Ridgetown, ON- February 19, 2026- The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus. The AGM highlighted the organizationโs achievements in 2025 and looked to the year ahead. On February 2, 2026, the LTVCA celebrated the 65th anniversary of the organization. The theme for the afternoon was 65 years of conservation. Amanda Blain, Communications Specialist started the meeting by saying โSince the beginning the LTVCA has been about community. The communities in our watershed voted in 1960 to form the LTVCA because they saw the potential and the impact we could have as an organization. Today, we have stayed true to our roots, we are still community driven and continue to change and adapt to our community wants and needs.โ This led to the unveiling of the new logo that will be used throughout the year with the slogan โCommunity Born Community Driven.โ
Unlike previous years the AGM did not host a guest speaker from an outside organization, instead LTVCA staff discussed the history of their programs and where they are today. Conservation Reports from the 60s and 70s stated many facts that still hold true today, such as low tree cover in Chatham-Kent and identifying phosphorous as the leading pollutant in the Great Lakes. These were priorities when the LTVCA was formed and continues to be a priority today.
The LTVCA handed out four Environmental Awards:
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- Volunteer Heroes Award to Bob, Brett and Derek Gore for their volunteer work at the Chatham-Kent and Lambtonโs Childrenโs Waterfest
- Most Dedicated Organization to Community Living Chatham-Kent for their volunteer efforts removing invasive species and collecting litter throughout Chatham-Kent.
- Most Devoted Landowner to Geraldine Hind from West Elgin for being an exemplary steward of the land. Hind has restored 14 acres into wetlands and native plants on her property.
The final award was given to Linda McKinlay retired councillor for the Municipality of Lakeshore and past board member and chair to the LTVCA. Mark Peacock CAO/ Secretary-Treasurer unveiled the new award, by saying, โThe Linda McKinlay Award for Environmental Leadership recognizes individuals who share the same spirit as Linda McKinlayโstrong leadership, a deep commitment to local conservation, and the drive to make a meaningful difference.โ
Mayor Canniff form the Municipality of Chatham-Kent was in attendance and gave the LTVCA a plaque congratulating them on 65 years of service to the community.
The formal board meeting included a presentation on the year in review, which saw the successes and challenges of the year, such as the Provincial Government announcement on amalgamation. Although, there are no updates on this change, the LTVCA reiterated its committed to staying local and serving their 10 member municipalities.โ
Paul Tiessen councillor from the Municipality of Leamington was re-elected for a second term as chair, as well as Sarah Emons councillor from the Township of Southwold for a second term as vice chair. Hugh Aerts councillor from the Municipality of Middlesex Centre was elected for his first term as second vice-chair.
| Media Contact Amanda Blain Communications Specialist [email protected] |
Mark Peacock |
