GRCA Minutes

January 2012 • Volume 17, Number 1

GRCA General Membership They’ll study the impact that pollutants have on organisms that live in the waters of the Grand Chair Jane Mitchell Drimmie Dam reconstruction River and its tributaries. Some species are more 1st Vice-Chair Vic Prendergast sensitive than others to the presence of pollutants, 2nd Vice-Chair Jan d’Ailly In-river work to reconstruct Drimmie Dam so studying them provides insight into the overall could get underway as early as July 2012. Townships of Amaranth, East health of the river system. Garafraxa, East Luther Grand Val- This dam is in Elora upstream of the Elora ley, Melancthon and Southgate That information is important to the GRCA, Tom Nevills Gorge Conservation Area, where the GRCA oper- municipalities, provincial ministries and others ates a river tubing concession each summer. This Townships of Mapleton who manage water resources in the Grand River and Wellington North Pat Salter area is also a popular spot for kayaking. The pro- watershed. posed reconstruction project will address the Township of Centre Wellington They will work with the research team to devel- Joanne Ross-Zuj dam’s deteriorating conditons related to safety of river users. op a framework that can be used in the future to Town of Erin, Townships of evaluate the impact on water quality caused by Guelph/Eramosa and Puslinch The GRCA and Sanchez Engineering have been John Brennan changes in land use practices, sewage treatment working to complete the approvals process, with plant upgrades and other activities. City of Guelph approval required from nine organzations. There Bob Bell, Maggie Laidlaw are a couple of outstanding issues, but most of the The grant to the Grand River team is one of Region of Waterloo approvals are in place. The contractor, Xterra Con- four recently announced by the Canadian Water Les Armstrong, Todd Cowan, Network which is based in Waterloo. It also Jan d’Ailly, Rob Deutschmann, struction Inc. of Kitchener, won this $1 million Jean Haalboom, Ross Kelterborn, construction contract last August. awarded grants to research teams looking at the Geoff Lorentz, Claudette Miller, Muskoka River in Ontario, the Northumberland Jane Mitchell, Warren Stauch There are three sources of funding for this proj- Strait in Prince Edward Island and the Tobacco Town of North Perth ect — $545,500 from the provincial Water and Creek in Saskatchewan. The grants total $2.1 mil- and Township of Perth East Erosion Control Infrastructure program, $375,000 lion. George Wicke from the GRCA capital levy and reserves and Region of Halton J. Barry Lee $200,000 from the Township of Centre Welling- City of Hamilton Jeanette Jamieson ton. Due to delays in securing approvals, the WECI funds are being moved from the 2011-2012 Alan Dale appointed County of Oxford Bruce Banbury year and the project will be considered at the front to Source Protection County of Brant of the queue for funding of 2012-2013 projects. Brian Coleman, Steve Schmitt Alan Dale, former chair of the GRCA and a City of Brantford long-time board member, was appointed to the Robert Hillier, Vic Prendergast Lake Erie Region Source Protection Committee in Haldimand and Norfolk Counties Researchers will study December. Lorne Boyko, Fred Morison river organisms There was a vacancy on this committee because What can fish, mussels and other organisms tell one public interest representative chose not to seek us about the health of water in the Grand River re-appointment. Dale was selected from among system? the applicants for this position and his appoint- ment was approved by the GRCA board in its role That’s the question that a team of researchers as the Grand River Source Protection Authority. hope to answer in a three-year study financed by a $600,000 grant from the Canadian Water Net- Dale was the chair of the GRCA board for four work. The research team is led by Mark Servos, years and vice-chair for four years. He served on the Canada Research Chair in Water Quality Pro- the board for 10 years until 2010. He is a former tection at the University of Waterloo. The team member of Norwich Township Council and has includes nine other researchers at six universities served on several township and Oxford County and government agencies. committees.

www.grandriver.ca Grand River Conservation Authority Also this fall, Waterloo resident George Schneider was appointed as an aggregate representative, replacing the former repre- sentative who opted to step down. Schneider is a principal at Golder Associates Ltd. and has worked on many projects including those for aggregates, water supply, source water protection, contaminated sites and mining. The Lake Erie Region Source Protection Region is comprised of the Catfish Creek, Grand River, Kettle Creek and Long Point Region watersheds. The Source Protection Committee is developing four source protection plans which are expected to be submitted to the Ministry of the Environment in 2012. For more information on Source Protec- tion visit www.sourcewater.ca.

Environment Canada partnership with GRCA Environment Canada is proposing to part- ner with the GRCA to monitor nutrient lev- Ned and Shelly Jo Courtney (left), owners of Canoeing the Grand in Kitchener, presented a dona- els in the Grand River year-round at the new tion to Sara Wilbur and Logan Walsh (right) of the Grand River Conservation Foundation. The York water quality station. couple are neighbours of the Kitchener business which they purchased last year and they had a grand first season. This monitoring partnership means nutri- ent loads can be calculated from the Grand River to Lake Erie. The York station will be Annual precipitation for 2011 at all The new section of the GRCA’s website the primary location for intensive phospho- GRCA-owned climate stations is above the contains policy and customer feedback infor- rous sampling year-round by installing a new long term average, although July was one of automatic sampler to collect samples contin- the driest on record. mation. In addition, notices of “service dis- uously. This was a key recommendation in ruptions” will be posted in the Newsroom During the first two weeks of December, the Nutrient Strategy proposed by the Lake air temperature at Shand Dam was 2.9 section at Erie lake-wide Management Plan. The proj- degrees above the long-term average. River www.grandriver.ca/Newsroom/news.cfm. ect will start in 2012 and will run for three flows were receding after lots of rain during years. It will be paid for by Environment the last week of November and start of Canada. The GRCA has asked for funds to December. As a result, there was not much help cover costs related to utilities. snow accumulation in the watershed. This issue of GRCA Minutes was pub- lished in December 2011. Check www.grandriver.ca/WSConditions for the full report. It is a summary of the December 2011 Flood messages business conducted by the Grand River Conservation Authority board and com- terminated Dec. 8 mittees as well as other noteworthy Flood warning messages issued by the Accessibility to GRCA happenings and topics of interest. Grand River Conservation Authority on services The Grand River Conservation Authority Nov. 29 and 30, were terminated on Dec. 8. The GRCA has added a new section to the welcomes the photocopying, High flows, augmented by rain, had website for information related to the Acces- forwarding and distribution of GRCA Minutes. moved out of the southern river and water sibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act levels were within the banks. (AODA). Reports mentioned in the GRCA Minutes are available online at Effective Jan. 1, 2012, organizations such The first two weeks of December were on www.grandriver.ca/MeetingReports. target for average rainfall for the month, as the GRCA and other non-profits and pri- except at Luther Marsh and Shade’s Mills vate enterprises must comply with the cus- For information about coming events, please see www.grandriver.ca/Calendar. which have seen slightly lower amounts. tomer service provisions of the act.

400 Clyde Road, Cambridge, Ontario N1R 5W6 (519) 621-2761 Follow the GRCA: GRCA Minutes

February 2012 • Volume 17, Number 2

GRCA General Membership The GRCA is the second largest campground GRCA chair re-elected operator in Ontario offering over 2,500 campsites Chair Jane Mitchell throughout the Grand River watershed. Of the Jane Mitchell has been re-elected to a second 1st Vice-Chair Vic Prendergast one-year term as chair of the GRCA. GRCA’s 11 gated parks, eight offer nightly, month- 2nd Vice-Chair Jan d’Ailly ly, and seasonal camping. The election took place at a GRCA board meet- Townships of Amaranth, East ing on Thursday, Jan. 12. Mitchell, who represents Garafraxa, East Luther Grand Val- ley, Melancthon and Southgate the Region of Waterloo on the GRCA board, was Tom Nevills acclaimed to the position. User fees up 2.9 per cent Townships of Mapleton Also re-elected by acclamation were First Vice- User fees in conservation areas operated by the and Wellington North Pat Salter chair Vic Prendergast of Brantford and Second GRCA have increased an average of 2.9 per cent, Township of Centre Wellington Vice-chair Jan D’Ailly of the Region of Waterloo. which is consistent with the November 2011 Con- Joanne Ross-Zuj Mitchell has been on the board since 2003 and sumer Price Index increase for Canada. Town of Erin, Townships of served as first vice-chair from 2007 to 2010 before Guelph/Eramosa and Puslinch becoming chair at the beginning of 2011. This change means that park admission for an John Brennan adult will be $5.50 in 2012, compared to $5.25 in City of Guelph 2011. A vehicle season pass will be $118, up $3 Bob Bell, Maggie Laidlaw Grant for Grand River WMP from 2011. The full fee schedule is posted online Region of Waterloo at www.grandriver.ca/parks. Les Armstrong, Todd Cowan, The Ontario government is investing $903,000 Jan d’Ailly, Rob Deutschmann, in the project to develop a water management plan Since the mid-1990’s, the 11 conservation areas Jean Haalboom, Ross Kelterborn, for the Grand River watershed. have been operated on a cost-recovery basis. Geoff Lorentz, Claudette Miller, Jane Mitchell, Warren Stauch John Milloy, Minister of Community and Social Based on current projections, an annual capital services and MPP for Kitchener Centre, made the deficit of $672,000 has been estimated. A business Town of North Perth and Township of Perth East announcement in Kitchener in January. The plan is being developed that will create a long- George Wicke provincial money will pay half of the cost of devel- term revenue strategy to address this capital oping the Grand River Water Management Plan. Region of Halton J. Barry Lee deficit. The development of the water management plan City of Hamilton Jeanette Jamieson has been underway for about two years. It is being The 2012 budget estimates $6.5 million revenue. County of Oxford Bruce Banbury led by a steering committee representing the GRCA, municipalities, provincial ministries, fed- County of Brant Brian Coleman, Steve Schmitt eral departments and First Nations. The plan is New splash pad scheduled to be released by March 2013. City of Brantford for Elora Gorge Robert Hillier, Vic Prendergast Haldimand and Norfolk Counties The GRCA plans to construct a recreational Lorne Boyko, Fred Morison Camping reservation splash pad at the Elora Gorge Conservation Area system opened in January in 2012. The camping reservation system for GRCA The GRCA decommissioned a well-used two- parks opened for the 2012 camping season on Jan. acre swimming pond in 2010 due to safety con- 16. cerns with the small control structure that created The service, found at www.grcacamping.ca, is the pond. This was a very popular feature and its available 24 hours a day through until Thanksgiv- loss was felt by Elora Gorge patrons. ing weekend. It allows campers to book a campsite Staff investigated other options to replace this online. As well, a call centre is available for those who want to book over the telephone. The call pond and a splash pad is the preferred option. centre, which can be reached toll-free at 1-877- Staff suggest that approximately $250,000 to fund 558-GRCA (4722), is open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 this project will be borrowed from the conserva- p.m. tion areas capital reserve and repaid over time.

www.grandriver.ca Grand River Conservation Authority The Elora Gorge is the busiest conserva- tion area operated by the GRCA. Opened in 1954, it is on both banks of Grand River downstream from Elora. Steep limestone cliffs and furious river rapids make this one of the most scenic places in the Grand River watershed. The Elora Gorge features 477 campsites, trails, river tubing and fishing. It is close to a unique shopping area in downtown Elora.

