Otonabee Conservation AGM & Environmental Excellence Awards

Peterborough, ON (January 21, 2026) Otonabee Conservation’s Annual General (AGM) on January 20, 2026 highlighted nearly seven decades of stewardship within the watershed and celebrated this year’s recipients of the Environmental Excellence Awards.

The Municipality of Trent Hills Deputy Mayor Michael Metcalf and City of Peterborough Councillor Kevin Duguay were re-elected by the Board of Directors to continue to serve as the Chair and Vice Chair of the Board, respectively.

“Throughout 2025 and into 2026, Otonabee Conservation’s Board and staff continue to demonstrate professionalism, adaptability, and a strong commitment to collaboration as we prepare to lead through the changes ahead.” said Chair Metcalf.

The 67th Annual General Members meeting was held at the McDonnel Street Community Centre in Peterborough.

Otonabee Conservation CAO / Secretary-Treasurer, Janette Loveys Smtih added, “2025 was a busy and productive year. From advancing floodplain mapping to strengthening environmental and stewardship programs, Otonabee Conservation continued to support sustainable planning, climate resilience, and strong partnerships across the watershed. As we enter the new year, the provincial direction on collaboration with Conservation Ontario and Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities marks a new chapter of shared leadership and collective impact.”

Otonabee Conservation annually honours four watershed champions with the annual Environmental Excellence Awards. These awards recognize outstanding people and groups within our watershed who have demonstrated the advancement of watershed health through projects on the landscape and actions that contribute to a healthier environment for everyone.

This year’s recipients of the Environmental Excellence Awards are:

Recognizing outstanding people who have undertaken projects, demonstrated leadership, and inspired others to create a healthier watershed.

Recognizing community or organized groups that have successfully undertaken projects that contribute to a healthier watershed. 

Recognizing an organizational employee who has made a significant, positive contribution to furthering the objectives of Otonabee Conservation in one or more areas of the Authority's operations. 

Recognizing a business that has made a significant contribution to projects or programs at Otonabee Conservation, advancing our vision of a healthy watershed. 

For complete award winner bios visit Environmental Excellence Awards 2026 on our website otonabeeconservation.com.

For more information contact:

Otonabee Conservation

jsmith@otonabeeconservation.com | 705-745-5791 Ext. 222