South Nation Conservation Holds 79th Annual General Meeting
Board Elections and 2025 Annual Report Approved
South Nation Conservation (SNC) hosted its 79th Annual General Meeting on March 12, 2026, at its head office in Finch, Ontario. The meeting highlighted key accomplishments and included the election of the 2026–2027 Board Executive.
The Board Executive was unanimously elected in the following roles:
• Adrian Wynands, Deputy Mayor of Augusta Township, Chair
• Catherine Kitts, City of Ottawa Councillor for Orléans-South Navan, Vice-Chair
• Steve Densham, Deputy Mayor of North Stormont, as Second Vice-Chair
SNC’s Board of Directors includes 12 municipal representatives who oversee the Authority’s $9.1 million budget, programs, and services. The Board works closely with staff to advance conservation initiatives across the watershed. In 2025, approximately 50% of the budget was funded through municipal levies from SNC’s 16 member municipalities.
“I’m honoured to step into this role and work alongside such a dedicated team,” said Adrian Wynands, Deputy Mayor of Augusta Township, and newly elected Chair. “The success of South Nation Conservation is built on strong partnerships, and I look forward to continuing that collaborative work.”
The Board also approved SNC’s 2025 Annual Report, which highlights major milestones across the jurisdiction, including:
• 228 acres of conservation land added to SNC’s over 12,000 acres land portfolio.
• Over 110,000 trees planted in partnership with municipalities, landowners, and community groups to increase forest cover and climate resilience.
• More than 280,000 visitors welcomed to Conservation Areas for outdoor recreation and nature-based experiences.
• Multiple wetland restoration projects completed, enhancing wildlife habitat and improving water quality.
• Floodplain mapping updates completed for Quaile Creek in the City of Ottawa and Hawkesbury Creek in Prescott-Russell, helping municipalities better prepare for flooding and support responsible development.
• Reviewed 367 development applications, issued 216 permits under the CA Act and processed 437 septic system permits, to support safe and sustainable development.
• Environmental stewardship funding delivered to landowners, supporting projects that improve water quality and protect natural habitats, including delivering the new Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program’s Marginal Lands Initiative.
“Our Annual Report reflects another year of strong collaboration and meaningful environmental work across the watershed,” said Carl Bickerdike, SNC’s Chief Administrative Officer. “Together with our municipal and community partners, SNC looks forward to another year protecting natural resources while supporting sustainable development in our watershed.”
Province Announces Plan to Consolidate Conservation Authorities into Regional Agencies
On March 10, 2026, the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks announced updated plans to consolidate Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities into nine regional conservation authorities (RCAs). SNC will join three other authorities, Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA), Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA), and Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA), to form the St. Lawrence River Regional Conservation Authority (SLRRCA).
The Ministry confirmed that RCAs will remain independent and municipally led, with at least one Watershed Council in each region to maintain local knowledge.
Local offices, staff, and programs will continue, ensuring uninterrupted service across the regions. Legislation to amend the Conservation Authorities Act will be introduced in the coming weeks, with consolidation expected to take effect in early 2027.
“As we move into this new regional model, our focus remains on preserving the high level of service our communities expect,” said Bickerdike. “We will continue to work constructively with the Province, our peers at MVCA, RRCA and RVCA, Conservation Ontario and our municipal partners.”
View the 2025 Annual Report online:
www.nation.on.ca/resources/publications/annual-reports
Learn more about SNC’s Board of Directors and access meeting minutes:
www.nation.on.ca/about/board-directors-and-committees
Media Contact:
Erin Thorne, Communications Specialist
1-877-984-2948 | ethorne@nation.on.ca