NEWS RELEASE
NOTTAWASAGA VALLEY CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
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UTOPIA – For the second time in its 61 year history, the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) will be led by two women. In today’s Annual General Meeting, Mariane McLeod, Councillor for the Town of Collingwood was elected as Chair, while Gail Little, Councillor of the Township of Amaranth was elected as Vice Chair.
Keith White, Councillor of the Township of Essa declined both nominations to be in this year’s executive team. In 2020, Councillor McLeod served as NVCA’s Vice Chair, while Councillor Little was on the agricultural committee. She will continue taking on this role while serving as Vice Chair.
“This is going to be a challenging year for NVCA and all 35 other Conservation Authorities,” said Councillor McLeod. “I am grateful for the leadership of former Chair, Keith White and for the fine example he set during the past year. I’m certain Councillor Little will be a terrific Vice Chair and I look forward to working closely with her.”
Councillor Little commented, “It’s a privilege to be elected as Vice Chair of the NVCA. I have great respect for their work, and recognize the improvements that NVCA has made to the watershed. I look forward to providing any assistance to the authority while learning and growing in this role.”
NVCA’s Board of Directors and staff recognize that 2021 will be a challenging year, as conservation authorities adapt to the changes to the Conservation Authorities Act, along with the ongoing difficulties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“In the Nottawasaga Valley watershed, we are also facing immense growth pressures,” continued McLeod. “This will pose an additional test for our staff to remain efficient and effective in the work they do, which is, of course, protecting people and property from flooding and erosion. Thank you for the confidence from the Board of Directors and I will do my best to deserve it.”
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