The mandate of the PAC is to provide collaborative local perspective, guidance and expert advice in the implementation of NPCA’s policies, plans and other conservation authority matters, as determined by the NPCA Board of Directors and its staff. The PAC was created in 2014 and is comprised of multi-stakeholder and community representatives across different industries.

The recruitment process took place in spring 2023 through a robust communications and outreach campaign that reached diverse audiences and engaged applicants from the necessary sectors. After thorough review of more than 55 applications, the NPCA is proud to welcome a group of highly qualified representatives who possess a wealth of knowledge and skills, and a passion for conservation.

The 2023-2026 Public Advisory Committee is comprised of the following representatives: 

• Agriculture– Albert Witteveen and Lennie Aarts
• Business/Industry– Lesley Clarke
• Development/Building– Jonathan Musso
• Environmental– William Rapley
• Métis citizen– Tracy Boese
• Planning– George McKibbon
• Public-at-Large– David Cribbs, David Wyllie, Naheed Qureshi
• Urban Indigenous– Cindilee Ecker-Flagg
• Volunteer/Conservation Area user– Philip Beale
• Youth– Lageera Chatheecha

While PAC membership is determined through an established recruitment and evaluation process, three Indigenous representative seats are appointed. The Métis citizen is appointed by Niagara Regional Métis Council, and two representatives will be appointed by local First Nations communities.

“The Board of Directors is pleased that the PAC is now in place for this term and ready to provide the input required to help both staff and directors understand community concerns,” says Robert Foster, NPCA Board Chair. “We have a strategic plan that guides what and how we do our conservation work, and it is through the advocacy of the PAC and Board of Directors that we engage our communities. As Board chair, I look forward to working with this dedicated group for the betterment of the Niagara Peninsula watershed.”

The first PAC meeting was held on July 5, with the next scheduled for September, when a new committee chair and vice-chair will be selected.

The members of the PAC will be instrumental in providing input, feedback and advice for consideration on how to engage with the community and stakeholders. Items brought forward will include conservation area management plans, strategies, floodplain mapping projects, events, and other important initiatives in the coming years. Their meetings will help open the lines of communication and enable staff to hear from diverse voices and experiences, leading to better and stronger collective impact and outcomes.

To learn more about the PAC, visit https://npca.ca/about/board-advisory-committee. Learn more about the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, visit www.npca.ca. Follow Facebook and Twitter for more updates.

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About Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority: The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) is a community-based natural resource management agency that works to protect, enhance, and sustain healthy watersheds. With more than 63 years of experience, the NPCA offers watershed programs and services that focus on flood and hazard management, source water protection, species protection, ecosystem restoration, community stewardship, and land management.

The NPCA is one of 36 Conservation Authorities in the Province of Ontario and manages 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.

Questions related to the above release should be directed to: 

Erika Navarro
Communications and Marketing Specialist
Mobile: 905-650-4027
enavarro@npca.ca