Severn Sound Environmental Association
2024 Annual Report
The SSEA Annual Report provides an overview of the organization’s work and progress over the past year, highlighting key environmental initiatives, partnerships, and community impacts. It offers stakeholders, including municipalities, partners, funders, and community members a transparent look into SSEA’s operations, achievements, and strategic priorities. By sharing results, financial context, and future goals, the report reflects SSEA’s ongoing commitment to accountability, collaboration, and environmental stewardship across the Severn Sound watershed.
Executive
Director
& Chair Note
Executive Director’s Note:
Working Together for a Stronger Severn Sound
In 2024, SSEA developed a new strategic plan that reaffirms our commitment to collaboration, innovation, and stewardship. More than a guiding document, it reflects a shared purpose—to protect and enhance the Severn Sound watershed for generations to come.
Through strengthened partnerships and collaborative efforts with municipalities across the region, we have advanced projects ranging from community science initiatives to shoreline restoration. Our efforts are grounded in one simple truth: lasting change happens when we work together.
Thank you to our dedicated staff, partners, and community members for your continued support in building a resilient and thriving Severn Sound.
Julie Cayley, Executive Director (right)
Board Chair’s Note:
Eight Years of Growth and Partnership
As I complete my final year as Board Chair, I’m proud to reflect on eight years of progress. SSEA has grown stronger, expanding outreach, deepening partnerships, and staying focused on our environmental mission.
I’ve seen the SSEA team’s passion in action and felt the impact of true collaboration.
With a renewed strategic plan and strong leadership, I’m confident in SSEA’s future. Thank you to everyone supporting this important work. Keep engaging, keep advocating, and keep caring for Severn Sound.
Steffen Walma, Board Chair (left)
2024 Board Members
Chair (2024)
Steffen Walma
Councillor, Township of Tiny
Vice Chair (2024)
Danielle Alexander
Councillor, Township of Springwater
Executive member (2024)
Suzanne Marchand
Councillor, Town of Penetanguishene
Barry Norris
Deputy Mayor, Township of Tay
Kristian
Graziano
Councillor, Township of Georgian Bay
Bill Meridis
Councillor, Town of Midland
Mark Taylor
Councillor, Township of Severn
Lori Hutcheson
Councillor, Township of Oro-Medonte
Georgian Bay twp. Drinking water Source Protection Representative
Brian Bochek
Councillor, Township of Georgian Bay
Strategic Plan
Sustaining Severn Sound: A Vision for the Future
In 2024, the Severn Sound Environmental Association developed a renewed Strategic Plan to guide the organization with clarity and purpose in the face of evolving environmental challenges. This updated plan outlines a shared vision, mission, and strategic direction, reinforcing SSEA’s role as a proactive leader in watershed stewardship.
Renewed Vision: The SSEA is the lead agency ensuring Severn Sound is one of the most resilient and thriving Great Lakes watersheds.
Renewed Mission: Leading and galvanizing action to protect the lands and waters of the Severn Sound area through sound science, collaboration, and partnerships.
The plan is structured around four strategic goals —Discover, Connect, Empower, and Lead —each supported by clear objectives and priority actions. Together, these goals offer a practical, action-oriented roadmap for environmental progress.
- Discover using Sound Science: Build and apply scientific knowledge to guide decisions and address priority, legacy, and emerging issues.
- Connect with Supportive Partnerships: Strengthen existing partnerships and build new alliances to align efforts and use resources effectively.
- Empower an Engaged & Informed Community: Increase awareness of watershed issues and inspire positive action through education and outreach.
- Lead as an Accountable & Exceptional Service Driven Organization: Take visible, proactive steps to drive change, deliver exceptional service, and promote stewardship.
This strategic plan is more than a guiding document—it’s a shared path forward that reflects SSEA’s commitment to collaboration, leadership, and a healthy future for Severn Sound.
