The BiodiverCity Advisory Committee provides Council and Administration with strategic advice on matters affecting urban biodiversity in The City of Calgary. The Committee advances the commitments and procedures identified within Our BiodiverCity, Calgary’s 10-year Biodiversity Strategic plan (2015-2025), The Durban Commitment: Local Governments for Biodiversity, and the Climate Strategy.
The BiodiverCity Advisory Committee responsibilities include:
• Advise Council on the following matters:
o Integration of biodiversity objectives into policies and programs as part of The City’s operations, citizen outreach and community development.
o Connecting biodiversity policy to related policy themes such as climate change, sustainable development, strong neighbourhoods, community resilience and human wellness.
o Recognizing the financial, social and environmental implications of adding, removing or modifying ecological systems in developing Calgary and include consideration of these in municipal decision-making.
o Making biodiversity conservation a common element in municipal decision-making by ensuring biodiversity goals are considered in appropriate City documents.
o Connecting economic and social development to biodiversity and healthy natural systems.
o Monitor and communicate biodiversity targets outlined strategic plans and policies.
• To provide advice to Council:
o When the BiodiverCity Advisory Committee identifies risks and opportunities related to biodiversity.
o Council requests advice.
o Administration requests support for advice.
o BiodiverCity Advisory Committee and Administration together identify where advice from the Committee will be useful.
• Collaborate with researchers and institutions to advance innovation in conserving Calgary’s biodiversity.
• Ensure appropriate City of Calgary staff, Council, communities and local businesses have access to information to advance actions supported by Our BiodiverCity and The Durban Commitment: Local Governments for Biodiversity.
• Supporting biodiversity, eco-literacy, or related initiatives, in the community.
Board Information
Term: One year for youth member and two years for all other members.
Council may stagger the initial appointments and appoint five members for one-year terms in the first year.
A public member may serve a maximum of six consecutive years.
The BiodiverCity Advisory Committee is comprised of 15 members appointed by resolution of Council at the annual Organizational Meeting of Council:
• 5 members who represent the technical industry or research field with a background in biology, ecology, horticulture, applicable field in engineering (e.g., waste management, storm water management, hydrology, etc.), planning, economics, community health, recreational management or similar.
• 2 members who represent the ecological literacy field with a background in art, education and/or communications.
• 2 citizens-at-large with an interest in biodiversity and ecological literacy.
• 1 youth (18 to 30 years of age) with an interest in biodiversity and ecological literacy.
• 5 members of City Administration from any of the following Departments: Planning and Development Services; Law; Operational Services; Infrastructure Services; Community Services; People, Innovation & Collaboration Services; Corporate Planning & Financial Services.
Monthly, on the 3rd Wednesday from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
(no meeting in August)
Planning meeting is usually on a weekend in February
City of Calgary Water Center
25 Avenue Southeast 625
Calgary, AB T2G 4K8
Remote / Hybrid meeting available
Accessibility: wheelchair, by transit
A minimum of 50% + 1 member of which a minimum of three members representing City Administration is required.
Public members must be:
- Residents of Calgary
- At least 18 years of age
Samantha Managh
City of Calgary Parks
P.O. Box 2100, Station M, Mail Code #54
Calgary AB T2P 2M5
E-mail: Samantha.Managh@calgary.ca
Meetings are open to the public.
TIME REQUIREMENT
For Members:
o 11 meetings per year, 2 hours each (22 hours total)
o One 4-hour annual planning meeting
o Optional sub-committee meetings (variable)
o Review of City of Calgary documents (variable)
For the Chair:
o 11 meetings per year, 2 hours each (22 hours total)
o One 4-hour annual planning meeting
o Optional sub-committee meetings (variable)
o Preparation of letters for council (variable)
o Review of City of Calgary documents (variable)
o Meeting preparation (e.g. agenda, meeting minute template, etc.) about 30 minutes per meeting
| Name | Position | Term Start | Term End | Status | Appointed By |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allen, Dianne | Public Member, Chair | 15 Nov 2021 | 31 Oct 2025 | Active | |
| Aylward, Bryanne | Administration Member | 27 Feb 2024 | 31 Oct 2025 | Active | |
| Cheng, Jia | Administration Member | 24 Oct 2023 | 31 Oct 2025 | Active | |
| Dickson, Amanda | Public Member | 24 Oct 2023 | 31 Oct 2025 | Active | |
| Findlay, Stephanie | Public Member | 28 Oct 2019 | 31 Oct 2025 | Active | |
| Holland, Berna-Dean | Public Member | 24 Oct 2023 | 31 Oct 2025 | Active | |
| Jordan-McLachlan, Sara | Public Member | 15 Nov 2021 | 31 Oct 2025 | Active | |
| McLeod, Natalie | Public Member | 24 Oct 2023 | 31 Oct 2025 | Active | |
| Rajabali, Rehana | Administration Member | 24 Oct 2023 | 31 Oct 2025 | Active | |
| Randall, Lea | Public Member | 29 Jan 2018 | 31 Oct 2024 | Active | |
| Rygus, Matthew | Public Member | 24 Oct 2023 | 31 Oct 2024 | Active | |
| Shaw, Travis | Administration Member | 01 Nov 2021 | 31 Oct 2025 | Active | |
| Smith, Laura | Administration Member | 25 Oct 2022 | 31 Oct 2024 | Active | |
| Song, Christine | Public Member | 25 Oct 2022 | 31 Oct 2024 | Active | |
| Summers, Mindi | Public Member, Vice-Chair | 25 Oct 2022 | 31 Oct 2024 | Active |
