Shannon’s early sense of connection with the lakes of Southern Ontario helped to inspire her journey into freshwater stewardship. Shannon joined the Living Lakes Canada team in 2021 to support project efforts in the Columbia Valley related to water monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and communications.

Previously holding the title of Kootenay-Columbia Headwaters Local Reference Group Coordinator, Shannon’s role with Living Lakes was to connect with individuals, organizations, businesses, Indigenous groups, and local government to better understand the shared interests and values of freshwater in the Kootenay-Columbia Headwaters region. This work informed the building of a priority monitoring matrix for the region, allowing Living Lakes to deploy additional monitoring equipment to support adaptive watershed management.

Shannon currently works with MakeWay, the charity and public foundation, as a Program Manager. In her role, she supports a variety of freshwater protection efforts, coast to coast at regional, provincial and national levels. This work includes coordinating the BC Water Funders Collaborative and supporting strategic grant-making in the Pacific region.

Shannon reflected on her time with Living Lakes and how it has influenced her work and perspective on issues surrounding freshwater, “my work with Living Lakes Canada expanded my network of water relations and helped me hone my communications and coordination skills. The conversations I was able to have with such a diversity of individuals reinforced the value of water and our interconnectedness, reminding me of the bigger picture and importance of the work we’re all putting in.”

Thank you Shannon for highlighting the importance of collaboration and connection when it comes to our freshwater protection efforts!