About

Who we are – how we work

The Midtown Ravine Group (MRG) is a consortium of ten residents associations, formed to raise consciousness about the state of Midtown ravines, raise funds for improvements, and mobilize community participation in ravine stewardship.

The current member associations are:

Map showing different coloured areas indicating different residents associations

Each member RA may appoint one representative to the MRG board of directors. The board may appoint additional directors.

Midtown Ravines Group Directors

Officers:

  • Co-chair: John Bossons – SRA
  • Co-chair: Tim Ross – NRRA
  • Secretary/Treasurer: Peter Blaiklock – MPRA

Representing member RAs:

  • Austin Spademan – ABC
  • James Stephenson – AVRA
  • Mary Renaud – DPRG
  • Tom Connell – NRRA
  • Valerie Scane – SRRA
  • Jane Auster – SEDRA
  • Virginia Maclaren – SRA

At large:

  • Joan York – DPRG
  • Cynthia Crysler – DPRG

Note that two member RAs (Bloor East, Governors Bridge) have not nominated directors representing their organizations

Charitable status

The Group is applying to the CRA for charitable status so that we can provide tax receipts for donations.

We are currently organizing a major fund-raising campaign to augment what the City can do to restore our ravines to what they were a half century ago — the ecological and recreational treasure so badly needed in Midtown Toronto. But we need donations from residents, as well as from major donors. Your donations can help maintain our ravines in a better state of good repair and add amenities like benches, way-finding signs, historical plaques, and resting places. Please send us your thoughts on how we can make the ravines better.

Articles of Incorporation

  1. The name of the corporation is Midtown Ravines Group
  2. The address of the head office of the corporation is 84 Douglas Dr., Toronto, Ontario, M4W 2B4.
  3. The applicants who are to be the first directors of the corporation are: Catherine Berka, John David Bossons, Timothy Nicholas Ross.
  4. The objects for which the corporation is incorporated are: The establishment and operation of a conservation group for the purposes of:
    • uniting all persons interested in the conservation of flora and fauna, the natural beauties of midtown Toronto and its ravine systems, and the beautification, preservation and extension of parks and green belts;
    • gathering and exchanging ideas, data and statistical, scientific, horticultural and botanical information;
    • to promote the protection and appreciation of the environment; and such other complementary purposes not inconsistent with these objects.
  5. The special provisions are: The corporation shall be carried on without the purpose of gain for its members, and any profits or other accretions to the corporation shall be used in promoting its objects.

Bylaws

Midtown Ravines Group

BY-LAW No 1

  1. Section 1 – General

1.01 Definitions

In this by-law, unless the context otherwise requires:

a. “Act” means the Corporations Act (Ontario), R.S.O. 1990, Chapter C.38, and any statute amending or enacted in substitution therefor, from time to time, including (without limitation) the Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, 2010 (Ontario) upon the same being brought into force, and, where the context requires, includes the regulations made under it, as amended or re-enacted from time to time;

b. “Board” means the board of directors of the Corporation;

c. “By-laws” means this by-law (including the schedules to this by-law) and all other by-laws of the Corporation as amended and which are, from time to time, in force;

d. “Chair” means chair of the Board;

e. “Corporation” means the corporation that has passed these by-laws under the Act or that is deemed to have passed these by-laws under the Act;

f. “Director” means an individual occupying the position of director of the Corporation by whatever name he or she is called;

g. “Member” means a member of the Corporation

h. “Members” means the collective membership of the Corporation; and

i. “Officer” means an Officer of the Corporation.

1.2 Interpretation

Other than as specified in Section 1.01, all terms contained in this By-law that are defined in the Act shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Act. Words importing the singular include the plural and vice versa, and words importing one gender include all genders.

1.3 Severability and Precedence

The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this By-law shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions of this By-law. If any of the provisions contained in the by-laws are inconsistent with those contained in the Articles or the Act, the provisions contained in the Articles or the Act, as the case may be, shall prevail.

1.4 Execution of Contracts

Deeds, transfers, assignments, contracts, obligations and other instruments in writing requiring execution by the Corporation may be signed by any two of its Officers or Directors as may be authorized by the Board from time to time for such purpose. In addition, the Board may from time to time direct the manner in which and the person by whom a particular document or type of document shall be executed. Any person authorized to sign any document may affix the corporate seal, if any, to the document. Any Director or Officer may certify a copy of any instrument, resolution, by-law or other document of the Corporation to be a true copy thereof.