January brought warm weather and rain Warm weather brought mostly rain and only a little snow and ice in January. Total precipitation was between a low of 62 per cent at Shade’s Mills and a high of 81 per cent at Laurel Creek. But over the last year, precipitation has been above the long- term average throughout the watershed. This photo was taken in January while doing research on the recovery stretch of the Grand As of Jan. 24 the monthly air temperature River between Cambridge and Paris, where lots of groundwater enters the river, rejuvinating it. at Shand Dam was 3.9 degrees above the long-term average. Temperatures have been Some sections of trails may be closed on a Money is available under the Ontario above the long-term average since May 2011. temporary basis in February to accommo- Drinking Water Stewardship Early Response Flows in the river system were also high date the work, expected to take approximate- Program for a variety of projects. These include manure storage – 70 per cent to a with an increase in runoff and little water ly three weeks to complete. maximum of $50,000, drafting nutrient man- stored in the snow pack. Ice cover was low Dead and dying pine trees are being agement plans – 75 per cent to a maximum throughout the watershed. removed from areas that are infested with of $2,000 and Upgrading private wells or The reservoir level in the Shand Dam is pine shoot beetle, an invasive exotic insect. decommissioning unused wells – 80 per cent within the normal operating range. Conesto- Addional thinning operations will improve to a maximum of $4,000. forest health. go and Guelph dams are slightly above their The grants are available for properties near normal operating range for this time of year. Many of the forested areas within Laurel the drinking water sources that are the most Discharges are set to continue a gradual Creek were planted in the early ’70s as vulnerable to potential contamination. See drawdown to normal levels to allow for flood monoculture pine plantations, making them www.grandriver.ca/newsroom/news.cfm water storage during the winter and spring prone to insect and disease outbreaks such as for more information. period. that of the pine shoot beetle. This insect was first detected in North America in the ‘80s The GRCA issued two High Level Warn- and has become a serious threat to pine ing for Lake Erie. One warning was for Jan. 1 This issue of GRCA Minutes was pub- plantations in Ontario. and the other was for Jan. 28. Both were lished in February 2012. based on a forecast of Lake Erie levels pro- This work is also improving forest health It is a summary of the January 2012 vided by the Ministry of Natural Resources and diversity by making room for future business conducted by the Grand River (MNR) Surface Water Monitoring Centre. In restoration, such as the planting of hard- Conservation Authority board and com- both cases the Lake Level peaked at Port wood saplings and seeding of native grasses mittees as well as other noteworthy Maitland late in the day just below critical and wildflowers. A public information ses- happenings and topics of interest. level. Minor flooding resulted. sion took place in January. The Grand River Conservation Authority welcomes the photocopying, forwarding and distribution of GRCA Tree thinning improves Grants available Minutes. Laurel Creek forest to rural landowners Reports mentioned in the GRCA Minutes are available online at The GRCA is conducting forest improve- Farmers and rural landowners with prop- www.grandriver.ca/MeetingReports. erty near municipal drinking water wells and ment operations in the pine plantations For information about coming events, intakes may be eligible for grants to under- within Laurel Creek Conservation Area in please see www.grandriver.ca/Calendar. Waterloo. take projects to protect water quality.

400 Clyde Road, Cambridge, Ontario N1R 5W6 (519) 621-2761 Follow the GRCA: GRCA Minutes

March 2012 • Volume 17, Number 3

GRCA General Membership by other agencies such as those used by Environ- GRCA reduces spending ment Canada and the Weather Network. Chair Jane Mitchell The GRCA approved a “stand pat” budget for The three levels of message: 1st Vice-Chair Vic Prendergast 2012 calling for a small reduction in total spend- Watershed Condition Statement (Previously 2nd Vice-Chair Jan d’Ailly ing. High Water Safety Bulletin): a general notice of Townships of Amaranth, East Expenditures for this year are scheduled to be weather conditions that could pose a risk to per- Garafraxa, East Luther Grand Val- $32.8 million, a reduction from $33.6 million in ley, Melancthon and Southgate sonal safety or which have the potential to lead to Tom Nevills 2011. flooding. Townships of Mapleton “We have a stand pat budget with no staff Flood Watch (Previously Flood Advisory): and Wellington North Pat Salter increases,” said Jane Mitchell, chair of the GRCA. Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or Township of Centre Wellington She pointed out that some major projects are con- municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services Joanne Ross-Zuj tinuing due to the support of various partners: the and individual landowners in flood-prone areas Township of Centre Wellington is backing the Town of Erin, Townships of should prepare. Drimmie Dam reconstruction and the Province of Guelph/Eramosa and Puslinch Flood Warning (No change): Flooding is immi- John Brennan Ontario is providing more than $900,000 over three years for the development of a new water nent or already occurring in specific watercourses City of Guelph management plan. or municipalities. Municipalities and individuals Bob Bell, Maggie Laidlaw should take action to deal with flood conditions. Region of Waterloo Much of the reduction is due to a scheduled This may include road closures and evacuations. Les Armstrong, Todd Cowan, drop in provincial grants for the Drinking Water Jan d’Ailly, Rob Deutschmann, Source Protection Program. The province has paid Jean Haalboom, Ross Kelterborn, 100 per cent of the costs of the program, which is Geoff Lorentz, Claudette Miller, Jane Mitchell, Warren Stauch winding down this year as source protection plans Public comment sought on are nearing completion. Last year the province Town of North Perth Luther management plan and Township of Perth East spent $3.2 million on the project while the 2012 cost will be $2.6 million. The public has until March 31 to comment on George Wicke the new draft Management Plan for Luther Marsh Region of Halton J. Barry Lee Most other areas of the GRCA budget are rising which is available on www.grandriver.ca. City of Hamilton Jeanette Jamieson by enough to cover cost-of-living increases in salaries, benefits, utilities and other expenditures. Luther Marsh is a 6,000-hectare reservoir and County of Oxford Bruce Banbury wetland complex at the northern end of the Grand The budget covers the cost of programs that River. It is one of the most significant natural areas County of Brant Brian Coleman, Steve Schmitt protect water quality, reduce flood damages, pre- in the watershed. It is managed jointly by the serve and improve natural areas, support responsi- GRCA and the Ministry of Natural Resources. City of Brantford ble development and provide outdoor recreation Robert Hillier, Vic Prendergast They have developed the management plan to out- and environmental education. The budget was line how the property should be managed until Haldimand and Norfolk Counties approved by the GRCA board at its annual meet- 2019. Lorne Boyko, Fred Morison ing on Feb. 24. The plan provides an overview of the area including its physical condition, resources and uses. It describes the challenges and opportunities GRCA updates terminology of managing such a big property as well as the for flood messages management practices that need to be in place to preserve and enhance it. The new plan is one of a The GRCA updated the terms it uses in flood series that has guided management of the property and water safety messages effective Feb. 15. since the 1970s. The new terminology was also adopted by con- The 1582-hectare Luther reservoir was created servation authorities across Ontario, as well as the in 1952 by the Grand River Conservation Com- Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. These mission when Black Creek was dammed. changes will ensure that messages are consistent and in line with severe weather terminology used Today the Luther Marsh Wildlife Management

www.grandriver.ca Grand River Conservation Authority Area is a core of wetland habitats, including bogs, fens, swamps and marshes, augmented by a patchwork of upland forests, planta- tions, grasslands, rented farm fields, and recently restored habitats, which together make this the largest "core area" of primarily natural habitat in the watershed.

Not much snow this spring A shortage of snow this winter means there’s only a moderate chance of a spring flooding this year. Stephanie Shifflett, a water resources engi- neer said at the flood coordinators meeting at the GRCA office in Cambridge on Feb. 15. The flood co-ordinators meet annually to review the GRCA’s flood monitoring and warning system and to get an update on This quilting demonstration was one of many displays set up at the annual Heritage Day Work- watershed conditions. shop and Celebration in Brant County. The event focused on the War of 1812 and was sold out. There is a possibility of flooding that could The GRCA was one of the organizers of this annual event. be caused by heavy spring rains falling on frozen or saturated ground. However, the property. The cost of reforestation projects Watershed Awards have been given out by risk of flooding from snow melt and ice jams on private lands are paid for by the individ- the GRCA since 1976 for environmental is lower than most years. Precipitation has ual property owners who may also receive work. Nominations can be made by anyone. been above or near normal levels through support from tree planting programs. the fall and early winter, but much of it has Information and nomination forms are on fallen as rain. Frequent melts have also The tenders were advertised and then www.grandriver.ca/awards. reduced the snow cover. opened on Jan. 19. The contracts were awarded Feb. 25. Grants of up to $1,000 are given out to A survey of snow conditions done on Feb. community groups for environmental proj- 14 showed that across the lower two-thirds of the watershed, the snow cover was one- ects and up to $500 to schools for schoolyard third or less of the long-term average. Even if Mileage rates greening projects. These grants are available the north end of the watershed in Dufferin and honorariums set from the Grand River Conservation Founda- County, which gets lake effect snow off tion. Applications are available on Georgian Bay and Lake Huron, snow cover The amount paid to GRCA board mem- www.grcf.ca through the Apply for Grants was only half to two-thirds of normal. bers in 2012 will increase by 2.3 per cent. link. In addition, most of the rivers of the The increase matches the Statistics Canada watershed are free of ice, reducing the Consumer Price Index for 2011. The GRCA chances of ice-jam flooding. chair now receives nearly $40,800 annually This issue of GRCA Minutes was pub- while the vice-chairs receive just under lished in March 2012. $2,150. Vice-chairs and other members receive $81 per day for committee meetings It is a summary of the February 2012 Tree planting tenders and $135 for attending general member- business conducted by the Grand River ship/committee of the whole meetings. Conservation Authority board and com- awarded by GRCA mittees as well as other noteworthy The GRCA has awarded three contracts to Mileage rates for employees and board happenings and topics of interest. companies to plant 258,000 trees this spring. members are 48 cents per kilometre, the rate that has been in place since 2008. The Grand River Conservation Authority Bartram Woodlands was awarded the con- welcomes the photocopying, tract for nearly $92,000, Giles Restoration forwarding and distribution of GRCA Services for nearly $48,000 and Black River Minutes. Tree Planting for nearly $50,000. May 1 grant and Reports mentioned in the GRCA Minutes Due to the number of trees being planted, nomination deadline are available online at the contracts were split based on method of May 1 is the deadline to nominate individ- www.grandriver.ca/MeetingReports. planting, location and stock size. Some trees uals, groups and companies for a 2012 For information about coming events, will be planted by hand and others by Watershed Award and also to apply for com- please see www.grandriver.ca/Calendar. machine on both GRCA land and private munity conservation grants.

