John was a passionate adventurer and nature lover. His travels took him to many countries and natural environments, and he spent hours canoeing, hiking and exploring. To follow John’s leadership and active participation with this, projects are being developed that focus on his love of the natural and also the engineering worlds.

Algonquin Park Ontario Canada

There is a memorial fund established in John’s name that will be used to enhance and further protect and develop Algonquin Park, Ontario, Canada. This fund is open, and will remain permanently ongoing. To make a donation, please access this link: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/pages/john-valerio-legacy-fund/ The funds you are able to donate will be used for this project and other projects as time passes. John’s family is deeply appreciative of any donation that can be made in his name, every cent will be used well. Thank you sincerely.

Queen’s University Scholarship is now live (Nov 2023)

We are delighted to announce that the Queen’s University John Valerio Memorial Award scholarship is now active. As is described in the link found here https://givetoqueens.ca/johnvalerio this is a fund that will provide a scholarship to an engineering student enrolled at Queen’s each year. We all would be appreciative if you forward to any of your contacts who may be interested to know, and/or donate. Any amount is very helpful in helping all of us continue John’s spirit of dedication to hard work and authenticity. Thank you ALL. 

Renos For Heros (2024)

One additional charity that John’s foundation has donated to this past year is an organization called Renos for Heroes. These amazing individuals fundraise and donate time, expertise, and funds to Canadian veterans who have various challenges, as they return home. Examples of their work can be found at Renos for Heroes Veteran Support Centre . John had great respect for the men and women who dedicate their careers to serving Canadians in the military. We know that he would be proud to support Renos for Heroes. 

UPDATED Projects List…

• TRAIL UPDATE – NOVEMBER 2023…… As the photo images show, progress continues on the trail. The boardwalk railings, benches and steps are just about complete. This part of the trail meanders through the spruce bog near the start of the trek.  Since the trail has several elevations, the climb to a magnificent look out to Fork Lake, and descends back to the boardwalk, the challenge of climbing has been something to solve. Stairs are the solution. The planning of how to bring in the materials, and tools to construct the stairs is a project requiring careful planning and cooperation from many. The staff were successful in acquiring assistance with many helicopter drops of the materials into specific areas. This was a major accomplishment that required skill and effort in one time sensitive morning. Next steps are to work with the incoming winter and spring and manage weather and available manpower to construct the stairs. The entire project must be completed within the regulations of protecting the nesting season and other habitats of wildlife. Watching and learning from the experts and dedicated staff is not only impressive, but also very inspiring.

• ALGONQUIN TRAIL UPDATE AS OF SEPTEMBER 2023..….The new trail build that the JV Foundation is supporting continues to make progress. As with initiatives in the park, careful planning and construction considerations must be met. The bog boardwalk trail, steps and railings are near completion.  Depending on weather, environmental considerations, and skilled labour, the opening of the trail is projected for Spring through Fall of 2024.  The trail is close to the Visitor’s Centre which will enable many to access it. Updates will be posted as they occur, as will an announcement of a ribbon cutting ceremony as soon as it is known.

• October 2022 – Update on the Algonquin project. On the latest private hike in the park we made the full trail this time – significant work has been done including; bog cut back (photos 1,2), trail grooming to halfway point (photos 3-5) and the best view overlooking Fork Lake and forest below (photos 10-12). As many arborists are in PEI in the post hurricane restorative work, tree work has been slowed somewhat. However, plans are underway with an innovative boardwalk proposal through the bog that protects the surface more effectively. Weather is a significant consideration in construction, time before the snow flies, and enough to fall in a timely manner for an active surface to sled in lumber.  Helicopters are used to drop lumber for 2 sets of stairs (photo 9 is site of the first set). It will be a good challenge to complete the trail, as John would love! More updates to come throughout the winter and into spring.

• May 2022 – Update on the Algonquin project. We are glad to share some progress. We recently visited and hiked a roughed-in trail under development, that we will be donating some of the fund to, in John’s memory. Once completed there will be an acknowledgement of his name, at some point at the trail.  The trail isn’t publicly advertised yet. However, one of the key elements we can share is that to embark on the trail, it is necessary to work a little to get the rewards. There are steady inclines and declines, a winding spruce bog, and a ‘moderate difficulty’ designation so far, and big pay offs for those who manage the hike – with superb lookout points along the way. As is John’s style…the work comes first, then enjoyment of the result…enjoying the process. The trail will be the last one the park develops for awhile, and from what we saw, it will be spectacular. It will pass through all 5 habitats in the park; hardwood forests, coniferous forests, spruce bogs, beaver ponds, lake and rivers. Stairs will be built, boardwalks, and resting benches along the way. Once construction can begin we may put a callout for volunteers to assist! We will keep you posted. As you can see from the photos, it offers much to show off the land he loved.

Generous Contributors

• Tree Planting in John’s name in Northern Ontario was donated through alivingtribute.ca by the Kraftchuk Family:

• White Magnolia Tree was planted in John’s name. Location is Concourse Park, Southern California. This was donated by the Rimland Family:

MOTORSPORTS

Another of John’s passions was motorsports. He spent many hours racing, as pit crew, and with his engineering talents, was fully involved whenever he could. His most frequently visited tracks were Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (Mosport) and Calabogie Motorsports Park, both in Ontario. Check out or enjoy them by viewing their sites here; Canadian Tire Motorsport Park – Official Site and Calabogie Motorsports Park – Calabogie Motorsports Park | CMP You will find excitement, dedication, and a world unto itself. John loved his career working for Multimatic Engineering, in Canada and around the world. To see when the Multimatic Motorsports Team will be active, look to this site for the schedule; Home – Multimatic Motorsports