The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) hosted its 67th Annual General Meeting (AGM) today, bringing together its Board of Directors and staff to reflect on 2025 accomplishments and set a course for continued leadership in conservation and watershed management in 2026.
Following the conclusion of 2025 business, the Board of Directors elected Niagara Region Councillor, Robert Foster as Board Chair, and John Metcalfe, Ward 2 Councillor for Haldimand County to the role of Vice-Chair. Both appointees will also serve on Conservation Ontario’s Committees and Council, representing NPCA as a leader among Ontario’s conservation authorities.
Robert Foster, elected as Niagara Region Councillor for Lincoln in 2018, previously served as Chair of NPCA’s Board of Directors from 2022 to 2024. He also serves as Chair of the Niagara Region Corporate Services Committee and is a Director of the Southwestern Integrated Fiber Technology (SWIFT) project. Recently recognized by the Town of Lincoln for his 25 years of dedicated civic service, Foster brings extensive experience in municipal governance, public administration, and information technology, holding two master’s degrees and a Project Management Professional (PMP) designation.
John Metcalfe continues his service with NPCA, having previously served as Chair for two consecutive years. A dedicated public servant with a wealth of experience in municipal governance and environmental conservation and stewardship, he also proudly serves as Ward 2 Councillor for Haldimand County in addition to several committees like Agriculture, Engineering and Capital Works and Corporate and Social Services. With an extensive background in public service from the Ministry of Transportation and as a volunteer firefighter for more than 25 years, Metcalfe brings a strong commitment to community well-being and safety.
The meeting concluded by celebrating NPCA staff, recognizing milestone years of service, and presenting the 2025 Year in Review video highlighting a year of collaboration, partnerships, and impactful conservation initiatives.
The AGM was live-streamed and can be watched here. The next meeting for the Board of Directors is Friday, March 27 at 10 a.m., continuing in a hybrid format. Meeting agendas, minutes, and links to the live streams are available on NPCA’s website.
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QUOTES
"It is an honour to return as Chair of NPCA’s Board of Directors. I want to acknowledge the exceptional leadership of our former Chair, John Metcalfe, whose guidance has strengthened governance and strategic planning at NPCA. This year presents challenges, particularly with new provincial legislation, but also exciting opportunities to continue showcasing NPCA’s leadership in conservation, locally and across Ontario. I look forward to working with our Board, staff, and partners to advance sustainable watershed management and deliver meaningful results for our communities."
Board Chair, Robert Foster
"It is an honour to take on the role of Vice-Chair and continue supporting NPCA’s mission. I want to thank former Vice-Chair Beattie for the strong working relationship we’ve built in support of conservation, and I am proud of what we accomplished as a team. I look forward to collaborating with our Board, Chair Foster, and staff to meet new challenges, maintain strong governance, and ensure that NPCA continues to deliver high-value conservation programs across the watershed."
Vice-Chair, John Metcalfe
"Strong leadership at the Board level will be critical as we navigate the coming year. I am confident that with Chair Foster and Vice-Chair Metcalfe, we have a Board equipped to guide NPCA through 2026, building on our foundation of excellence and advancing conservation outcomes."
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, ecosystem restoration, community stewardship, education, and land management.
NPCA is the caretaker of 43 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
Communications and Marketing Specialist
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