400 Clyde Road, Cambridge, Ontario N1R 5W6 (519) 621-2761 Follow the GRCA: GRCA Minutes

April 2012 • Volume 17, Number 4

GRCA General Membership trast, fall 2011 was wet.

Chair Jane Mitchell New GRCA strategic plan March ended with no snow pack left in the watershed. The March 14 snow survey showed 1st Vice-Chair Vic Prendergast The GRCA board has approved a new strategic plan for the authority. only a very small amount of snow in the northern 2nd Vice-Chair Jan d’Ailly part of the watershed and it melted with the warm The plan sets out five strategic objectives. Each Townships of Amaranth, East weather. Garafraxa, East Luther Grand Val- objective has a set of priorities that recognize the ley, Melancthon and Southgate link between the rivers and the watershed commu- River flows were high for a few brief periods Tom Nevills nities. The GRCA’s five strategic objectives are: due to snow melt and rain. The higher flows were Townships of Mapleton 1. To protect life and minimize property damage mostly in the upper parts of the watershed, where and Wellington North Pat Salter from flooding and erosion there was some snow pack early in the month. Township of Centre Wellington These flows have been taken into storage, resulting Joanne Ross-Zuj 2. To improve watershed health in reduced flows downstream. Town of Erin, Townships of 3. To connect people with the environment Guelph/Eramosa and Puslinch through outdoor experiences John Brennan 4. To maintain an organization with a focus on Controlled burns early City of Guelph teamwork, development, engagement and positive Bob Bell, Maggie Laidlaw this year due to weather change Region of Waterloo The early start to spring allowed the GRCA to Les Armstrong, Todd Cowan, 5. To deliver value and innovation to our water- hold controlled burns earlier than usual. Jan d’Ailly, Rob Deutschmann, shed stakeholders Jean Haalboom, Ross Kelterborn, A burn on the Morton property on West River Geoff Lorentz, Claudette Miller, The next step is to have GRCA staff prepare a Jane Mitchell, Warren Stauch final draft of the strategic plan. This will include a Road near Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area took place on March 23, a few weeks a head of sched- Town of North Perth brief history of the GRCA, a description of the and Township of Perth East GRCA’s role in the watershed, the vision, mission ule. George Wicke and values statements, the strategic objectives and It removed non-native Manitoba maples and strategic priorities. Region of Halton J. Barry Lee other non-native shrubs in order to allow a City of Hamilton Jeanette Jamieson Costs and time-frames to implement the priori- healthy native tallgrass prairie to develop. This County of Oxford Bruce Banbury ties will be included in the five year forecast. was the second year that a burn has taken place on County of Brant the property. Smoke was visible for several kilo- Brian Coleman, Steve Schmitt metres over the course of two hours. March was hot and dry City of Brantford Another burn took place in early April at Apps’ Robert Hillier, Vic Prendergast The monthly air temperature at Shand Dam was Mill Conservation Area on the north side of Haldimand and Norfolk Counties a balmy 6.7 degrees above the long-term average Robinson Road, well away from the Apps’ Mill Lorne Boyko, Fred Morison to March 21 and many days were downright hot, Nature Centre. Non-native Scots pines and shrubs breaking records. were burned to improve the black oak ecosystem. In Cambridge there was only one day when the Fire and smoke were visible for a few hours in the temperature stayed below freezing. In fact, tem- area. peratures have been above the long-term average since May of 2011. During a burn, the sites were closed to the pub- lic and signs were posted to notify people of the Precipitation was between 49 and 70 per cent of burns. Municipalities, nearby property owners, the long-term average across the watershed in March. February precipitation was also below nor- fire departments and police department were noti- mal. This has resulted in total precipitation across fied of the exact time of the prescribed burn. The the watershed of approximately 60 per cent of nor- burns follow the intensive Ontario Ministry of mal over the last 2 months and about 75 per cent Natural Resources guidelines for prescribed burn- of normal since the beginning of the year. In con- ing to ensure safety and effectiveness.

www.grandriver.ca Grand River Conservation Authority Toyota donates $100,000 to foundation The Grand River Conservation Founda- tion has received a $100,000 donation from Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc. to be used for trails and natural areas. In the past, Toyota donated funds towards many projects, including the Toyota Living Roof at Laurel Creek Nature Centre and the nature centre at Shade’s Mills. In addition, last spring when Toyota was experiencing non-production days as a result of the earthquake in Japan, the company vol- unteered a team to contribute to GRCA proj- ects. The volunteers painted several build- ings at Shade’s Mills including the nature centre and planted more than 3,000 trees at the Kitchener-Conestoga Rotary Forest at Snyder’s Flats and several locations in Guelph. Toyota will undertake a similar vol- unteer program again this May. Taken at March break camp at Laurel Creek Nature Centre, this is one of more than 300 pictures that are available on Flickr. Summer camp registration for programs is now available online at www.grandriver.eventbrite.ca . Scholarship deadlines Grand River Conservation Foundation at The pictures feature each of the GRCA’s 11 in May [email protected] or at 519-621-2763, parks, the five nature centres and Luther Post secondary students in the Grand ext. 2372. Marsh. River watershed interested in improving the They are available for viewing or down- environment can apply for three scholarships loading at www.flickr.com/grandrivercon- on www.grcf.ca. Online summer camp servation. The Allan Holmes Scholarship of $5,000 is registration They are also searchable based on activi- new for 2012. It is available to graduate stu- ties, such as fishing or canoeing. The photos dents and the deadline is May 15. Registration for a vast array of summer are a popular item and are receiving up to camps at five locations is now available The $1,500 McEwen Clean Water Prize is 2,000 views a day. online. open to students registered at the Guelph, Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier (Waterloo and The GRCA is offering camps for kids 6 to Brantford) and Nipissing (Brantford) univer- 16 years old at Guelph Lake, Apps’ Mill, Lau- sities, as well as Conestoga and Mohawk rel Creek, Belwood and Rockwood. (Brantford) colleges. They must be in sec- Week-long camps have specific themes ond, third or fourth year or a graduate pro- such as art, stewardship and “things with TThis issue of GRCA Minutes was pub- gram in fields such as environmental science, lished in April 2012. engineering, emerging technologies, gover- wings” so that children who attend may have nance or education. Preference will be given different learning experiences each time they It is a summary of the March 2012 busi- to students who attended programs at GRCA go. The camps also include a counsellor-in- ness conducted by the Grand River Conservation Authority board and com- nature centres. The scholarship deadline is training camp that also qualifies high school mittees as well as other noteworthy May 31. students for volunteer hours. happenings and topics of interest. The S.C. Johnson Environmental Scholar- Online registration is straight forward. It The Grand River Conservation Authority ship has been available for many years and took place for the first time for March Break camp this year. welcomes the photocopying, offers $1,500 to a full-time student in third forwarding and distribution of GRCA year or sixth semester of an honours pro- Check the camp information at Minutes. gram at a watershed university (Waterloo, www.grandriver.ca/NatureCentres. Guelph and Laurier) or second year of engi- Reports mentioned in the GRCA Min- neering at Conestoga College. The scholar- utes are available online at ship deadline is May 31. www.grandriver.ca/MeetingReports. Check out GRCA pictures For more information about the prizes or For information about coming events, to complete the applications, visit The GRCA now has more than 300 photos at parks and conservation areas, please www.grcf.ca or contact Doina Hartley at the posted on Flickr. see www.grandriver.ca/Calendar.

