Municipal Affairs
March 12, 2009Chair 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.