Robert Fung's accomplishments numerous as Chair of the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation

Credited with moving revitalization project from ideas into action

Toronto, January 27, 2006 - Representatives from the Governments of Canada, Ontario and the City of Toronto today praised outgoing Toronto Revitalization Corporation (TWRC) Chair Robert Fung for moving the city's waterfront revitalization project from the planning to implementation stage with great skill and insight.

"Robert Fung is a visionary whose relentless dedication has secured the future of Toronto's waterfront as a national treasure for all Canadians and I thank him for it," said Treasury Board of Canada President John Baird. "Mr. Fung is a fine example of how one person, advocating for the right thing, can positively affect so many people."

"The McGuinty government has long viewed the waterfront development as an integral part of its plan to secure the future prosperity of Toronto and Ontario," said David Caplan, Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal. "Bob's vision, knowledge and skills have taken the TWRC from ideas to action. He is to be commended for the immeasurable contribution he has made to reshaping the city for the better."

"Bob Fung is a tireless champion for Toronto's waterfront. He has been instrumental in the difficult task of laying down the right foundation for the City's waterfront revitalization," said Mayor David Miller. "Citizens of Toronto will remain indebted to his efforts for decades to come."

Mr. Fung was appointed as Chair of the TWRC when it was established and he was instrumental in getting the organization up and running. As Chair, Mr. Fung presented a development plan and business strategy that set out a 30-year vision for waterfront revitalization. Under his direction the TWRC established a public consultation strategy that has engaged the community as an active partner in achieving the dream of a vibrant and beautiful waterfront in Toronto.

After three years of in-depth planning the TWRC is now moving into the implementation stage. Work is already underway on a number of waterfront initiatives including the development of the West Don Lands East Bayfront, construction of the Western Beaches watercourse, clean-up and greening improvements in the Port Lands and the build out of parks on the Leslie Street Spit and the Port Union waterfront.

"This has not been a job for me, it has been a passion," Fung said. "The waterfront is our city's future and I feel extremely privileged to have had the opportunity to make a contribution."

Mr. Fung's appointment as Chair of the TWRC ends May 15, 2006. Representatives from the tri-government collaborative responsible for overseeing the corporation are in discussions to determine a new appointee to the position. In the interim, the TWRC Board of Directors may choose an Acting Chair.