The North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA) Board Members elected Papineau-Cameron Councillor Shelley Belanger as Chair at its Annual General Meeting Jan 24. Mattawan Twp’s Michelle Lahaye was elected Vice Chair.
“It’s an honour to serve as Chair of the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority. I look forward to working with my colleagues, our dedicated staff, member municipalities and stakeholders as we work towards the betterment of the environment in this watershed,” said Chair Belanger. “We thank Dave Britton for his strong leadership as Chair in the last two years” she added.
“Very proud and happy to serve our member municipalities during challenging times including budget restraints and changes to the Conservation Authorities Act. I strongly believe that this group will be able to addresses the challenges gracefully,” said Vice Chair Lahaye.
“NBMCA staff continue our watershed management role with strong governance in place. Our programs and services include flood forecasting and warning, planning and permitting, on-site sewage systems permitting, source water protection, recreational conservation areas, outreach, and more” said CAO Chithra Gowda.
The Members also elected Lana Mitchell of North Bay, Bill Moreton of Calvin, Dave Britton of Powassan and Irene Smit of Callander to the Executive Committee. Chair Belanger and Vice Chair Lahaye are automatic appointees to the Executive Committee. The Executive serves as the Finance and Administration Advisory Board with responsibility for deliberating and making recommendations to the Board on the annual budget or administrative matters.
The NBMCA Board members are appointed by NBMCA’s 10 member municipalities. Returning members include Belanger and Lahaye as well as, Chris Mayne, Peter Chirico and Lana Mitchell (North Bay), Nunzio Scarfone (Chisholm Twp), Irene Smit (Callander), Bill Moreton (Calvin Twp), Steve Trahan (East Ferris), Loren Mick (Mattawa), and Steve Featherstone (Bonfield). More information regarding NBMCA governance, including meeting agendas and minutes, are posted on the website: http://www.nbmca.ca/governance/governance-overview/
The Source Protection Authority (SPA) Board of Directors also held its AGM Wednesday, electing Belanger as Chair and Lahaye as Vice Chair. The SPA oversees the Drinking Water Source Protection Program for the North Bay-Mattawa Source Protection Area. SPA members include representatives of municipalities located within the Source Protection Area. In addition to the NBMCA Board members, the SPA includes Teri Brandt (South River), Steve Kirkey (Nipissing Twp) and Jim Ronholm (Strong Twp). More information regarding the Source Protection Authority can be found online at http://www.nbmca.ca/about-us/members-spa/
The North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA) was founded in 1972 by the Province of Ontario. A non-profit organization, the NBMCA works closely with the public to balance human needs with the environmental needs of the region’s watershed. The NBMCA is one of 36 Conservation Authorities who are members of Conservation Ontario.
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For more information, contact:
Chithra Gowda, CAO (705) 477-0372