York Region Post-Secondary Investment Attraction Strategy

To support York Region’s growing economy and talent needs, Chris initiated and led the development of the Region’s first Post-Secondary Investment Attraction Strategy—a framework to expand access to higher education and strengthen the region’s innovation capacity.

Developed in collaboration with York Region’s nine local municipalities and informed by input from major employers, academic institutions, and policy leaders, the strategy identified opportunities to attract a range of post-secondary investments—from targeted learning centres addressing local skill gaps to the establishment of a full-scale research campus.

The strategy also introduced a policy framework to guide regional involvement in future post-secondary partnerships, ensuring alignment with long-term planning, infrastructure priorities, and economic development objectives.

 

Pearson Eco-Business Zone Materials Exchange Program

As part of the Partners in Project Green strategy, Chris led the development of the Materials Exchange Program—an initiative designed to help businesses around Toronto Pearson identify opportunities to transform waste into usable feedstock, advancing both sustainability and industrial innovation.

To inform the program’s design, Chris conducted a global scan of successful materials exchange models—analyzing the economic and policy conditions that supported scale and adoption. Building on these insights, he developed a business model tailored to the Pearson employment zone and secured funding to move the initiative forward.

The program continues to operate as a practical tool for companies looking to reduce disposal costs, improve resource efficiency, and explore circular economy opportunities within their supply chains.

Greater Toronto Area Spills Assessment

To strengthen emergency response and environmental protection in the Region of Peel, Chris led the development of a web-based Spill Decision Support System—a tool designed to help responders manage chemical and oil spills with greater speed, accuracy, and coordination.

Developed through a public-private partnership, the system integrated multiple data sources—including historical spill records, chemical storage inventories, and storm sewer infrastructure—into a user-friendly platform that could be deployed in the field. The tool enabled responders to trace spills from origin to watercourse entry points, improving incident tracking, source identification, and response planning.

Chris managed all aspects of the project, from securing funding and convening four municipal partners to overseeing the consulting team through technical design and implementation. The result was a practical, field-ready solution that improved regional spill response and safeguarded local ecosystems.