Greenbelt

A child of the suburbs, Erin grew up with a firsthand view of suburban sprawl as neighboring farmland began to disappear, and the Oak Ridges Moraine faced serious threats. The impact unsustainable planning had on her community inspired Erin to participate in campaigns to protect the Oak Ridges Moraine. Erin comes to Environmental Defence after a decade in local government as a city councilor in the Town of Markham. Known as one of Ontario’s greenest politicians – not just green because she started her political career in her mid twenties – but because Erin helped establish innovative environmental and sustainability policies. During her time in office, Erin worked on sustainable planning, air and watershed protection, pollution prevention and renewable energy initiatives. She also worked on growing local sustainable food systems in Ontario, inspiring municipal governments across Canada. After a break from politics, Erin worked with Ontario’s public sector – including colleges, universities, hospitals and governments – on local sustainable food procurement policies and implementation. Growing Ontario’s local agricultural economies is a passion of hers. Erin is recognized as a thought leader and has been an active member of the Ontario Greenbelt Council and is a former board member of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. Erin holds an honours degree in Environmental Studies from York University. A co-founder of Municipal Leaders for the Greenbelt, Erin is thrilled to be at Environmental Defence where she works with local communities and concerned residents to protect Ontario’s land and water, and the jewel that is Ontario’s Greenbelt.