Virtual AGM 2021
VIRTUAL EVENT
The 2021 Annual General Meeting was held virtually as the result of COVID-19 restrictions. We utilized state-of-the-art online technologies to ensure one-on-one interaction with fellow mayors and our keynote speakers. Our theme was “Climate Change: 2021 and Beyond – Preparing Our Communities for the Future.” This year’s annual meeting will focus on helping cities prepare for the future.
AGM 2021 Overview
Message from Chair Walter Sendzik to our 2021 AGM Attendees
On behalf of our organization, I would like to thank you for being a part of this year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). Your continued partnership and support are extremely valuable.
By lending your voice to the cause of strengthening the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River, both environmentally and economically, you have helped us move the ball forward on a number of important initiatives.
This year’s AGM was a tremendous success. Close to 200 participants joined us for two days of sessions representing communities in Ontario, Quebec and the United States. Our speakers included Erin Brockovich, former Prime Minister Mulroney, Administrator Regan from the U.S. EPA and many more.
This year’s theme, “Climate Change-2021 and Beyond, Preparing our Communities for the Future”, was well received. Many mayors commented on how useful our programming was in their efforts to prepare for the impacts of climate change.
Thank you again for your help in this endeavor.
Sincerely,
Mayor Walter Sendzik, St. Catharines, Ontario
Chair, The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative
Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative concludes highly successful virtual annual meeting
CHICAGO, August 26, 2021 — The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative’s two-day virtual meeting concluded today, seeing record attendance from regional Mayors, and impactful presentations from a number of governmental and environmental leaders. Read more.
Agenda
View Speaker Lineup and Agenda
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:
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Erin Brockovich, Environmental Activist |
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Dick Durbin, U.S. Senator – IL, Senate Majority Whip |
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Brian Mulroney, Former Prime Minister of Canada |
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David Piccini, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks |
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Michael Regan, Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency |
Guest Speakers:
![]() Senator
Tammy Duckworth
(D-Illinois)
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![]() The Honourable Chantal Rouleau, M.N.A.
Minister for Transport
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![]() Senator
Debbie Stabenow
(D-Michigan)
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![]() Polly Trottenberg
Deputy Secretary
USDOT
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![]() Congresswoman
Debbie Dingell
(D-Michigan)
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![]() Congressman
Bill Huizenga
(R-Michigan)
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![]() Former Mayor of Toronto |
*The following breakout sessions will be presented concurrently and recorded.
DAY ONE
BREAKOUT SESSION ONE:
Understanding Climate Change – Physical Changes in the Region Over the Next Century
Description: The world will inevitably be impacted by climate change throughout the century. What exactly will these physical changes look like for the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence region? Hear from regional experts about how weather events, temperature trends, and lake levels will change over the next century.
Moderator: Mayor Sandra Easton – Town of Lincoln, ON
Presentation Topics & Guest Speakers:
Understanding Climate Change Across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin
Dr. Brent Lofgren – Physical Scientist
NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab
View Presentation
Understanding Lake Level Changes
Dr. Andrew Gronewold – Associate Professor of Ecosystem Science and Management
University of Michigan
View Presentation
Understanding Shoreline Behaviour and Erosion
Dr. John Johnston – Lecturer and Coastal Geoscientist
University of Waterloo (Earth and Environmental Sciences)
View Presentation
Prepare Now or Pay Later: Guidelines to Limit Home and Community Level Flood Risk
Dr. Blair Feltmate – Head of the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation
University of Waterloo
View Presentation
Q&A SESSION WITH SPEAKERS
BREAKOUT SESSION TWO:
Understanding Climate Change – Regional Impacts and Threats Over the Next Century
Description: The physical impacts of climate change will have repercussions on our communities, ecosystems, and economies. What will these impacts and threats look like for Great Lakes and St. Lawrence communities? Learn about the ways your community could be impacted by climate change including effects on water quality, wildlife, and infrastructure.
Moderator: Mayor George Pandaleon – Lake Forest, IL
Presentation Topics & Guest Speakers:
Climate Change Impacts on Runoff and Water Quality
Charlie Lalonde – Project Coordinator
Thames River Phosphorus Reduction Collaborative
View Presentation
Climate Change Impacts on Fish and Wildlife
Dr. Len Hunt – Human Dimensions Research Scientist
Ontario Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry
View Presentation
Climate Change Impacts on Our Communities
Dr. Gail Krantzberg – Program Lead & Professor; M.Eng. Engineering and Public Policy
McMaster University
View Presentation
Q&A SESSION WITH SPEAKERS
DAY TWO
BREAKOUT SESSION ONE:
Planning for the Future – Adapting to the Physical Impacts of Climate Change
Description: Climate change will have lasting impacts on physical infrastructure and our shorelines. It will be critical for communities to plan for these changes and rebuild in more resilient ways. Hear from experts on ways your community can plan for, and adapt to, the physical impacts of climate change.
Moderator: Mayor Jerome Prince – Gary, IN
Prioritizing Nature-Based Solutions in Resilience Projects
Jason Stangland – Principal, Waterfront Practice Director
Smith Group
View Presentation
Municipal Water Supply
David Goldwater – Vice President, Senior Policy Advisor, Federal
Stantec
View Presentation
Municipal Infrastructure
Maud Allaire – Mayor of Contrecoeur, QC
View Presentation
Project Funding
Tom Berry – Senior Planner
Stantec
View Presentation
10 minutes – Q&A WITH GUEST SPEAKERS
15 minutes – SMALL GROUP DISCUSSIONS WITH GUEST SPEAKERS
DAY TWO
BREAKOUT SESSION TWO:
Planning for the Future – Preparing for Socio-Economic Impacts of Climate Change
Description: Our communities and economies will experience socio-economic impacts related to climate change. Hear from a range of experts on ways to prepare for, mitigate, and adapt to the different socio-economic impacts that could influence your community in future climate change scenarios. Topics include impacts on tourism, population migration, and economic development.
Moderator: Mayor Bill Steele – Port Colborne, ON
Tourism
Shelly Hartfield – Director of Port Services
American Queen Steamboat Company
Climate Migration
Beth Gibbons – Executive Director
American Society of Adaptation Professionals
Economic Development Along Our Coastlines
Aaron Barter – Director of Innovation and Sustainability
Waterfront Toronto
View Presentation
Social Expectations for Our Shorelines
Jon Allan – Senior Advisor, Senior Academic and Research Program Officer
University of Michigan, Great Lakes Water Quality Board, Science Advisory Board
10 minutes – Q&A WITH GUEST SPEAKERS
15 minutes – SMALL GROUP DISCUSSIONS WITH GUEST SPEAKERS
Check back often for additional agenda details.
Virtual Legislative Reception
VIRTUAL LEGISLATIVE RECEPTION
We are excited to announce that this year’s Annual Group Meeting will include a virtual legislative reception. On August 25th from 5:00 pm to 6:15 pm EST, you’ll be able to meet and mingle online with fellow Mayors, state and provincial legislators, industry leaders, and Members of Congress.
![]() Mayor Walter Sendzik |
![]() Mayor Tom Barret |
![]() Mayor George Cornell |
Legislative Reception Speakers:
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