Section 2.  Directors

2.01 Election and Term

The Directors shall be appointed by the Members, with each Member having the right to appoint a single Director. The term of office of each Directors shall be from the date of their appointment until the earlier of: (A) the date of their resignation, and (B) the date on which their successor is appointed.

2.02 Vacancies

The office of a Director shall be vacated immediately:

1. if the Director resigns office by written notice to the Corporation, which resignation shall be effective at the time it is received by the Corporation or at the time specified in the notice, whichever is later;

2. if the Director dies or becomes bankrupt;

3. if the Director is found to be incapable of managing property by a court or under Ontario law; or

4. if, at a meeting of the Members, a resolution is passed by at least a majority of the Members present removing the Director before the expiration of the Director’s term of office.

2.03 Filling Vacancies; Co-Opting Additional Directors

A vacancy on the Board may be filled, and a co-opted additional Director or Directors may be appointed:

A. at any time by the Directors:

1. in any meeting of the Directors which is quorate; or

2. by unanimous written resolution of the Director(s) remaining in office, passed in lieu of a meeting; and

B. otherwise as follows:

1. if there is not a quorum of Directors at a meeting, or if there has been a failure to appoint the minimum number of Directors set out in the articles, the Director(s) remaining in office shall call a special meeting of Members to fill the vacancy or vacancies and, if they fail to call such a meeting, the meeting may be called by any Member; and

2. if the vacancy occurs as a result of the Members removing a Director, the Member who appointed the Director shall have the right to appoint a replacement director at any time within 60 calendar days following the date of removal, failing which the Directors may fill the vacancy by a majority vote.

2.04 Committees

Committees may be established by the Board as follows:

1. The Board may appoint from their number a committee of Directors and may delegate to the committee any of the powers of the Directors excepting those powers set out in the Act that are not permitted to be delegated.

2. Subject to the limitations on delegation set out in the Act, the Board may establish any committee it determines necessary for the execution of the Board’s responsibilities. The Board shall determine the composition and terms of reference for any such committee. The Board may dissolve any committee by resolution at any time. Any such committee may formulate its own rules of procedure, subject to such regulations or directions as the Board may from time to time make. Any committee member may be removed by resolution of the Board.

2.05 Remuneration of Directors

The Directors shall serve as such without remuneration and no Director shall directly or indirectly receive any profit from occupying the position of Director, provided that:

1. Directors may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses they incur in the performance of their Directors’ duties;

2. Directors may be paid remuneration and reimbursed for expenses incurred in connection with services they provide to the Corporation in their capacity other than as Directors, provided that the amount of any such remuneration or reimbursement is:

(i) considered reasonable by the Board;
(ii) approved by the Board for payment by resolution passed before such payment is made; and
(iii) in compliance with the conflict of interest provisions of the Act; and

3.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Director shall be entitled to any remuneration for services as a Director.

Section 3 Board Meetings

3.01 Calling of Meetings

Meetings of the Directors may be called by any two Directors at any time and any place on notice as required by this by-law, provided that, for the first organizational meeting following incorporation, an incorporator or Director may call the first meeting of the Directors by giving not less than five days’ notice to each Director, stating the time and place of the meeting.

3.02 Regular Meetings

The Board may fix the place and time of regular Board meetings and send a copy of the resolution fixing the place and time of such meetings to each Director, and no other notice shall be required for any such meetings.

3.03 Notice; Quorum

Notice of a meeting is not necessary if all of the Directors are present, and none objects to the holding of the meeting, or if those absent have waived notice or have otherwise signified their consent to the holding of such meeting. Three Directors must be present in order for a meeting to be quorate, unless at the relevant time there are seven or more Members of the Corporation, in which case four directors must be present.  If a quorum of Directors is present, each newly elected or appointed Board may, without notice, hold its first meeting immediately following the annual meeting of the Corporation.

3.04 Chair

The Chair shall preside at Board meetings. If the Chair is not present at any meeting, the Directors present shall choose one of their number to act as the Chair of the meeting.

3.05 Voting; Written Resolutions

Each Director has one vote. Questions arising at any Board meeting shall be decided by a majority of votes. In case of an equality of votes, the Chair shall not have a second or casting vote.

In lieu of a meeting of Directors, the Directors may adopt any resolution in writing unanimously.