400 Clyde Road, Cambridge, Ontario N1R 5W6 (519) 621-2761 Follow the GRCA: GRCA Minutes

May 2012 • Volume 17, Number 5

GRCA General Membership the flow in the Grand River at Kitchener was Next Water Forum in 2014 water from the reservoirs. Chair Jane Mitchell The annual Grand River Water Forum will be However, groundwater levels are in relatively 1st Vice-Chair Vic Prendergast suspended temporarily. good shape because of the wet weather during the 2nd Vice-Chair Jan d’Ailly second half of 2011, which replenished the The first water forum was held in 2001 and this groundwater system. That has helped maintain Townships of Amaranth, East event has taken place annually each September. Garafraxa, East Luther Grand Val- flows in some watercourses that are fed by the ley, Melancthon and Southgate Early forums attracted as many as 400 people but groundwater system, such as the Eramosa River Tom Nevills this event needs to be revitalized to reach a larger near Guelph and Whiteman’s Creek near Brant- Townships of Mapleton audience and increase its impact in the larger ford. and Wellington North Pat Salter watershed community. Township of Centre Wellington This year instead of Water Forum, the GRCA Joanne Ross-Zuj will hold a series of targeted workshops to advance Bridge inventory underway Town of Erin, Townships of the development of the Water Management Plan. An inventory of all bridges crossing the Grand, Guelph/Eramosa and Puslinch The GRCA is also participating in the Internation- John Brennan al Plowing Match in September at the same time Speed, Eramosa, Conestogo and Nith rivers will be undertaken over the next year. City of Guelph as Water Forum is usually held, so staff are already Bob Bell, Maggie Laidlaw busy with that event. This project is led by the Heritage Resources Centre at the University of Waterloo and the Region of Waterloo In 2013, a forum will be held in the fall to Les Armstrong, Todd Cowan, GRCA. It aims to fill in the missing information launch the Water Management Plan to the water- Jan d’Ailly, Rob Deutschmann, about the hundreds of bridges that cross our shed community. A plan will be developed for a Jean Haalboom, Ross Kelterborn, Canadian heritage rivers and will identify bridges Geoff Lorentz, Claudette Miller, revitalized forum to be held in the fall of 2014. Jane Mitchell, Warren Stauch with significant cultural heritage value. If time and resources allow, the inventory will be extended to Town of North Perth include other tributaries within the watershed. and Township of Perth East George Wicke Water conservation urged This project is being undertaken thanks to Region of Halton J. Barry Lee On April 25, the GRCA issued a watershed-wide funding of $45,000 from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport’s Creative Communities Pros- City of Hamilton Jeanette Jamieson Level One low water response message. perity Fund (CCPF). The GRCA is providing County of Oxford Bruce Banbury Water users were asked to cut their consump- $2,000 and in-kind support is coming from many tion by 10 per cent because of the unusually dry County of Brant partners. Brian Coleman, Steve Schmitt spring. During the last three months the Grand River watershed has had only about half of normal The Heritage Resources Centre would like peo- City of Brantford precipitation and April was particularly dry. ple to share their photos and documentation about Robert Hillier, Vic Prendergast local bridges. These items can be sent to leben- Haldimand and Norfolk Counties April showers have been only about a quarter of [email protected] or call 519-888-4567, ext. Lorne Boyko, Fred Morison the normal 75 mm. Some locations have had as lit- 36921. tle as 10 mm of rain. In addition, the light snow pack during the winter resulted in a smaller spring melt. As a result, many rivers and streams are already at mid-summer levels. GRCA Parks now open Water levels in the seven GRCA reservoirs are Most Grand River Conservation Authority normally rising in April. But this year they are Parks opened for the season May 1. level or declining as water is being released to The GRCA operates 11 conservation areas, eight maintain minimum flows in the Grand, Speed and of which offer camping, with about 2,500 camping Conestogo rivers. That water is important to the sites. Other activities include hiking, fishing, operation of municipal water treatment and canoeing, kayaking and swimming. sewage treatment plants. Now Belwood Lake, Byng Island (Dunnville), At the end of the month, about 40 per cent of Brant (Brantford), Pinehurst (Paris), Laurel Creek

www.grandriver.ca Grand River Conservation Authority (Waterloo), Conestogo (Drayton), Guelph Lake, Elora Gorge, Rockwood and Shade’s Mills (Cambridge) are open. One other park, Elora Quarry, will open in mid-June. A season-long alcohol ban is in effect at Elora Gorge. Early season bans, from the start of the Victoria Day weekend to the third Sunday in June, will be in place at Byng Island, Guelph Lake and Laurel Creek. Alco- hol is banned in all parks during the Victoria Day and Labour Day weekends. Vehicle season passes are available for $118 and a personal season pass is available for $51.50. The vehicle pass gets a vehicle full of people into any park throughout the 2012 operating season.

Partnership with Argentina continues Martin Neumann, supervisor of terrestrial resources, will attend the San Roque Lake Watershed Restoration Conference May 21 Students gathered at St. Peter Catholic School in Guelph to plant trees with teacher Paul Clarke and 22 in Cordoba, Argentina, on behalf of and assistance from the GRCA as they have been doing for many years. the GRCA. He will inspect seven completed demon- to build the new centre. The GRCF is the fident that the majority of water objectives stration sites in Argentina that include two fund-raising arm of the Grand River Conser- included in the Grand River Water Manage- windbreak sites, two riparian buffers, two vation Foundation. ment Plan are being met. Water quality, forest restoration sites and one intercropping point and non-point source pollution, water The nature centre annually provides more site. Neumann will also give a presentation at supply and wastewater were cited as the most than 22,000 students with hands-on, curricu- the conference. important issues facing the watershed. lum based outdoor environmental education. The GRCA has a five-year twinning agree- The students come from public and separate To read the report on the full survey ment with the San Roque watershed that is schools in Guelph and Wellington County. results or learn more, check online at funded by the International RiverFounda- In making the pledge Clare Rennie, chair of www.grandriver.ca/wmpsurvey. tion. After the conference, Neumann and the Rotary Club foundation, said support of representatives of the Argentinian watershed the new nature centre is linked to their 13- will develop the work plan for the remaining year project to develop a 40-hectare (100 three years of the agreement. acre) Guelph Rotary Forest on a one-time farm field near the nature centre. The GRCA has partnered with the San Roque lake watershed for many years and is The fund-raising campaign is still in its TThis issue of GRCA Minutes was pub- expecting that the conference will encourage early stages and the Rotary Club donation is lished in May 2012. greater adoption of the demonstrated prac- one of the first major commitments to the It is a summary of the April 2012 busi- tices not only within the San Roque lake project. ness conducted by the Grand River watershed, but also within other provincial Conservation Authority board and com- and local jurisdictions in the region. The GRCA will begin construction on the centre when fund-raising reaches 75 per cent mittees as well as other noteworthy of the cost. happenings and topics of interest. The Grand River Conservation Authority $50,000 donation welcomes the photocopying, for new nature centre Survey results are in forwarding and distribution of GRCA Minutes. The Rotary Club of Guelph Charitable A report on the results of a public survery Foundation has given $50,000 to support the focused on the Grand River Water Manage- Reports mentioned in the GRCA Min- construction of a new Guelph Lake Nature ment Plan is now complete. utes are available online at Centre. www.grandriver.ca/MeetingReports. Water quality issues topped the list of con- The Rotary Club donated the money to cerns in the survey results. For information about coming events, the Grand River Conservation Foundation, at parks and conservation areas, please which is leading the effort to raise $3 million Most respondents to the survey were con- see www.grandriver.ca/Calendar.

400 Clyde Road, Cambridge, Ontario N1R 5W6 (519) 621-2761 Follow the GRCA: GRCA Minutes

June 2012 • Volume 17, Number 6

GRCA General Membership Construction is expected to begin in June and it Photo contest results will open in August. There will be 18 spray heads Chair Jane Mitchell that mimic natural features. These will be turned 1st Vice-Chair Vic Prendergast Nearly 700 photos were submitted during the on during hot summer days for children to enjoy. GRCA photo contest that ran from April 30, 2011 It will have a recirculating water system to use less 2nd Vice-Chair Jan d’Ailly to March 31, 2012. water. Townships of Amaranth, East Garafraxa, East Luther Grand Val- Andrew Dietrich of Waterloo hooked the grand This project was initially expected to cost ley, Melancthon and Southgate prize — a Nikon D90 camera — for a photo of his $250,000 but the final tender was just over Tom Nevills fishing buddy at sunrise on the Grand River in $340,000 plus HST due to several changes. Fund- Townships of Mapleton Caledonia. ing will be provided from the conservation areas and Wellington North Pat Salter There were three category winners and three capital reserve, which will be replenished at a Township of Centre Wellington honourable mentions. Chris Wilkinson of Rock- minimum of $50,000 annually until it is repaid. Joanne Ross-Zuj wood won the people category prize with a dog Town of Erin, Townships of sledding photo taken on the Elora-Cataract Trail- Guelph/Eramosa and Puslinch way and Casey Held of Cambridge received an Swimming and tubing John Brennan Honourable Mention in this category for a photo City of Guelph of her son taken at Laurel Creek Nature Centre. conditions online Bob Bell, Maggie Laidlaw Scott Bradford of Cambridge won the flora and The GRCA in conjunction with local health Region of Waterloo fauna category for a photo of a goose flying over units began a summer of water testing at its Les Armstrong, Todd Cowan, designated beaches. Jan d’Ailly, Rob Deutschmann, the Grand River, while Michael Collins won an Jean Haalboom, Ross Kelterborn, Honourable Mention in this category for captur- Testing is done to ensure the water meets guide- Geoff Lorentz, Claudette Miller, ing a deer in the Grand River as a heron flew past. lines set for swimming areas in Ontario. Beaches Jane Mitchell, Warren Stauch Dan Baskin took home the prize for land and are posted when levels of E. coli bacteria exceed Municipality of North Perth waterscapes with his photo taken on the Nith the Ministry of Health guidelines. A posting is a and Township of Perth East River and Eustacio Dionisio of Brantford received recommendation that swimming should be avoid- George Wicke an honourable mention for capturing a Brant ed or that individuals swim at their own risk. Region of Halton J. Barry Lee park sunset. Beach testing continues throughout the summer City of Hamilton Jeanette Jamieson In addition, the GRCA held 13 random draws until just before Labour Day weekend. County of Oxford Bruce Banbury for a vehicle season’s pass to the Grand River Updated information is posted on parks. These went to Alan Thompson, Hannah County of Brant www.grandriver.ca/Newsroom/News.cfm. Brian Coleman, Steve Schmitt Braam, Jeff Haynes, Eustacio Dionisio, Rachael Duncan, Judi Thompson, Jeffrey Milliken, Lynn City of Brantford Boehler, Lucille Wells, Rose Versnick, Emily Robert Hillier, Vic Prendergast Lalonde, Deanna Norris and Blake Namaman. GRCA board moves to Haldimand and Norfolk Counties Many submissions are posted online at one monthly meeting Lorne Boyko, Fred Morison www.flickr.com/photos/grandriverconservation. The GRCA board approved a motion to meet only once a month instead of twice a month. New splash pad at Elora Starting in July these meetings will take place on the fourth Friday of the month. Some special Gorge to open in August board meetings, such as a September budget meet- Twin City Interloc Inc. of Kitchener will con- ing, will take place instead of committee meetings struct the new Elora Gorge splash pad. on the second Tuesday of the month. The splash pad will compensate for the loss of Since 2011, the meetings have been shorter than the old swimming pond that was removed two in the past. The amount of work at the two meet- years ago due to dam failure. It will be on the ings can be accommodated in one monthly meet- southeast side of the park on the sports field ing, so there is a saving in time of the staff and across from the Hole In the Rock washroom. board members.

www.grandriver.ca Grand River Conservation Authority Approval of most permits will now be in the hands of GRCA staff. This change meets all provincial requirements under the Con- servation Authorities Act.

