We would like to thank the more than 80 people who attended five main public and sector outreach events between January and March 2009 in the Ausable Bayfield Maitland Valley Source Protection Region and the more than 50 people who called the Source Protection Authority offices in Wroxeter and Exeter.

We would especially like to thank the interested citizens who took part in the following events in the first quarter of the year: Industry and Commerce Dinner and Industry Tour (Palmerston), Open Well Residential Open House (Listowel), Agricultural Open House and Expo (Clinton), Expert Call-in Radio and Online Programme about Assessing Our Water Sources (AM 920), Intake Coffee Shop Meet and Greet (Goderich), Partner Event (Seaforth), Municipal Update Meeting (Clinton).

It was a busy time for staff on our project but we were gratified by the opportunity to speak with you directly and let you know about stewardship opportunities for eligible owners of homes, farms and businesses in vulnerable areas.

Also part of our public outreach over the first three months of 2009 was a direct mail-out and letter of notice to 3,400 owners of homes, farms and businesses in key vulnerable areas, sent out in January and February, and a news publication distributed to about 50,000 recipients in the region in February.

We thank you for providing the Province of Ontario with feedback on the voluntary financial incentive companion program, the Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program, and for considering positive environmental actions on your properties.

If you have any further questions phone Derek at 519-335-3557 or Tim at 1-888-286-2610.