Otonabee Conservation’s AGM celebrated recipients of the Environmental Excellence Awards

Peterborough, ON (January 21, 2025) Otonabee Conservation’s Annual General (AGM) meeting showcased water related programs and services, voted in the 2025 Chair and Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, and celebrated this year’s recipients of the Environmental Excellence Awards. The AGM was held on January 16th, 2025 at the Riverview Park and Zoo in Peterborough. Deputy Mayor Michael Metcalf from the Municipality of Trent Hills will continue his role as Chair, and Councillor Kevin Duguay from the City of Peterborough was voted in to continue his role as Vice-Chair.

The meeting was opened by Elizabeth Osawamick, Assistant Professor at the Chaine Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies at Trent University, who have a water acknowledgment and sharing the importance that water signifies in our community and families.

Otonabee Conservation CAO / Secretary-Treasurer, Janette Loveys Smith added, “Otonabee Conservation’s work is only possible through the dedication and collaboration of our board, staff, and community partners. I am excited to continue working alongside Chair Metcalf and the entire team to protect and preserve the vital natural resources that make our watershed unique, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.”

Each year at the AGM, Otonabee Conservation honours watershed champions by presenting them with Environmental Excellence Awards. These awards recognize the outstanding people and groups within our watershed. These individuals 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 JANET AND DOUG DAVISON
Recognizing outstanding people who have undertaken projects, demonstrated leadership, and inspired others to create a healthier watershed.

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AWARD | AWARDED TO SCOUTS CANADA - PETERBOROUGH
Recognizing community or organized groups that have successfully undertaken projects that contribute to a healthier watershed.

CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP AWARD | AWARDED TO TOM COWIE FROM HIAWATHA FIRST NATION
Recognizing an organizational employee who has made a significant, positive contribution to furthering the objectives of Otonabee Conservation in one or more areas of the Authority's operations.

ORGANIZATION AWARD | AWARDED TO APRIL FOSTER – SUPERINTENDENT, BUSINESS, AND CORPORATE SERVICES AT KAWARTHA PINE RIDGE DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
Recognizing a business that has made a significant contribution to projects or programs at Otonabee Conservation, advancing our vision of a healthy watershed.

For complete award winner bios please visit Environmental Excellence Awards 2025 on our website otonabeeconservation.com.