To read the updated Strategic Plan, visit: https://www.severnsound.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/SSEA_Strat_Plan_Renew_2024_29_20250506_final_approved_sec.pdf
Programs & Projects
Environmental Monitoring
SSEA led comprehensive monitoring programs in 2024, collecting data on open water, inland lakes, tributaries, groundwater, stream invertebrates, and climate. This work supports the ongoing assessment and protection of water quality and overall watershed health throughout the region. SSEA’s environmental monitoring provides critical insights into current conditions and long-term trends, helping to identify emerging issues and support informed decision-making by municipal partners.
To find monitoring results: https://www.severnsound.ca/resources/monitoring-results/
Open Water (Severn Sound) Sampling:
Water samples were collected at 7 sites across the open water portions of Severn Sound over 5 runs during the ice-free season. This data helps assess water quality, protect drinking water sources, and guide environmental management decisions.
Inland Lake Sampling:
19 sampling/monitoring events were completed for Little Lake and Bass Lake as part of a 5-year monitoring rotation. Data collection includes, but is not limited to, pH, conductivity, and temperature, with general chemistry sampling for nutrients and heavy metals. This information helps assess lake health, track potential issues like algal blooms, and guide decisions to protect water quality.
Provincial Water Quality Monitoring Network (PWQMN):
10 sampling runs at 12 sites across the watershed. The PWQMN pilot project conductivity sensor, installed at a site on the Coldwater River, was also monitored and maintained. The data collected can be used to help establish a baseline range and may support the detection of external impacts on water quality, such as storm events and de-icing salts.
Provincial Groundwater Monitoring Network (PGMN):
Water levels and temperature data collected from 9 wells hourly. 4 monitoring wells were sampled for chemistry and metals—crucial for detecting new aquifer contaminants and identifying potential pollution sources. Water quantity monitoring conducted on 8 additional SSEA wells to track groundwater levels over time.
Stream Temperature:
51 stream temperature loggers installed around the watershed, collecting data to model thermal stability. This classifies streams as cold, cool, or warm, and each class provides a unique habitat for temperature dependent species. Data organization completed for the thermal stability study focused on areas of the Coldwater River sub-watershed. This multi-year project (to continue in June 2025) provides background and evidence-based data to help focus future monitoring and stewardship efforts.
Invertebrate Monitoring:
Collected 16 benthic invertebrate samples, completed biennial sampling at 16 stations—which help to indicate changes in water quality. Ontario Benthic Biomonitoring Network (OBBN) sampling conducted for Bass Lake watershed (3 lake, 3 tributaries stations). This data will be compared with 2018 data to detect ecological changes.
Climate Monitoring:
SSEA maintained and collected data from 2 weather stations in Midland and Lafontaine, recording air temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, barometric pressure, and rainfall. Additionally, 4 rain and 1 air temperature gauges at historical sites were monitored. The climate monitoring program provides additional background information for monitoring projects in Severn Sound and Township of Tiny Coastal areas. Information is updated regularly and is accessible to the public and to our municipal partners via our website:
https://www.severnsound.ca/programs-projects/monitoring/climate-weather/
Land & Water Stewardship
Tree Planting
SSEA’s tree planting and seedling distribution efforts enhance biodiversity, support wildlife habitat, improve air and water quality, increase forest connectivity, and strengthen the resilience of local ecosystems across member municipalities.
- 12,190 native tree and shrub seedlings planted across all 8 municipalities
- 209 Tree Seedling Distribution Program participants
- 4 Community Tree Planting Program events, including volunteers from Scouts Canada, Magna Techform, Georgian Bay Hunters and Anglers, and SSEA staff and board members.
