Tribute to Volunteer,  Norm Wingrove,  by Carl Michener, President , BMWT

For more than a quarter century, Norm Wingrove embodied the spirit of dedication, humility, and quiet leadership that defines the Blue Mountain Watershed Trust Foundation. As President for over 25 years—and later as Treasurer, Secretary, and an active member of the Watershed Action Group (WAG)—Norm gave his time, his energy, and his strategic mind to advancing the mission of our region’s longest-standing registered environmental charity and Ontario’s first watershed trust.

Even into his 80s, Norm continued to volunteer nearly 20 hours each week. His commitment was unwavering, his standards high, and his belief in the importance of protecting South Georgian Bay’s natural heritage absolutely steadfast.

While some leaders work from the spotlight, Norm led with a different kind of strength. Soft-spoken and consistently kind, he built consensus, nurtured new ideas, and mentored emerging members of the Trust. He was the steady presence behind countless initiatives, a source of calm direction, and a deeply respected colleague and friend. His influence reached beyond the Trust as well—he served as Financial Controller for the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority and as Trail Section Captain for the Bruce Trail Club, roles he fulfilled with the same reliability and generosity of spirit.

Among Norm’s many lasting achievements:

Establishing the Silver Creek Wetland as Provincially Significant (2002)

Spearheading the Save Silver Creek initiative, helping protect a Class A trout and salmon stream (2016–2017)

Leading efforts to remove tens of tons of invasive phragmites from the Collingwood waterfront (2016–2018)

Enabling the removal of an artificial pond that was harming Black Ash Creek (2020)

Norm Wingrove enriched Collingwood not through grand gestures, but through decades of steady, thoughtful, and impactful work. We remember him with deep gratitude and honour the legacy he leaves—a community more connected to its natural environment, and a watershed immeasurably better for his care.