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Source Protection Committee (SPC)
When are the meetings for the Drinking Water Source Protection Committee (SPC)?
Meetings are generally held on the last Wednesday of every month (with some exceptions). Meeting locations and start times are posted on the web calendar on the home page of this site. Items associated with these meetings (agenda items or previous minutes) are posted in the 'Downloads' section of this site.
Upcoming SPC meetings are:
- Wednesday, August 25 at the Community Centre in Holmesville
- Wednesday, September 29 at the Community Centre in Holmesville
- Wednesday, October 27 at the Community Centre in Holmesville
For more information on up-to-date locations and times click on our interactive 'Community Calendar' on the home page.
What is a Drinking Water Source Protection Committee (SPC) for the Ausable Bayfield Maitland Valley Source Protection Region?
Ontario's Clean Water Act, 2006, and associated provincial regulations and direction has established the composition of a local Source Protection Committee (SPC) which includes the participation of key affected stakeholder sectors. Fifteen members plus First Nations and liaison representatives (Health, Province of Ontario) and the SPC Chair, are fulfilling the important steering role to guide local source protection planning over the coming years. Diverse stakeholder groups and sectors are actively involved in the development of plans by the local community. The Source Protection Committee has been established. It is Ontario's first. The committee held its first meeting on October 25, 2007.
Source Protection Committee Members
Laurence (Larry) Brown‚ Chair
Larry, a long-time Parkhill-area resident, is a registered professional engineer and a member of the Association of Municipal Administrators of Ontario. He leaves his post as Chief Administrative Officer of the Municipality of South Huron, where he has served since 2000, in order to accept this new position. Larry holds a Master in Public Administration from University of Western Ontario and a Bachelor of Applied Science in engineering from the University of Waterloo. He brings to the new position years of experience and education in engineering, industry and municipal administration which will be invaluable as he guides the Source Protection Committee in its important responsibilities under The Clean Water Act, 2006. Contact Larry at spcchair[at]sourcewaterinfo.on.ca
Marilyn Miltenburg‚ North Municipal Group
For the last ten years Marilyn has been a municipal councillor of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh Township where she has dealt pro-actively with the concerns of her fellow citizens. Her three years as Director of the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority Board and her simultaneous service as a member of the Water Action Team under the Maitland Valley Partnership have given her first-hand experience with environmental and water quality issues. She takes great pride in this region. In her own words, "We have precious, inestimable resources in this area and have to preserve them for the next generations of good land stewards." Contact Marilyn at marilynm[at]hurontel.on.ca
Ian Brebner‚ South Municipal Group
Ian Brebner's broad experience includes a term as Middlesex County Warden, service as Director for the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority and as board member for the Lake Huron Primary Water Supply System. In addition to his long history of public service, Ian has been a farmer for 37 years. Ian is looking forwards to applying his experience to meeting the challenges of this new appointment. Contact Ian at ibrebner[at]odyssey.on.ca
Meredith Schneider‚ East Municipal Group
A life-long resident of Wallace Ward in the Municipality of North Perth, Meredith has combined 40 years as a farmer with public service that includes terms as Reeve, Deputy Reeve and Councilor for the Township of Wallace. In addition, he has been a member of the North Perth Planning Advisory Committee, the Municipal Drainage Committee, the North Perth Court of Division, and Bluewater Recycling Association, among others. Meredith is eager to provide constructive input and share his knowledge of water quality, environmental issues, agricultural practices and land use planning with the Committee.
