SSEA Partners Reception
2024 Awards Event - Held May 9, 2025
Severn Sound Environmental Association (SSEA) held their annual Partners Reception and Environmental Champion Awards Ceremony on May 9th, 2025, at the North Simcoe Sports & Recreation Centre in Midland, Ontario. Each year, this special event honours individuals and organizations whose efforts significantly improve the health and sustainability of the Severn Sound Watershed and surrounding area. At the reception, SSEA presented a series of awards to celebrate outstanding environmental achievements and leadership in our community.
SSEA was honoured to welcome Jeff Lehman, District Chair of the District Municipality of Muskoka, as our 2024 ceremony guest speaker. With a long-standing background in public service, Jeff brings a strong voice to regional leadership, urban planning, and environmental responsibility. As former Mayor of Barrie (2010–2022), Jeff is known for championing sustainability, smart growth, and community revitalization. In his current role as District Chair, he continues to advocate for progressive policy and innovative approaches to environmental stewardship across Muskoka and the broader Great Lakes region.
We were honoured to have Jeff join us and share his knowledge, leadership experience, and passion for sustainable communities with our attendees!
EVENT SPONSORS
Thank you to our 2024 event sponsors for their generous support:
Their contributions helped make the 2024 SSEA Partners Reception a meaningful and successful celebration.
SSEA AWARDS
The SSEA Awards recognized outstanding individuals across the watershed who exemplify commitment, action, and leadership in environmental stewardship. This year’s awards included:
- Severn Sound Guardian Award (Posthumous Tribute)
- Severn Sound Environmental Legacy Award
- Severn Sound Student Environmental Champion Awards (2)
- Severn Sound Environmental Stewardship Champion Award
- Severn Sound Environmental Sustainability Champion Award
Severn Sound Guardian Award (Posthumous Tribute)
The inaugural Severn Sound Guardian Award was posthumously presented to Carrie McIntyre, whose remarkable career in environmental conservation has left a lasting impact on the Severn Sound region that continues to inspire and benefit the community beyond her three decades of work.
Recipient: Carrie McIntyre
Carrie began her journey with the Severn Sound Remedial Action Plan in the early 1990s and went on to launch and lead numerous impactful programs, including the Tributary Rehabilitation Program and the tree and shrub planting program, which has resulted in over 410,000 native trees planted.
With a rare gift in uniting landowners, farmers, and conservationists, Carrie championed collaborative efforts to reduce pollution, restore habitats, and educate the next generation. Her legacy lives on through the programs she founded, the lives she touched, and the healthy ecosystems she helped restore.
Carrie’s unwavering dedication, warmth, and leadership continue to inspire the SSEA team and all who had the privilege to work alongside her.
Picture: Carrie McIntyre
Severn Sound Environmental Legacy Award
The Severn Sound Environmental Legacy Award recognizes those whose long-term contributions have left an indelible mark on our region. In 2024, this award was presented to Dr. Todd Howell, a trailblazer in Great Lakes science and a deeply valued ally of the SSEA.
Recipient Dr. Todd Howell – Severn Sound Environmental Legacy Champion Award
Pictured left to right (standing): Midland Mayor Bill Gordon, Tay Mayor Tedd Walker, SSEA Board Member Bill Meridis, SSEA Executive Director Julie Cayley, Recipient Dr. Todd Howell, SSEA Board Member Kristian Graziano, SSEA Board Member Suzanne Marchand, SSEA Board Member Lori Hutcheson, Township of Severn Mayor Mike Burkett, Penetanguishene Mayor Douglas Rawson.
(Kneeling): Georgian Bay Mayor Peter Koetsier, SSEA Past Chair Steffan Walma, MP Adam Chambers.
Recipient: Dr. Todd Howell
With over 30 years of service at the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Todd has been instrumental in advancing water quality research and policy across the Great Lakes. His work has shaped programs like open water monitoring in Severn Sound, and influenced major frameworks such as the Canada – U.S. Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.
As a mentor and collaborator, Todd has empowered countless scientists and students, generously sharing resources and knowledge. His research on invasive species, nutrient cycling, and nearshore monitoring has driven tangible, meaningful improvements in environmental protection.