Drinking Water Source Protection
Source Protection Authority Services
As a Source Protection Authority under Ontario Regulation 284/07 of the Clean Water Act, 2006, SSEA plays a key role in protecting local drinking water sources. This includes developing policies, leading education and outreach efforts, and ensuring the program’s scientific foundation remains current and reliable. Highlights from 2024 include:
- • Signing a 3-year work plan with Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, on behalf of the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, for Source Protection Authority work
- • Assisting 7 member municipalities and 3 additional non-member municipalities with completing annual reporting
- • Delivering five “Drinking Water Source Protection 101” council deputations
- • Working on current and predicted water system changes within the Towns of Midland and Penetanguishene, City of Orillia, and Townships of Tiny, Springwater, and Severn. Received approval for amendments to the Horseshoe Highlands system in the Township of Oro-Medonte and the Midland municipal drinking water system.List Item
Risk Management Services
SSEA serves as the Risk Management Official/Inspector under the Clean Water Act for 7 of 8 member municipalities, implementing policies outlined in the South Georgian Bay Lake Simcoe Source Protection Plan. In 2024, SSEA:
Responded to
inquiries
Commented on
development
applications
Attended
Pre-consultation
meetings
with proponents
Signed
Risk Management Plans
Completed
site visits
Sustainable Severn Sound
Sustainable Severn Sound is a key climate initiative of SSEA, supporting partner municipalities in advancing local climate action. Through education, advocacy, and collaboration, the program helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen sustainable practices, and guide policy development. SSEA is also the Associate Member to the Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) program for all 8 of our partner municipalities. By connecting communities to tools, funding, and resources, Sustainable Severn Sound empowers municipal leaders to adopt meaningful, lasting environmental solutions in their communities, protecting and enhancing the Severn Sound region for future generations.
2024 Highlights
- Municipal Milestones: The Townships of Oro-Medonte and Springwater reached key climate planning milestones, including GHG baseline completion and emissions target setting through the PCP program.
- Climate Action Planning: Local Climate Change Action Plans and implementation reports progressed across municipalities, with strong collaboration from local staff and leadership.
- Community Engagement: Municipal open houses, council deputations, and public surveys helped gather resident input and raise awareness about climate planning efforts.
- Capacity Building: A successful regional climate workshop was held in partnership with the Ontario Resource Centre for Climate Adaptation, featuring expert speakers and municipal dialogue on climate change threats and solutions.
- Funding Success: Successful grant applications and partner support have advanced climate initiatives, including development of EV charging stations.
Invasive Species
SSEA continues to lead the watershed in invasive species monitoring, management, and education through targeted initiatives and partnerships, helping to protect local ecosystems and biodiversity. Key accomplishments in 2024 include:
- Securing $25 000 from the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund to create a watershed phragmites management plan targeting roadside and municipal phragmites sites.
- Appointed to coordinate the Severn Sound Phragmites Management Area for 2024.
- Concluded the Wye Marsh Invasive Phragmites Project.
- Completed final reports for two funds/grants that supported mapping for over 770 invasive phragmites sites and expanding capacity for invasive shrub management.
- Attending 21 community events and responding to 69 species inquiries, strengthening public engagement and education.
- Delivered noxious and invasive plant training to municipal staff for the Town of Midland, and the Townships of Oro-Medonte and Tay.
community events attended
Supported invasive species mapping for over
In 2024, SSEA launched three habitat restoration and enhancement initiatives—Restore the Shore, Severn Sound Engagement and EDucation (SSEED), and Biodiversity Enhancement and Education Parks (BEE Parks)—to support pollinators, improve biodiversity, and build community connections to the environment. These programs focus on naturalizing shorelines, schoolyards, and public green spaces, creating lasting environmental benefits while engaging landowners, students, volunteers, and municipalities in hands-on stewardship.
Restore the Shore (RTS) Project
Restore the Shore was a pilot project in 2024, aiming to assist waterfront property owners in naturalizing their shorelines to protect water quality and enhance habitat. This program, delivered in partnership with Watersheds Canada through The Natural Edge program, offered landowners customized planting plans and starter kits containing native plants and educational materials. These naturalized areas help protect shorelines by stabilizing soil, reducing erosion and flooding, improving water quality by filtering pollutants, and providing essential habitat for diverse wildlife.
Program Highlights:
- 20 site visits conducted across member municipalities
- 13 shoreline properties supported with custom planting plans and starter kits, which included educational materials, mulch, tree protectors, and a minimum of 50 native plants
- Provided ongoing support and follow-up to ensure the success of restoration efforts
- Developed a waitlist due to high demand with additional projects planned as funding allows
Severn Sound Engagement and EDucation (SSEED)
The Severn Sound Engagement and EDucation (SSEED) project is about more than planting—it’s about building a culture of environmental care through education and hands-on action. By working with schools, youth groups, and volunteers, the program fosters ecological literacy and highlights the vital role native species and pollinators play in healthy ecosystems. Through volunteer-driven planting events and educational outreach, SSEED supports biodiversity while helping people connect with local ecosystems, including five planting events hosted in 2024.