3.06 Participation by Telephone or Other Communications Facilities

If all of the Directors present at a meeting so consent, a Director may participate in the meeting of the Board or of a committee of Directors by telephonic or electronic means that permit all participants to communicate adequately with each other during the meeting. A Director participating by such means is deemed to be present at that meeting.

Section 4 Financial

4.01 Banking

The Board shall by resolution from time to time designate the bank in which the money, bonds or other securities of the Corporation shall be placed for safekeeping.

4.02 Financial Year

The financial year of the Corporation ends on December 31 in each year or on such other date as the Board may by resolution determine.

Section 5 – Appointment of Chairperson and Officers

5.01 Chairperson and any Officers

At the first meeting of Directors following each annual meeting of the Corporation, the Board shall appoint by simple majority from among the Directors one of the Directors to serve as Chair.  The Board may also appoint from among the Directors or otherwise such Officers as it deems necessary, and such Officers shall have such authority and shall perform such duties as the Board may prescribe from time to time.

5.02 Office Held at Board’s Discretion

Any Officer shall cease to hold office upon resolution of the Board.

5.03 Duties

Officers shall be responsible for the duties assigned to them and they may not, without the prior approval of the Board, delegate to others the performance of any or all of such duties.

5.04 Duties of the Chair

The Chair shall perform the duties described in sections 3.04 and 9.05 and such other duties as may be required by law or as the Board may determine from time to time.

Section 6 – Protection of Directors and Others

6.01 Protection of Directors and Others

No Director, Officer or committee member of the Corporation is liable for the acts, neglects or defaults of the Corporation, or those of any other Director, Officer, committee member or employee of the Corporation or for any loss, damage or expense of the Corporation through the insufficiency or deficiency of title to any property acquired by resolution of the Board or for or on behalf of the Corporation or for the insufficiency or deficiency of any security in or upon which any of the money of or belonging to the Corporation shall be placed out or invested or for any loss or damage arising from the bankruptcy, insolvency or tortious act of any person, firm or Corporation with whom or which any moneys, securities or effects shall be lodged or deposited or for any other loss, damage or misfortune whatsoever which may happen in the execution of the duties of his or her respective office or trust provided that they have:

1. complied with the Act and the Corporation’s articles and By-laws; and

2. exercised their powers and discharged their duties in accordance with the Act.

Section 7 – Conflict of Interest

7.01 Conflict of Interest

A Director who is in any way directly or indirectly interested in a contract or transaction, or proposed contract or transaction, with the Corporation or any other matter addressed by the Board, shall make the disclosure required by the Act. Except as provided by the Act, no such Director shall attend any part of a meeting of Directors or vote on any resolution to approve any such contract or transaction.

7.02 No Personal Benefit

No Director shall, directly or through an associate, receive a financial benefit, through a contract or otherwise, from the Corporation unless in compliance with the provisions of the Act and the law.

Section 8 – Members

8.01 Members

a. Membership in the Corporation shall consist of residents associations, whether incorporated or not, which are (A) interested in furthering the Corporation’s purposes, and (B) accepted into Membership in the Corporation by resolution of the Board.

b. A Voting Member is any Member.

8.02 Membership

A membership in the corporation is not transferable and automatically terminates if the Member resigns or such membership is otherwise terminated in accordance with the Act.

Section 9 – Members’ Meetings

9.01 Annual Meeting

The annual meeting shall be held on a day and at a place within Ontario fixed by the Board. Any Member, upon request, shall be provided, not less than 21 days before the annual meeting, with a copy of the approved financial statements, auditor’s review (if any) or review engagement report (if any), and other financial information required by the By-laws or articles.

The business transacted at the annual meeting shall include:

a. receipt of the agenda;

b. receipt of the minutes of the previous annual and any subsequent special meetings;

c. consideration of the financial statements;

d. if applicable, receipt of the report of the auditor or any person who has been appointed to conduct a review engagement;

e. if applicable, reappointment or new appointment of an auditor or a person to conduct a review engagement for the coming year;

f. ratification of Directors appointed by the Members or by the Directors; and

g. such other or special business as may be set out in the notice of meeting.

No other item of business shall be included on the agenda for an annual meeting unless a Member’s proposal has been given to the Board or its Chair prior to the giving of notice of the annual meeting in accordance with the Act, so that such item of new business can be included in the notice of annual meeting.

