Camping 
Group Camping 
Equipment Rental 
Facilities Rental 
Hiking 
Picnicking 
Beach/Swimming 
Cycling 
Mountain Biking 
Spelunking 
Paddling 
Boat Launch 
Cross Country Skiing 
Fishing 
Hunting 
Geocaching 
The MVCF Team is made up a committed group of volunteer Board members from within our watershed.
Paul Lehman, President
As an Engineer, Paul has devoted his career to watershed management and water resources issues. Paul has been with the MVCF BOD since its inception in 1996. Most of his 38-year career was spent at the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority, as General Manager. Paul lives within the Carp River watershed and in his retirement, enjoys cottage life, fishing and wood working.
Read More About Paul Lehman
Through partnerships with various levels of government and community groups such as MNRF and Climate Network Lanark, Paul has worked to assess the impacts posed by a changing climate on MVCA’s watershed and develop strategies to help adapt to the inevitable risks. Of note was Paul’s support with the restoration and enhancement of the Carp River, Poole Creek, and Feedmill Creek as part of a large development in Kanata. Restoration included a narrower low flow channel to improve sediment transport, vegetation along the river banks and habitat features such as fish habitat pools and wetlands.
Paul continues to explore methods to best utilize the capacity of the Foundation team to support the programs of the Authority, and to tackle resource management issues within our watershed. The Carp River Living Classroom being a prime example – as it affords the opportunity to educate on how the watershed influences conditions downstream. Teaching young minds to care for, and to understand the value of our watershed is vitally important
Mike Cleland, Vice President
As a career structural engineer transitioning into retirement, Mike is an advocate as both a local business owner, and environmental protector. Mike joined the MVCF BOD in 2015. Mike brings a unique blend of familiarity to MVCF’s strategic planning and infrastructure. Owning three properties on the Mississippi River system; Mike has a personal investment in the well-being of our watershed. Mike resides alongside the Mississippi River and enjoys being outdoors. Mike can be found fishing, ATV’ing, camping, and enjoying comradery at the camp.
Read More about Mike Cleland
Through his career, Mike has lent expertise in areas such as creek inspections, drainage cleanout, the shaping of natural creeks, landscaping, water retention, bridge and dam inspection, and building engineering – to name a few. For over 30 years, Mike owned a consulting engineering firm located along the Carp River in Kanata.
Now, as he transitions into retirement, Mike is focused on putting the Carp river back into its natural state – this is a long-term investment which will enable children to study and appreciate the Living Classroom. The intent is for young people to develop a life-long interest in both exploring, and protecting our watershed.
Mike has a meaningful connection to MVCF as he is focused on both the alignment of development goals and protecting the integrity of the river system. Preserving our watershed is a vital legacy to leave for his 7 grandchildren who frequently enjoy pond and creek play.
Louis Antonakos, Director
Louis is a business owner, property manager, and a devoted father. His lifelong commitment to volunteering is evident in his extensive service to the community. In 2016, he joined the MVCF Board of Directors bringing with him a wealth of experience and knowledge. His previous role as the Mayor of Carleton Place and his 8-year tenure on the MVCA BOD make him a valuable asset to the organization.
Read More about Louis Antonakos
Raised by the banks of the Mississippi River, Louis now shares his love for the outdoors with his three children; encouraging them to be active both on and off the water. Louis firmly believes that “healthy residents and a healthy watershed are integral contributors to the overall health of our community”.
As the former chair of the Carleton Place & Beckwith Community Home Support, Louis played a pivotal role in assisting community-based senior living programs. During his mayoral tenure, he prioritized upgrading the existing hospital, including a new emergency department, to cater to the rapidly growing population of Eastern Ontario. His collaborative efforts with the premier, minister of health, politicians, neighboring municipalities, and various academias led to the successful completion of the hospital project.
With a background in strategic planning, coaching, governance, and leadership, Louis is confident that the collaboration between MVCF and MVCA will continue to promote robust stewardship of sustainable watershed river ecosystems, which are fundamentally important for a healthy community.
Janet Mason, Director, MVCA Board Representative
As an engineer, and former senior executive with over 34 years of experience in the defence and technology industries, Janet contributes a wealth of knowledge and skillset to the MVCF BOD. She currently volunteers with local community organizations involved in environmental stewardship; Janet joined the MVCF BOD in 2022.
Read more about Janet Mason
Janet strongly believes that conserving natural areas is essential for the health of the planet and of humanity. Woodlands, wetlands, and rivers enrich their communities with positive effects on the well-being of their residents.
For over nine years, Janet has sat on the Board of Directors for the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority as a City of Ottawa representative, serving as its Chair for two years. Janet currently serves as Chair of the Ottawa Stewardship Council, Friends of the Carp River, and Friends of the Carp Hills. She has sat on the boards of the Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust and the Macnamara Field Naturalists’ Club. Janet is the recipient of the: Order of Ottawa (2022); Conservation Award from the Ottawa Field Naturalists’ Club (2021); City of Ottawa Mayor’s City Builder Award (2019); and Queen’s University Engineering Excellence: 125th Anniversary Award (2019).
Janet believes in the work of MVCF because it supports watershed-wide stewardship across eleven municipalities, which recognizes that the health of our rivers relies on landscapes that are indifferent to human boundaries.
Rob Sutherland, Director
Rob brings experience in fundraising from his almost four-decade career experience in politics. Rob joined MVCF BOD in 2021. In retirement, Rob helps manage the forest on his 400-acre seasonal property in North Frontenac (with an Ontario Forest Management Agreement through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry), where he also has a seasonal home and enjoys canoeing, swimming, and hiking.
Read more about Rob Sutherland
Rob is a member of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, and VP of North Frontenac Amateur Astronomy Club and volunteers to aid in staffing the Telescopes at the North Frontenac Astronomy Park on Highway 506. Rob also sings in a choir.
Trained as a legal assistant, Rob has held positions within the House of Commons as a political organizer, researcher, and Chief of Staff to both the House Leader and to Whip. These roles gave him experiences amongst all House of Commons’ committees; acquired skillsets stemmed from managing legislation, improving operational and governance practices within the caucus he served.
Today, Rob shares his time between his west Ottawa home and his residence near Plevna. He is a frequent visitor at the Mill of Kintail – where he appreciates the artifacts in the museum and takes his dog for scenic nature walks.