2026 OALA Council Nominees
Matthew Campbell
Statement of Interest
I am interested in serving for another term on Council as I have enjoyed being a part of Council and contributing to the increased recognition and awareness of the profession. I am hoping to contribute through enhancing the protection of the public through regulation and being a champion for the OALA and its members to the public and private sectors.
Qualifications
I am a landscape architect, ISA certified arborist and have a focus on contract administration. I work in the private sector but that also includes work on public projects. I have experience working on projects of various sizes and complexity. In addition to this, I have been on Council for 2 terms and feel that I have contributed through being a part of committees and attending various OALA events. In addition to currently being the Secretary of the OALA, I am on the examining board, professional practice and ethics committee and co-chair of the registration and professional practice standing committee. I have also attended the OALA Queen’s Park breakfast for the past 3 years as well as other social events.
Link to LinkedIn profile or company website bio: www.oala.ca/council
Ashley Hosker
Statement of Interest
I am interested in serving on OALA Council for 2026-2028 because I believe in the role of the profession for shaping resilient, inclusive and environmentally responsible communities throughout Ontario. The role of the OALA and its members include advocating for landscape architecture, advancing public understanding of the value that we bring to our communities that we live, work and play in and supporting the professional work that our members contribute and celebrating those achievements.
As a practicing landscape architect, I bring an understanding of current industry challenges and opportunities, especially related to multi-disciplinary collaboration, and the evolving expectations placed on our profession. My background from both the consulting and municipal side of the profession brings an understanding to the wide range of problem solving and solutions we can bring to our communities. I am passionate about fostering and creating strong connections between practitioners at different career stages and various disciplines, ensuring that the OALA remains responsive, transparent and representative of all its members.
Through thoughtful input, collaborative problem-solving, and a commitment to stewardship of the profession, I hope to help advance the OALA's strategic objectives and strengthen the impact for the members at all levels and the public.
Qualifications
I have been a full member of the OALA since 2022 and have been actively involved with the OALA Honours, Awards and Protocol (HAP) Committee since that time. I bring over seven years of professional experience, having worked full-time in private consulting on both large- and small-scale projects across a variety of communities throughout Ontario and Canada. This experience provided a strong foundation in design, project delivery, and interdisciplinary collaboration, and has informed my transition to the municipal side of the profession. This dual perspective allows me to understand the challenges and the broad role landscape architects play in shaping strong, resilient communities through creative problem-solving.
In addition to my professional work, I am committed to leadership, mentorship, and community involvement. I remain actively engaged with the University of Guelph community through coaching and serving as a team manager for the Gryphon Rowing team, as well as coaching a local running group within the Kitchener-Waterloo community. These roles reflect my dedication to teamwork, mentorship, and community building beyond the workplace. I also serve on the OALA Conference Committee for 2026, contributing to professional development, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and celebrating the accomplishments of our professional community. Through these combined experiences, I aim to support the profession, strengthen member engagement, and contribute to OALA’s strategic objectives.
Link to LinkedIn profile or company website bio: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/ashley-hosker-7b2a73155
Lynda Macdonald
Statement of Interest
In my over 40 years as a member of the OALA I have continuously worked to raise the voice of landscape architects in terms of showcasing our skills and early inclusion of landscape architects in multidisciplinary projects. I can bring to the table a strong and respected network in the development industry, with community groups and at Toronto City Hall. More recently, I have developed networks with non-profit organizations such as the Alliance for a Livable Ontario and the Friends of the Golden Horseshoe. Through these networks and my experience working for the City of Toronto, I hope to support key elements of the OALA Strategic Plan including engaging key decision makers (particularly in the municipal sector), promoting the profession, maintaining standards and protecting the public interest. I am interested in the alignment between university LA programs and practice, strengthening communications and shared initiatives between the OALA and CSLA and unpacking some of the findings in the recent CSLA State of the Profession Report.
Qualifications
I have worked in both the private and public sector. The majority of my career was with the City of Toronto in the City Planning Division. During my last 5 years with the city I was Director, Community Planning with a team of over 50 responsible for all development in the inner city including the waterfront. While at the City I identified opportunities for a greater role and earlier involvement for landscape architects on public and private projects and in more leadership roles. I was a key member of the team that developed the central waterfront plan, helped to shape policy, negotiated settlements on disputed projects, developed master plans and led or participated in 100s of community meetings. I am a Fellow of the CSLA and past chair of the College of Fellows Executive Committee. As part of the College I helped to launch the KEEP (mentorship) program and am co-chair of the CSLA Retention and Recruitment Task Force. I have also been recognized by the Urban Land Institute as a woman leader.
Link to LinkedIn profile or company website bio: www.linkedin.com/in/lynda-macdonald-45718120/
Paul Marsala
Statement of Interest
Maintain my role of Treasurer and Chair of Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee for the OALA, following job description for OALA Council to help manage, co-ordinate, review annual report and budgets, plus audited reports. Assist the Registrar in managing cash and investments for the OALA.
Qualifications
- B.L.Arch, OALA, CSLA, ASLA, LEED Green Associate, COR
- Current Treasurer of the OALA and Chair of Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee
- Senior Partner & VP of STUDIOtla
- Active member since 1982
Link to LinkedIn profile or company website bio: https://studiotla.ca/About-Us
