Severn Sound Environmental Association
2023 Annual Report
The SSEA Annual Report serves as a summary of the organization’s activities and environmental initiatives and progress over the past year. It provides stakeholders, including community members, partners, and funding bodies, with detailed insights into the association’s operations, achievements, and strategic direction and includes links to financial statements and future goals. By offering transparency and accountability, annual reports demonstrate the impact of the association’s work and support its ongoing efforts of the partners to protect and enhance the environment.
Executive
Director
& Chair Note
Executive Director’s Note:
Reflecting on a Year of Growth and Shared Impact
I believe that “The only way to make a difference is to not point fingers.” At the Severn Sound Environmental Association (SSEA), we believe that every individual, community, and organization, we are all impacting Severn Sound and that means we are ALL part of the solution. This mindset has guided us through another year of positive environmental change in the Severn Sound region and moving forward together is how we will protect Severn Sound.
Thank you for being a part of this journey and for helping us ensure a sustainable future for Severn Sound.
Julie Cayley, Executive Director (left)
Board Chair’s Note:
A Dedication to Partnership and Continued Progress
Since Severn Sound was delisted as an Area of Concern in 2003, we’ve made significant progress in restoring water quality and protecting our ecosystems. This wouldn’t have been possible without the collaborative efforts of the municipalities, residents, and partners we work with. This partnership of 8 municipalities is unique and I often tell people, “We’re like a department within each of the eight municipalities that support us,” providing them with the expertise to safeguard our environment.
Steffen Walma, Board Chair (right)
2023 Board Members
Chair (2023)
Steffen Walma
Councillor, Township of Tiny
Vice Chair (2023)
Danielle Alexander
Councillor, Township of Springwater
Executive member (2023)
Suzanne Marchand
Councillor, Town of Penetanguishene
Barry Norris
Deputy Mayor, Township of Tay
Brian Bochek
Councillor, Township of Georgian Bay
Roberta Bald
Councillor, Town of Midland
Mark Taylor
Councillor, Township of Severn
Lori Hutcheson
Councillor, Township of Oro-Medonte
Strategic Plan
Tackling Today, Preparing for Tomorrow: A Forward-Looking Strategic Plan
In 2018, the Severn Sound Environmental Association (SSEA) developed its 2018-2023 Strategic Plan, acknowledging the unpredictable environmental challenges of the future. Despite hurdles like the global pandemic, forest fires, floods, and water quality issues, SSEA’s commitment to a lasting environmental legacy has remained strong.
As we prepare for the 2024-2029 Strategic Plan, SSEA aims to build on past progress and address new challenges. The focus will be on protecting Severn Sound’s natural assets and preserving environmental quality for future generations.
Our approach continues to be grounded in sound science, collaboration, and strong partnerships with local municipalities, residents, and environmental stewards. Together, through shared goals and collective action, we are building an environmental legacy that will not only improve Severn Sound but will leave the area in better condition for those who come after us.
Sound Science (Technical Expertise)
Supportive Partnerships
(Stewardship & Partnerships)
Engaged & Informed Community
Exceptional Organization
SSEA is dedicated to accomplishing each of these goals through a diverse range of programs and projects.
Programs & Projects
Environmental Monitoring
SSEA has been conducting extensive monitoring across various programs to assess and protect water quality in the region. This includes field data collection for open water, inland lakes, stream invertebrates, climate, and citizen science:
Lake and Stream Sampling:
Analyzed water chemistry, clarity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, conductivity, temperature, algae, and zooplankton.
Stormwater/Wastewater Monitoring:
A pilot project was conducted to include wastewater and stormwater effluents in the Long-Term Watershed Monitoring Program. Water samples were analyzed, and field measurements recorded at 6 sites on the Wye River supporting municipal partners in upcoming provincial stormwater Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA) requirements.
Provincial Water Quality Monitoring Network (PWQMN):
2-3 sampling runs at 14 sites.
Provincial Groundwater Monitoring Network (PGMN):
Data from 9 wells collected hourly.
Invertebrate Monitoring:
Identified 4,400 stream invertebrates, biennial monitoring at 11 stations.
Stream Temperature:
40 stream temperature loggers installed around the watershed to aid in our long-term temperature monitoring dataset.
Climate Monitoring:
4 rain gauges, 1 air temperature logger and 3 temperature loggers on rooftops installed.