Don Jones‚ West Municipal Group
As a retired teacher, Don Jones brings a wealth of knowledge, public service and experiences. He is a Director the Perth Stewardship Network and a Councilor for the Municipality of West Perth. He also serves as Chairman of the West Perth Wetlands Subcommittee, Water and Waste Water Committee and Energy and Environment Committee. Don brings a unique perspective to the challenges faced by the new Committee. Contact Don at djones[at]ezlink.ca
Jim Nelemans‚ Central Municipal Group
Jim brings a broad spectrum of experiences to his Source Protection Committee assignment. As a seven-term Council member and current Deputy-Mayor of the Municipality of Morris-Turnberry, Jim has wide experience in local government. As a Board member for the MVCA, he understands environmental issues and their impact on local citizens. He has been a member of several Boards and Committees including the Maitland Water Action Team, the Community Policing Committee and the Wingham and Area Fire Board; he is also an active community volunteer. Jim's experience will be a valuable asset in his dealing with his new duties as a Source Protection Committee member. Contact Jim at hurmil[at]wightman.ca
Al Hamilton, Economic - Industry
Currently the Chemical Business Manager at Sifto Canada Corp., Al brings more than 30 years of professional experience in the salt industry to his new appointment as a member of the Source Protection Committee. As chairman of a Salt Institute Committee, he has worked closely with Environment Canada and other stakeholders on salt-related issues. His membership in the Ontario Maritime Transportation Advisory Panel, established by the Ministry of Transportation, and his service as a Director of the Chamber of Maritime Commerce add to his considerable experience in co-operative relationship between government and industry. His interests and experience are valuable assets to the Source Protection Committee. Contact Al at hamilton[at]compassminerals.com
Gib Dow, Economic - Commerce
As owner of a popular local golf course, Gib Dow is well acquainted with the responsibilities that come with running a good business. He is a National Golf Course Owners Association National Board Member, and he is one of eighteen course owners who represent the interests of golf in Canada. As a licensed pesticide applicator, he is familiar with many of the issues that concern property owners, businesses and agricultural interests. Gib is an instrument rated private pilot, and has a unique perspective of the region. He welcomes the opportunity to work with the Source Protection Committee team in creating an effective workable plan, to ensure a plentiful supply of safe drinking water for years to come. Contact Gib at ironwoodgolf[at]hay.net
Keith Black‚ Economic - Agriculture
Keith's interest in the environment and agriculture is apparent in his many public activities. His association with the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association includes a term as President in 2006. He is a Provincial Director with this organization for Huron, Perth, Waterloo Counties, and a past president of Huron County Soil and Crop (1998) where he has been a member for more than 20 years. In addition, he was the 2004-2005 Chair of the Heartland Region Soil and Crop. These and other associations and activities have given Keith valuable experience in dealing with important issues. In his own words, Keith's desire is: "to be a team member in a field that is interesting, challenging, and rewarding." Conact Keith at bkblack[at]hurontel.on.ca
John Vander Burgt‚ Economic - Agriculture
John Vander Burgt is a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture graduate from the University of Guelph. He is a Dashwood-area livestock and cash-crop farmer, long-time consulting agronomist and certified crop advisor. He served on the Parkhill Drinking Water Source Protection Working Group since its creation. He is also a Past President of the Huron County Soil and Crop Improvement Association. Contact John at jhnnjvbt[at]hotmail.com
Rowena Wallace‚ Economic - Agriculture
Rowena's long-time commitment to farming and the food industry has equipped her well for service as a member of the Source Protection Committee. Thirty-one years as a successful dairy farmer, she has also served on municipal council and the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority Board. Her involvement with Phoenix Second Stage Housing, Huron Perth Centre for Children and Youth, and the Huron Stewardship Council not only underscores Rowena's commitment to her business and to her community, they have also provided here with unique and invaluable experience. Contact Rowena at rowill[at]tcc.on.ca
Matt Pearson‚ Environment
Matt's past and present involvement in many environmental activities, plus his education and professional training, are some of the important assets that he brings to his new assignment on the Source Protection Committee. He is a founding member and current Chair of the Board for the Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation, a member and officer of the Ontario Professional Planner Institute, and a former member of the ABCA Board, Huron County Water Coalition and Friends of the Bayfield River. His experience as a Principal and Director of a firm of consulting engineers will provide Matt and the committee with valuable technical knowledge as they deal with the challenges they encounter. Contact Matt at mpearson[at]bmross.net
Bill Rowat‚ Environment
