Read our Six-Part Weekly Series Highlighting the 2023 Conservation Award Recipients
Part Six: Green Cities and Watershed Excellence Award Winners
In the sixth and final week of our Conservation Matters: Award-Winning Work in the Credit River Watershed series we’re highlighting our Green Cities Award and Watershed Excellence Award winners.
First Green Cities Award Recipient
Our Green Cities Award is issued to those public entities that implement leading edge green infrastructure in new development and existing urban areas. The first recipient is the Region of Peel for their ongoing initiative to incorporate green infrastructure to manage stormwater from their roads and properties.
Over the past 10 years, the region has implemented green infrastructure in 15 roadside projects and 22 Peel properties. As a result, downstream flooding and erosion risk is reduced, run-off is cleaned and cooled, and groundwater is recharged, helping to protect and sustain the Credit River Watershed. Eleanor Gillon, Sakshi Saini and Chris Despins accepted the award on behalf of the Region of Peel.
Second Green Cities Award Recipient
Our next recipient was Halton Region for their dedicated environment-first approach to land use planning and development of a robust Regional Natural Heritage System.
The system’s approach to protect natural heritage now safeguards approximately 50 per cent of the entire region. The region promotes environment-first thinking and aims to inspire the development community to do better. The goal of the system is to ensure biological and ecological functions within the region will be preserved and enhanced for future generations. Heather Ireland, Monika Keliacius and Dan Tovey accepted the award on behalf of Halton Region.
Watershed Excellence Award Winner
Our final award, the Watershed Excellence Award, is the most prestigious and is only given in extraordinary circumstances. It is issued to those with a sustained record of achievement and commitment. Their ongoing leadership and dedication will leave a legacy of inspiration. This year’s award recipient was Karen Ras.
Karen dedicated 11 years of volunteer efforts and contributed significant personal donations towards the preservation of the local environment. As a long-time champion of the Credit River Watershed, Karen served on the Credit Valley Conservation Foundation Board of Directors from January 2011 to December 2022, holding the position of chair from June 2017 to December 2022.
Karen also helped lead many high-profile fundraising campaigns and events, such as the Conservation Gala, raising millions towards CVC’s priority projects. Her ongoing efforts have inspired others in the community to get involved through her tireless example of taking action to protect the environment for future generations.
To learn more about our Conservation Awards program or to see past winners, visit cvc.ca/ConservationAwards.