Land & Water Stewardship
Tree Planting
SSEA’s tree planting and seedling distribution efforts enhance biodiversity, improve air and water quality, and strengthen local ecosystems across member municipalities.
14,740 native trees and shrubs were planted by 288 participants across eight municipalities.
344 volunteers, including Scouts Canada, schools, and corporate groups, joined 13 community tree planting events.
The 2 billion Trees Project providing tools and resources to enhance tree planting efforts.
Drinking Water Source Protection
SSEA is a Source Protection Authority as per Ontario Regulation 284/07 under the Ontario Clean Water Act, 2006 working on higher-level policies, education and outreach, and making sure the science behind the program is up to date.
- Actively involved with current or proposed changes to municipal drinking water systems in Midland, Oro-Medonte, Penetanguishene, Springwater, and Tiny.
- Participated in the Aboriginal Water and Wastewater Association of Ontario Trade Show to discuss the Drinking Water Source Protection Program.
- Ongoing education and outreach efforts to enhance community awareness and involvement in source protection activities.
Risk Management Services
SSEA acts as a Risk Management Official/Inspection under the Clean Water Act for 7 of the 8 member municipalities, implementing policies in the South Georgian Bay Lake Simcoe Source Protection Plan.
Responded to
inquiries
Commented on
development
applications
Attended
Pre-consultation
meetings
with proponents
Signed
Risk Management Plans
Completed
site visits
Sustainable Severn Sound
SSEA plays a vital role in supporting municipal members’ climate change action plans and initiatives, working collaboratively to drive meaningful environmental progress across the region. Through strategic partnerships and targeted projects, the SSEA partners contribute to reducing emissions, enhancing biodiversity, and fostering sustainable practice for future generations.
- Closely collaborated with municipalities as an Associate Member if the Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) Program.
- Supported Bee City initiatives and projects for pollinators, including habitat enhancement, guidebook development, native seed packet distribution, and promoting environmental stewardship.
- Successfully completed a municipal No Mow Policy scan for core partners.
- Gathered greenhouse-gas emission data, processed energy data, and supported municipalities in accessing grants
- Conducted deputations to update local councils on climate plans and assisted in significant flood mapping applications
Invasive Species
SSEA has been actively involved in invasive species management through various initiatives and collaborations, making significant strides in protecting local ecosystems and their biodiversity.
municipal properties surveyed to assess invasive species presence.
Received a $9,000 Green Shovels Collaborative grant, enabling over
of municipal roads to be surveyed for invasive phragmites.
Collaborated closely on the Wye Marsh Invasive Species Management Project, where we implemented mapping and management for invasive phragmites.
Completed surveys on invasive White River Crayfish.
invasive species removal events.
2023 Invasive Species Spotters project to engage citizen scientists in contributing invasive species data and observations.
SSEA successfully implemented the “Improving Habitat in the Severn Sound Watershed Project” under the Great Lakes Local Action Fund, focusing on habitat naturalization and restoration on municipally owned lands in Penetanguishene and Midland.
Conducted habitat enhancement to improve and support biodiversity at the following locations: Therrien Park, JT Payette Park, Ernest T.Bates Park, Edgehill Park, and Little Lake Park.
Over
volunteers participated in these habitat naturalization and enhancement activities.
SSEA’s efforts in habitat naturalization and restoration through this project have significantly contributed to the ecological health and biodiversity of the Severn Sound watershed area.
Planning & Evaluation
SSEA worked closely with member municipalities to advance policy planning. We participated in pre-consultation meetings and provided input on applications, reports, and environmental impact studies for 92 sites. Additionally, staff reviewed and commented on the Town of Penetanguishene’s draft Site Plan Design Guidelines, the City of Orillia Settlement Area Boundary Expansion, the Coldwater Wastewater Treatment Plan expansion, and three Environmental Registry of Ontario postings.
Community Education & Mentorship
Events/Meetings/Conferences
SSEA actively participated in 62 events. This includes presenting findings at conferences, hosting events for the Severn Sound community, and organizing information sessions with our local townships. We also celebrated our annual Partner’s Reception and Environmental Champions Award night.