Affectionately called the “Rockstar of the Great Lakes”, Todd is known for his humility, insight, and lasting impact on the health of our freshwater ecosystems. SSEA is proud to honour Dr. Howell for a legacy that will undoubtedly inspire and inform generations to come.
Remembering the Legacy
The past award winners are shining examples of the positive impact that individual efforts can have on the environment. They have played a vital role in protecting and restoring Severn Sound, promoting a culture of environmental stewardship, and motivating others to get involved. The Severn Sound Environmental Legacy Award acknowledges and honors these outstanding individuals for their valuable contributions to preserving and improving the environment and ecosystems of the region. In 2022, the first Severn Sound Environmental Legacy Award was presented to Keith Sherman. It was through his determined leadership that the SSEA was created and sustained well after Severn Sound was delisted as an Area of Concern. Legacy Champions are: Keith Sherman (2022), David Hawke (2023) and Dr. Todd Howell (2024) .
Severn Sound Environmental legacy award champions
Severn Sound Student Environmental Champion Award
The Severn Sound Student Environmental Champion Award celebrates and recognizes an individual that has shown enthusiasm, energy, initiative and commitment toward the environment, and serves as an inspiration to other students. The recipient has implemented action through a campaign or project that has raised environmental awareness or led to environmentally friendly change in the student’s class, school or community. Aligns their environmental beliefs with their actions and behaviors at school and at home. There are two recipients this year. SSEA recognizes Julia Johnston (post secondary) and Annabel Whyman (Georgian Bay District Secondary School).
Recipient: Julia Johnston
Julia Johnston is a standout young leader in environmental action. A post-secondary student and local advocate, Julia has shown exceptional initiative in invasive species management and habitat restoration.
Since 2022, Julia has spearheaded efforts to remove Common Buckthorn at the George Langman Sanctuary in Oro-Medonte, playing a key role in its ecological recovery. She also founded the “Phriggin’ Phrags” volunteer event to tackle invasive phragmites, building awareness through outreach with schools, community groups, and cottagers.
Julia’s passion and drive serve as a model for the next generation of conservation leaders. Her work has inspired concrete change and embodies the values this award was created to celebrate.
Recipient of the Severn Sound Student Environmental Champion Award – Julia Johnston
Pictured left to right (standing): SSEA Board Member Lori Hutcheson, SSEA Staff and Invasive Species Program Coordinator Patrick Jackson, Professor Gerardo Reyes (accepting on recipient’s behalf), SSEA Board Member Suzanne Marchand.
Recipient: Annabel Whyman
Recipient Annabell Whyman – Severn Sound Student Environmental Champion Award
Pictured left to right: SSEA Board Member Bill Meridis, SSEA Board Member Suzanne Marchand, Recipient Annabell Whyman, SSEA Ecosystem Technologist Paula Madill and MP Adam Chambers.
Annabel Whyman, a Grade 10 student from Georgian Bay District Secondary School, is the recipient of the Student Environmental Champion Award for her innovative science project, “Pollution in the Pond: The Heavy Metal Crisis.”
In this project, Annabel studied the effects of pollutants such as lead, nitrate, nickel, and chloride on Daphnia (water fleas), a critical link in aquatic food webs. Her research revealed the toxic impacts of these substances and highlighted the broader implications of water pollution on aquatic ecosystems.
Annabel conducted her research independently and outside of regular class hours, demonstrating impressive initiative and dedication. She presented her project at the Simcoe County Regional Science and Technology Fair, where she won both a Divisional and Grand Award in the Animal and Plant Sciences category. Annabel went on to represent Simcoe County at the Canada-Wide Science Fair in Fredericton.
Her curiosity, scientific skill, and commitment to environmental issues make her a standout young leader in environmental science.
Severn Sound Environmental Stewardship Champion Award
The Severn Sound Environmental Stewardship Champion Award recognizes an individual or group that has contributed to the stewardship of the Severn Sound environment through the demonstration of outstanding leadership, creativity and innovation in forging sustainability in the watershed and ecosystem. This year SSEA recognizes Robert Coulas.