Biodiversity Enhancement and Education Parks (BEE Parks)
The final project initiated in 2024 was the Biodiversity Enhancement and Education Parks (BEE Parks). BEE Parks supported municipal partners in restoring native habitat in public parks and green spaces. These naturalized areas boost biodiversity, reduce maintenance needs, and connect residents with local stewardship efforts. In 2024, SSEA provided site-specific guidance and coordinated three planting events across the region, helping municipalities advance BEE Parks goals and promote sustainable land management. Native plants introduced through the program provide lasting benefits for pollinators, people, and the environment.
hrough the SSEED and BEE Parks programs, a total of 186 potted plants were planted, and 3.75 kg of seed was sown across six member municipalities. SSEA also received $10 000 of funding from the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation to purchase materials and supplies for additional naturalization projects in 2025.
Planning & Evaluation
SSEA participated in pre-consultation meetings or provided natural heritage input on development applications, reports, and environmental impact studies for 61 sites.
Community
Education
& Mentorship
Events/Meetings/Conferences
In 2024, SSEA participated in 48 municipal and partner-led events, including Winterama in Penetanguishene, Midland Public Works Palooza, and Tay Kids Fishing Day. These events are a key part of SSEA’s core services, offering opportunities to engage and educate community members, promote sustainable practices, and increase volunteer capacity. By attending and supporting local events, SSEA builds meaningful relationships with partners and the community while encouraging stewardship and awareness throughout the watershed.
Staff also attended several key conferences and workshops—such as the Latornell Conference (hosted by Conservation Ontario), the Source to Stream Conference, and the Lake Huron CSMI Binational Reporting Workshop. These events provide valuable
insights into current research, monitoring approaches, and collaborative initiatives.
A highlight of 2024 was the annual Partners Reception and Environmental Champion Awards, celebrating individuals and groups whose 2023 contributions helped protect and enhance the Severn Sound watershed.
- David Hawke was presented the Severn Sound Environmental Legacy Award, for his lifelong dedication to teaching, researching, and sharing environmental knowledge —leaving a lasting impact on the region and inspiring others through his passion and commitment.
- The Severn Sound Environmental Sustainability and Stewardship Champion Award was presented to Roy Patenaude for leading community efforts to reduce invasive species in Penetanguishene, and to Meg Whitton for her advocacy in environmental awareness and sustainability in her community and the media.
- J. McTague received the SSEA Student Environmental Champion Award for his active leadership in environmental initiatives at St. Theresa’s High School.
- Members of the Farlain Lake Community Association were honoured with the Severn Sound Environmental Volunteer Champion Award for their efforts in collecting water samples and supporting lake health monitoring.
Thank you to our incredible guest speakers – acclaimed local artist and member of the Order of Canada John Hartman, and Scott Parent, a water guardian, visual story teller, and SUP expeditionist – for sharing their insights and inspiration.
Articles/Publications/News
Throughout 2024, SSEA received widespread media attention and was featured in numerous articles and public communications highlighting environmental programs, community engagement efforts, and collaborative projects. Coverage spotlighted initiatives like Restore the Shore, the Environmental Champion Awards, and regional climate action partnerships. SSEA was also recognized in national-level publications including Great Lakes Now and the Nature Conservancy of Canada, underscoring its leadership in conservation, watershed health, and municipal support.
In addition to media features, SSEA contributed to the Lake Huron Annual Report and received ongoing support from local associations. Topics covered included habitat restoration, invasive species control, water protection, and community climate resilience. SSEA was also recognized as a “Great Place to Work” by the South Georgian Bay Chamber of Commerce and continued expanding its reach through public events, educational outreach, and expert commentary.