A Bayfield resident, Bill is a retired federal civil servant who served in various senior positions: Assistant Secretary to Cabinet for Government Operations and Economic Policy, Privy Council Office; Associate Deputy Minister, Transport Canada; Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Oceans (where as part of his duties, was responsible for DFO's Freshwater Institutes, as well as the drafting of Canada's Oceans Act); and the Canadian Coast Guard. He was Canada's International Commissioner for North Atlantic Fisheries. After retiring form the civil service, he was Newfoundland's chief negotiator for the Labrador Inuit Lands Claim, Voisey Bay nickel project with Inco, and Churchill Falls Phase II Power Development. He subsequently was the CEO of the Railway Association of Canada, an operation and lobbying company jointly owned by Canada's 60 railways. Currently, Bill is the President of the Bayfield Ratepayers Association. Contact Bill at wjrowat[at]tcc.on.ca
Mike McElhone‚ Landowner/Property Associations
After Mike retired from his successful career in the transportation industry, he got right to work applying his experience and energy to dealing with important local issues. He is the Environmental Team Leader of the Ashfield-Colborne Lakefront Association (ACLA) and that group's representation to the MVCA-ACLA team testing project. He is also a member of the MVCA Water Action Team and the "It All Ends Up in the Lake" annual Conference Committee. Mike's experience fits well with his new Committee appointment and his personal commitment to public service will help assure success as the Committee moves forward. Contact Mike at mcelhone[at]hurontel.on.ca
Karen Galbraith, Public-at-Large
As a veterinarian, dairy farm operator and Director of a farm insurance company, Karen's experience is broad and varied. In addition to her busy work schedule, Karen finds time to volunteer with the Perth Dairy Producers Committee as a liaison for policy and education and participate as Chair of the Education Committee. Her past experience includes work as a facilitator with the Ontario Agricultural Training Institute and she is a founding Director and past President of Perth Care for Kids. Karen describes herself as a "doer," a trait that should be much appreciated by her colleagues on the Source Protection Committee. Contact Karen at info[at]legacyholsteins.ca
Gerry Rupke‚ Public-at-Large
Currently, Gerry operates his own consulting business based on his impressive credentials as a business owner and engineer. He has specialized experience in water and wastewater management, and he is a member of the Joint Management Board for the Lake Huron Primary Water Supply System. His technical skills and his experience as a successful manager and businessman will bring a welcome perspective to the Source Protection Committee. Contact Gerry at grupke[at]execulink.com
Bob Bressette, Liaison, Kettle and Stony Point First Nation
Bob Bressette represents Kettle and Stony Point First Nation on the Ausable Bayfield Maitland Valley Source Protection Committee. A life-long resident of the area, Bob sat on the Band Council for the Kettle and Stony Point First Nation for 22 years. In addition, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his work as Lands Manger and sat as trustee on the Lambton County Board of Education for 12 years. Currently, Bob is involved with the environmental sector for the negotiating committee for the return of Camp Ipperwash to Kettle and Stony Point First Nation. Contact Bob at bob.sharon[at]xcelco.on.ca
Jim Ginn, Liaison, Source Protection Authority
Jim Ginn is the liaison for the Ausable Bayfield and Maitland Valley Source Protection Authorities for the Source Protection Committee. Jim has served five years as a municipal councilor and is currently the vice chair of the ABCA. He is a life long farmer, who has been involved in numerous committees related to the dairy industry. Jim brings with him a strong background in environmental stewardship. He is a member of the Huron Stewardship Council, the Lower Maitland Stewardship Group and was also on steering committees for the Rural Landowners Stewardship Guide and two Best Management Practices booklets. Jim was the founding member and treasurer of the Huron-Perth Woodlot Association for 12 years. In 2004 Jim was the winner of the Countryside Canada Award for Environmental Stewardship. Contact Jim at jim_ginn[at]hotmail.com
Bob Worsell, Liaison, Health
Bob Worsell is liaison member of the Source Protection Committee representing the Health Sector. Bob is a Certified Public Health Inspector, Ontario Building Code (Part 7) Plumbing Inspector and Ontario Building Code (Part 8) Onsite Sewage System Inspector. Bob joined the Huron County Health Unit in 1989 and prior to that was a self employed plumbing and heating contractor. Bob is currently the Safe Water Program Lead at the Health Unit and is active in a number of committees dealing with water protection. These committees include the Maitland Watershed Partnerships Water Action Team, the Lake Huron Water Supply Administration Group and the Huron Perth Agriculture and Water Festival. Bob feels that Source Protection Planning is a necessary and important step in securing the safety of our drinking water supply for future generations. Contact Bob at bworsell[at]huroncounty.ca
Working Groups
Volunteers from the community have been actively involved in six local, multi-stakeholder community working groups to assist the Source Protection Committee (SPC) in its work developing local science - based terms of reference, assessment reports and source protection plans.
