Bullet Point News is pleased to introduce our new Environmental Correspondent, René de Vries.
De Vries is a geoscientist and entrepreneur who specializes in soil and groundwater contamination and toxicology. He brings over 35 years of environmental consulting experience to the role.
Currently serving as a Senior Vice-President at Arcadis Canada, de Vries is recognized for incorporating environmentally sustainable practices into large-scale development and infrastructure projects.
A father of two and resident of Stouffville for over 20 years, de Vries has taken on lead environmental roles for Infrastructure Ontario, Metrolinx, GO transit, and Waterfront Toronto projects.
De Vries has also provided important guidance on local redevelopment work, addressing fill importation and water and groundwater concerns in areas such as Musselman’s Lake and northern Stouffville.
“I’ve always considered myself a dedicated advocate for the environment, and studying toxicology has come in handy over the past few years,” René remarked. “Over three decades ago, I earned my degree in environmental sciences and engineering, driven by a genuine concern for our planet and people’s health. My mission is to ensure that people make the right choices for their own well-being and the environment.”
More recently, de Vries has been investigating technical issues surrounding recycling programs, organic waste management, and related environmental life cycle costing.
We had the pleasure of sitting down with René for an introductory interview, which can be viewed below.
He looks forward to providing insights on a wide range of environmental issues throughout Stouffville and invites residents to submit concerns and topics they would like to see addressed via email.
