This past May, CGLR staff and members of the Council of the Great Lakes Region (CGLR) Board of Directors from both Canada and the United States gathered in the beautiful town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, for our quarterly board meeting.
While our board meets regularly throughout the year, opportunities to come together in person are limited, making these gatherings especially meaningful. Meeting face-to-face allows us to strengthen relationships, share ideas, and focus on the future of an organization that we all care deeply about.
CGLR Staff and Board Members meet on May 23rd, 2026 in Niagara-on-the-Lake for Quarterly Board Meeting
Chaired by Marie-Hélène Sicard, the interactive board meeting followed a packed agenda that was complemented by strategic workshops that leveraged CGLR’s recently approved 2026-2028 Strategic Plan. During the meeting, we were thrilled to be joined by one of CGLR’s esteemed Honorary Patrons, Hon. Elizabeth Dowdeswell. Her insight, expertise, and thoughtful contributions added tremendous value to our discussions and helped inform the conversations that will shape our work in the months ahead.
Throughout the day, board members and the CGLR team engaged in meaningful discussions focused on the future of the organization. Together, we reflected on recent accomplishments, explored emerging opportunities, and worked collaboratively to identify priorities and next steps. The meeting provided a valuable forum for brainstorming new ideas, aligning on strategic objectives, and reinforcing our collective commitment to protecting and strengthening the Great Lakes region.
One of the greatest strengths of CGLR is its ability to bring together leaders from diverse sectors, backgrounds, and communities around a common purpose. Whether the conversation centers on economic development, sustainability, transportation, freshwater protection, energy, or regional collaboration, there is a shared understanding that the challenges facing the Great Lakes require innovative thinking and collective action.
CGLR’s strength is largely based on the diverse experiences, innovative thought leadership, and the broad networks that each of our board members and staff bring to the table with them. Their time, commitment, and leadership continue to play a vital role in advancing CGLR’s mission across the binational Great Lakes region.
From Left: Board Director David Lindsay, Honorary Patron Elizabeth Dowdeswell, President & CEO Vance Badawey
As we move into the second half of 2026, we remain determined and optimistic about what is to come for the remainder of the year with big plans, and even bigger strategies that will lead these goals to the finish line. The discussions that took place around the boardroom table will help guide our work as we continue advancing strategies, business development, building strategic partnerships, and creating opportunities that benefit communities on both sides of the border.
The Great Lakes are one of the world’s most important freshwater resources, supporting millions of people, businesses, and ecosystems throughout the region. Protecting and strengthening this shared asset requires collaboration, leadership, and a willingness to think boldly about the future. We are fortunate to have a dedicated board and team who bring that spirit to their work every day.
Thank you again to all those members who were able to join us in Niagara-on-the-Lake. We look forward to continuing this important work together and bringing our mission to life through action, partnership, and innovation.
Together, we are building a stronger, more sustainable, and more prosperous Great Lakes region for generations to come.
Board members and staff provide updates at the May 2026 Quarterly Meeting,
