SSEA Partners Reception
2025 Environmental Champion Awards – Held May 21, 2026
SSEA Board Chair Danielle Alexander, delivering opening remarks
Severn Sound Environmental Association (SSEA) held their annual Partners Reception and Environmental Champion Awards Ceremony on May 21, 2026, at Sainte Marie Among the Hurons 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.
The SSEA was privileged to welcome Julius Lindsay, Co-Founder of the Black Environmentalist Alliance, as the guest speaker for the 2025 Environmental Champion Awards. Julius, a highly sought-after keynote speaker, working in climate change and diversity. He has served as the Director of Communities with the David Suzuki Foundation and is leading the Prismatic Project seeking to centre Indigenous and Black perspectives. Studying current social, technological and economic trends to anticipate, prepare for and help organizations navigate future changes.
We were honoured to have Julius join us and share his knowledge and passion to shift the conversation and change the composition of climate action in Canada.
THANK YOU
We gratefully acknowledge the support of EGO’s Garden Centre and the contributions of SSEA staff, whose efforts helped make the SSEA Partners Reception a success.
SSEA Staff
Thank you for helping us recognize and celebrate the achievements of our 2025 Environmental Champion Award recipients.
Thank you also to O’Connell Creative for contributing many of the photographs featured throughout this page and helping document a memorable celebration of environmental leadership.
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
- Drinking Water Source Protection Legacy Award
- Severn Sound Environmental Stewardship Champion Award
- Severn Sound Environmental Sustainability Champion Award
- Severn Sound Student Environmental Champion Award
- Severn Sound Volunteer Champion Award
Severn Sound Guardian Award (Posthumous Tribute)
The Severn Sound Guardian Award was posthumously presented to Carol Dimock, a valued colleague, mentor, and friend who passed away suddenly earlier this year.
Recipient: Carol Dimock
Carol served as Communications Officer with SSEA in the 1990s. Her gift for writing and sharp editorial eye was indispensable, helping to communicate and support the work that ultimately led to the cleaning up and delisting of Severn Sound as an Area of Concern.
She cared deeply for the environment and found joy in the wonders of the natural world. Carol had an exceptional green thumb and loved tending to her indoor plants and gardens, as well as feeding the birds. She possessed an endless curiosity and took delight in what she fondly described as the “fascinating and mysterious world of weird critters.”
Carol has left a lasting imprint on all of us at the SSEA who had the privilege of knowing her, working alongside her, and sharing in her laughter.
Picture: Carol Dimock
Severn Sound Environmental Legacy Award
The Severn Sound Environmental Legacy Award recognizes those who have made outstanding contributions and long-standing commitment to environmental health, education and sustainability in our region. The recipient of this award was presented to Arunas Liskauskas.
Pictured left to right: SSEA Executive Direct, Julie Cayley, Award recipient Arunas Liskauskas, SSEA Board Chair, Danielle Alexander
Recipient: Arunas Liskauskas
Arunas, a recently retired Management Biologist with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, has long been synonymous with fish conservation in Georgian Bay and Lake Huron. His work has made a lasting impact on both aquatic ecosystems and the communities of Severn Sound. Arunas’ key role in shaping sport fish management across Lake Huron, contributed to binational conservation efforts, and led the development of Ontario’s Lake Huron Walleye Management Plan.
A valued partner of the SSEA, Arunas supported Remedial Action Plan reporting, contributed to key habitat projects, and inspired the community through his presentations, and his well-loved “mid-week fish mood shots.” It is his deep commitment to conservation that truly defines his career. On behalf of the SSEA, we congratulate Arunas, recipient of the Severn Sound Environmental Legacy Award.
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), Dr. Todd Howell (2024) and Arunas Liskauskas (2025).
Severn Sound Environmental legacy award champions
Severn Sound Drinking Water Source Protection Legacy Award
The Severn Sound Drinking Water Source Protection Legacy Award recognizes those whose substantial contributions to the Severn Sound Source Protection Area, through actions, leadership and dedication specific to the promotion and implementation of the drinking water source protection program. The SSEA recognizes Lynn Dollin.
