September 11, 2006

The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, a coalition of over 80 U.S. and Canadian mayors focused on restoration and protection of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River, recently held its annual conference in Parry Sound, Ontario, situated on Georgian Bay. The Initiative was founded by Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley in 2003.

Mayors and staff from 45 U.S. and Canadian cities attended the conference, along with representatives from state, federal, provincial governments and first nations. Environmental and industry groups also participated.

Members of the Initiative passed a number of resolutions at the conference to guide the organization’s work in the year to come. Key resolutions address important policy issues, such as: implementation of the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration; passage of Great Lakes restoration legislation by the U.S. Congress; delay in implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative; development of effective and timely beach testing methods and standards; and prompt enactment of the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act. Resolutions can be viewed at http://www.nemw.org/glci/statements.htm.

Speakers included representatives from three tribal and first nations, the United States and Canadian Chairs from the International Joint Commission, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the National Wildlife Federation, and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters. The breadth of topics explored by the speakers included emerging issues on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence, water tourism, the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration, waterfront revitalization and beaches, and water conservation. Unique perspectives were presented by the various stakeholders, and best practices and lessons learned were shared by the mayors.

The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative also honored some important members and supporters at the annual conference. Daley was named Founding Chair, elevating him to a permanent seat on the Board of Director, in recognition of his work in establishing and leading the Initiative. Toronto Mayor David Miller was named Chair for the 2006-2007 year.

St. Catharines, Ontario Mayor Timothy Rigby was recognized with an award for his extraordinary efforts to help shape and develop the Initiative. Daley and Miller presented Ann Charles, Canadian Consul General in Chicago, an award for her outstanding contribution to protect and restore the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence.

For more information about the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, visit the website http://www.nemw.org/glci/.