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MARIO FERRI

Regional Councillor Mario Ferri was first elected to Vaughan City Council in 1997; however, he has long history of community involvement pre-dating his political career. In 1986 he co-founded Vaughan C.A.R.E.S., a community based environmental group. As it's president, he was very vocal and active in pursuing the closure of the Keele Valley Landfill site (garbage dump). In fact, his efforts, along with those of other Vaughan C.A.R.E.S. members, also successfully mobilized the grass roots efforts of many Vaughan residents, resulting in a successful lobby against the Provincial Government's plans for a second landfill in Vaughan. Regional Councillor Ferri advocated for the construction of the award winning Maple Community Centre and has co-founded the Boys & Girls Club of Vaughan. As former Separate School Board trustee, he negotiated the construction of the St. Joan of Arc High School and sponsored the Board's environmental policy while promoting fiscal responsibility and parental involvement.

Councillor Ferri entered politics in 1995 and was elected to City Council in 1997. He has since served three consecutive terms, securing 87% of the popular vote in the 1997 election, followed by 90% of the popular vote in 2000, and received the most votes among all candidates for the position of Regional Councillor becoming acting Mayor. He was previously involved with City issues when he was appointed to Committee of Adjustment from 1988-1990.

Councillor Ferri has lived in Vaughan since 1984 and is married with three children. He received his Masters Degree in Management and has taught and lectured at York University, George Brown College and Centennial College.

Political Profile

Local & Regional Councillor and Acting Mayor 2003-2006

Ward 1 Councillor 1997-2003

Ward 1 Trustee - York Region Separate School Board 1989-1994

Chair/Member - Committee of Adjustments 1986-1989

Executive Director - West Scarborough Neighbourhood Community Centre 1977-2003

York Region Council: List of Committees, Boards and Task Force Membership

Chair, Solid Waste Management (2003-2006) Manage current waste and search for long-term solutions

Vice-Chair, E-Government (2003-2006) - Planned for a coordinated E-Government system for the Region

Acting Chair, Joint Durham/York Waste Management Group - Designed and facilitated an Environmental Assessment for long-term waste strategy

Member, Planning and Economic Development (2003-2006) - Balancing growth and promoting vibrant economy

Member, Environmental Advisory Committee (2003-2006) - Planned and established policies for safe & healthy environment

City of Vaughan Council: List of Committees, Boards and Task Force Membership

Founder, Vaughan Youth Cabinet & Youth City Councillor (2003-2006) - Introduced effective youth participation in civic/municipal governance

Chair, Strategic Planning (1999-2006) - Established Vaughan Vision, corporate goals, priorities & policies

Chair, Communities In Bloom Beautification Committee (2000-2006) - Won Provincial, National & International competitions within three consecutive years, while promoting civic pride, community participation, as well as citizen engagement, environmental, and beautification policies

Vice-Chair, Environmental Task Force (2000-2006) - Promoted a healthy and litter-free environment

Vice-Chair, Greening Vaughan Advisory Committee (2006) - Established and promoted the green-bin program and 60% diversion of waste in the City

Co-Chair, Maple Streetscape (1997-2006) - Introduced new streetscape in Maple core (Major Mackenzie & Keele)

Co-Chair, Maple Valley Plan (1997-2006) - Designed and established a regional park in North Maple, soon to be built

Member, Vaughan Public Library Board (2000-2006) - Ensured City-wide provision of library services, a resource library in Woodbridge and soon, one in Maple as well

Member, Spadina York Subway Extension (2003-2006) - Advocated for subway extension to Vaughan

Member, Vaughan Health Care Foundation (2003-2006) - Undertook the necessary studies and advocated for a health care facility in Vaughan

Member, Keele Valley Landfill Site Liaison (1989-2006) - Ensured proper and healthy operation of landfill

Member, Asian Long-Horned Beetle Task Force (2003-2006) - Managed the program for the eradication of the Asian Long-Horned Beetle

Chair, Hydro Vaughan Holdings (2003-2006) - Ensured shareholder returns and explored energy opportunities

Member, Hydro Vaughan Energy (2003-2006) - Ensured shareholder returns and explored energy opportunities

Board Member, PowerStream (2003-2006) - Provided reliable, cost-effective power to residents and dividend return to shareholders

In The Community: List of Committees, Boards and Task Force Membership

Co-Founder & Chair, Vaughan C.A.R.E.S. (1986-1997) - Protected the natural environment by campaigning and advocating for the closure of the Keele Valley landfill and played an integral role in stopping a second landfill from being developed in Vaughan

Co-Founder & Honourary Chair, MAPLEFEST Committee (1986-2006) - Executed an annual community festival for Maple residents

Founder & Chair, Santafest Parade Committee (1998-2006) - Planned, organized and executed an annual Santa Clause parade with an annual attendence of approximately 35-40,000 people

Founder & Chair, Seniorsfest Committee (2000-2006) - Organized an annual festival for 1,000+ Seniors

Founder & Honourary Chair, Seniors' Association of Vaughan Initiative - S.A.V.I. (2003-2006) - Formed an umbrella association for all seniors' clubs in Vaughan to host an information day, a summit with governments, and a seniors festival

Founder & Chair, Volunteer Committee (1997-2006) - Organized and executed an annual recognition dinner/dance for 350 community volunteers

Founder & Chair, Vaughan Classic Collection Committee (2006) - Commissioned 5 Vaughan artists to paint 5 historic places in Vaughan to be presented to 1,000 volunteers as an appreciation award for their valued work

Co-Founder & Chair, A.M.I.C.I. Museum & Italian Interpretive Centre (2000-2006) - Established a museum to capture, display and celebrate the contributions made to Canada by those of Italian background

Founder & Chair, LaRocca Youth Bursary Committee (2000-2006) - Designed and executed an annual bursary program for young people in support of their positive contributions to their community

Founder & Chair, Valigia D'Oro Award & Legacy Banquet Committee (1998-2006) - Designed and organized an annual banquet for 800 people, of whom 160 receive this prestigious award

Gala & Conference Chair, Lazio Federation (2003-2006) - Established and executed an annual conference and Gala for 1,000 people from the Lazio community and political leaders from Lazio, Italy