​​​​Climate Change on the agenda for Conservation Authority Annual General Meeting

Lake Simcoe watershed – January 28, 2022 – At its 71st Annual General Meeting (AGM), Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority board members and guests heard from the Authority's senior staff experts about its activities throughout 2021.

Chief among the presentations was the keynote topic, “Climate Change: An Optimistic Outlook", provided by Ben Longstaff, General Manager of Integrated Watershed Management. ​Mr. Longstaff's presentation was followed by Katie Thompson, a Risk Management Official with the City of Barrie, who presented on the City of Barrie's climate change efforts.

Guests also heard from Christa Sharp, the Authority's Manager of Restoration Services, who delivered an overview of the Authority's top 10 restoration projects in 2021. With more than 100 projects completed, at a value of almost $2Million, choosing the top 10 to highlight was not easy. Featured projects included prescribed burns in King and Innisfil, a stormwater retrofit in Barrie, the removal of a fish barrier in Kettleby Creek, significant public/private partnerships, agricultural projects, as well as numerous community action projects. ​ Image: Dry stormwater pond retrofit project in Barrie

CAO, Rob Baldwin shared a year-in-review video compilation showcasing some of the conservation authority's work and highlighted the Authority's online Infographic containing metrics and outcomes from 2021. To view the 2021 Year-In-Review Infographic and video, please visit: www.lsrca.on.ca/annualreport.

Opening the business of 2022, election of the Chair and Vice Chair positions took place, with York Region Chairman Wayne Emmerson and Bradford Councillor Peter Ferragine being re-elected to their respective posts.

Chair Emmerson thanked board members for their continued confidence in him, noting his pride in chairing an organization that, despite the challenges of the past two years, continues to excel in its delivery of watershed protection. Councillor Ferragine was equally pleased to continue in his role as Vice Chair and looks forward to the coming year ahead.

If you missed the board meeting, the audio recording​​ will be posted online within a few days.

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