The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) hosted its 66th Annual General Meeting (AGM) today alongside its board of directors and staff, reflecting on 2024 achievements and setting a course for continued environmental leadership in 2025.
The business portion of the meeting was called to order by CAO, Leilani Lee-Yates, who conducted the election of officers. The Board of Directors then re-elected Haldimand County Councillor, John Metcalfe, as Board Chair, and citizen representative from the City of Hamilton, Stewart Beattie, to the role of Vice-Chair.
The Chair and Vice-Chair were also re-appointed to Conservation Ontario’s Committees and Council, with the CAO as their delegate. With these appointments, NPCA is well represented as a champion among the conservation community in Ontario.
Other board appointments included:
- Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation: Members Cridland and Tadeson, with Chair Metcalfe as ex-officio.
- Finance Committee: Members Cridland, Foster, Seaborn, Chair Metcalfe, and Vice-Chair Beattie.
- Governance Committee: Members Cridland, Seaborn, Tadeson, Chair Metcalfe, and Vice-Chair Beattie.
Following the completion of key business items, the AGM shifted focus to celebrate the exceptional contributions of NPCA’s dedicated staff. Five employees were honoured for their milestone years of service and the invaluable roles they play in advancing the organization’s mission. Among the highlights was also the presentation of the 2024 Year in Review video, showcasing a year of progress, collaboration, and impactful conservation efforts.
The AGM was live-streamed and can be watched here. The next meeting for the Board of Directors is Friday, March 21 at 10 a.m. and meetings will continue to take place in a hybrid format. Meeting agendas, minutes, and links to the live streams are available on NPCA’s website.
QUOTES
"As I continue in the role of Chair, I am inspired by the dedication of our Board, staff, Foundation and partners who work tirelessly to protect and enhance the Niagara Peninsula watershed. 2024 was a year of growth, partnerships, and remarkable achievements, all made possible through collaboration at every level. Moving forward, we will remain steadfast in our commitment to science-based conservation and responsible governance to ensure the long-term sustainability of our natural resources."
Board Chair, John Metcalfe
"It is an honour to continue serving as Vice-Chair and I look forward to supporting NPCA’s mission of conservation and responsible watershed management for another year alongside my fellow Board members. Our focus remains on innovation, collaboration, and service excellence. We are committed to finding creative solutions to sustain and enhance NPCA’s vital programs, ensuring that our communities continue to benefit from healthy watersheds and thriving natural spaces."
Vice-Chair, Stewart Beattie
"I am honoured to lead a dedicated team that is passionate about conservation, sustainability, and improving the health of our watersheds. Together, we will build on NPCA’s strong foundation, strengthen partnerships, enhance service delivery and ensure that our conservation efforts continue to make a lasting impact for communities across the Niagara Peninsula."
CAO & Secretary-Treasurer, Leilani Lee-Yates
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About Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority:
As a community-based natural resource management agency, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority envisions a healthy and vibrant natural environment with shared greenspace and clean water for all.
NPCA’s work supports the conservation, enhancement and sustainability of healthy watersheds with programs and services that focus on drinking water source protection, flood and hazard management, endangered species protection, ecosystem restoration, community stewardship, education, and land management.
NPCA is the caretaker of 41 conservation areas within the Niagara Peninsula watershed held in public trust for recreation, heritage preservation, conservation and education. These natural and shared greenspaces marry nature, culture and adventure to create limitless opportunities for discovery.
For more info on NPCA: www.npca.ca
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Questions related to the above release should be directed to:
Erika Navarro
Supervisor, Communications and Public Relations
Cell: 905-650-4027
enavarro@npca.ca
Questions related to the Board of Directors:
Melanie Davis
Manager, Office of the CAO & Board
mdavis@npca.ca