Otonabee Conservation AGM celebrates 2023 successes and brings on new Chair and Vice Chair

For the first time since before the pandemic, the Otonabee Conservation Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held in person on January 18th, 2024. Watershed residents, supporters, donors, staff, and members of the board of directors joined at the Riverview Park and Zoo Rotary Education Centre to celebrate Otonabee Conservation’s accomplishments in 2023.

This year, a new Chair and Vice-Chair were appointed. Deputy Mayor Michael Metcalf from the Municipality of Trent Hills steps up from his role as Vice Chair, into the role of Chair; stepping down after filling the role since 2022, is Deputy Mayor from the Township of Cavan-Monaghan, Ryan Huntley. For 2024, the role of Vice Chair will be held by Councillor Kevin Duguay from the City of Peterborough.

“We have accomplished a lot together under Ryan Huntley’s leadership and guidance. He has inspired us to continue our good work with Otonabee Conservation,” shares the newly elected Board Chair, Michael Metcalf, “I look forward to working together with the board and staff in 2024, to address issues and challenges across the Otonabee Region watershed.”

Otonabee Conservation CAO / Secretary-Treasurer, Janette Loveys Smith added, “A sincere thank you to Deputy Mayor Huntley, who has been a great leader for the board of directors over the last two years. I have enjoyed working with him and have appreciated his guidance. I am pleased to see Deputy Mayor Metcalf and Councillor Duguay step up in the Chair and Vice Chair roles and look forward to continuing to work with our eight member municipalities.”

Each year at the AGM, Otonabee Conservation honours four watershed champions with the annual Environmental Excellence Awards. These awards recognize the outstanding people and groups within our watershed who have demonstrated the advancement of watershed health through projects on the landscape and actions that contribute to a healthier environment for everyone.

This year’s recipients of the Environmental Excellence Awards are:

INDIVIDUAL CONSERVATIONIST AWARD | Awarded to CATHY DUECK
Recognizing outstanding people who have undertaken projects, demonstrated leadership, and inspired others to create a healthier watershed.

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AWARD | Awarded to PETERBOROUGH HUMANE SOCIETY
Recognizing community or organized groups that have successfully undertaken projects that contribute to a healthier watershed.

CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP AWARD | Awarded to BRAD APPLEBY FROM CITY OF PETERBOROUGH
Recognizing a municipal partner or agency who has made a significant, positive contribution to furthering the objectives of Otonabee Conservation in one or more areas of the Authority's operations.

BUSINESS AWARD | Awarded to NEFAB CANADA, PETERBOROUGH
Recognizing a business that has made a significant contribution to projects or programs at Otonabee Conservation, advancing our vision of a healthy watershed.

Complete award winner bios are available at Environmental Excellence Awards 2024.

For more information contact:

Karen Halley | Manager, Communications, Outreach & Special Projects
Otonabee Conservation
khalley@otonabeeconservation.com
705-745-5791 Ext. 224