Community Environmental Champions
Articles/Publications/News:
SSEA received media coverage in various news outlets highlighting different programs and projects. This includes the Tree Seedling Distribution Program, the Great Lakes Local Action Fund Habitat Improvement Project, and the Strategic Plan refresh. SSEA also contributed content to publications, participated in coverage of Georgian Bay Cruise Ships, and received funding announcements for projects like the Green Shovels Collaborate and Severn Sound Engagement and Education project (SSEED).
Social Media Engagement: SSEA has maintained a robust presence on social media, with consistent follower growth and engagement through various environmental awareness campaigns and informational content:
Published a total of 480 posts focused on a variety of topics and SSEA programs.
Instagram follower count increased by 14%.
Facebook follower count grew by 23%.
11 new videos uploaded to the SSEA YouTube channel.
Citizen Science:
14 shore/stream watch participants
7 water level watch volunteers
133 samples received from 7 dedicated volunteers – the Farlain Lake Algae Causation Study
Key & Supportive
Partnerships
SSEA works with municipal and NGO/external partners to deliver effective environmental stewardship. Our partnerships are extensive and include: Georgian Bay Biosphere’s (GBB) ICECAP; Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit’s CCEC; Climate Change Charter Working Group; Lake Huron Working Group; and Great Lakes Ecoregion Network.
SSEA is a key partner contributing to initiatives such as the Lake Huron Lake-wide Action and Management Plan and the Huronia Community Foundation Vital Signs report. Our partnerships extend to, Georgian Bay Forever, Watersheds Canada and beyond enabling us to amplify our impact and work towards a sustainable future.
Thank you to all of our external funders that helped support the work from 2023 including: Community donations; Invasive Species Centre/Green Shovels Collaborative Phragmites Control Fund; Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group’s Learning Engagement & Accelerator Fund; Huronia Community Foundation Heart of Georgian Bay Community Forward Fund; Invasive Species Centre; ECO Canada Internship; the Government of Canada – Canada Summer Jobs and 2 billion Trees; Friends of Wye Marsh/Eastern Georgian Bay Initiative; Forests Ontario; Georgian Bay Forever/Habitat Stewardship Project; the Ontario Government through the Canada Ontario Agreement respecting Great Lake Water Quality (COA) fund (State of Severn Sound 20 Years Post-Delisting as an Area of Concern (COA), Piloting the Inclusion of Wastewater and Stormwater Effluents into Existing Long-Term Watershed Monitoring program)
Academic Partnerships
Collaborated with researchers and students from multiple academic institutions, including the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Lakehead University, University of Waterloo, Trent University, and Georgian College.
These partnerships encompassed a broad spectrum of projects, ranging from nearshore algae and tributary flow to water quality, Zebra and Quagga mussel research, as well as the significant milestone of the 20th Anniversary report on the state of Severn Sound post de-listing.
Financial Accountability
The Severn Sound Environmental Association (SSEA) prioritizes financial transparency and accountability in accordance with accepted municipal financial accounting practices, as administered by the Treasurer Municipality, Township of Tay. As such, Annual Audited Financial Statements, once reviewed and approved by the SSEA Board, are available on the SSEA website.
Visit https://www.severnsound.ca/about-us/meetings/ for available financial statements.
2023 SSEA Staff
Longterm:
Julie Cayley – Executive Director
Melissa Carruthers – Manager Source Water Protection
- Aisha Chiandet – Water Scientist
- Michelle Hudolin – Wetlands and Habitat Biologist
- Lex McPhail – IT Manager and GIS Applications Specialist
- Paula Madill – Ecosystem Technologist
- Cliff Evanitski – Office Manager
- Judy Limoges – Treasurer (part-time)
Contract:
- Nikki Priestman – Watershed Health Coordinator
- Patrick Jackson – Invasive Species Program Coordinator
- Jon Main – Sustainability and Climate Action Coordinator
- Nicole Stott – Source Water Protection Intern
- Travis van Engelen – Tree Plant Program Specialist
- Emma Maurice – Climate Resilience- Habitat Intern
- Sarah Song – Inland Lakes Water Quality Stewardship Intern
Seasonal:
Sarah Hutchison – Citizen Science Assistant
Grace McLauchlin – Library Technician Assistant
Charlotte Anderson – Invasive Species Technician
Matteus Schwirtz-Zinger – Invasive Species Technician
Drew Garrett – Field Technician
James Yao – Tree Program Assistant
Brian Chantler – Environmental Field Technician
Sam van Heerwaarden – Field Technician