Dry May weather with one northern storm May was dry with precipitation for all but the most northern part of the watershed far below average. Precipitation was between 39 and 53 per cent and was lowest at Shade’s Mills. The area around Luther Marsh was an exception due to a big downpour May 3 that dropped a month’s worth of precipitation in a few hours. Between 56 and 63 mm of rain was recorded overnight at Luther and it The grand prize in the GRCA’s photo contest went to Andrew Dietrich of Waterloo. He took this picture while fishing with his friend on the Grand River by the Caledonia Dam. could have been as high as 90 to 100 mm based on radar estimates and reservoir levels. flow increases in the areas downstream of River Conservation Foundation, the fund- May was also about 2.8 degrees above the the reservoirs. raising arm of the GRCA. The stone marker long-term average temperature and hit 30 is at the trail parking lot in the village of Online river flow information is available degrees May 20 at Shand Dam. Glen Morris, while the signs and benches are on the GRCA website. It is updated hourly at located just north and south of the parking Stream flows in May were below the long- www.grandriver.ca/riverdata. lot. term average across the watershed. The watershed-wide Level One that was declared The new interpretive signs will help trail on April 24 was still in effect by early June. users learn more about the environmental Level One low water condition was declared Fun, adventure and and ecological significance of the trail corri- because less than 70 per cent of normal pre- learning at camps dor. One sign provides information on the cipitation was recorded over the past three rare Carolinian forest found in the area. The GRCA has increased the variety of months. Water users are asked to voluntarily Because of the moderating effects of the summer camps on offer this year in order to reduce their consumption by 10 per cent. Great Lakes, this part of Southern Ontario is encourage kids to keep learning and making home to trees, plants and animals that are Towards the end of the month, augmenta- friends in the great outdoors all summer. more typically found in the Carolinas. tion from the large reservoirs accounted for close to 50 per cent of the flow at Kitchener, A few camps are already sold out but there 20 per cent at Brantford and 25 per cent are still many different types of camps at five below Guelph. locations in the Grand River watershed for kids six to 16 years old. The five locations are Apps’ Mill near Brantford (five camps), Lau- rel Creek in Waterloo (14 camps), Guelph High flows in early June Lake (10 camps), Rockwood (six camps) This issue of GRCA Minutes was pub- Rainfall of 40 to 50 mm fell over the and Belwood Lake near Fergus (two camps). lished in June 2012. entire Grand River watershed in early June, Registration is easy and available online at It is a summary of the May 2012 busi- resulting in higher river and stream levels www.grandriver.eventbrite.com. ness conducted by the Grand River and flows. Conservation Authority board and com- Recreational users of the river were mittees as well as other noteworthy advised to be aware of the changes and take Cambridge-Paris trail happenings and topics of interest. the necessary precautions to ensure they The Grand River Conservation Authority carry out their activities safely. improved welcomes the photocopying, Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks were New trail signs and benches were installed forwarding and distribution of GRCA Minutes. slippery and when combined with fast-mov- on the Cambridge to Paris Rail Trail thanks ing water, posed a potential hazard. Parents to $75,000 in support from The Cowan Reports mentioned in the GRCA Min- were advised to keep their children and pets Foundation. utes are available online at away from fast-moving watercourses. Two interpretive signs, two benches and a www.grandriver.ca/MeetingReports. The GRCA took water into storage in its stone marker were unveiled in May by repre- For information about coming events, major reservoirs on the Grand, Conestogo sentatives of the Cowan Foundation, Cowan please see and Speed rivers, which helped to moderate Insurance Group, the GRCA and the Grand www.grandriver.ca/Calendar.

PO Box 729, 400 Clyde Road, Cambridge, Ontario N1R 5W6 (519) 621-2761 Follow the GRCA: GRCA Minutes

July 2012 • Volume 17, Number 7

GRCA General Membership failure and reduce the risk of flooding through New business plan Elora. It will also keep the aesthetic and hydro Chair Jane Mitchell for Rockwood benefits of the dam. The dam has been deteriorat- 1st Vice-Chair Vic Prendergast ing for some time. Rockwood Conservation Area now has a busi- 2nd Vice-Chair Jan d’Ailly ness plan and similar plans are underway for each XTerra was hired after a tendering process last Townships of Amaranth, East of the 11 active conservation areas. summer. The work was initially expected to get Garafraxa, East Luther Grand Val- underway in 2011, but the tender advised that the ley, Melancthon and Southgate These plans establish sustainable pricing and $1 million contract may not be completed until Tom Nevills financial plans for each of the parks. They do this the fall of 2012. Townships of Mapleton by evaluating capital assets, operating expenses, and Wellington North Pat Salter revenue and pricing. Township of Centre Wellington The Rockwood plan recommends correlating New planning fee schedule Joanne Ross-Zuj demand and pricing to allow the park to become Town of Erin, Townships of more affordable during non-peak times and to The GRCA board approved changes to the plan- Guelph/Eramosa and Puslinch increase revenue during peak times. Rockwood is ning fee schedule that include some increases, John Brennan an environmentally sensitive area. The proposed some fees to remain the same and two new fee cat- City of Guelph price changes have the potential to reduce demand egories. The changes take place August 1. Bob Bell, Maggie Laidlaw during peak periods and help ensure the park is Planning-related fees for the permit applica- Region of Waterloo ecologically sustainable. tions, plan review, title clearance and inquiry serv- Les Armstrong, Todd Cowan, Several changes are being recommended. These ices will increase by approximately three per cent Jan d’Ailly, Rob Deutschmann, on August 1. The rates will be rounded to the Jean Haalboom, Ross Kelterborn, include a 10 per cent discount on camping and Geoff Lorentz, Claudette Miller, day use for seniors during the week, changes to nearest $5. However fees for minor changes will Jane Mitchell, Warren Stauch cancellation fees and a minimum stay of two stay at the 2011 rate. Municipality of North Perth nights on weekends. Camping would be less costly The two new fee categories are related to below and Township of Perth East during the week under the proposal. water table aggregate extraction applications and George Wicke Rockwood may open year-round for day use. large fill applications. These applications require Region of Halton J. Barry Lee Automatic gates may be added and there could significantly more time and effort to process and City of Hamilton Jeanette Jamieson even be wireless internet. The shower coin boxes administer. Smaller plans of subdivision will be charged a lower fee because they take less time to County of Oxford Bruce Banbury may be removed and instead water efficient fix- tures could be put on a timer. review. This change is intended to be revenue neu- County of Brant tral. Members of the Home Builders Liaison Com- Brian Coleman, Steve Schmitt These changes are not yet approved and they mittee and the Ontario Stone, Sand and Gravel City of Brantford will take place over time. Association have no objections to the proposed Robert Hillier, Vic Prendergast changes. Haldimand and Norfolk Counties Lorne Boyko, Fred Morison Drimmie dam work starts The GRCA board gave staff the green light to Average rainfall in June enter an agreement with XTerra Construction Inc. Rainfall in June was average for this time of of Kitchener to begin work on the Drimmie Dam year. in Elora. The central part of the watershed received more The work will proceed after the permits and rain than normal, but after a very dry early spring, funds have been received, which is expected to be the extra rain helped to relieve some water stress. late July. About half of the rain fell during the first week of June when the entire watershed received a long A Class Environmental Assessment on the pro- soaking. The rest of the rain has been accompa- ject was completed in 2010. The EA recommend- nied by thunderstorms. ed reconstruction of the dam at a lower crest ele- vation. This will help to alleviate the risk of dam The Level One low water response issued April

www.grandriver.ca Grand River Conservation Authority 25 for the entire Grand River watershed remains in effect. Water users are being asked to cut their consumption by 10 per cent.On July 5 a Level Two warning came into effect for Whiteman’s Creek watershed, and water users were urged to cut consump- tion by 20 per cent. Temperatures have been about one degree above the long-term average, but there was a significant heat wave June 20 to 22. Temper- atures on four days in June were above 30 degrees and three nights stayed above 19 degrees at Shand Dam. The highest tempera- ture recorded during this period was 34.9 degrees at Brant Park on June 21. Monthly average air temperatures have been above the normal since May of 2011. At the end of the month, augmentation from the reservoirs made up about 70 per cent of the flow through Kitchener, 30 per cent of the flow at Brantford and 40 per cent of the flow below Guelph.

Toyota helping to improve watershed Grade 5 student Jaimee Courts and her brother Kyle turn the cash box containing $330 raised at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada and a garage sale June 16 over to Sara Wilbur, executive director of the GRCF and Kevin Tupman, a its employees are donating both time and natural heritage specialist. Jaimee wants tosupport restoration so that more animals will have a money to improve the environment in the place to live. She had help from students from three local schools — Silver Heights Public Grand River watershed. School, Our Lady of Fatima and Saint Elizabeth. The Cambridge company has donated The movies are all rated parental guidance Last year about $4,200 was raised in Kitch- $100,000 to the Grand River Conservation ener. Foundation to be used to care for trails and (PG) or general admission (G) and are suit- natural areas owned by the GRCA. able for families. Specific movies for each For more information and tickets, contact Friday are listed in the Newsroom on the the Borealis Restaurant in Guelph, 1388 Gor- For the second year, employees from the GRCA website or call 519-621-3697 for more don St. at 519-265-9007 and the Kitchener company are spending time working on trail information. restaurant at 4336 King St. E. (Sportsworld improvement and tree-planting projects on Crossing) at 519-219-9007. GRCA properties. Six teams of five people worked near Glen Morris and Guelph to prune trees and improve trails. These are the Tastey fundraiser July 23 latest ventures in a long-standing relation- This issue of GRCA Minutes was pub- The Borealis Restaurants in Kitchener and ship between Toyota and the GRCA. lished in July 2012. Guelph are offering their patrons a special evening of great food and beer to support a It is a summary of the June 2012 busi- better environment. ness conducted by the Grand River Movies under the stars Conservation Authority board and com- The second annual River Fundraiser and mittees as well as other noteworthy at Shade’s Mills Brewer’s Feast will be held at both locations happenings and topics of interest. Watch movies under the stars starting at on Monday, July 23. The Grand River Conservation Authority dusk every Friday night June to Labour Day welcomes the photocopying, weekend at Shade’s Mills Conservation Area For $70 per person, diners will receive a four-course meal paired with beers from forwarding and distribution of GRCA on Avenue Road in Cambridge. Minutes. Creemore Springs and Granville Island The movies are free for season pass hold- breweries. They will also have their names Reports mentioned in the GRCA Min- ers and day pass holders. Or, up to six people entered in a draw for one of four canoes. utes are available online at in a vehicle can gain admission for a special www.grandriver.ca/MeetingReports. flat fee of $10 on Friday nights starting an Money from the event will be donated to hour before show time. Visitors should bring the Grand River Conservation Foundation to For information about coming events, lawn chairs and blankets to sit in front of the support the environmental programs of the please see big screen. Grand River Conservation Authority. www.grandriver.ca/Calendar.

