The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) announced that Jackie Oblak has been elected chair of the Public Advisory Committee.
“The Public Advisory Committee acts as an important liaison between Niagara, Haldimand, and Hamilton residents and the NPCA,” said Jackie Oblak, chair of the Public Advisory Committee. “I plan to support the PAC through encouraging participation, respectful dialogue, and sharing of perspectives. I look forward to working with, and learning from, this amazing group of people.”
Oblak now serves as chair of the Committee, in addition to her position as the PAC’s Environmental Sector Representative. Her extensive volunteer and committee experience includes previous roles as vice chair of the Ottawa Forests and Greenspace Advisory Committee and chair of the Torbolton Forest Advisory Committee.
Throughout her career, Oblak has worked on projects in climate change adaptation, source water protection, environmental land use planning, species at risk protection, and was involved in initiating the Hastings Prince Edward Land Trust. Oblak was an environmental educator for the Ottawa Carleton District School Board’s Bill Mason Centre (BMC), working with thousands of children in the BMC’s ‘natural classroom.’
“The mandate of the Public Advisory Committee is to provide collaborative local perspective, guidance, and expert advice in the implementation of NPCA’s policies, plans, and other issues as the Board of Directors may require,” said Brenda Johnson, chair of NPCA’s Board.
“Jackie brings a great mix of skills to this Committee as the newly elected Chair, including a background in governance and environmental research which will be key in supporting the objectives of the PAC,” added Johnson. “With two vacant seats yet to be filled, we hope other members of the community will be encouraged to apply and participate in this meaningful work.”
Several recent changes to the PAC Terms of Reference have included additional representation for both First Nations and Metis communities and added members from the agriculture and conservation area user/volunteers sectors. There are two vacant positions available on the PAC for Development Sector and Public-at-Large. Application period is open for both vacancies until October 30, 2020.
