David Chernushenko promotes prosperous communities and healthy livelihoods through books, films, public speaking, advocacy and personal example.
As an elected Councillor from 2010-2018, he chaired the City of Ottawa’s Environment and Climate Protection Committee and served on the Transportation Committee, the Finance and Economic Development Committee and the Board of Health.
His notable accomplishments include the adoption of progressive policies on urban intensification, active transit and complete streets, as well as long-term plans for a renewable energy transition and for urban forest management. During his time in office, Ottawa converted a major street according to complete street principles, built multiple bridges for pedestrian and cycling users and established a strong cycling network, earning a gold Bicycle Friendly Community designation.
Born in 1963 in Calgary, he has called Ottawa home for most of his life and is a fluent French speaker. David earned a B.A. in Political Studies from Queen’s University and a Master’s in International Relations from Cambridge University. He was accredited by LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) as a green building professional.
He served for three years on the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy (NRTEE), and for six years on the International Olympic Committee’s Sport and Environment Commission.
He has written three books on sustainable management practices and co-founded Clean Air Champions, a national charity that involved athletes in tackling air pollution while promoting active living.
An active and dedicated community volunteer, David has served as a director of the Sustainable Ottawa Energy Co-operative, and community ambassador for the Ottawa Sustainability Fund. Ottawa’s Social Planning Council honoured him with the Marion Dewar Defender of the Public Good Award in 2010.
He directed and produced three documentary films: Bike City, Great City (2013), Powerful: Energy for Everyone (2010) and Be the Change (2008).
David wrote and published the critically-acclaimed “eco-political thriller” novel Burning Souls (2019) and toured the country in his electric vehicle doing book readings and leading discussions on the topics raised in the book.
He loves cycling, cross-country skiing, hockey, speed skating and wilderness canoeing. He enjoys writing, photography, live theatre and choral singing.