Recipient: Lynn Dollin
Lynn Dollin, inaugural Chair of the South Georgian Bay Lake Simcoe Source Protection Committee from August 2007 to August 2025 was the Drinking Water Source Protection Legacy Award recipient. Her steady leadership and thoughtful guidance were instrumental in shaping the Source Protection Plan, assessment reports, and the many updates and refinements made over the years.
Lynn was deeply committed to engaging the public and stakeholders, addressing the concerns of landowners and business operators affected by Source Protection policies. She was able to turn difficult conversations into meaningful dialogue, leaving them with a renewed sense of pride in protecting their community’s drinking water.
Lynn was a recognized leader among her peers. She offered guidance and mentorship to fellow Chairs and earned the respect of provincial staff administering the Clean Water Act, often serving as a trusted liaison. She has made a lasting impact on the Source Protection program and on all who have had the privilege of working with her. SSEA is proud to honour Lynn for a legacy that will inspire and inform for generations to come.
Pictured left to right: SSEA Manager of Source Water Protection – RMO/RMI Melissa Carruthers, award recipient Lynn Dollin, Dave Ritchie, Herb Proudley and Bill Thompson (LSRCA)
Severn Sound Environmental Stewardship Champion Award
The Severn Sound Environmental Stewardship Champion Award recognizes individuals or groups who demonstrate outstanding leadership, creativity, and innovation in protecting and enhancing the Severn Sound watershed and ecosystem.
Recipient: Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters
This year, SSEA was proud to present the award to the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH), accepted by Brook Schryer. As a key link between OFAH and SSEA, Brook has provided technical support and expertise on aquatic invasive species management. He has dedicated countless hours of both professionally and personally to invasive species across the watershed. Brook’s contributions have been especially critical in invasive crayfish monitoring, including locating initial populations of White River Crayfish, refining monitoring protocols, and training SSEA staff and volunteers.
The OFAH has been an essential partner in supporting SSEA’s invasive species program by providing expertise, field support, and “Hit Squad” students that increase SSEA’s capacity for both fieldwork and outreach. With the support of the OFAH Foundation, over 140 municipal properties, lakes, and waterways have been surveyed, identifying 135 invasive species and actively managing 22 priority species, including phragmites, buckthorn, garlic mustard, and Himalayan balsam.
In collaboration with SSEA, the OFAH Foundation has also played an important role in education and community engagement, participating in public events and providing educational resources. This strong, and ongoing partnership continues to enhance the effectiveness and reach of invasive species monitoring and
management efforts in the Severn Sound watershed.
Pictured left to right: SSEA staff Patrick Jackson, Tay Township Mayor Barry Norris, Award recipient Brook Schryer, SSEA Board Chair Danielle Alexander, SSEA Board Vice-Chair Suzanne Marchand
Severn Sound Environmental Sustainability Champion Award
The Severn Sound Environmental Sustainability Champion Award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions and commitment to environmental stewardship, education and sustainability to protect and enhance our local environment.
Recipient: Denise Petitpas
SSEA recognized Denise Petitpas, a teacher at École élémentaire catholique Sainte-Croix in Tiny, who has been quietly leading by example, not only for her students, but for her wider community as well.
Through collaboration, Denise was a driving force to significantly reduce the environmental footprint of Festival du Loup, producing minimal garbage and ensuring waste was diverted into organic and recyclable streams. Denise was also involved with the SSEED Project alongside SSEA enhancing pollinator habitat in the Sainte-Croix schoolyard planting nearly 200 native plants along with a pollinator hotel built from reclaimed wood and recycled materials.
We congratulate félicitation Denise Petitpas, her strong commitment to sustainability and creative environmental stewardship, as the recipient of the Severn Sound Environmental Stewardship Champion Award.
Pictured left to right: Award recipient Denis Petitpas, SSEA staff Emma Maurice
Severn Sound Student Environmental Champion Award
The Severn Sound Student Environmental Champion Award recognizes a student who demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability and leads by example inspiring others to do the same.
