Mary-Frances Turner, RPP, MCIP

President, York Region Rapid Transit Corporation

Mary-Frances Turner is President of York Region Rapid Transit Corporation, a unique share capital corporation mandated to plan, design and deliver rapid transit and help shape transit-oriented development in York Region.
 
With over 30 years’ experience in urban planning and corporate leadership, Mary-Frances’ role has been central to the implementation and continued development of rapid transit in York Region. With the project since its inception in 2001, Mary-Frances led the public/private partnership team that launched the award winning Viva rapid transit service and is now implementing vivaNext – the next generation of rapid transit in York Region. VivaNext projects include two subway extensions, two bus terminals, and dedicated bus lanes on key corridors.
 
Mary-Frances has a background in planning and development, with private sector companies and with the City of Markham, where she implemented new urbanist communities and began the York Region Rapid Transit Plan.   A passionate urbanist, Mary-Frances has injected the vivaNext projects with energy and enthusiasm. Under her leadership, vivaNext has grown from a vision to a reality, generating public interest and support and securing over $3.2 billion in funding from all levels of government.
 
Mary-Frances holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Recreation, with a specialization in Planning, from the University of Alberta.  Her hobbies include enjoying the outdoors, skiing and swimming.

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