Owen McDonald (he/him) was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Treaty 1 territory. He is graduating this May from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Environmental Studies, specializing in Sustainable Development. Time spent at his family’s cabin and on canoe trips through northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan during his childhood sparked Owen’s interest in environmental stewardship, later shaping his focus on how cities can respond to climate change through local, long-term action.

Owen’s academic and professional experiences have allowed him to explore sustainability from multiple angles. He has supported greenhouse gas inventory management, waste audits, and policy analysis on resource efficiency and e-bike storage with Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries, while also helping students build spatial analysis skills as a GIS Teaching Assistant at the University of Manitoba. Through his long-standing role at FortWhyte Alive, Owen has worked directly with the public, strengthening his ability to communicate environmental issues in accessible and engaging ways.

His research experience includes public engagement work with Parks Canada in Banff National Park, where he conducted visitor surveys and stakeholder interviews to inform park management and planning. Beyond his coursework, Owen has taken on leadership roles within the Society of Earth Science & Environmental Students, organizing large-scale student events, improving shared spaces, and supporting environmental education initiatives. He also contributes to climate policy conversations in Manitoba through his writing with BizForClimate.
As part of the Municipal Climate Internship Program with Environmental Leadership Canada, Owen will be working in Winnipeg’s Fort Rouge–East Fort Garry ward. He is motivated to apply his skills in sustainability, policy, and community engagement to support inclusive, place-based climate solutions for his home city.