About Us
It’s not just about new solutions – it’s about aligning local efforts.
Our mission is to accelerate Ottawa’s transition to an equitable, carbon-neutral future.
OCAF formed in 2021 with a challenging mission: to help bring Ottawa’s carbon pollution to net-zero by 2050. Meeting that target will also make our homes, businesses, natural spaces, and infrastructure more resilient to the damage we can expect as climate change accelerates.
We know the transition is possible, and the need is urgent.
And we know that the path to net-zero delivers massive community benefits—the opportunity to create jobs, establish new businesses, learn new ways to innovate and solve problems, and transform Ottawa into a healthy, thriving community where no one is left behind.
Our Team
Cherise Burda
Cherise Burda, former executive director of Toronto Metropolitan University’s City Building Institute, has directly shaped housing, city-building, and local climate and energy policy in Ontario and British Columbia over a 25-year career. Beginning in 2012, she worked to bring concepts like missing middle housing, gentle density and transit-oriented development from the margins to the mainstream as an author, researcher and strategic communicator. More recently, Burda is known for her efforts to advance solutions for climate and housing affordability, including as an active member of the Affordability Action Council and the Task Force for Housing and Climate.
Teagan Yaremchuk
Teagan grew up in a small town outside Ottawa on the traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg and joined the Ottawa Climate Action Fund in October 2022. She has an Honours BA in Environmental Studies from Carleton University and brings experience from across the environmental non-profit sector. Her work is grounded in community-driven approaches to climate action, with an interest in initiatives that connect climate solutions, nature protection, and local impact. Outside of work, Teagan can usually be found spending time with family and friends, walking her dog, or getting outside regardless of the season.
Aaron Thornell
Aaron (he/him) joined the Ottawa Climate Action Fund in January 2025, after spending three years as part of the City of Ottawa’s Climate Change and Resiliency team. A graduate of St. Francis Xavier University, Aaron studied community development and history, a combination which helped shape his belief that the best approaches to climate action are bottom-up and community-led. Aaron has worked with the Ottawa Renewable Energy Co-operative, an organization focused on developing community owned renewable energy assets across Ontario. During his time at the City of Ottawa, Aaron oversaw the City’s residential retrofit programming, including the Better Homes Ottawa Loan Program. Outside of the office, Aaron enjoys woodworking, cycling, and spending time outdoors.
Governance and Reporting
Strategic Plan
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Annual Reports
OCAF will produce its first independent annual report for 2024-2025. Prior reporting can be found on the Ottawa Community Fund website.
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Our Board
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Our Partners
Low Carbon Cities Canada (LC3) Network
City of Ottawa
Ottawa Community Foundation
How do we handle Conflict of Interest?
To fulfill its mission, OCAF depends on input and strategic guidance from Board members and other experts who are actively engaged on climate change and related topics. We have established a robust process to manage the potential for conflicts of interest.