Jane Mitchell has been acclaimed to a fifth one-year term as chair of the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA).
The election took place at a GRCA board meeting on Jan. 23.
Mitchell, who represents the Region of Waterloo on the board, was first elected to the position in 2011. Prior to that, she served as first vice-chair from 2007 to 2010.
Re-elected as vice-chair was Vic Prendergast, who represents the City of Brantford. He was been a vice-chair since 2000. In the election, he defeated Helen Jowett, a Waterloo Region councillor.
Mitchell said that it will be important this year for the GRCA to strengthen its ties with provincial officials. The Ontario government is reviewing the Conservation Authorities Act she noted, and as an experienced board chair she will be part of the effort by Ontario’s conservation authorities “to lobby during this crucial time.”
The GRCA will also hold a reception at Queen’s Park this spring to give GRCA board and staff an opportunity to discuss issues with MPPs from the Grand River watershed, as well as senior ministry staff.
In 2015 the GRCA will be co-hosting a watershed tour for representatives of conservation authorities from across the province. The GRCA board is made up to 26 members appointed by the municipalities of the Grand River watershed. The board elects a chair and vice-chair at the first meeting of each year.
