Board-specific processes and requirements
Toronto Zoo Board of Management
Updated to reflect changes made by Council:
- June 2007 (Item EX9.8) to the recruitment and selection process for citizen board members
- February 2007 (Item EX2.19) to the composition of the Board of Management
Note: The Toronto Zoo Foundation previously nominated 1 member - this position is vacant and needs to be reviewed
Agency profile
The vision of the Toronto Zoo is to be a dynamic and exciting action centre that inspires people to love, respect and protect wildlife and wild spaces.
The Toronto Zoo has over 5000 animals and 1.2 million visitors per year. At 287 hectares (710 acres) the Toronto Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the world. There are four major indoor pavilions, several smaller indoor viewing areas and numerous outdoor exhibits. The Toronto Zoo is a leader in conservation, education and research with innovative programs to save endangered species and conserve natural habitat.
Board responsibilities
The Toronto Zoo is owned by the City of Toronto and operated on behalf of the City by a board of management. The Board is responsible for oversight of the Toronto Zoo and approval of certain financial and contractual obligations.
The board is responsible for the following specific matters:
- works with the Toronto Zoo staff to develop strategic plans, goals and policies for the Toronto Zoo and ensures that these plans are efficiently and effectively implemented
- approves the annual operating and capital budgets for recommendation to Council
- hires and evaluates the Chief Executive Officer, who is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Toronto Zoo and its staff
- considers matters relevant to the management and delivery of quality programs and services
- is accountable for the Toronto Zoo's activities and for ensuring that it complies with all applicable legislation
Term of office
Four years.
Composition
The board consists of 12 members:
- the Mayor or a designate appointed by the Mayor
- 3 members of Council appointed by City Council
- 8 citizen members
Qualifications
In addition to the general eligibility requirements set out in the Public Appointments Policy, board members should collectively demonstrate:
- financial management;
- tourism/attractions marketing;
- knowledge of zoos and the role they play in wildlife conservations;
- education;
- large scale fund-raising or public-private partnership;
- leadership and partnership development; or
- general public sector board experience.
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 ten times per year or more frequently at the call of the Chair
Remuneration
No remuneration is paid to board members
Nomination process - advertised recruitment
The citizen members are recruited through City-wide media advertising and eligible candidates are screened against Council approved qualifications by a City staff team. The Civic Appointments Committee selects a short list of candidates, conducts interviews or other means of selecting appointees, and nominates candidates as members and the Chair of the Board for appointment by City Council.