Paul Proderick is the 2025 Board Chair for the Full Authority Board of Cataraqui Conservation. Photo via Cataraqui Conservation.
The Full Authority Board of Cataraqui Conservation elected Paul Proderick as its new Chair for 2025 at its annual general meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. Outgoing chair Gary Oosterhof was elected to be the new Vice-Chair.
According to a release from the conservation authority, Proderick, Ward 3 Councillor for Loyalist Township, held the role of vice-chair for the previous two years and has been representing his community since 2022. Before running for elected office in 2022, Proderick served on several municipal and community committees, including the Planning Committee of the former Ernestown Township, two terms on the Loyalist Township Recreation Committee, and a term on the township’s Renewable Energy Fund Grant Review Committee.
Cataraqui Conservation noted that, after his confirmation as the new Board Chair, Proderick spoke about the work ahead for board members and looks forward to working with staff for the coming year.
“My interest in Cataraqui Conservation was stemmed by my previous experience with the organization. I felt I could share my background, especially in the programming area. The communities served by the Authority have a unique relationship with the area,” Chair Proderick stated.
“Cataraqui Conservation provides opportunities for residents to experience the beauty of the nature around us, which we often take for granted.”
Oosterhof is a member of Kingston City Council, representing the Countryside District. He has been on the Cataraqui Conservation Full Authority Board since 2017.
According to the release, at the annual general meeting, outgoing chair Oosterhof thanked his fellow board members as well as Cataraqui Conservation staff for all their hard work over the past term. He specifically highlighted the organization’s move to its new administration office, the celebration of the Authority’s 60th anniversary in 2024, and the completion of a crucial Strategic Plan, Watershed-based Resource Management Strategy and the Conservation Area Strategy, among other achievements.
“It has been an enjoyable experience these past two years and I am pleased to hand over the reins to the new Chair,” Oosterhof expressed.
Learn more about Cataraqui Conservation on its website.
