Source Protection Committee

The Chair of the Quinte Source Protection Committee will be appointed by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.

Garnet Thompson, Belleville - Surface Water Systems

Kayla Beach-Courtney, Prince Edward County
Kayla Beach-Courtney has over 15 years of experience in the water and wastewater industry, specializing in compliance for municipal water and wastewater systems. She is excited to contribute to the Quinte Region Source Water Protection Committee. Her work emphasizes the critical role of source water protection and the multi-barrier approach to carrying out these responsibilities in ensuring clean and safe water for communities. Passionate about environmental stewardship, she advocates for proactive water resource management and education on the public water supply. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, the arts, and spending time in nature with her husband and their poodle, Penny.

Northern Groundwater Systems
Vacant

All municipalities without a municipal drinking water system
Vacant

Heather Lang is a financial advisor and farmer in Marysville, Ontario. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Major Animal Science, from the University of Guelph and is licensed by the Financial Services Commission of Ontario and the Canadian Securities Commission. She runs a home-based financial consulting service and also runs a cash crop operation with her husband. She has over 20 years experience in dairy and beef farming and has also worked at a commercial swine breeding operation.  She is very active in her home township of Tyendinaga, volunteering and assisting at community events.

Jack Alexander

Phillip Norton is a journalist who focused on agricultural and conservation issues. He worked at the Montreal Gazette and as the editor of a bilingual weekly newspaper in Huntingdon, Quebec. His articles and photos appeared in Harrowsmith and Canadian Geographic Magazines. Phillip holds an environmental science degree from Pennsylvania State University. He helped found the Chateauguay Watershed Management Agency. Phillip owned and operated an apple and maple syrup farm in Quebec and moved to Picton in 2007 where he has led photography group tours throughout Quinte and across North America since 2012.

Sandra Latchford

Gillian Ward, BSc., has been a member of the Source Water Protection Committee for over 5 years. She has a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Queen's University, having focused on both biology and environmental science courses during her studies. She has an avid interest in water related issues and communications. After a lifetime of work, she is currently enjoying retirement, with her husband and pets, on the water. 

Josh Powles, a Biotechnology Professor at Loyalist College, joined the Quinte Source Protection Committee in 2019, bringing a grounded scientific perspective to committee. With a PhD in Molecular Biology, his background in plant molecular biology complements the committee's existing expertise. Representing the public, he focuses on clear communication and education, translating complex scientific data into understandable terms. Born and raised in Belleville, and a Queen’s University graduate, his return to the region in 2014 solidified his commitment to protecting the Quinte area's water sources, ensuring a sustainable future for his community.

Mel Plewes MA, University of Waterloo, Regional Planning and Resources Management. He retired from the Ontario Public Service after serving 33 years, mostly with the Ministry of the Environment. Mel served as Chair of the Policy and Advocacy team of the Don Watershed Regeneration Council from 2000 to 2005. As a private consultant he led or facilitated planning programs that involved the public and representatives of public organizations to achieve objectives collaboratively. He has retired as a Registered Professional Planner. He resides in Belleville and volunteers with the Inn from the Cold Meal Program and Meals On Wheels.

Terry Kennedy is a former high school principal from Toronto who relocated to his cottage in Frontenac County upon retirement. He holds a Masters of Education from the University of Toronto, Bachelor of Physical Education from the University of Waterloo and a Bachelor of Arts from Western University. As President of the Kennebec Lake Association (KLA) for 20 years he helped develop a strong partnership with Quinte Conservation. Terry was a member of the Board for the Federation of Ontario Cottagers' Association, serving as President for two years. He has designed, organized and participated in various environmental workshops and has long been an advocate for the right of all citizens, whether urban or rural, to have their sources of drinking water protected.

Curtis Maracle

Vacant

Bill Sherlock, South East Health Unit
Bill Sherlock is a Program Manager at the South East Health Unit, where he oversees the Environmental Health program. His responsibilities include managing key public health initiatives related to Healthy Environments, Recreational Water and Drinking Water, Food Safety, Rabies, Vector-Borne Diseases, and Emergency Management. Bill brings extensive public health experience and a strong commitment to protecting public health, with a particular passion for source water protection.

Jessica Eisnor, South East Health Unit
Jessica Eisnor is a Certified Public Health Inspector at South East Health Unit, bringing 15 years of experience to her role. She is responsible for enforcing the Health Protection and Promotion Act and its associated regulations by conducting risk assessments, inspections, and health hazard investigations. Currently, she is dedicated to the Safe Drinking Water program, where she plays a role in protecting public health through education and regulatory oversight.

Mike Kerby, Source Protection Authority