Challinor Elected GRCA Chairman
Milton Ward 2 Local Councillor John Challinor II was recently elected Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Grand River Conservation Authority, the oldest conservation authority in North America and one of the largest such organizations in Canada.
The GRCA is responsible for managing water and natural resources in the Grand River watershed on behalf of almost one million people and 38 municipalities in the Grand River watershed, including reducing flooding, improving water quality, managing land responsibly and connecting people to nature. Tributaries of the Grand River are found in the north-west corner of Halton. The Grand River was designated a Canadian Heritage River in 1994 and is the largest watershed in southern Ontario.
Mr. Challinor has represented all residents of Halton on the 26-member GRCA Board as the Regional Municipality of Halton’s representative since 2019. He replaces Gueph-Eramosa Mayor Chris White, who was elected Chair in 2021. Centre Wellington Mayor Shawn Watters was elected Vice Chair, replacing North Dumfries Mayor Sue Foxton, who was elected Vice Chair in 2021.
“For almost 100 years, the GRCA has played and continues to play a critical role in the stewardship of the Grand River watershed and the river that winds its way through 38 great communities in Ontario, enabling those Ontarians and others to live healthy, active lives,” said Mr. Challinor. “I look forward to working with GRCA Vice-Chair Shawn Watters and all members of the Board, as well as GRCA CAO Samantha Lawson and her dedicated staff to create and implement programs and services that sustain the watershed for future generations to enjoy and benefit from.” CR