Local Public Health Inspector Recognized by Ontario Onsite Wastewater Association
Written by Communications, March 21, 2019
Julie Ingram Receives “2019 Volunteer of the Year” Award
Julie Ingram, a Public Health Inspector with Peterborough Public Health, earned the 2019 Volunteer of the Year Award from the Ontario Onsite Wastewater Association (OOWA) on Monday, March 18, 2019.
Ingram was recognized for her work on the OOWA Membership Committee, along with important work alongside the Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations (FOCA). The award came as a surprise to Ingram, who said she is grateful to give back to an industry that she is passionate about. “OOWA is an incredible association, and provides an amazing presence and voice for an industry that can, at times, be overlooked. To have some of my involvement recognized with an award came as a huge surprise, but is greatly appreciated,” said Ingram.
Ingram was featured in a FOCA video reviewing the process behind a septic inspection. In the video, which garnered more than 5,200 views, Ingram demystified the septic system, and shared maintenance and troubleshooting ideas. The video was filmed at a new build on Pencil Lake in the Kawarthas, and is boasted as an important watch for any rural waterfront cottage owner by FOCA.
Joining Ingram at the awards ceremony was colleague Kathleen Shepherd, Public Health Inspector, who celebrated her 30th anniversary with Peterborough Public Health this year, and also sits on the OOWA Board of Directors.
Ingram is a passionate advocate for the onsite wastewater industry, “Through my work with OOWA and at Peterborough Public Health, I’m able to help promote the importance of onsite wastewater treatment systems in Ontario, and educate members of the public about the fact that safe wastewater treatment and disposal is essential and critical to the protection and promotion of public health.”
In 2010 Ingram began her career at Peterborough Public Health as a student and was soon hired on, working in food safety, water safety, rabies control, and health hazards. In 2012 there was an opportunity in the Safe
Sewage Disposal Program, and Ingram pursued qualifications through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing to become a qualified on-site sewage system inspector. “I value my position as an inspector and pride myself on the enforcement of the Ontario Building Code in a fair and consistent manner,” said Ingram. “It might be a dirty job but the end results of knowing I am playing a key role in the protection of public health makes the dirt and the bugs worth it!”
For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence, Communications Manager
Peterborough Public Health
705-743-1000, ext. 391