As Dave Harvey retires from his co-leadership position at Park People, he reflects on the incredible journey since founding the organization in 2011.
Each year, we support inspiring older adults in Metro Vancouver to reconnect with nature by leading events in their local parks—sparking belonging, joy, and wellness in their communities.
Discover how Arts in the Parks is transforming Toronto’s green spaces into vibrant hubs of creativity—and how Park People helps make it all possible.
How colonialism plays out in park practices and how we can work together to embed reconciliation and decolonization.
Discover ways to help you host events in your local parks during extreme heat events.
Each year, Park People Summits bring together our growing network of urban park changemakers to connect, reflect, and explore what’s possible for more inclusive, community-powered parks in our cities.
By donating to Park People, you’ll support vibrant parks for everyone.
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Executive Director, Wildlands League
Janet Sumner is a seasoned environmentalist with over 30 years of experience. Since 2003, she has served as the Executive Director of Wildlands League, a prominent Canadian conservation organization. In 2017, she co-chaired the National Advisory Panel (NAP), tasked with recommending how to protect 17% of Canada’s terrestrial lands and inland waters by 2020. Her expertise led to her appointment as the Special Representative on Nature for Canada in 2019. Under Janet’s leadership, Wildlands League aims to safeguard 50% of Canada’s precious natural landscapes, including the western hemisphere’s bird nursery and the world’s richest carbon reserve. Her work has tangible results, many that redefine space at the scale of Google Maps.
Janet is not only an environmental advocate but also a skilled negotiator, known for resolving complex environmental challenges through understanding and respectful relationships. Her personal experiences include close encounters with polar bears, caribou herds, and aerial explorations of Canada’s Boreal Forests.
Janet’s leadership has driven significant legislative reforms in Ontario and at the federal level, including the Provincial Protected Areas and Conservation Reserves Act (2007), Mining Act Reform (2009) in Ontario, and federal amendments to the Rouge National Urban Park Act (2017). A sought-after speaker, she has presented at various forums, such as the Federal Standing Committee on the Environment and Sustainable Development, many Universities, and the United Nations Forum on Forestry in Rome, Italy.
Janet Sumner’s unwavering commitment to wilderness protection and ecosystem certainty has made her a leading figure in Canada’s environmental conservation efforts.