Patrick has been working in the non-profit and Crown corporation sector for more than 15 years. His interest in performing socially responsible work and making a difference in the Lake of the Woods area, Kenora, and the region's communities has brought him to LOWDSA.  

Patrick's broad skill set, healthy initiative, and ability to develop strong interpersonal and business relationships will help LOWDSA serve its members and the larger community by providing leadership, education, and communication on issues affecting the Lake of the Woods region.

His ability to draw on his non-profit experience will be an asset to our members. It will help LOWDSA sustain one of the most beautiful places on earth for future generations.

Shelley lives in Kenora a few blocks away from beautiful Lake of the Woods. While working in media for the past 15 years, she’s spent a lot of time on the water and appreciates the need to protect its beauty for the generations ahead to enjoy.

Shelley has worked with LOWDSA through her work in media within the Kenora area, and is familiar with the benefits of many of the association’s programs. She looks forward to meeting and working with members and to having a direct involvement with the LakeSmart program.

She joins the LOWDSA team, bringing with her an extensive knowledge of the area, drawing on her personal love of the area,and her media background, which ranges from writing to video production, much of it centering on the lake. Shelley has written articles on the lake and lake people, filmed features about the lake, even ones with the LakeSmart team. 

As someone who shares our passion for the lake, Shelley is clear on the value of this area, what it offers and is fully onside with the importance of sustaining and protecting it. She told us that she really likes the idea of being a part of association initiatives to help maintain and grow what is already an established organization, and the Board is pleased to welcome her to the team

Cassidy (she/her) grew up spending her summers at her family cottage in Nestor Falls. She enjoys backcountry camping, paddling, waterskiing, fishing, and practically any outdoor activity that can be done in the area. Her appreciation for the environment started at a young age and translated into a Bachelor of Environmental Studies at the University of Manitoba.

Her passion and specialized study is Environmental Education, a great fit as our new Environmental Program Coordinator Intern. She has strong work experience in interpretation, outreach, and public relations through working with Manitoba Sustainable Development and IISD-Experimental Lakes Area. She particularly enjoys working with the public on environmental topics and is looking forward to her involvement with the LakeSmart program and working with all our members.

Cassidy has been very involved in the environmental community, perhaps most notably volunteering as the President of The Environment and Geography Students’ Association. She is excited to transfer her experience with project management into LOWDSA’s events, taking on our existing programs as well as exploring new ones.

The value of the area’s beauty and sustainability is close to Cassidy’s heart and will remain a top priority in her work with LOWDSA. You can expect to see her out on the water this summer in her bright yellow kayak! Make sure to give her a wave or spark up a conversation!