About Us
The Severn Sound Environmental Association (SSEA)
The Severn Sound Environmental Association (SSEA) is a Joint Municipal Service Board under the Municipal Act (Section 202). It was originally founded in 1997 as a partnership between federal, provincial and municipal partners to support the completion of the Severn Sound Remedial Action Plan (SSRAP) and to provide a local, community-based environmental office in the Severn Sound watershed. The SSEA provides continuing support to the federal and provincial agencies, but particularly to the local municipalities, to sustain environmental quality and to ensure continued protection through wise stewardship of Severn Sound and its tributaries. Our agreement partners include: eight municipalities (Midland , Penetanguishene, Tiny, Tay, Springwater, Oro-Medonte, Georgian Bay and Severn). We also work with many other partners to develop cost effective environmental projects in the Severn Sound area to the benefit of the entire community. The SSEA is also one of the local Source Protection Authorities in the area.
What does SSEA Do?
On behalf of the partners, the SSEA office continues to:
- provide exceptional service to our partners
- work hard with our partners to make Severn Sound better for generations to come
- protect and restore waterquality and habitat in Severn Sound
- monitor the environment, collect and analyze data and share our findings
- monitor for early warning signs of changes in the Severn Sound environment
- connect people to the watershed
- provide environmental advice to our watershed municipalities through land use planning and policy
The success of the Severn Sound Environmental Association and the Remedial Action Plan provides a focal point around common environmental protection needs, bringing together the municipalities and other stakeholders to sustain the Severn Sound area.
What services does the SSEA provide?
- Environmental Monitoring
- Expert Data Collection & Analysis
- Report Writing
- Drinking Water Source Protection – Risk Management Services
- Municipal planning & policy review & advice
- Habitat & Natural Heritage Assessments
- Stewardship Project Development & Facilitation
- Tree planting & Seedling distribution
- Local Biological Expertise (includes Invasive Species, Fish & Wildlife Habitat, and Natural Heritage)
- Remedial Action Plan Commitments
- Other related services at the request of the municipal partners
Vision
The SSEA is the lead agency ensuring Severn Sound is one of the most resilient and thriving Great Lakes watersheds.
Mission
Leading and galvanizing action to protect the lands and waters of the Severn Sound area through sound science, collaboration, and partnerships.
Values
- Honesty & Integrity
- Exceptional Service
- Action
- Respect & Responsibility
- Teamwork
Our Members
The Severn Sound Environmental Association is a partnership between eight municipalities in the Severn Sound Watershed. Each municipality appoints one person to serve on the SSEA Board. The SSEA Board holds quarterly meetings where management and review of the business of the SSEA Office occurs.
(Vice Chair)
(Executive Committee Member)
(Past Chair - Executive Committee Member)
is a group of bays covering an area of approximately 130 km² and is located in southeastern Georgian Bay, Lake Huron. The Severn Sound Watershed Area covers over 1,000 km².