Environmental Excellence Advisory Committee, the group planning the Aquatic Research Centre, the Atlantic Salmon Conservation Foundation and is a lay bencher with the Law Society for Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Corner Brook-Humber Valley Advisory Authority consists of 14 representatives from the seven municipalities and relevant provincial government departments.  Its primary mandate is to oversee the preparation of a regional plan for the area from Corner Brook to Cormack, including Massey Drive, Steady Brook, Pasadena, Deer Lake and Reidville.

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Media contact:

Susanne Hiller
Director of Communications
Department of Municipal Affairs
709-729-1983, 697-3760
SusanneHiller@gov.nl.ca

2009 03 12                                                     3:20 p.m.


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