The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority is highlighting a year of environmental progress, partnerships and watershed stewardship following its 2026 annual general meeting.
The meeting, held Thursday at the Royal Canadian Legion – Branch 583, included the release of the authority’s 2025 annual report and remarks from chair Greg Grimes, who reflected on his first term and thanked board members and staff for their work.
“Serving my first year as Chair has been both an honour and a privilege. I want to begin by sincerely thanking my fellow Board Members for their guidance, collaboration, and support throughout the year,” said Grimes. “I also want to recognize the exceptional work of our staff. Every day, they bring their expertise, professionalism, and dedication to protect our watershed and our communities. Even as the broader policy environment evolves around us, they continue to deliver effective, locally informed, watershed-based programs and services.”
The report outlines several initiatives across the region, including student engagement in conservation education, flood forecasting through multiple bulletins, tree planting and stewardship projects, and permit reviews to support development. The authority also worked with coastal communities to address shoreline erosion along the St. Clair River and completed updated master plans for conservation areas.
Officials also pointed to progress under the Sydenham Phosphorus Reduction Initiative, a program supported by the Canada Water Agency aimed at reducing phosphorus entering the Sydenham River and ultimately Lake Erie. The program includes collaboration with agricultural producers, monitoring efforts and student engagement.
The meeting featured a presentation by a doctoral student from the University of Toronto Scarborough, who shared research on wetland restoration and aquatic species at risk, including the endangered spotted gar.
Two conservation awards were presented recognizing contributions to environmental stewardship. One recipient was recognized for work in freshwater ecosystem research and collaboration on aquatic species monitoring and wetland restoration projects, as well as public education efforts. Another recipient, a certified crop advisor, was recognized for supporting soil health initiatives and helping connect landowners to stewardship programs, contributing to improved nutrient management practices across thousands of acres.
The authority also held elections during the meeting, with Grimes re-elected as chair and Pat Brown elected as vice-chair.
The conservation authority oversees programs across southwestern Ontario, including the Sydenham River watershed and areas draining into southern Lake Huron, the St. Clair River and northeastern Lake St. Clair, with a focus on reducing flood and erosion risks and promoting environmental stewardship.
