We need several New Board Members!
Current Needs
Are you a Mimico resident looking to engage with your community and contribute to the betterment of Mimico? We are looking for engaged, committed, and enthusiastic volunteers to join the Mimico Residents Association Board of Directors in the following roles:
Memberships Lead – This is a board member who participates in all board activities. This person also focuses on managing and communicating with members, promoting and growing membership among individuals, businesses, and community groups, and engaging members to stay informed about what matters to them. Experience in membership list management and promotions is an asset, though not required.
General Needs: As part of our commitment to board diversity and balanced representation, we are particularly interested in candidates who would contribute to gender diversity on the board. Also, desirable skills on the board include communication, social media, blog writing, event coordination, advocacy, event promotion, and administrative skills.
Application Process
Applicants for this volunteer board should ideally live in Mimico (or have a strong connection to the community) and be able to commit to at least 7-8 hours per month for a 2-year term. Please indicate which role you are interested in. Share a short summary of your relevant interests, experience, and expertise in the desired role. Interested people can email us at info@mimicoresidents.ca. We look forward to hearing from you.
Current Board Members
Michael Schwanzer – President
Board member since 2024
Michael Schwanzer moved to Toronto from Vienna, Austria, in 2011 after meeting his now-wife while studying in England. They first lived in West Queen West, but in 2016, with their first of three kids on the way, they moved to Mimico-by-the-Lake, drawn by the beautiful lakeside and easy downtown access by bike and train. Michael runs a software company and became Treasurer of the Mimico Residents Association in 2024. He enjoys running along the lake, taking the local train, and participating in community events. He is also a fan of burnt marshmallow affogatos at Ed’s Real Scoop.
Mike Majeski – Vice President
Board member since 2020
Michael moved to the area in 2007 after falling in love with the quaint lakeside feel. He greatly respects this diverse and inclusive community and has always felt responsible for actively participating in community affairs. Michael runs a small local business and is passionate about design and construction. He lives in Mimico with his wife, son and pup. Michael is proud to be part of this association and looks forward to expanding communication on behalf of the residents of Mimico and fostering community spirit.
Lauren Facto – Secretary
Board member since 2021
Lauren moved to Mimico with her husband and dog, Boomer, from downtown Toronto in the fall of 2020. She was drawn to the area for its unique balance of urban and suburban qualities and its access to transit, bike paths, and the waterfront. Professionally, Lauren works for a residential real estate developer in Toronto and hopes to use this knowledge and experience to help manage new developments in the area. She also hopes to focus on community events, environmental awareness and food security through urban agriculture. Lauren has assisted on the board with official letter writing, interpreting developments in Mimico, taking minutes, and handling some administrative tasks.
Ryan Myhal – Treasurer
Board member since 2026
Ryan is a technology professional with over a decade of experience leading strategic initiatives for a major financial institution and top-tier telecommunications firms. A Mimico resident for five years, he brings a data-driven approach to community growth and local development. Ryan is a seasoned neighbourhood advocate, having served for nearly five years as Co-Chair of the Fort York Neighbourhood Association and as an advisor to The Bentway. He specializes in bridging the gap between residents and city services to ensure urban planning remains transparent and community-led.
David Thornley
Board member since 2022
David has worked both in the government and community sectors. He understands social policy and research issues related to community health, poverty reduction, affordable housing, and digital literacy. He believes we can create vibrant and caring communities that include everyone. He has lived in Mimico since 2017. On the board, David assists with writing, research, and monitoring civic leaders’ work as it impacts Mimico.
Jim Foster
Board member since 2022
Jim has lived in Mimico with his family since 2007. He is married to a schoolteacher who works in the neighbourhood. He works with nonprofits and charity leaders and serves on the staff of a church in the south Etobicoke community. Jim is a career coach and mentors people on ways to give back to their community. Jim and his wife love walking by the lake, biking on local trails and bike paths, and hanging out at Jimmy’s or The Birds & Beans cafes. On the board, Jim assists with the website, events, stakeholder research, board recruiting, and representation at civic meetings. Jim also chairs the board’s research and monitoring committee.
Richard Ramsuchit
Board member since 2025
Richard has lived in Etobicoke his entire life, moving to South Etobicoke with his wife just over a decade ago and making it his home. He loves exploring coffee shops, great local eats and connecting with the community on all levels. Richard is the co-founder of Local MKRT, which, with the local BIA, hosts several events in Mimico Square throughout the year. His goal is to help grow the MRA’s social media presence, increase engagement, and support their events behind the scenes. Richard has been actively supporting our social media presence and facilitating public market events where the MRA is present and engaging with residents.
Victor Yee
Board member since 2025
Victor lives with his wife in Mimico, where they enjoy the beauty of the waterways, the ease of commuting downtown, and the vibrant local businesses. Professionally, Victor is a lawyer for non-profit community associations throughout Ontario and enjoys supporting communities as they grow and thrive. Victor has been assisting with representation to civic leaders, particularly regarding developments.
Andrew Blackwell
Board member since 2025
Andrew has had a varied career in education, social research, environmental management and international development. While living outside Canada for decades and working on different continents, he and his wife kept in touch with their daughter, who lives in Mimico. In 2022, they moved back to Mimico. They love being on the lake and exploring possibilities to contribute to building “a community within a park”. Andrew’s work on the board focuses on protecting and enhancing our environment in and around Mimico.
Guy Hoskins
Board member since 2026
Guy has been a proud Mimico resident for 13 years now. He is also passionate about the neighbourhood, its conservation, and responsible development. He has three young daughters, which grounds his commitment to the area. Guy works as contract faculty at TMU and is also a post-doc student at Carleton University. As a runner, cyclist, dog walker and child-wrangler, he can be found in Mimico’s many green and blue spaces, as well as its fine coffee shops, on a regular basis.
Darlene Bradley
Board member since 2026
Darlene and her husband have lived in Mimico for 10 years. A retired secondary school teacher, Darlene like to spend her time reading, writing, doing yoga and walking her dog, Rosie. With two grandchildren at John English school, Darlene continues to advocate for young people. A home baker, Darlene likes to share her baked goods weekly with Fire Station 435.
2025/26 and 2026/27 MRA Board Members with MPP Fairclough and DM Morley at our March 11 2026 AGM
