About Us

Corporate Profile Merriam & Associates specializes in community planning, project management, strategic planning and community stakeholder consultation. The firm has a broad spectrum of stakeholders ranging from environment, health, social services, recreation and culture.

John W. Merriam, Hon. B.Sc., CCEP John Merriam has over 30 years experience in environmental and community planning. For 24 years John worked with the Otonabee Region Conservation Authority. As Water Resource Manager, he acted as a facilitator between the community and the Authority and assisted individuals to learn about the merits of environmental protection. With an academic background in physical geography with a specialization in hydro-geomorphology, John has continued to plan within the context of environmental safety. He is a Canadian Certified Environmental Practitioner (CCEP) . This designation is granted through the Canadian Environmental Certification Approvals Board (CECAB). It is earned as a result of a peer review and documentation of over 30 years experience in environmental planning. His work with approval bodies, at the local, provincial and Federal levels has resulted in his ability to facilitate complex projects John has over 30 years of experience in municipal environmental and community planning. His work has included negotiation with municipal, provincial and federal governments on behalf of local community projects. John has written and implemented policies and procedures for various sectors such as environment and health . John’s commitment to the volunteer sector includes participation on a number of boards such as the Peterborough Access Centre (treasurer), VON (Vice President), Kawartha, Haliburton & Pineridge Children’s Aid Society (Chair of Services Committee) and the Otonabee Conservation Foundation. John has been active in many community facilitation exercises in including both provincial and federal environmental assessments. While his academic background is in physical sciences, his experience in community strategic planning and development has allowed him to transfer his skills to the health and social service sectors. His experience in needs assessments, facilitation and negotiation has been an important part of his community planning profession. John’s experience in project management has included but is not limited to work with the City of Peterborough, City of Bellville and The Municipality of Trent Hills.

Dawn Berry Merriam M.A. Dawn Berry Merriam has over 30 years experience in municipal, provincial and community planning. Her planning expertise is gleaned from her work with the City of Peterborough as a municipal social planner as well as the experience as Associate Executive Director of the local District Health Council. Dawn’s front-line experience in management in her positions with organizations such as St. Joseph’s At Fleming ( a long-term care facility) has ensured that she fully understands the dynamics of community organizations and the changing face of the infrastructure of health and social services and community change. Dawn’s graduate studies included a thesis on the changing system of health care, resulting in her attainment of a master’s degree from Trent University. Her community experience has resulted in her being asked to provide facilitation and planning direction for many different projects and non-profit agencies. She is an instructor with Fleming College where she teaches the Certificate Programme in Adult Education. Dawn's experience as Research and Policy Analyst with the Peterborough Social Planning Council continues to broaden her involvement in the community. Examples of Dawn’s Volunteer Experience: Dawn has chaired the Health for Life for the Haliburton, Kawartha & Pine Ridge District Health Unit. She has served as president of the Victorian Order of Nurses, Peterborough, Victoria & Haliburton Branch. Her board involvement includes: Hospice Peterborough, United Way of Peterborough & District St. Joseph’s Community Care Board Peterborough Social Planning Council Kawartha Participation Projects Peterborough Aids Resource Network Dawn has served in various community task forces and community initiatives such as the Mayor’s Task Force on Housing, Peterborough Housing Advisory Committee, the Ontario Healthy Communities Coalition.