For Immediate Release

The Grey Sauble Conservation Foundation awards $2,000 each year to a graduating secondary school student who is pursuing post-secondary studies in an environmental or resource management related field. The award honours Malcolm Kirk, a dedicated conservationist who played a key role in acquiring much of the land now owned and managed by Grey Sauble Conservation Authority.

This year, the Malcolm Kirk Environmental Award was presented to Kamyla Fisher, a graduating student from Owen Sound District Secondary School who will begin studies in Environmental Engineering at the University of Guelph this fall. Kamyla’s strong academic performance, practical work experience, and commitment to environmental leadership prepares her to make meaningful contributions in her chosen field.

Kamyla developed a deep sense of environmental responsibility through professional and personal experiences and has actively contributed to local initiatives. Her involvement in community climate action events has included presenting on an innovative sustainability project and engaging younger students in conversations about environmental leadership. These experiences have shaped her vision for a sustainable future and strengthened her commitment to driving positive change through problem-solving and effective solutions.

The Grey Sauble Conservation Foundation congratulates Kamyla on this achievement and wishes her success in her academic and professional pursuits. Her commitment to the environment exemplifies the spirit of the Malcolm Kirk Environmental Award and serves as an inspiration to others.

This year marks the final presentation of the Malcolm Kirk Environmental Award by the Grey Sauble Conservation Foundation. The Foundation is proud to have supported numerous students pursuing careers in environmental and resource management fields through this award and extends its gratitude to all past recipients for their dedication to conservation.

For further information:

Don Sankey, Chair, Grey Sauble Conservation Foundation
foundation@greysauble.on.ca

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Photo (left to right): Dick Hibma (Director, Grey Sauble Conservation Foundation), Kamyla Fisher, Don Sankey (Chair, Grey Sauble Conservation Foundation).

Background:

The Grey Sauble Conservation Foundation was established in 1993 and is a federally registered, charitable, not-for-profit organization that raises money to assist the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority (GSCA) fund programs and projects. The Foundation offers opportunities for the public to actively participate in conserving and enhancing the natural heritage that exists within the GSCA watershed.

Grey Sauble Conservation Authority (GSCA) is seeking proposals from qualified IT service providers for co-managed network administration services. GSCA has 30 employees working in a Microsoft 365 environment and requires a technology partner to support our onsite Information Services staff members in ensuring the security, reliability, and performance of our IT infrastructure.

June 10, 2025
For immediate release

Grey Sauble Conservation Authority (GSCA) is excited to announce the completion of major accessibility upgrades at Inglis Falls Conservation Area, one of the region’s most popular natural destinations.

Guided by community input and recommendations outlined in the Inglis Falls Management Plan, this project focused on addressing key accessibility barriers to help ensure the conservation area is welcoming and inclusive for all visitors. Public feedback gathered through a 2024 accessibility survey also played an important role in shaping the final design.

The project included renovating the existing washroom facilities to add two gender-inclusive, accessible washrooms, both equipped with automatic doors and baby changing stations. A new paved pathway has also been implemented to improve access to the washrooms and the existing viewing platform that overlooks Inglis Falls. GSCA plans to further enhance accessibility at this property by incorporating additional features in the future.

“These improvements represent an important step toward making Inglis Falls more accessible to visitors,” said GSCA’s Operations Manager, Morgan Barrie. “By creating spaces that are inclusive and barrier-free, we are fostering greater participation in outdoor experiences and encouraging more people to connect with nature.”

GSCA extends its sincere thanks to the local businesses who went above and beyond to support this initiative. Chris Robertson and the team at Extreme Linings and Coatings made the accessible trail to the lookout platform a reality. Patrick McCormick of McCormick Painting and Drywall volunteered his time and expertise to paint both the interior and exterior of the washroom facilities, and Madison Macdonnell from Grey Bruce Paint & Decor generously donated all the Benjamin Moore paint used for the project.

Visitors are invited to experience the new accessible features at Inglis Falls Conservation Area and enjoy everything this iconic property has to offer. The conservation area is open daily from dawn to dusk, with parking available for $10 + HST per day. For those looking to explore even more, purchasing a Membership Parking Pass offers year-round access to multiple GSCA properties. Parking Passes are also available to borrow from libraries throughout the GSCA watershed, making it even easier to get outside and enjoy nature!

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Photo 1: Upgraded washroom facilities at Inglis Falls Conservation Area.

Photo 2: Newly constructed accessible pathway leading to the lookout platform.

For more information:
Grey Sauble Conservation Authority
media@greysauble.on.ca

Background:

Vision: A vibrant watershed, supported by the GSCA, where ecosystems thrive, and communities are healthy, safe and prosperous.

Mission: To champion a healthy and safe watershed through innovative conservation efforts, sound planning, and inspiring education initiatives, now and in the future.

May 30, 2025
For immediate release

Grey Sauble Conservation Authority (GSCA) is pleased to announce that a recent court decision has confirmed its ownership of lands at Hibou Conservation Area, ensuring continued public access and conservation of this valued natural space.

This decision follows a situation that arose in April 2020 when a “For Sale” sign appeared on the northeast portion of the Hibou property near Leith. The sign raised immediate concerns from local residents and community groups, prompting widespread attention on social media. GSCA staff became aware that another party had registered a title interest in this section of the property and took immediate steps to address the issue.

Following legal action to prevent the sale and resolve the title dispute, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice issued a decision on May 27, 2025, declaring that all right, title, and interest in the subject property is vested in Grey Sauble Conservation Authority, and that any claim by the respondent or other parties is extinguished.

“We’re both delighted and relieved by this week’s Ontario Superior Court decision,” said GSCA Chief Administrative Officer, Tim Lanthier. “After a long process, we’re proud to confirm that Hibou Conservation Area will remain a treasured public space for our community.”

Hibou Conservation Area consists of approximately 329 acres of land along the shoreline of Georgian Bay. It was acquired by the former North Grey Region Conservation Authority (now GSCA) in the early to mid-1970s, following a successful community fundraising campaign. Since that time, GSCA has maintained Hibou as a public access conservation area.

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For more information:
Grey Sauble Conservation Authority
media@greysauble.on.ca

Background:

Our vision is a healthy watershed environment in balance with the needs of society.

Our mission, in partnership with the stakeholders of the watershed, is to promote and undertake sustainable management of renewable natural resources and to provide responsible leadership to enhance biodiversity and environmental awareness.