Ontario Parks Association (OPA), established in 1936, is a registered charitable organization whose focus is on Protecting Tomorrow Today®. Through our work as advocates for our parks and open spaces and the training we provide to parks professionals in Ontario, we are helping to preserve our living green infrastructure assets for future generations. OPA is a proud member of the Green Infrastructure Ontario Coalition.  

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After 48 years of leadership in the parks sector—including 31 years with the City of Toronto and 17 years with the Ontario Parks Association (OPA)—I will be retiring effective September 30, 2026.

As I look back on my career, I want to express my sincere gratitude to the City of Toronto, the OPA, and its members for their tremendous support throughout the years, as we worked together to navigate the many challenges and opportunities facing the parks sector.

Our living green infrastructure is vital to the mental, physical, and social well-being of our communities. I encourage everyone who has the opportunity to influence the stewardship of our natural environment to continue championing and protecting these invaluable resources for future generations.

I deeply value the many relationships and friendships I have built over the years and take great pride in what we have accomplished together. Through our collective efforts, we have made our parks and open spaces more accessible, welcoming, and inclusive for all.

Thank you to everyone who has worked alongside me in support of our shared mission of Protecting Tomorrow Today. Your dedication, partnership, and commitment have made a lasting difference, and I am honoured to have been part of this journey with you.

With gratitude and best wishes,

Paul Ronan