Social Media Engagement
In 2024, SSEA maintained its digital outreach to inform and involve the community in local environmental initiatives. A total of 307 posts were shared across Facebook, Instagram, and X, offering updates on programs, events, and environmental tips. Additionally, 7 new YouTube videos were published, including how-to content and recordings of meetings, helping to improve accessibility and transparency. Follower counts grew by 14% on Instagram and 26% on Facebook. Social media continues to be a vital tool for environmental education and community connection.
Key & Supportive
Partnerships
SSEA collaborates with municipalities and external partners to strengthen environmental stewardship, expand collective impact, and advance a sustainable future. These partnerships bring together science, policy, and community knowledge, and are vital to achieving shared goals and protecting Severn Sound for future generations.
Current partners include:
- SSEA member municipalities (Towns of Midland and Penetanguishene, and Townships of Georgian Bay, Oro-Medonte, Severn, Springwater, Tay, and Tiny)
- Georgian Bay Biosphere’s ICECAP
- Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit’s Climate Change Exchange Committee
- Climate Change Charter Working Group
- Georgian College’s Program Advisory Committee
- Lake Huron Partnership
- Great Lakes Ecoregion Network
- Watersheds Canada
- Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
- Neighbouring Conservation Authorities (Lake Simcoe Region and Nottawasaga Valley)
- Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters
- Friends of Wye Marsh
- Landowners that implemented tree planting, water quality or habitat improvement projects
- École secondaire Le Caron
- École publique Saint-Joseph
- Élémentaire Catholique Sainte-Croix
- Volunteers
- County of Simcoe
- District Municipality of Muskoka
Thank you to all our external funders who supported SSEA’s work in 2024. Your contributions were essential in helping us advance environmental action across the region. Funding was provided by: BioTalent Canada – Science Horizons Youth Internship Program, Canada Summer Jobs (Federal), Natural Resources Canada – 2 Billion Trees, County of Simcoe Forestry, the Commonwell Insurance Group – Learning Engagement and Accelerator Fund (LEAF), community donations, ECO Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada – Great Lakes Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative (in partnership with Georgian Bay Forever), the Federation of Canadian Municipalities – Local Leadership for Climate Adaptation, the Huronia Community Foundation – Heart of Georgian Bay Community Forward Fund, the Invasive Species Centre – Invasive Phragmites Control Fund, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, the Lake Huron Georgian Bay Community Action Initiative, the Midland Rotary Club, the Ontario Regional Centre for Climate Adaptation, the Pollinator Partnership – Native Seed Grant, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority through the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks – for Source Protection Authority work, Friends of Wye Marsh, and Watersheds Canada. Your continued support helps make a lasting impact on the Severn Sound environment and its communities.
Academic Partnerships
SSEA collaborated with researchers from multiple academic institutions, including Ontario Tech University and Trent University. These partnerships included projects focusing on long-term algae and water quality.
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.
2024 SSEA Staff
Longterm:
Julie Cayley – Executive Director
Melissa Carruthers – Manager Source Water Protection
Michelle Hudolin – Manager Watershed Resilience
- Lex McPhail – IT Manager and GIS Applications Specialist
- Nicole Stott – Corporate Administration Coordinator
- Judy Limoges – Financial Services Coordinator (part-time)
- Aisha Chiandet – Water Scientist/ Limnologist
- Olena Volik – Water Scientist/ Limnologist
- Paula Madill – Ecosystem Technologist
- Nikki Priestman – Watershed Health Specialist
Contract:
- Jon Main – Sustainability and Climate Action Coordinator
- Patrick Jackson – Invasive Species Program Coordinator
- Travis van Engelen – Tree Plant Program Specialist
INTERNS:
- Jacquelin Laurin – Biodiversity Enhancement Intern
- Sarah Song – Inland Lakes Water Quality Stewardship Intern
- Kirsten MacLeod – Source Water Protection Intern
- Paige Marchand – Shoreline Stewardship Intern
Seasonal:
April Kerr – Environmental Field Technician
Cheyenne Simpson – Environmental Field Technician
Arenn Osadzuk – Invasive Species Technician
Kelsey Dunkeld – Invasive Species Technician
Kelsey Scott – Communications and Outreach Assistant
Meriam Dahmani – Climate Data and File Management Technician