Bradford West Gwillimbury Coun. Jonathan Scott and Amaranth Deputy Mayor Gail Little have been acclaimed to lead the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority's board of directors as chair and vice-chair, respectively.
The acclamation took place at the board's January meeting, when the NVCA board of directors elects its chair and vice-chair each year, according to the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority.
I'm grateful to my colleagues for unanimously renewing their confidence in vice-chair Little and me,
Scott, who represents a Simcoe County municipality on the board, said in the news release that he was grateful for the unanimous show of confidence.
Over the past year, the board and staff focused on protecting nature across the watershed while improving the efficiency and timeliness of planning and permitting work, Scott said. He pointed to strengthened flood and erosion hazard management, advances in stream and wetland restoration, expanded tree planting and stewardship, and continued modernization of the authority's core services.
Scott also highlighted NVCA's work with agricultural communities, promoting what he described as practical, science-based approaches that protect soil, water and farmland while recognizing the essential role farmers play as stewards of the landscape.
We delivered a lean budget and modernized our operations to support the province's goals of sustainable housing and economic development,
"In 2026, we will continue that work to protect natural systems, support resilient communities, and ensure decisions are grounded in good governance and sound science," Scott continued.
The conservation authority said that throughout 2025 it worked with volunteers, funders and partners to restore rivers and streams, plant forests, and provide environmental education across the Nottawasaga watershed. Residents and visitors also gathered at community events hosted at NVCA's conservation areas.
For municipalities, landowners and development partners, the authority reported it reduced backlogs, improved customer satisfaction and completed permit reviews in an average of 17 days.
As we continue to address the varying needs across our watershed, I appreciate the ongoing, excellent support and commitment of our staff and board members,
"Their dedication to NVCA is essential to build on what we have already accomplished," Little said in the release. "I would encourage our urban and rural communities to share their diverse perspectives to assist in the development of our objectives as we continue the work of protecting our water and natural environment."