9.02 Special Meetings

The Directors may call a special meeting of the Members. The Board shall convene a special meeting on written requisition of not less than 25% of the Members for any purpose connected with the affairs of the Corporation that does not fall within the exceptions listed in the Act or is otherwise inconsistent with the Act, within 21 days from the date of the deposit of the requisition.

9.03 Notice

Subject to the Act, not less than 10 and not more than 50 days written notice of any annual or special Members’ meeting shall be given in the manner specified in the Act to each Member and, if applicable, to the auditor or person appointed to conduct a review engagement. Notice of any meeting where special business will be transacted must contain sufficient information to permit the Members to form a reasoned judgment on the decision to be taken. Notice of each meeting must remind the Member of the right to vote by proxy.

9.04 Quorum

A quorum for the transaction of business at a Members’ meeting is 25% of the Members entitled to vote at the meeting. If a quorum is present at the opening of a meeting of the Members, the Members present may proceed with the business of the meeting, even if a quorum is not present throughout the meeting.

9.05 Chair of the Meeting

The Chair shall be the chair of the Members’ meeting.  In the absence of the Chair, the Members present at any Members’ meeting shall choose another Director as chair, and if no Director is present or if all of the Directors present decline to act as chair, the Members present shall choose one of their number to chair the meeting.

9.06 Voting of Members

Business arising at any Members’ meeting shall be decided by a majority of votes by the Voting Members unless otherwise required by the Act or the By-law provided that:

a. the Voting Member is represented by an individual authorized by it;

b. votes shall be taken by a show of hands;

c. an abstention shall not be considered a vote cast;

d. before or after a show of hands has been taken on any question, the chair of the meeting may require, or any Member may demand, a written ballot. A written ballot so required or demanded shall be taken in such manner as the chair of the meeting shall direct;

e. if there is a tie vote, the chair of the meeting shall require a written ballot, and shall not have a second or casting vote. If there is a tie vote upon written ballot, the motion is lost; and

f. whenever a vote by show of hands is taken on a question, unless a written ballot is required or demanded, a declaration by the chair of the meeting that a resolution has been carried or lost and an entry to that effect in the minutes shall be conclusive evidence of the fact without proof of the number or proportion of votes recorded in favour of or against the motion.

9.07 Adjournment

The Chair may, with the majority consent of any Members’ meeting, adjourn the same from time to time and no notice of such adjournment need be given to the Members, unless the meeting is adjourned by one or more adjournments for an aggregate of 30 days of more. Any business may be brought before or dealt with at any adjourned meeting which might have been brought before or dealt with at the original meeting in accordance with the notice calling the same.

9.08 Persons Entitled to be Present

The only persons entitled to attend a Members’ meeting are the Directors, an authorized representative of each Member (who shall carry the vote of the Member; and who may be the Director appointed by the Member), and any other directors of the residents associations who are Members, and others who are entitled or required under any provision of the Act or the articles to be present at the meeting. Any other person may be admitted only if invited by the Chair of the meeting or with the majority consent of the Members present at the meeting.

Section 10 – Notices

10.1 Service

Any notice required to be sent to any Member or Director or to any auditor or person who has been appointed to conduct a review engagement shall be provided by telephone, delivered personally (Section 196), or sent by prepaid mail, facsimile, email or other electronic means to any such Member or Director at their latest address as shown in the records of the Corporation and to any auditor or the person who has been appointed to conduct a review engagement at its business address, or if no address be given then to the last address known to the secretary; provided always that notice may be waived or the time for the notice may be waived or abridged at any time with the consent in writing of the person entitled thereto.

10.2 Computation of Time

Where a given number of days’ notice or notice extending over any period is required to be given, the day of service or posting of the notice shall not, unless it is otherwise provided, be counted in such number of days or other period.

10.03 Error or Omission in Giving Notice

No error or accidental omission in giving notice of any Board meeting or any Members’ meeting shall invalidate the meeting or make void any proceedings taken at the meeting.

Section 11 – Adoption and Amendment of By-laws

11.01 Amendments to By-laws The Members may from time to time amend this By-law by a majority of the votes cast. The Board may from time to time in accordance with the Act pass or amend this By-law other than a provision respecting the transfer of a Membership or to change the method of voting by Members not in attendance at a meeting of Members, subject to subsequent approval at a meeting of Members