Lake Simcoe watershed – January 24, 2025 – At its 74th Annual General Meeting, the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority Board members and staff closed out the business of 2024 and officially launched the business of 2025, with the re-election of the Chair and Vice Chair.
Annually, the Board of Directors elects a Chair and a Vice Chair. Both Barrie Councillor, Clare Riepma and Oro Medonte Mayor, Randy Greenlaw, were re-elected to the positions of Chair and Vice Chair, respectively. They expressed their gratitude to the rest of the Board for their continued trust and support.
Another key highlight of the meeting was a presentation by Christa Sharp, Manager, Restoration, who provided an update on 2024 accomplishments under the Conservation Authority’s restoration program, as well as upcoming projects for 2025.
Ms. Sharp spoke about the critical, on-the-ground improvements her team worked on within the Lake Simcoe watershed, such as stormwater retrofits, low impact development features, community action projects, wetland habitat creation, and agricultural projects. These projects resulted in 33 hectares of land being restored within the watershed, with 75% of them increasing biodiversity, and 73% addressing climate change stressors.
Ms. Sharp concluded her presentation by looking forward to the year ahead, mentioning that there are over 45 projects in progress for 2025.
Chief Administrative Officer, Rob Baldwin further reiterated the importance of advancing innovative research to better understand and address environmental challenges, including climate change and biodiversity loss. He also introduced a year-in-review video compilation, highlighting noteworthy achievements. To view the 2024 Year-In-Review video the metrics and infographic, please visit: https://lsrca.on.ca/index.php/home/annual-reports/
The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority’s mission is to collaborate to protect and restore the Lake Simcoe watershed with innovative research, policy, and action.
– 30 –
Media Contact:
Sinem Connor, Senior Communications Advisor
E-Mail: s.connor@lsrca.on.ca
Mobile: 289-763-4507