Item - 2022.XV8.1

The Nominating Panel - Toronto Local Appeal Body recommends that:

1. City Council appoint the following candidates to the Toronto Local Appeal Body for a term of office ending July 16, 2026, and until successors are appointed:

a. Ron Kanter;

b Trevor Kezwer;

c. Blair Martin; and

d. Paula Turtle.

2. City Council direct that Confidential Attachments 1 to 6 remain confidential in their entirety as they relate to personal matters about identifiable individuals being considered for appointment to the Toronto Local Appeal Body.

Candidates' biographies:

Ron Kanter

Ron Kanter obtained a Bachelor of Laws from University of Toronto Law School, and a Master of Laws from Osgoode Hall. He served as a Toronto City Councillor and Member of Provincial parliament, where he directed a provincial study balancing development and environmental protection. Ron subsequently practiced municipal and planning law at several Toronto law firms for more than 30 years, representing applicants, objectors, public entities and community groups. He has also trained and practiced as a mediator, adjudicator and arbitrator.

Trevor Kezwer

Trevor Kezwer obtained his law degree from the University of Windsor. In addition, Trevor holds a Master's Degree in International Relations from McMaster University. Trevor has experience working for a municipality, including working with planning staff, and preparing for hearings before the Ontario Municipal Board (now known as the Ontario Land Tribunal). Asa resident of Toronto, Trevor appreciates the impact that planning decisions have on local neighbourhoods.

Blair Martin

Blair Martin is an accomplished real estate executive and city planner. During his professional career he has appeared before appeal tribunals as an appellant, a defendant, as a public official, as a witness giving expert testimony and as a private landowner. He has both past and current not-for-profit Board of Director experience, as well as experience with local government ad-hoc committees. Blair is currently a non-practicing Member of the Canadian Institute of Planners.

Paula Turtle

Paula Turtle holds an undergraduate degree from Toronto Metropolitan (formerly Ryerson) University and an Bachelor of Laws from Osgoode Hall Law School. After working for many years as a labour lawyer, she was a Vice-Chair at the Ontario Labour Relations Board from 2015 to 2020. She has served on the Board of Wood Green Community Services and as a member of the Advocacy Committee of Cycle Toronto. She has a private practice as a mediator-arbitrator.

The Nominating Panel - Toronto Local Appeal Body will conduct interviews and recommend four candidates to City Council for appointment to the Toronto Local Appeal Body.