On Tuesday, March 24, Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) Construction and Environment Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) students from Chaminade, Francis Libermann, Neil McNeil, and Mary Ward Catholic Secondary Schools participated in a dynamic joint Specialist Program Experience (SPE) with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) at Lake St. George.
The group was joined by two industry experts: Nicole Moxley, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Senior Planner, Development Planning & Permits, and Sharon Lingertat, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Senior Manager, Planning & Permits – Infrastructure Planning & Permits. Drawing on their extensive expertise, they challenged students to step into the roles of lead urban planners. Students were tasked with reimagining a site redevelopment while balancing four key pillars: community, natural heritage, infrastructure, and sustainability.
A major development project located directly across the street served as a real-world classroom, allowing students to observe the direct intersection of construction and environmental protection. By analyzing the site firsthand, they gained a clear understanding of how modern development shapes and impacts the surrounding landscape in real time. From watershed protection to transit-oriented design, students demonstrated that development and nature can thrive together.
A sincere thank you to Grace Webster and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority team for organizing such an impactful and engaging day of learning.
