Item - 2026.CA34.2
Tracking Status
- City Council adopted this item on April 22 and 23, 2026 without amendments.
- This item was considered by Civic Appointments Committee on April 17, 2026 and was adopted with amendments. It will be considered by City Council on April 22 and 23, 2026.
CA34.2 - Appointment of Public Members to the Toronto Zoo Board
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Adopted
- Wards:
- All
City Council Decision
City Council on April 22 and 23, 2026, adopted the following:
1. City Council appoint the following candidates to the Toronto Zoo Board, at pleasure of Council, for a term of office ending on March 28, 2030, and until successors are appointed:
Camilo Garay
Fernando Valencia
2. City Council direct that Confidential Attachments 1 to 4 to the report (April 7, 2026) from the City Clerk remain confidential in their entirety as they relate to personal matters about identifiable individuals being considered for appointment to the Toronto Zoo Board.
Confidential Attachments 1 to 4 to the report (April 7, 2026) from the City Clerk remain confidential in their entirety in accordance with the provisions of the City of Toronto Act, 2006, as they relate to personal matters about identifiable individuals being considered for appointment to the Toronto Zoo Board.
City Council Decision Advice and Other Information
Appointees' Biographies
Camilo Garay
Camilo Garay is a fundraising and partnerships executive with over a decade of experience in the non-profit and public sectors. He has raised over millions for education, innovation, and equity-focused initiatives through roles at Seneca Polytechnic, CivicAction, and Visions of Science. Camilo brings expertise in governance, strategic partnerships, and civic engagement, with a strong commitment to conservation, education, and community-building.
Fernando Valencia
Fernando Valencia is a Toronto scientist and holds a PhD in Cell and Systems Biology from the University of Toronto. His research examines how biological systems respond to physical and environmental cues and has been published in scientific journals and academic textbooks. His work has been recognized with awards and grants. Fernando wants to share his love of science and biology with everyone he meets. He has formal training in science communication from the Royal Canadian Institute for Science and is strongly committed to science education. He has taught and mentored university students and led science workshops for high school students. He has also served in leadership roles within academic organizations, including co-chairing international scientific conferences. Fernando has a personal connection to the Toronto Zoo, where he was married, and holds a deep appreciation for the Zoo’s role as a trusted public institution dedicated to conservation, education, and community engagement.
During the review of the Order Paper on April 22, 2026, City Council adopted a procedural motion to remove this item from the jurisdiction of the Civic Appointments Committee and bring it forward for consideration by City Council.
Confidential Attachment - Personal matters about identifiable individuals who are being considered for appointment to the Toronto Zoo Board
Background Information (Committee)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ca/bgrd/backgroundfile-285883.pdf
Confidential Attachment 1a - List of Candidates, Qualifications, Confidential Diversity Information Summary, and Applications for Appointment to the Toronto Zoo Board
Confidential Attachment 1b - List of Ineligible Candidates, Qualifications, Confidential Diversity Information, and Applications for Appointment to the Toronto Zoo Board
Confidential Attachment 2 - Diversity Summary of Current Public Members on the Toronto Zoo Board
Confidential Attachment 3 - Board Matrix for the Interview Candidates for the Toronto Zoo Board
Confidential Attachment 4 - Interview schedule for April 17, 2026
Communications (Committee)
Motions (City Council)
CA34.2 - Appointment of Public Members to the Toronto Zoo Board
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Amended
- Wards:
- All
Confidential Attachment - Personal matters about identifiable individuals who are being considered for appointment to the Toronto Zoo Board
Committee Recommendations
The Civic Appointments Committee recommends that:
1. City Council appoint the following candidates to the Toronto Zoo Board, at pleasure of Council, for a term of office ending on March 28, 2030, and until successors are appointed:
Camilo Garay
Fernando Valencia
2. City Council direct that Confidential Attachments 1 to 4 to the report (April 7, 2026) from the City Clerk remain confidential in their entirety as they relate to personal matters about identifiable individuals being considered for appointment to the Toronto Zoo Board.
Decision Advice and Other Information
Candidates' Biographies
Camilo Garay
Camilo Garay is a fundraising and partnerships executive with over a decade of experience in the non-profit and public sectors. He has raised over millions for education, innovation, and equity-focused initiatives through roles at Seneca Polytechnic, CivicAction, and Visions of Science. Camilo brings expertise in governance, strategic partnerships, and civic engagement, with a strong commitment to conservation, education, and community-building.
Fernando Valencia
Fernando Valencia is a Toronto scientist and holds a PhD in Cell and Systems Biology from the University of Toronto. His research examines how biological systems respond to physical and environmental cues and has been published in scientific journals and academic textbooks. His work has been recognized with awards and grants. Fernando wants to share his love of science and biology with everyone he meets. He has formal training in science communication from the Royal Canadian Institute for Science and is strongly committed to science education. He has taught and mentored university students and led science workshops for high school students. He has also served in leadership roles within academic organizations, including co-chairing international scientific conferences. Fernando has a personal connection to the Toronto Zoo, where he was married, and holds a deep appreciation for the Zoo’s role as a trusted public institution dedicated to conservation, education, and community engagement.
Origin
Summary
The Civic Appointments Committee will conduct interviews and recommend two candidates to City Council for appointment to the Toronto Zoo Board of Management.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ca/bgrd/backgroundfile-285883.pdf
Confidential Attachment 1a - List of Candidates, Qualifications, Confidential Diversity Information Summary, and Applications for Appointment to the Toronto Zoo Board
Confidential Attachment 1b - List of Ineligible Candidates, Qualifications, Confidential Diversity Information, and Applications for Appointment to the Toronto Zoo Board
Confidential Attachment 2 - Diversity Summary of Current Public Members on the Toronto Zoo Board
Confidential Attachment 3 - Board Matrix for the Interview Candidates for the Toronto Zoo Board
Confidential Attachment 4 - Interview schedule for April 17, 2026
Communications
Motions
That the Civic Appointments Committee delete Recommendations 1 and 2:
Recommendations to be deleted:
1. Civic Appointments Committee recommend two candidates to City Council for appointment to the Toronto Zoo Board, at pleasure of Council, for a term of office ending on March 28, 2030, and until successors are appointed.
2. City Council direct that Confidential Attachments 1 to 4 remain confidential in their entirety as they relate to personal matters about identifiable individuals being considered for appointment to the Toronto Zoo Board.
and adopt instead:
1. City Council appoint the following candidates to the Toronto Zoo Board, at pleasure of Council, for a term of office ending on March 28, 2030, and until successors are appointed:
Camilo Garay
Fernando Valencia
2. City Council direct that Confidential Attachments 1 to 4 to the report (April 7, 2026) from the City Clerk remain confidential in their entirety as they relate to personal matters about identifiable individuals being considered for appointment to the Toronto Zoo Board.