Recipient: Kiersten Edwards
The SSEA is honoured to present this award to Kiersten Edwards. Her leadership, dedication, passion, and her ability to communicate how we are all connected to the environment and why it matters has been impactful in and out of the classroom.
Kiersten has gained hands-on experience in a range of important environmental projects. She has been actively involved in ecological fieldwork, conducting species-at-risk surveys, spending time collecting and analyzing data that supports real conversation decisions. She has supported environmental events, contributing her time and energy to initiatives across Simcoe County and the Severn Sound Watershed, making a meaningful impact and positive influence to protect and enhance our local environment.
Pictured left to right: Councillor Mark Taylor, award recipient Maureen Koski, SSEA Board Chair Danielle Alexander
Severn Sound Environmental Volunteer Champion Award
The Severn Sound Environmental Volunteer Champion Award recognizes individuals or groups who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to both environmental stewardship and community engagement through volunteer efforts, contributing to meaningful and lasting positive impacts on the ecosystem within the Severn Sound watershed.
Recipient: North Simcoe Rotaract
North Simcoe Rotaract, represented by Mariah Marchand and Jess Graham, was recognized as making a meaningful and lasting impact on both the people and environment through their ReWild Project in Penetanguishene.
Partnering with SSEA, North Simcoe Rotaract launched a naturalization project focused on increasing biodiversity and enhancing green spaces within our community. Recognizing the importance of restoring native habitats, grant funding was secured. With enthusiasm, teamwork and genuine care, the 17 dedicated volunteers prepared the soil and planted native wildflower seeds.
Beyond planting, the group took time to learn about the importance of naturalized spaces with residential communities, determining the best native species to support pollinators, improve ecosystem health and create healthier natural environments.
Pictured left to right: NSR representative Jess Graham, NSR representative Mariah Marchand, SSEA staff Emma Maurice, Councilor Lori Hutcheson
Severn Sound Partners for Climate Protection Awards
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities with support from ICLEI Canada administer the Partners for Climate Protection program. With over 500 Canadian municipalities working to address climate change, the five milestone process guides municipalities on climate action: calculating Greenhouse Gas emission baseline, setting a reduction target, developing a plan, implementing the plan, and then monitoring success of the plan.
Local municipalities have worked collaboratively on climate action since 2018 with the development of the Local Climate Change Action Plans.
As part of the SSEA’s awards night, wooden awards were crafted to celebrate municipality’s advancement of climate action as the municipalities progress through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Partners for Climate Protection program.
- Township of Springwater (PCP Milestone 1): completed GHG baseline; recognized for facility investments, including a regional first electric ice resurfacer (arriving 2026).
- Township of Georgian Bay (PCP Milestone 4): completed energy audits across all facilities and installed EV charging stations.
- Town of Midland (PCP Milestone 4): recognized for infrastructure investments, including the King Street Rejuvenation project diverting millions of litres of rainwater from the sewer system.
- Township of Oro-Medonte (PCP Milestone 4): advancing climate action across all departments with an adopted plan guiding energy savings, upgrades, and extreme weather preparedness.
- Town of Penetanguishene (PCP Milestone 4): recognized for tree policies and planting initiatives.
- Township of Tay (PCP Milestone 4): responded swiftly to the 2025 ice storm, providing a warming centre at the Township office.
- Township of Severn (PCP Milestone 4): recognized for pollinator plantings and building flood resiliency.
- Township of Tiny (PCP Milestone 4): celebrated for addressing the complexities of water, water conservation, and a dynamic shoreline study, a unique policy tool.
The SSEA is proud to assist and support our partners in advancing local climate action.
Milestone 1: Create a Baseline Emissions Inventory and Forecast
Milestone 2: Set Emissions Reduction Targets
Milestone 3: Develop a Local Action Plan
Milestone 4: Implement the Local Action Plan
Milestone 5: Monitor Progress and Report Results
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).