Six local, geographically-based groups were formed — in Listowel, Wingham, Kingsbridge/Port Albert, Clinton, Exeter and Parkhill. In addition, there was a municipal subcommittee of municipal political representatives.
The working groups have provided meaningful stakeholder participation, local knowledge and input to the local planning committee. Working groups have provided input on local concerns towards the development of well-considered plans with a high prospect of successful implementation. The local SP project developed a leading-edge Drinking Water Source Protection adult training program which has, at no charge to the participant, provided them with an engaging course on source protection issues and the technical background required to provide informed input to the local committee. Furthermore, the program has provided a means for the participant to take current information back to their nominating organization or community and provide input from their nominating organization or community to the group.
The working groups had their first meeting in February of 2008 and continued to meet every two months for about two years. They have completed the program and, in response to participant feedback, a new, practical Source Protection Planning Workbook ('Adopt a Vulnerable Area'/Vulnerableville) was created - with that workbook, members used the MOE threats table and developed suggested planning policies to address different potential risks to drinking water. (See 'downloads' on this site for those recommendations).
Some members of the working groups are currently completing an assessment of their work for consideration of a Certificate of Recognition through Fleming College.
Local, multi-stakeholder community working groups have provided:
1. Insights into local conditions (e.g., societal, economic, geophysical, etc.)
2. Questions for clarification (issues raised, etc.)
3. Recommendations in support of implementation strategy
To act as a mechanism for stakeholder representation in the planning process, working group members are expected to have:
1. The ability to listen and work cooperatively with others.
2. The desire to seek solutions reflecting a foundation in scientific/technical studies and knowledge of the area.
The group recommendations are collected and recorded in a running tally of input and reviewed by the Source Protection Committee. See the 'Downloads' section for some of the input to date. Although the working groups have completed their training program, they may be invited back on an ad hoc basis to provide further input to the committee - for example, on draft proposed assessment reports. In fact, some of these community volunteers will be attending upcoming public meetings between January and March of 2010 and may help other community members better understand drinking water source protection.
Municipal Subcommittee (MSC)
A Municipal Subcommittee (MSC) has also been created in the Ausable Bayfield and Maitland Valley Source Protection Areas to assist the new Source Protection Committee (SPC) in its work developing local science - based Source Protection Plans. The centrally located Municipal Subcommittee will provide meaningful participation for the 24 lower tier municipalities and six counties represented in the Source Protection Region. Municipal Subcommittee members have learned about and provided input on local concerns and issues related to the protection of municipal drinking water sources under the Clean Water Act, 2006, towards the development of well-considered plans with a high prospect of successful implementation.
The Municipal Subcommittee had its first meeting in February of 2008 and continued to meet once a month for approximately 18 months.
Contact Us
For more information on drinking water source protection in the Ausable Bayfield Maitland Valley Source Protection Region contact Tim Cumming, Communications Specialist, at info@sourcewaterinfo.on.ca or phone 519-235-2610, ext. 248 or toll-free at 1-888-286-2610, ext. 248.
Questions related to drinking water source pProtection in Ausable Bayfield Maitland Valley Source Protection Region can be sent to Ausable Bayfield Maitland Valley Source Protection Region, c/o ABCA, 71108 Morrison Line, RR 3 Exeter ON N0M 1S5, or by phone at 519-335-3557, 519-235-2610 ext 248, or toll-free 1-888-286-2610 or e-mail info@sourcewaterinfo.on.ca |
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