Innisfil councillors at helm of local Conservation Authorities

NVCA reduces number of board members to 18 from 27

Bradford Times

The Town of Innisfil is well represented on local Conservation Authorities.

The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority held its AGM on January 22, and re-elected Aurora Mayor Geoffrey Dawe as Chair – but the Vice Chairmanship went to Innisfil Councillor Richard Simpson.

“During my time with LSRCA, I have been impressed with how the Board and Staff respond to issues and challenges, and look forward to my expanded role,” Simpson said after his election.

The LSRCA is launching a new 2016-2020 Strategic Plan, with the vision of ensuring “a thriving environment that inspires and sustains us for generations to come,” and the mission to work with the community “to protect and restore the Lake Simcoe Watershed.

Innisfil Councillor Doug Lougheed was acclaimed as Chair of the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority Board, at the NVCA’s AGM on January 22. This will be his second term as chair.

“NVCA is a dynamic organization committed to protecting and enhancing the health of our watershed,” Lougheed said. “In 2016, we’ll be working with our many community partners to deliver an ambitious work plan that promotes, supports and inspires innovative watershed management.”

Gail Ardiel, Deputy Mayor of the Town of The Blue Mountains, was elected vice chair, a position she has held since 2014.

The start of 2016 also saw the NVCA Board shrink – from 27, to 18 members, as part of a pilot project. “Last year, we moved to reduce our board size as part of our commitment to improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the NVCA,” Lougheed explained, noting that the reduction will save the Board an estimated $11,000 per year.