New Structure and New Directors on Niagara Regional Housing Board

The Niagara Regional Housing (NRH) Board of Directors is now comprised of five Regional Councillors and four Community Directors, reduced from the previous composition of 14 directors. "The Board structure has been simplified to encourage more focussed discussion and streamline decision-making", commented Board Chair Henry D'Angela. D'Angela, who is Regional Councillor for Thorold, noted that affordable housing has evolved dramatically since he joined the Board and it is important that the Board be well-positioned to act quickly to new opportunities. "The federal National Housing Strategy details are going to be announced and we want to make sure we're ready to take advantage of any funding.

In addition to D'Angela, Regional Councillors Paul Grenier (Welland), Tim Rigby (St. Catharines), Walter Sendzik (St. Catharines, Mayor) and Selina Volpatti (Niagara Falls) serve on the NRH Board. New Community Directors appointed to the Board include:

• Betty Ann Baker – Ms. Baker is Executive Director of Niagara Peninsula Homes and past Chair of Niagara Housing Authority. She has more than 30 years of experience in the co-operative housing sector and has taken an active role in the construction of new affordable housing in Niagara.
• Karen Blackley - A lifelong resident of Niagara, Ms. Blackley is a Real Estate Broker in Niagara. She is also a member of the Thorold Municipal Non-Profit Housing Board and the Age-Friendly Committee of Thorold, Vice President of the Thorold Community Credit Union and past President of the Thorold Community Activities Group.
• James Hyatt - A retired military pilot and aviation management consultant, Mr. Hyatt is multi-lingual and has lived across Canada and overseas. He is currently a Director for Luther Manor Apartments for Seniors and has a record of achievement in national, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and United Nations (UN) operations.

"I'm delighted with the breadth of knowledge and experience of the Board" said D'Angela, "Between the new Board, the National Housing Strategy and the updated Housing and Homeless Action Plan, this is certain to be a productive year for affordable housing in Niagara. I look forward to finding solutions together".

Contact

Donna Woiceshyn
Interim Chief Executive Officer, NRH
905-682-9201, ext. 3930
Donna.woiceshyn@niagararegion.ca

Henry D'Angela
Chair, NRH
905-401-9862
Henry.dangela@niagararegion.ca