Supporting members

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Ian Attridge is of Celtic settler heritage living in Nogojiwanong (Peterborough), Michi Saagiig Anishinaabe territory. As an Associate at Trent University, an ecologist and lawyer, he practices and teaches environmental and non-profit law. 

Over a 35-year career, Ian has played key roles in developing and applying the legal framework for creative land securement, related tax incentives, protected areas and trails in Ontario and beyond. He has authored numerous publications and policy submissions and has advised diverse land holders, including land trusts and governments at all levels.  

Ian co-chairs the Indigenous Land Trust Circle of the Conservation through Reconciliation Partnership and is part of Indigenous ally groups. Ian is most at home on the land and waters of the Kawarthas and in fostering community.

Paul Downs is the past president and previous owner of Nexicom Incorporated and Nexicom Systems Incorporated. Nexicom is a local telecommunication company with its head office in Millbrook, Ontario. Nexicom Systems is a supplier of telecom products to companies across Canada. 

Paul was born and raised in the independent telephone industry. Upon completion of high school, Paul attended Lakeshore Teachers College and then Wilfrid Laurier University where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree. He then returned to the teaching profession and over the period of fifteen years was a teacher, Vice-Principal and Principal. During those years, he obtained his Master of Education degree in Educational Administration from the University of Toronto. 

Following the death of his father in 1978, Paul, along with his brother John, became involved in a full time basis with the Nexicom companies. Since 1978, Nexicom expanded its service offerings and grew its staff from ten employees to over eighty employees. 

Over the period of thirty-seven years, Paul served as President and/or Director of many Canadian and US Telecommunication Associations. Paul is currently Vice-Chair of Fleming College, and on the Board of Directors of Kawartha Land Trust. 

Paul and his family have properties in Millbrook, Mississauga, and the Township of Trent Lakes.