Recipient: Robert Coulas
Robert Coulas has been a steadfast leader in environmental stewardship, both in and out of the classroom. As an educator, Rob has inspired generations of students through his deep commitment to science, sustainability, and community. From fostering a passion for the natural world in his students to engaging directly in watershed protection, Rob lives the values that he teaches.
His early love for nature began during childhood summers in Barry’s Bay, where he developed a lifelong curiosity about ecosystems. Rob brought this passion to his teaching career, often blending science with environmental awareness, and mentoring students toward careers in conservation.
Beyond education, Rob has played a critical role in the Severn Sound area’s environmental efforts: he worked as a Water Scientist for SSEA in the late 1990s, chaired the Severn Sound Remedial Action Plan Public Advisory Committee, and helped create the Severn Sound Sustainability Plan. His efforts continue to shape a more resilient and ecologically aware community. Rob’s integrity, humility, and dedication make him a true Environmental Stewardship Champion.
Recipient of the Severn Sound Environmental Stewardship Champion Award – Robert Coulas
Pictured left to right: Midland Councillor Jaz Patel, SSEA Board Member Bill Meridis, Midland Mayor Bill Gordon, Recipient Robert Coulas, SSEA Board Member Suzanne Marchand and MP Adam Chambers.
Severn Sound Environmental Sustainability Champion Award
The Severn Sound Environmental Sustainability Champion Award recognizes an individual or group that has contributed to the sustainability of the Severn Sound environment through the demonstration of outstanding leadership, creativity and innovation in forging sustainability in the watershed and ecosystem. This year SSEA recognizes Briana Dean.
Recipient: Briana Dean
Briana Dean, Manager of Facilities and Recreation for the Township of Springwater, has been awarded the Severn Sound Sustainability Champion Award for her exceptional leadership in climate action and sustainability.
Briana has been instrumental in developing the Township’s first local climate change action plan by contributing to energy-saving upgrades across municipal buildings, including LED lighting retrofits and the purchase of an electric ice resurfacer. Her work has directly reduced greenhouse gas emissions while achieving cost savings for the municipality.
She has also championed several partnerships with SSEA, including the coordination of tree distribution programs, shoreline naturalization projects at Orr Lake parks, and invasive species mapping efforts. During the historic 2025 winter snowstorm, Briana led the operation of the Township’s warming centre—providing a safe haven for stranded motorists —demonstrating her commitment to community resilience.
Briana is a forward-thinking leader whose work is helping to build a more sustainable and climate-prepared Springwater.
Recipient of the Severn Sound Environmental Sustainability Champion Award – Briana Dean
Pictured left to right: SSEA Sustainability & Climate Action Coordinator Jonathan Main, Springwater Councillor Matt Garwood (accepting the award on recipient’s behalf), SSEA Board Member Suzanne Marchand and MP Adam Chambers.
A Part of our History
Over a span of 20 years and an original part of our history, the renowned biologist and avid naturalist, Bob Whittam was celebrated through the Severn Sound Bob Whittam Environmental Award. The Award was brought to fruition by Keith Sherman, Executive Director of the Severn Sound Environmental Association in 1999 to honour Bob’s commitment to the Severn Sound ecosystem through his work at the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre, with the Trumpeter Swan Reintroduction Program and as Severn Sound Remedial Action Plan Public Advisory Committee Chair. The Award recognizes individuals or groups who are dedicated to improving the Severn Sound watershed and who exemplify environmental advocacy and stewardship of the Severn Sound ecosystem. The Bob Whittam Environmental Award was first presented by Bob Whittam and SSEA in 2000 to Fran Westman. Other Bob Whittam Award Recipients include Brian Jones (2001), Margaret Killing (2002), Peter Dupuis (2003), Sara Knight (2004), Dr. Si Lowry (2005), Bob Bowles (2006), Stephen Ogden (2007), André Claire (2008), Huronia Woodland Owners Association (2009), Andy Fletcher (2010), John Boucher (2011), Wendy and Jeff Bumstead (2012), Bill Sweenie (2013), Peter Andrews (2014), Terry Breckenridge (2015), Lynn Short (2016), Pat Woodford (2017), Ron Reid (2018), Scott Warnock (2018), and Sandy Agnew (2019).
