2016 Latornell Leadership Award Recipient Peter Gray

From 1999 to 2013, the Latornell Conservation Symposium honoured individuals who have demonstrated life-long, outstanding contributions to the field of conservation. They were recognized for their innovation, leadership and dedication to the conservation field. Either through their personal activities and/or leadership, they have gone beyond the call of duty or responsibility to an employer, client, or their community. These individuals have helped to celebrate and inspire innovation in the conservation field and have made a difference in their field of expertise. Nominees have encouraged and motivated others to take similar leadership roles towards conservation work. To commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Symposium in 2013, it was decided to revise this award in order to also recognize individuals who have made significant contributions at any time, for any duration – and not just over the course of their entire lifetime as long as their achievements demonstrate leadership accomplishments. To reflect this, the award was renamed the Latornell Leadership Award. Nominations are reviewed and evaluated by a special subcommittee of the Latornell Steering Committee. www.latornell.ca Peter Gray Nominating Agency: Waterloo Wellington Children’s Groundwater Festival, Kitchener ON Peter Gray is a hydrogeologist with over 30 years of experience in the water industry. He is an entrepreneur who, at 32, started his own environmental consulting business, Frontline Environmental, before merging with MTE Consultants Inc. in 2007, where he is currently the Vice-President of the Environmental Division. His interest in water science began while obtaining his degree in Earth Science from the University of Waterloo, where he sits on various committees promoting the water industry. As a hydrogeologist and a father, he saw the need to educate our youth about the importance of water and the environment. As volunteer Chair of Groundwater Education Ontario in 1993, he began to develop the concept of hosting a Canadian Children’s Groundwater Festival. In partnership with industry, the University of Waterloo, and the Grand River Conservation Authority, the first Canadian children’s water festival was held in Milton, in 1994. Peter Gray and the Waterloo Wellington Children’s Groundwater Festival have been recognized for achievements in their efforts to educate students about the importance of environmental issues. Peter was presented with the June Callwood Award in 2015 for his volunteer commitment and dedication in the implementation of water and environmental education programs throughout Ontario Over 700,000 children have attended a water festival at one of 30 different locations across the Province. Peter helped create the Children’s Water Education Council in 2001. The Council has a simple mandate; respect our water sources, and preserve it for future generations. He has also developed an Environmental Leadership camp for high school students, and a field camp for junior high students. Peter Gray’s knowledge of hydrogeology and commitment to educating our youth has been instrumental in designing activities for Water Festivals. His leadership at the local Children’s Groundwater Festival level as well as his commitment to educating youth about their connection to water and the environment across the province, has seen much support by many educators and is well deserved.