Notes

Miscellany of news and events

video series
The OALA has been producing video interviews with various members, including Ground Magazine Editorial Board member Mark Hillmer and, most recently, new OALA President Stefan Fediuk: “Stefan Fediuk explains how his career in landscape architecture evolved, his proudest projects, the importance of understanding municipality demographics, the evolution of spatial needs, and culture, and finally, his vision for OALA.” The series is a great way to get to know members and their work, and you can find the video series on the Association’s official YouTube channel “OALA Official.”

conservation
Ontario has announced the first creation of a new conservation reserve in more than ten years, with The Monarch Point Conservation Reserve in Prince Edward County, on the Lake Ontario shoreline.

The area is meant to preserve over 4,000 acres of shore in a habitat frequented by at-risk monarch butterflies during their annual migration. The area is also home to migratory birds, reptiles, and plants—some of which are also at risk.

In a press release, County of Prince Edward Mayor Steve Ferguson said: “Creating Monarch Point Conservation Reserve is a critical development for protecting the many species that rely on this area and giving the community wonderful opportunities to responsibly enjoy this beautiful corner of our municipality.”

The site will be open for hiking, bird-watching, and general “nature-based tourism.”

Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks David Piccini, and Mark Stabb, Program Director, Central Ontario-East, Nature Conservancy of Canada, make friends with monarch butterfly at the Monarch Point press announcement. Prince Edward County, ON. IMAGE/ Courtesy of the Government of Ontario

According to the press release, this new conservation reserve is “the result of extensive consultation and collaboration with local stakeholders, Indigenous communities, residents and conservation groups such as the South Shore Joint Initiative, the Schad Foundation and the Nature Conservancy of Canada towards a shared goal of protecting Ontario’s biodiversity and creating a more sustainable future for all.”

Minister David Piccini and friend play fetch at the Monarch Point press announcement. IMAGE/ Courtesy of the Government of Ontario

From left to right: Mayor Steve Ferguson, Prince Edward County; John Hirsch, President, South Shore Joint Initiative and Councillor, Ward 9, South Marysburgh, Prince Edward County; Todd Smith, MPP, Bay of Quinte; Minister David Piccini, Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks; Mark Stabb, Program Director, Central Ontario-East, Nature Conservancy of Canada; Mayor Brian Ostrander, Brighton, at the Monarch Point press announcement. IMAGE/ Courtesy of the Government of Ontario

in memoriam

Dennis Warenycia, OALA, CSLA
The OALA is saddened to announce the passing of Dennis Warenycia, on April 26, 2023. Dennis had been a full member of the OALA since March 1985. The Association was notified on May 5, 2023. Below we share the obituary prepared by his family.

Dennis Paul Warenycia died peacefully at Sunnybrook Hospital, surrounded by his family, on April 26, 2023. He was the beloved husband and best friend of Shelagh, and very proud father of Natasha and Katrina. He was also a loved son, brother, brother-in-law and uncle and a great friend to many. Dennis was a graduate of The University of Toronto, Faculty of Landscape Architecture and he practiced as Principal of his firm for over 40 years. He will be remembered for his creativity and his unique perspective. Among his clients and colleagues, he forged many friendships over the years. Anyone who knew Dennis knew how he loved to talk. He was interested in a wide variety of subjects and had strong opinions about each of them. He was also a great listener and always made a point of asking people about themselves and their families. Business calls were always prefaced with a lengthy personal chat. Dennis was an accomplished golfer, and in the winter, he enjoyed spending weekends with his friends at Muskoka Ski Club. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Kidney Cancer Canada in his memory.

Dennis Warenycia. IMAGE/ Courtesy of his family

Stephen Rupert, OALA, CSLA
The OALA is saddened to announce the passing of Stephen Rupert, on May 16, 2023. Stephen graduated with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the University of Toronto in 1981 and became a full member of the OALA in March 1985. The Association was notified on May 18, 2023. Below we share the obituary prepared by his family.

Steve passed away suddenly in Toronto on May 16, 2023. He was the dear husband of Anna and loving father of Chloe and Mary. He is also survived by his brother Will, sister-in-law Renate, brothers-in-law Enzo and Joe, and numerous cousins and friends. Steve grew up in Peterborough and attended Adam Scott CVI and Fleming College before graduating from the landscape architecture school at the University of Toronto. His entire career involved landscape architecture, first at Arbor Memorial Gardens, then later at Toronto Community Housing Corporation. In his younger years in Peterborough, he was a superb baseball and hockey player. He loved architecture and design, volunteering, music, and motor racing, a passion that began at Mosport Park in the early 1970s. In recent years, he became an expert in designing and building miniature houses and other structures. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.

Stephen Rupert. IMAGE/ Courtesy of his family

new members
Ontario Association of Landscape Architects is proud to recognize and welcome the following new members to the Association:
Sharon Carlson
Scott Cunningham *
Lauren Gibbons
Mélanie Glorieux
Christopher Grosset *
Andrew Hooke
Lucas Horvath *
Sandrina Kramar *
Yvonne Lam
Leigh Lichtenberg *
Emeka Nnadi
Austin Naoum
Coleman Ney *
Anna Rosen
Daniel Rozanski
Nicola Spaziani *
Joel Sypkes *
Lauren White *
Sophie Xiao *
Nathan Zrini *
Asterisk (*) denotes Full Members without the use of professional seal.