Board-specific processes and requirements
Exhibition Place Board of Governors
Updated to reflect the Relationship Framework adopted by City Council:
- April 2010 (Item EX41.1) with respect to the composition and the term of office
Agency profile
Exhibition Place is Canada's largest entertainment venue, attracting over 5.2 million visitors a year. The 192-acre site is an integral component of Toronto's and Ontario's economy, particularly with respect to sport, festivals, recreation, culture and tourism. Exhibition Place is committed to being a world leader in energy-efficient technologies.
Exhibition Place, under the direction of the board of governors, is responsible for the general management and operation of the urban park and promotes new business opportunities on the grounds. Opening in the fall of 2009, Allstream Centre is Exhibition Place's newest conference centre. It will join Direct Energy Centre, Better Living Centre, Queen Elizabeth Building Bandshell Park and the Ricoh Coliseum, leased to Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Ltd.
The annual CNE, one of the largest annual fairs in North America, is planned and managed by the Canadian National Exhibition Association (CNEA), but staff, funding and oversight is provided by the Board of Governors in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding between Exhibition Place and the CNEA.
Board responsibilities
The Board of Governors:
- works with Exhibition Place staff to develop strategic plans, goals and policies for the grounds and ensures that these plans are efficiently implemented,
- considers matters relevant to the management and delivery of quality service to the public and clients in a profit-oriented operation, and
- oversees the annual operating expenditures and capital budget.
Term of office
Public members are appointed for four years coincident with the term of Council.
Members nominated by the CNEA and the CNEA President are currently appointed for a one-year term.
Composition
The Board consists of 13 members:
- Mayor or designate;
- 4 Members of Council;
- 3 members nominated by the Canadian National Exhibition Association (interest group);
- 4 public members (advertised recruitment); and
- President of the Canadian National Exhibition Association (ex officio).
Qualifications
In addition to the general eligibility requirements set out in the Public Appointments Policy, board members should collectively demonstrate:
- keen interest in and knowledge of trade and consumer show management and/or events management/entertainment industry
- specific expertise in one of the following areas: property management and development; finance; marketing; legal; public relations and communications; public/private enterprises; and human resources
- ability to devote time required for Board meetings and for pre-meeting study and review of agenda and supporting material, and
- reflect the ethno-cultural diversity of the City.
A youthful perspective (age range 18 to 30) is a desired qualification for at least one member of the board.
Meetings
The Board meets approximately 10 times a year or at the call of the Chair.
Remuneration
No remuneration is paid to board members.
Nomination process - interest group and advertised recruitment
- Interest group
The 3 CNEA nominees are selected by the Canadian National Exhibition Association and submitted to the City's Civic Appointments Committee for recommendation to Council. - Advertised recruitment
The 4 public members are recruited through City-wide media advertising, screened against Council approved qualifications by a City staff team and short-listed, interviewed and nominated by the City's Civic Appointments Committee for appointment by Council.