Registration is now open for the 2016 Muskoka Summit on the Environment, which will take place May 27-28th at the Rene Caisse Theatre in Bracebridge. Space is limited so register soon! Take advantage of early-bird rates by registering before May 1st.
 
The 2016 theme is Solutions for a Warming World and will feature six internationally renowned speakers who will address Climate Change from different perspectives, including:

The talks will culminate in a panel discussion led by Paul Kennedy, host of CBC Radio's Ideas, that will form the basis of a Summit communiqué.
 

There is more going on at the 2016 Muskoka Summit on the Environment than just speaker sessions. There are opportunities for students, researchers, businesses and artists to highlight their work, as well!
 

 

MWC welcomed a new chair in January, as Lou Guerriero took over the reins from Peter Sale. Lou has served as Vice-chair for the past two years, as well as chair of the Strategic Directions Committee, the group responsible for producing the Muskoka Watershed Report Card.

Lou has been an active member of MWC for the past 11 years, and this experience will be put to good use as Lou leads MWC for the next two years. In addition to his membership on MWC, Lou served as a Gravenhurst Town Councillor for 7 years and sat on the board of directors for the Sunny Lake Ratepayers’ and Cottagers’ Association for 12 years. Before retiring, he had 35 years of technical sales and management experience in the computer and telecommunication industries. Lou is a graduate of McMaster University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics and Mathematics.
 
Christy Doyle, MWC Director of Environmental & Watershed Programs, talked with Lou about his involvement with Muskoka Watershed Council and what lies ahead for the organization.
 
Christy: How did you first get involved with Muskoka Watershed Council?
Lou: My first involvement was as the appointed representative of the Gravenhurst Town Council in early 2004. I was very pleased with this opportunity having owned property on Sunny Lake since 1986 and being involved with the lake association for many years.
 
Christy: Since you started volunteering with MWC in 2004, you’ve contributed to so many key projects including several Report Cards and also our latest position paper on climate change. What can MWC expect next, with you as Chair?
Lou: I see the Muskoka Watershed Council continuing to capitalize on its strengths that have evolved over the past 15 years like the Report Card, the Muskoka Summit on the Environment and, most recently, our climate change report. Continued focus on being responsive to the needs of the local municipalities and lake associations is a given. And, let’s not forget the depth and breadth of the skills and experience of our members that gives our work the critical balance between the environment and the economy in Muskoka.
 
Christy: Where would you like MWC to be two years from now?
Lou: That’s a tough one. Perhaps to be recognized by everyone in Muskoka as the “go to” resource for reliable science-based information, education and future planning advice might be a bit ambitious. But I think our current work on climate change will be the catalyst that can lead us in that direction.
 
Christy: What’s your favorite part about living and volunteering in Muskoka?
Lou: In the simplest of terms, it’s the people of Muskoka. My experience has been that they’re always ready to help where they can and when they do they always give 100%. Smiles and thank-yous are never in short supply.