Chloe Blair is a passionate advocate for environmental and social initiatives. Through her educational background in Art History and Visual Culture she cultivated an interest in the intersection of art and land-based education.  Chloe believes strongly in the power of community-led solutions, which she endeavours to support through her work at Yorklands Green Hub.

Norah Chaloner, a retired public health nurse with organic farming experience, is a long-time volunteer enthusiast of water and environmental protection.   Norah is sitting as Chair of the Board of Directors and is our Community Liaison.

Alex Smith is a retired lawyer, having served as a Crown Attorney and senior manager in the Ontario Public Service during his 32 year career.  He brings a keen interest in the heritage of  the proposed site. Alex is sitting on the Governance and Land Acquisition Committees.

Lynn Bestari, now retired, has worked in the non-profit and municipal sector for over 30 years in research, social planning, community development in indigenous and non-indigenous communities and in child health and development.  Lynn loves to spend time in nature, hiking, canoeing and walking her dog.  Her passion is preserving nature, the environment and promoting biodiversity.    

Beth Shier is a retired social worker whose focus was on community
development and social planning.  She is bringing her lifelong love of nature and deep concern about the negative impact we are having on the environment, and the trend toward urban sprawl here in Guelph, to the team.  She is optimistic about the work of Yorklands Green Hub and believes that it can have a significant positive impact in the community.

Susan Ratcliffe is the Past President of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario and President of its Guelph and Wellington Branch.  A retired English teacher and part-time librarian, she conducts talks and workshops, is site coordinator for Doors Open Guelph and has been a historical walking tour guide in Guelph for 30 years.  She received the Ontario Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Jamie Cockburn is a lawyer with a regional law firm in Guelph. A significant portion of his practice focuses on municipal and land-use planning law. He is an outdoor enthusiast and history fanatic. Jamie’s passions align with the mission of the Yorklands Green Hub—including education, environmental conservation, and cultural heritage preservation. 

Tyson McMann is an economic developer with site selection and land development expertise, and has worked in both the private and public sector. He is a firm believer in sustainable development and believes the Yorklands Green Hub meets those objectives. Tyson is sitting on the Land Acquisition Committee.

Fiona Burnett was born and raised in Guelph. After attending law school in London, Ontario, Fiona is happy to be back in her hometown practicing as a civil litigation lawyer at a local law firm. She now wishes to put those advocacy skills to work in the broader community as a Board member with Yorklands Green Hub. Fiona is a long-time visitor to the Yorklands and enjoys exploring the local greenspace with her English Springer Spaniel. She also enjoys kayaking, camping, and bird watching.