Next Meeting: October 27, 2023, held virtually
For the full meeting agenda including documents and reports, visit NVCA’s website.
NVCA 2024 Draft Budget
Sheryl Flannagan, NVCA’s Director, Corporate Services gave a presentation on NVCA’s Draft 2024 Budget in this board meeting.
The budget is accompanied by NVCA’s 2024 Program Overview, which highlights the work that each program area does for the watershed.
The NVCA Board of Directors has approved the draft budget and program overview for circulation to municipalities for a 30-day review period. The final budget vote will be on December 8, 2023.
In the August 2023 board meeting, staff brought forward a request for an additional $200,000 in general levy for the creation of the 2024 draft budget at the August Board meeting. The Board of Directors recognized the staffing shortfall as previously presented by Watson & Associates in NVCA’s planning and regulations department and the delays that is causing in processing files.
As a result, NVCA’s levy guideline is increased to $400,000, with the additional approximate $200,000 to be placed to planning services for acquisition of staff.
Hydro One permit applications
NVCA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Hydro One to streamline their permit applications within the Nottawasaga Watershed.
Prior to May 2017, Hydro One was not required to seek permission from conservation authorities to conduct maintenance and construction activities. As Hydro One is no longer a Crown Corporation, they are now required to apply for NVCA permits.
To streamline this process, Hydro One will submit one application form per project. Projects will be required to meet Conservation Authority Act requirements to avoid the loss of life and damage to properties due to flooding and erosion. These practices will be embedded within their standard operating procedure.
Update of MOU/Inventory of Programs and Services for MNRF
NVCA’s CAO Doug Hevenor has received positive feed back from most of the municipal partners regarding agreements with NVCA. However, due to timing delays in setting up meetings with councils, there are only five out of 18 MOUs have been signed, while eight have been formally approved.
NVCA’s goal remains to negotiate and consult towards administrative MOU compliance for 2024. As such, NVCA will be asking the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry for an extension to the December 31, 2023 deadline to have all MOUs signed.
Upcoming Events
Tunes in the Trees
A coffee house style concert featuring Rick Groves and Edward St Moritz. Enjoy an evening of live music in the natural beauty of the Tiffin Centre for Conservation. Proceeds go towards maintaining NVCA’s conservation areas.
Date:
October 19, 2023 from 7 pm – 9 pm
Location:
Tiffin Centre for Conservation 8195 8th Line Utopia, ON L0M 1T0
Tickets available on NVCA’s website.
Tiffin Nature Program
Geared towards children in pre-K and kindergarten, NVCA’s nature program will help children gain knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the natural world and our amazing planet. Children learn about risky play, and develop a better understanding of their relationship with the land.
Date:
Tuesdays and Thursdays during the school year with some exceptions
Location:
Tiffin Centre for Conservation 8195 8th Line Utopia, ON L0M 1T0
Festival at Fort Willow
The Festival at Fort Willow is an annual event where visitors will experience what life was in the early 1800s.
School Field Trip Day:
Friday, September 29, 2023
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
School can inquire using this form
Public Day:
Saturday, September 30, 2023 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location:
Historic Fort Willow Conservation Area 2714 Grenfel R., Springwater Township, ON L0M 1T2
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