PO Box 729, 400 Clyde Road, Cambridge, Ontario N1R 5W6 (519) 621-2761 Follow the GRCA: GRCA Minutes

August 2012 • Volume 17, Number 8

GRCA General Membership ing development in a regulated area without a per- Dry conditions continue mit from the Grand River Conservation authority. Chair Jane Mitchell The low water response team was busy in July. He had pled not guilty to the charge. 1st Vice-Chair Vic Prendergast They issued a Level 2 warning for Whiteman’s The laneway was about 250 metres long and 2nd Vice-Chair Jan d’Ailly Creek on July 5, for the Nith River on July 11, the four metres wide. Townships of Amaranth, East Upper Speed and Eramosa rivers and also Landowners planning to undertake a project Garafraxa, East Luther Grand Val- Fairchild and Mt. Pleasant Creeks on July 18. ley, Melancthon and Southgate near a wetland, stream, river or other regulated Tom Nevills Under the Ontario Low Water Response Plan, a area should contact a resource planner at the Townships of Mapleton river or stream is in a Level 2 condition when GRCA. E-mail address and phone numbers are and Wellington North Pat Salter flows sink to less than 50 per cent of normal. A available in the Planning and Regulations section of the GRCA website at www.grandriver.ca Township of Centre Wellington Level 2 declaration triggers the request for a vol- Joanne Ross-Zuj untary reduction in water use of 20 per cent. Watershed residents can also use “Map your Town of Erin, Townships of At the same time, the Level One low water property” – an interactive mapping tool on the Guelph/Eramosa and Puslinch response issued April 25 for the entire Grand GRCA website – to see if any parts of their prop- John Brennan River watershed remains in effect. Water users in erty are regulated. City of Guelph all other parts of the watershed are being asked to Bob Bell, Maggie Laidlaw cut their consumption by 10 per cent. Region of Waterloo Les Armstrong, Todd Cowan, The most significant action that residents can Luther management plan Jan d’Ailly, Rob Deutschmann, take to conserve water is to limit lawn watering approved by board Jean Haalboom, Ross Kelterborn, and other outdoor water uses in line with local Geoff Lorentz, Claudette Miller, bylaws. The GRCA has approved the Luther Marsh Jane Mitchell, Warren Stauch Wildlife Management Plan that will guide the Municipality of North Perth The Grand River Low Water Response Team management of the area until 2019. and Township of Perth East meets in a teleconference. It is made up of repre- George Wicke sentatives of major water users including munici- The management area is large, covering nearly 60 square kilometres. It is jointly managed by the Region of Halton J. Barry Lee palities, farmers, golf course operators, gravel pit businesses, Six Nations and others. Representa- GRCA and the Ministry of Natural Resources City of Hamilton Jeanette Jamieson tives of several provincial ministries such as Natu- through the Luther Marsh Steering Committee. County of Oxford Bruce Banbury ral Resources, Environment, Agriculture and The GRCA owns 5,357 hectares, and the MNR owns 558 hectares. Day-to-day operation of the County of Brant Food, and Municipal Affairs and Housing are Brian Coleman, Steve Schmitt non-voting members. area is done by GRCA staff. City of Brantford The original purpose of the reservoir was to Robert Hillier, Vic Prendergast moderate river flow in the Grand River, especially Haldimand and Norfolk Counties Landowner fined, ordered augmentation and it remains so today. Lorne Boyko, Fred Morison to remove wetland laneway The owner of a property on County Road 109 in East Garafraxa Township in Dufferin County must Emerald ash borer pay a penalty of $3,600 and remove a laneway he proclamation built through a wetland on his property. The GRCA endorsed a proclamation that calls Thomas Bruce Gowland was found guilty on on the federal and provincial governments to help June 21 by Justice of the Peace Alston A. Gunness conservation authorities meet the expenses related following a trial in Caledon court. He was fined to the emerald ash borer. $3,000 and also ordered to pay an additional vic- Similar calls for support have been made by tim surcharge of $600. Conservation Ontario, other conservation authori- Gowland had been charged under Section 28 of ties and municipalities regarding insect damage to the Conservation Authorities Act with undertak- ash trees.

www.grandriver.ca Grand River Conservation Authority The invasive exotic insect is killing all species of ash throughout southern Ontario. It has been confirmed in several municipali- ties within the central Grand River water- shed, but the infestation is in the earliest stages. Devastating impacts to forests are expect- ed, including parks and street trees. The financial implications of the insect will be very significant.

Islands of green in a sea of brown lawns Outdoor water use restrictions were in place throughout the Grand River watershed at the end of July, but there were still some islands of green in a sea of brown lawns. Municipal water managers were hearing complaints that some property owners are This brown trout was caught in the Elora Gorge. The water between the Shand Dam and West still watering their lawns despite the restric- Montrose is colder because of the dam. Hot dry summers are hard on fish which have a more rudimentary metabolism and have a hard time adjusting to hot weather. tions. However, they can’t do much about it Photo by Todd Fritzley because the owners of those still-green lawns may be getting their water from private outstanding education and programming for sized swimming pools per day per kilometre. wells, ponds or stream pumps that are not St. James students and all the students of the Hikers and cyclists will see small wetland covered by provincial or municipal regula- Wellington Catholic School Board,” said areas and hear trickling water. This is where tions. Ivan Ius, a geography teacher who made the ancient limestone rock formations and hid- presentation to Dan Schneider who received Properties on municipal water supplies are den groundwater sources rejuvenate the it on behalf of the nature centre staff and the Grand River. covered by outdoor water use bylaws. Prop- GRCA. erty owners can be fined if they violate the If the trickling water along the trail is cold rules, for example, by watering on the wrong St. James students have been attending even on a warm day, it is likely groundwater, day or wrong time of the day. environmental classes at Guelph Lake Nature which is always 8 or 9 degrees. Cold water Centre since 1982, so this is the 30th holds more oxygen than warm water, so it Large water users – those who take more anniversary. The Wellington Catholic Dis- improves the water quality. than 50,000 litres of water a day from a well, trict School Board has been ensuring that Like a gentle slope, the river drops about pond, river or stream – need a provincial every elementary school student spends a 68 metres between Cambridge and Brant- Permit to Take Water. Currently, they are day each year at the nature centre. The long ford. This slope causes rapids and brings being asked to curtail their water use by 10 standing program at St. James and the oxygen into the river, which also helps to to 20 per cent, depending on their location. Catholic board’s other two high schools improve water quality. But many rural or suburban property builds on the environmental foundation that owners don’t fit into either category. They is developed in the elementary grades. This issue of GRCA Minutes was pub- have private water supplies so can continue lished in August 2012. using water for domestic or other purposes Guelph Lake Nature Centre is the busiest without restriction up to 50,000 litres a day. of the GRCA’s five nature centres. There is It is a summary of the July 2012 busi- While the practice might be legal, it raises currently a fundraising campaign to replace ness conducted by the Grand River questions about equity and the sharing of the the nature centre, a former house, with a Conservation Authority board and com- burden of water conservation during one of larger purpose-built facility through the mittees as well as other noteworthy the driest years in more than a decade. Grand River Conservation Foundation. happenings and topics of interest. The Grand River Conservation Authority welcomes the photocopying, Kudos to nature centre Did you know? forwarding and distribution of GRCA The reach of the Grand River between Minutes. Guelph Lake Nature Centre staff received Paris and Brantford is known as the “recov- Reports mentioned in the GRCA Min- a certificate of appreciation from St. James ery reach” because water quality improves High School in Guelph. utes are available online at here. www.grandriver.ca/MeetingReports. The certificate was given out at an event at About 30 to 60 litres per second of the River Run Centre in Guelph. The certifi- groundwater flows into each kilometre of For information about coming events, cate is "to honour their expertise, dedication, this stretch of the river. This cold water is please see professionalism and passion in delivering enough water to fill one or two Olympic- www.grandriver.ca/Calendar.

PO Box 729, 400 Clyde Road, Cambridge, Ontario N1R 5W6 (519) 621-2761 Follow the GRCA: GRCA Minutes

