Charbonneau continues as chairman of SVCA

Luke Charbonneau has been re-elected chairman of the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA).

The deputy mayor of Saugeen Shores was restored to the agency's top spot at the annual meeting held Friday at the administrative office in Formosa.

Dan Gieruszak of Brockton was re-elected first vice-chairman, while Maureen Couture of Kincardine continues as second vice-chairperson, and Kevin Eccles of West Grey member-at-large.

Charbonneau thanked the board for his re-election. "This year, we will continue to take action in support of our mandate to protect and improve this watershed while striving to better serve the needs of the public and our member municipalities.”

The SVCA has 15 member municipalities within the watershed jurisdiction, an area of 4,632 square kilometres (1,788 square miles), and is one of 36 conservation authorities across Ontario.

Among the special guests attending the annual meeting, was Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson. “I’m very pleased with the direction that Saugeen Conservation has taken throughout 2016. You have done an excellent job of balancing the needs of the community with sound conservation practices. You have also taken a positive step in fostering added relationships with local groups, such as the agricultural sector. I wish you continued success in 2017.”

In addition to the elections, the SVCA board unanimously approved the 2017 budget, with an increase of only 1.4 per cent in the general levy portion of the total budget. The general levy makes up less than one-half of the total budget.

“I am looking forward to a busy and productive year," said Charbonneau, "and I am very optimistic about what we can accomplish as a conservation authority in 2017."