New Chair of the Raisin-South Nation Source Protection Committee Announced
The Raisin-South Nation Source Protection Committee has a new Chair. Local farmer and active community member, Ray Beauregard, was recently appointed by the Ontario Minister of Environment and Climate Change for this important role under Ontario’s Clean Water Act, 2006.
The Clean Water Act, 2006 ensures that communities are able to protect their drinking water sources through the development of collaborative, locally driven, science‐based source protection plans for watersheds across the province. The program is managed by Conservation Authorities and the local Source Protection Committees guide the development of the source protection plan. There are 19 Source Protection Committees in Ontario.
The Raisin-South Nation Source Protection Committee consists of 15 members plus a chairperson. The Committee represents the interests of the local municipalities, agricultural sector, commercial and industrial sectors, and the general public. The Committee also consists of liaisons from the Raisin and South Nation Source Protection Authorities, the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, and the local Health Unit.
“Ray was the acting Chair for the Raisin-South Nation Source Protection Committee following the retirement of past-chair, the late Claude Cousineau, in 2015. We are pleased he was officially appointed by the Minister to Chair the Committee; he brings a wealth of knowledge to the table,” said Richard Pilon, Manager of the Raisin-South Nation Source Water Protection Program.
Ray Beauregard brings to the position of Chair broad experience from various sectors and many years of service to his community in a variety of capacities. Ray served as an elected Cornwall Township Councillor, South Stormont Deputy Mayor, and United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Councillor. He is the past chair of the Eastern Ontario Water Resources Committee, past president of the Cattlemen Association, and owns and operates a small poultry farm. He has worked for various manufacturing companies, engineering firms, and the federal government. Ray has filled many leadership positions over the years and can now add Chair of the Raisin-South Source Protection Committee to his list.
“I am honoured to lead the local Source Protection Committee. I have been on the Committee since 2008 and am proud of all our accomplishments to date to protect local municipal drinking water,” says Ray Beauregard.
In making the appointment, Minister Glen Murray stated that clean and safe drinking water is one of the most significant priorities facing Ontario and Mr. Beauregard’s leadership as Chair of the Raisin-South Nation Source Protection Committee will be key to the success of protecting local municipal drinking water.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: John Mesman, Acting Team Lead, Communications; jmesman@nation.on.ca; 613-984-2948 ext. 302