September 2012 • Volume 17, Number 9

GRCA General Membership Response Program. This means that water users Source Protection Plans throughout the watershed on both municipal and Chair Jane Mitchell for public comment private water supplies should voluntarily reduce 1st Vice-Chair Vic Prendergast consumption by 20 per cent by eliminating non- A plan to protect the sources of water for essential water use like lawn watering and car 2nd Vice-Chair Jan d’Ailly municipal drinking water systems in the Grand washing. It is important to keep these limited Townships of Amaranth, East River watershed is available for public comment water supplies available for essential human Garafraxa, East Luther Grand Val- until Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012. health, agricultural and ecological needs. ley, Melancthon and Southgate The Draft Source Protection Plan outlines the Tom Nevills The entire watershed had been in a Level 1 con- policies and programs needed to protect munici- Townships of Mapleton dition since April 24, while A Level 2 condition pal wells and surface water intakes from contami- and Wellington North Pat Salter applied in selected watersheds, notably the Nith, nation. It is available at municipal and First Eramosa and Upper Speed rivers, as well as several Township of Centre Wellington Nation offices throughout the Grand River water- Joanne Ross-Zuj creeks – Whitemans, Fairchild and Mount Pleas- shed, GRCA office and online at ant in the Brantford area. Town of Erin, Townships of www.sourcewater.ca. Guelph/Eramosa and Puslinch The GRCA announced it would adjust the John Brennan A series of evening public meetings will be held amount of water it releases from its reservoirs to Sept. 17 to 24 throughout the watershed to give City of Guelph ensure there is enough water to get through the residents an opportunity to learn more about the Bob Bell, Maggie Laidlaw rest of the summer and fall, should dry weather plan and to comment on it. The publication of the Region of Waterloo continue. That is having an effect on flows in plan is the result of more than five years of work Les Armstrong, Todd Cowan, rivers and creeks where reservoirs are located. Jan d’Ailly, Rob Deutschmann, done under the Clean Water Act. The Act was Jean Haalboom, Ross Kelterborn, passed in 2006 in response to the Walkerton taint- Precipitation continued to be below normal in Geoff Lorentz, Claudette Miller, ed water tragedy. August, but was much higher than July. However, Jane Mitchell, Warren Stauch the drought effect continued through the month. Municipality of North Perth Public meetings are from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. and Township of Perth East 17 at Grand Valley Public Library; Sept. 18 at George Wicke Guelph City Hall; Sept. 19 at Wellington County Region of Halton J. Barry Lee Museum and Archives, Fergus; Sept. 19 at Brant GRCA climate change Sports Complex, Paris; Sept. 20 at Best Western modeling results City of Hamilton Jeanette Jamieson Brant Park Inn, Brantford; Sept. 20 at GRCA head County of Oxford Bruce Banbury office, Cambridge; Sept. 24 at Waterloo Region Results of a climate change modeling study undertaken by the GRCA show that the Grand County of Brant Emergency Services Training and Research Com- Brian Coleman, Steve Schmitt plex (WRESTECH), Waterloo. Written comments River watershed can expect to see more frequent can also be submitted. winter melts, hotter summers, an earlier spring City of Brantford Robert Hillier, Vic Prendergast and a later fall, as well as more extreme weather This is the first of two rounds of public consul- events. Haldimand and Norfolk Counties tation on the plan. A second round will be held Lorne Boyko, Fred Morison later this year. After that, the plan will be submit- A series of future climate data sets representing ted to the Ministry of the Environment for a changed climate were run through watershed approval. models. These looked at expected changes to stream flow, runoff, recharge, groundwater dis- charge and reservoir operations. The changes present some challenges to reservoir operations, Watershed-wide level 2 drought management and water use stress. With the long, hot summer dragging on, the call The GRCA is in a good position to manage for stronger water conservation measures was these expected changes with programs that are expanded in early August to take in the entire already in place. The GRCA needs to continue to Grand River watershed. adapt these programs to enhance water manage- The entire watershed was declared to be in a ment and create a resilient watershed. Level 2 condition under the Ontario Low Water Flexibility, a robust monitoring system and

www.grandriver.ca Grand River Conservation Authority good decision-making tools will help man- age risk in a changed climate. There is high uncertainty with climate change predictions. As the science of climate change continues to evolve, it is important for GRCA water man- agers to understand and adapt as new infor- mation becomes available.

Conestogo Dam analysis Environmental Water Resources Group Ltd. will complete a $67,000 inundation analysis project for Conestogo Dam. In 2011, the Ministry of Natural Resources updated the technical guidelines for the design criteria of dams in Ontario. As a result, the GRCA is re-evaluating the Con- estogo Dam design. The river channel and hydraulic structures will be surveyed and flows required to break Dylan Radcliffe and Madison Wikston were two of 227 students who worked for the GRCA this the dam will be figured out in this study. past summer. Radcliffe helped the water quality department and Wikston was doing field moni- toring.Most students work in the parks.

people, many who use the experience to help About 100,000 visitors will have the Emerald ash borer find their future field of work. From the chance to learn about the Grand River The emerald ash borer infestation may parks, some go into recreation, law enforce- watershed from its headwaters near Dundalk cost the GRCA over $5 million. ment and teaching. Students are essential to to the mouth of the river at Port Maitland, park operations. on Lake Erie. In fact, there will be a river This will cover the cost of removing haz- running through the GRCA’s tent and there ard trees in GRCA parks and along trails to In addition, 12 students worked in other are many interactive displays. Staff are on prevent injury to park visitors and trail users. areas during the summer and there were 14 hand to answer questions and explain the A comprehensive tree inventory is underway students working at the GRCA’s head office displays. to refine this figure. The GRCA may need to in Cambridge. begin removing the damaged trees as early as The plowing match is one of Canada’s 2014 and tree removal will likely take a largest agricultural events. It takes place in a decade or more as the borer continues to farmer’s field on Roseville Road, west of spread throughout the watershed. Restaurant raises Cambridge. Tree planting to replace ash trees and $7,000 for rivers restore borer damaged forests could cost On July 23 the Borealis Restaurants in about $1.5 million. Chemical treatments are Kitchener and Guelph held their annual not included in this estimate, although this fundraiser to benefit the Grand River Con- may be helpful. Provincial and Federal fund- servation Foundation (GRCF). This issue of GRCA Minutes was pub- ing is not currently available for this work lished in August 2012. and GRCA staff are looking for external More than $7,000 was raised in support of funds. river restoration projects over the past two It is a summary of the July 2012 busi- years. Last year, the first fundraiser at the ness conducted by the Grand River Emerald ash borer is native to eastern Kitchener restaurant raised more than $4,000 Conservation Authority board and com- Asia. It was inadvertently brought to south- for restoration work at the Chilligo Pond mittees as well as other noteworthy ern Ontario around 2000 and is now a seri- project. happenings and topics of interest. ous threat to forests in eastern North Ameri- ca, including the Grand River watershed. The Grand River Conservation Authority welcomes the photocopying, GRCA at plowing match forwarding and distribution of GRCA Sept. 18 to 22 Minutes. Providing students Reports mentioned in the GRCA Min- with summer jobs This is a reminder that Water Forum, held utes are available online at each September since 2001, has been sus- www.grandriver.ca/MeetingReports. The GRCA had 201 students working in pended for this year, however the GRCA is the 11 GRCA parks this past summer. getting ready for the International Plowing For information about coming events, The GRCA provides many quality envi- Match in Roseville Sept. 18 to 22, 8:30 a.m. please see ronmental work opportunities for young to 5 p.m. www.grandriver.ca/Calendar.

PO Box 729, 400 Clyde Road, Cambridge, Ontario N1R 5W6 (519) 621-2761 Follow the GRCA: GRCA Minutes

October 2012 • Volume 17, Number 10

GRCA General Membership habitat. Bobolink, a small grassland bird that is Water conservation black with yellow and white markings, is threat- Chair Jane Mitchell still a top priority ened in Ontario. Under the Ministry of Natural 1st Vice-Chair Vic Prendergast Resources’ Endangered Species Act, a permit Rain in September helped lawns and gardens, obliges Glenaviland to maintain grassland habitat 2nd Vice-Chair Jan d’Ailly but it didn’t do much for river flows and reservoir nearby. Townships of Amaranth, East levels in the Grand River watershed. Garafraxa, East Luther Grand Val- This has been the driest year in more than 50 An arrangement has been reached between the ley, Melancthon and Southgate developer and the Township of Mapleton that Tom Nevills years and most of the watershed has recorded only about 60 per cent of normal precipitation in the resolves three hectares (seven acres) of grassland Townships of Mapleton habitat. Glenaviland proposed that GRCA and Wellington North Pat Salter last six months. That works out to a rainfall deficit of about 150 mm to 200 mm (six to eight inches). accommodate a grassland maintenance project to Township of Centre Wellington meet its obligations for the remaining eight Joanne Ross-Zuj Flows were still below normal for this time of hectares (20 acres). This will be on a two-to-one Town of Erin, Townships of year, meaning it remains important to practice ratio. Guelph/Eramosa and Puslinch water conservation. John Brennan Undertaking this project does not lock the The entire Grand River watershed remains in a GRCA into the land use beyond the 20-year City of Guelph Level 2 Low Water Condition. At that level, water period. Bob Bell, Maggie Laidlaw users are asked to voluntarily cut their consump- Region of Waterloo tion by 20 per cent. Les Armstrong, Todd Cowan, Jan d’Ailly, Rob Deutschmann, As a result, water levels in GRCA reservoirs Jean Haalboom, Ross Kelterborn, remain far below normal for the time of year. The Rural landowners Geoff Lorentz, Claudette Miller, GRCA reduced the amount of water released from can get property advice Jane Mitchell, Warren Stauch the reservoirs on a daily basis to ensure there will Rural landowners in Waterloo Region who want Municipality of North Perth be enough to get through the rest of the year to learn how to better manage the natural features and Township of Perth East should the dry weather continues. George Wicke on their property can get some advice at a series of The water released from the seven reservoirs — workshops. Region of Halton J. Barry Lee particularly Conestogo, Belwood and Guelph — is The four workshops are for non-farm landown- City of Hamilton Jeanette Jamieson critical to the operation of municipal sewage treat- ers. They are being organized by the GRCA in County of Oxford Bruce Banbury ment plants. The river needs enough water to be able to assimilate the treated effluent from sewage partnership with the Region of Waterloo’s Com- County of Brant munity Environmental Fund. At the evening ses- Brian Coleman, Steve Schmitt treatment plants. It’s also important to maintain flows to support the communities that take some sions, landowners will go through a workbook City of Brantford or all of their drinking water from the river: that will help them manage and enhance their Robert Hillier, Vic Prendergast Region of Waterloo, Brantford and Six Nations. property. Each workshop includes information on Haldimand and Norfolk Counties the grants and other support available for tree Lorne Boyko, Fred Morison planting through the Trees for the Grand Pro- gram. Two workshops were Oct. 16 in Ayr and New grassland habitat Oct. 23 in Baden. Upcoming workshops are: at Conestogo Lake Workshop dates are: The GRCA received a proposal to host 16 • Nov. 6 – Linwood Community Centre, 5279 hectares (40 acres) of grassland habitat for 20 Ament Line, Linwood years at Conestogo Lake Conservation Area. • Nov. 13 – Woolwich Memorial Centre, The project will be paid for by Glenaviland Development Corporation which plans to build a 24 Snyder Ave. S., Elmira new residential and golf course development in The workshops are free but space is limited so Drayton. This development will remove 11 please register in advance. Call 519-621-2763 Ext. hectares (27 acres) of grassland that the Ministry 2277 or send an e-mail to of Natural Resources considers to be bobolink [email protected].

