Lieutenant Governor to Honour Local Conservationist for Lifetime Achievement

Waterloo Region - Local conservationist Craig Campbell was recognized with a Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Trust Lifetime Achievement Award in a ceremony at Queen’s Park on Feb. 26, 2016.

Unable to attend the ceremony in Toronto, Mr. Campbell will receive his award from the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, at the Winston Park Retirement Home (695 Block Line Rd., Kitchener) on March 11 at 1:30 p.m. The ceremony will take place in the library.

Mr. Campbell was recognized for his contributions to the conservation of Ontario's natural heritage for over 50 years, as well as his volunteer work with organizations such as the Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists (now Waterloo Region Nature). As an amateur naturalist, Mr. Campbell is well-known as an expert on Ontario’s mammals, herpetofauna, butterflies and plants.

“Craig’s willingness to share his extensive and detailed knowledge of Waterloo Region’s biodiversity has been instrumental in the early establishment of strong natural heritage protection policies in our Regional Official Plan,” said Chris Gosselin, Manager of Environmental Planning and Stewardship. “It is fitting to see his contribution recognized in this way.”

Mr. Campbell’s vast knowledge of the Region's flora, fauna and natural areas helped identify sites that became Canada’s first municipally designated Environmentally Sensitive Policy Areas (ESPAs), established by the Region of Waterloo in 1976.

“The Region is committed to protecting and preserving our cultural and natural heritage, and we know we can’t do the great work we do without the many volunteers who dedicate their time and resources,” said Regional Chair Ken Seiling. “Regional staff nominated Mr. Campbell for this award, and we are pleased the Ontario Heritage Trust has recognized his contributions.”

The Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Awards, administered by the Ontario Heritage Trust, are prestigious awards that recognize exceptional contributions to heritage conservation, environmental sustainability and biodiversity, and cultural and natural heritage. These awards are presented annually at a ceremony at Queen’s Park in Toronto. Mr. Campbell is one of seven individuals who received a Lifetime Achievement Award. Awards were also presented for Youth Achievement, Excellence in Conservation, and Community Leadership.

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For more information please contact:

Kate Hagerman KHagerman@regionofwaterloo.ca or 519-575-4094