www.grandriver.ca Grand River Conservation Authority Dufferin farmers eligible for GRCA grants Farmers in Dufferin County can take advantage of a grant program to help them undertake projects to protect water on their land. The Grand River Conservation Authority is offering the grants in partnership with Dufferin County. The county has provided the GRCA with $50,000 to support the GRCA’s Rural Water Quality Program. Eligible landowners can receive grants for a variety of projects including livestock fenc- ing along water courses, erosion control projects, clean water diversion around barn- yards, tree planting and properly decommis- sioning unused wells. The amount of the grant depends on the type of project. Farmers are also expected to contribute money, labour or materials to the The GRCA’s tent at the International Plowing Match in Roseville Sept. 18-22 had a river running project. through it, a display of native plants and trees, a functioning rain gauge and many other educational features. It received thousands of visitors and lots of positive comments. For more information on the program contact Louise Heyming, Conservation much-loved predator-prey game. GRCA is also applying for a 40 year power Specialist at the GRCA at 1-866-900-4722, purchase agreement from the Ontario Power Ext. 2278 or by e-mail at Authorities Feed-in-Tariff (FIT) program. [email protected]. Funding of $200,000 may also be available OSSGA supports through the Community Energy Partnership Parkhill hydro facility Program for a portion of the Environmental Fundraising campaign An innovative partnership with the Grand Assessment study costs. for nature centre River Conservation Foundation and the A fundraising dinner Oct. 18 was the first Over the past year, nearly $360,000 has Ontario Stone, Sand and Gravel Association in a series of fundraising events to be held by been raised for a new Guelph Lake Nature (OSSGA) will help a new hydro facility OSSGA. Centre. planned at the Parkhill Dam in Galt. The new nature centre will replace the The project is in the planning phase and is current 33-year-old converted house which expected to cost between $7 and $8 million is no longer big or durable enough to meet to build. It will double the GRCA’s hydro the needs of 22,000 visitors and students production capacity. This issue of GRCA Minutes was pub- each year. The Grand River Conservation Authority lished in October 2012. As maintenance costs have continued to already operates three hydro generating facilities — at Shand Dam, Conestogo Dam It is a summary of the September 2012 rise, the time has come for a purpose-built business conducted by the Grand River and Guelph Dam. During the summer when nature centre. It will cost about $3 million to Conservation Authority board and com- construct. water flows are low, the new Parkhill hydro mittees as well as other noteworthy facility will produce about 600 kwh of power, Guelph Lake Nature Centre held a reunion happenings and topics of interest. about the same as the existing Shand Dam and open house on Sunday, Oct. 14 with lots site. But in the spring when there is far more The Grand River Conservation Authority of free activities and a chance to learn about welcomes the photocopying, water passing by the dam, it will produce the new nature centre that is planned for forwarding and distribution of GRCA about 1.2 megawatts of power. This is Guelph Lake. Minutes. enough electricity for about 575 homes. Everyone in the community, including Reports mentioned in the GRCA Min- past and present students and their families, The GRCA began investigating this project utes are available online at was invited to visit the nature centre. Activi- a few years ago. Although it is costly, the www.grandriver.ca/MeetingReports. hydro project is being propelled forward ties led by experienced nature interpreters For information about coming events, thanks to support from the Grand River included visiting with the creature teachers, please see geo-dashing, guided nature hikes and the Conservation Foundation, which has solicit- www.grandriver.ca/Calendar. ed the support of the aggregate industry. The

PO Box 729, 400 Clyde Road, Cambridge, Ontario N1R 5W6 (519) 621-2761 Follow the GRCA: GRCA Minutes

November 2012 • Volume 17, Number 11

GRCA General Membership municipal and private water supplies voluntarily Wet October ends reduced consumption by 20 per cent. The entire Chair Jane Mitchell with Hurricane Sandy watershed had been in a Level 1 condition since 1st Vice-Chair Vic Prendergast April 24. Precipitation in September and October was 2nd Vice-Chair Jan d’Ailly above the long-term average throughout the While the increased rainfall has helped the sys- Townships of Amaranth, East watershed, breaking a year-long trend. tem recover, water users are still encouraged to Garafraxa, Grand Valley, practice conservation measures wherever possible. Melancthon and Southgate Rainfall totals for October nearly doubled the Water conservation tips and information can be Tom Nevills monthly average with up to 120 mm falling in found in the Low Water Response section of the Townships of Mapleton some parts of the watershed, replenishing streams GRCA website. and Wellington North Pat Salter and bringing the GRCA’s major reservoirs back within normal operating range. Township of Centre Wellington Joanne Ross-Zuj This increase in precipitation has raised the six 2012 Grand River Town of Erin, Townships of month average across most of the watershed to Guelph/Eramosa and Puslinch approximately 75 to 80 per cent of average precipi- Watershed Awards John Brennan tation, up from previous estimates of 60 per cent The GRCA held an awards night on Oct. 11 and City of Guelph from last month’s report. gave out seven awards. Bob Bell, Maggie Laidlaw October had some all-day, lower intensity, soak- The top award — the Honour Roll award — Region of Waterloo went to the Grand Valley Trails Association Les Armstrong, Todd Cowan, ing rains, similar to September. This helped to Jan d’Ailly, Rob Deutschmann, replenish soil moisture content. There were even a which is now 40 years old. This award is not given Jean Haalboom, Ross Kelterborn, couple of days with around 50 mm of rain. out every year. Geoff Lorentz, Claudette Miller, Jane Mitchell, Warren Stauch Groundwater levels remain lower than normal, The volunteer group established and now main- however it is expected that these levels will begin tains the 275-km Grand Valley Trail that runs Municipality of North Perth and Township of Perth East to rise through the fall and continue to recover from the mouth of the Grand River at Lake Erie to George Wicke into late spring. Alton in the north, where it joins with the Bruce Trail. The group offers more than 100 hiking Region of Halton J. Barry Lee At the end of October, Hurricane Sandy resulted events each year. City of Hamilton Jeanette Jamieson in more wet weather and some wind, but had less of an impact in the area than anticipated. In addition, six 2012 Watershed Awards were County of Oxford Bruce Banbury given out. They went to: County of Brant The watershed conditions reports are available on www.grandriver.ca/WSconditions. • Master bird bander Rick Ludkin who has Brian Coleman, Steve Schmitt operated a bird banding station at Ruthven City of Brantford National Historic for 18 years. Robert Hillier, Vic Prendergast • The Waterloo Cattlemen’s Association for Haldimand and Norfolk Counties Level 2 low water fencing 37 km of watercourses in Wellesley Lorne Boyko, Fred Morison declaration ends Township and planting 20,000 trees between the fencing and the waterways. A Level 2 low water declaration that has been in • Friends of Mill Creek, a group in Puslinch effect for most of the summer was lifted on Oct. Township that has been working hard to 31. rehabilitate Mill Creek and has developed The Grand River Watershed Low Water the successful Mill Creek Rangers program. Response team decided to lift the declaration • Len and Sue King who have planted and because rivers and streams are returning to nor- nurtured 50,000 trees over many years to mal levels for this time of year. create a diverse Carolinian forest on their property south of Brantford. In early August the entire watershed was • Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada declared to be in a Level 2 condition under the which has adopted environmental sustain- Low Water Response Program. This meant that ability as part of its vision and made water users throughout the watershed on both lots of contributions of time and money

www.grandriver.ca Grand River Conservation Authority One Honour Roll Award and six Grand River Conservation Awards were given out by the GRCA in October. From left are Joe Farwell (GRCA CAO); Nick Dinka (GVTA president); Sarah, Sue and Len King; Mike Edwards (Waterloo Cattlemen's Association president); Brad Whitcombe (Friends of Mill Creek president); Jane Mitchell (GRCA chair); Doug Brock (GRCF chair); Rick Ludkin; Dan Potje (TMMC VP administration), Pete Leonard (TMMC manager of environmental engineering); and Rob Messier who received an award on behalf of Ken Rosin who was unable to attend.

to the environment Guelph. This award has been given out for • James McQueen Public School, Fergus • Ken Rosin who has worked closely with 13 years to a full-time student in their third • Onondaga-Brant Public School, Ducks Unlimited and the GRCA to or sixth semester of an honours program at a Brantford develop several wetlands on property watershed university. • Sir Adam Beck Public School, Baden near the headwaters of the Grand River and has also planted 12 acres of trees. • Ryerson Public School, Cambridge • William G. Davis Public School, Awards are given out each fall as they have GRCF gives out Cambridge been since 1976. More information and conservation grants videos are available on the GRCA website: • St. Theresa of Avila Elementary School, Elmira www.grandriver.ca/award. The Grand River Conservation Founda- tion awarded a Community Conservation • Driftwood Park Public School, Grant to Pollination Guelph. Kitchener Three scholarships Pollination Guelph is dedicated to the con- awarded by GRCF servation and development of pollinator habitat. Pollinators such as native bees and The Grand River Conservation Founda- butterflies are dramatically declining. Polli- tion awarded three scholarships in October. nation Guelph promotes awareness about This was the first year that the Allan protecting and enhancing pollinator habitat. This issue of GRCA Minutes was pub- Holmes Scholarship has been awarded. This With their good work our communities have lished in November 2012. was presented by Shirley Ann Holmes and seen that small-scale pollinator-friendly gar- dens or farms enhance our environment. It is a summary of the October 2012 Steve Gemmell. The recipient is Cailey business conducted by the Grand River McCutcheon, a University of Waterloo stu- The grant will be used to expand pollina- Conservation Authority board and com- dent in civil engineering and environmental tor habitat on the Trans Canada Trail in mittees as well as other noteworthy science. The $5,000 scholarship will help Guelph. happenings and topics of interest. McCutcheon with her river-related research. In addition conservation grants of $500 The Grand River Conservation Authority The McEwen Clean Water Prize was each are being provided to eight schools. welcomes the photocopying, given out for the second time by Murray forwarding and distribution of GRCA The schools will use their grants for a vari- McEwen, a long-time supporter of the GRCF Minutes. who lives near the Eramosa River. The ety of projects including school-based gar- $1,500 prize was presented to Jane Simmons, dens, outdoor learning areas and educational Reports mentioned in the GRCA Min- a geography student at the University of conservation projects. utes are available online at www.grandriver.ca/MeetingReports. Guelph. These grants are being presented at each The S. C. Johnson & Son Limited scholar- school during this school year. The winning For information about coming events, please see ship of $1,500 went to Ryan Sullivan, a schools are: www.grandriver.ca/Calendar. chemistry student at the University of • Southridge Public School, Kitchener

PO Box 729, 400 Clyde Road, Cambridge, Ontario N1R 5W6 (519) 621-2761 Follow the GRCA: