Introduction to Your Local Conservation Authorities

Elizabeth VanHooren Conservation AuthorSty

Jerry Campbell

Presentation Overview:

1 Part of the collection of 36 Conservation Authorities in

*Local CAS

Conservation Authorities Act- 1946 Founding Principles 1. Watershed Jurisdiction _.7 Shared Costs 3. Local Initiative

2 r Why Watershed Jurisdiction? Pros: - Allows for management of the entire surface water system - There is always someone downstream - water doesn't respect political boundaries - Sense of commitment to the overall system Cons: - Difficult for municipalities and the public to grasp - Municipalities split by watersheds

Shared Costs Originally 50% Provincial - 50 % Municipal Mid 90s Shift - withdrawal of Provincial share More municipal investment needed Diversification of revenues has been required

3 Local Initiative

Local municipalities have to request a conservation authority UTRCA formed in 1947, KCCA in 1965, LTVCA in 1961 Municipalities have representatives on the Board of Directors Board sets overall policy direction: - Responsive to local issues and concerns - Meet on a monthly basis - Day to day operations by staff within the overall policy set by the Board Municipal representation is calculated on the basis of population

* Outlet of Upper Watershed Headwaters for Kettle Creek and Lower Thames

4 What We Do: 1. Protect life and property fror flood and erosion. 2. Protect and enhance water qua I ity . 3. Protect and manage natura areas.

1. Protect Life and Property from Flood and Erosion Dams and Dykes- Fanshawe Dam, Wildwood Dam, Pittock Dam, West London Dykes, etc. Have protected London from what would have been devastating floods for over 50 years 6 significant flood disasters averted > $100 million in structure replacement value on-going need for capital maintenance, repair and adaptation to new standards resulting from climate

5 1. Protect Life and Property from Flood and Erosion (continued) Keeping people out of harm’s way- Flood plain, erosion and shoreline regulations * Protect people and property up to the 1 :250year flood event Flood forecasting and warning * Education Programs Climate Change research

2. Protect and Enhance Water Quality I Monitoring- -200 sites annually (chemistry, bacteria, benthics, fish, groundwater) ReDort Cards- Summaw of overall watershed health I

6 Water Diversion (116)

Wellhead Protection (31 Well Decommissioning (409)

Septic Systems Erosion Control (403)

Fuel 8 Chemical Storage (35) Nutrient Management Plana (7

12. Protect and Enhance Water Quality (cont'd) I

I Tree Plantina"\ (combined >250.000trees Plantedhear) I - I

7 ~ 3. Protect and Manage Natural Areas

3. Protect and Manage Natural Areas (cont’d)

UTRCA manages 7 of London’s ESA’s under agreement with the City-

8 4. Provide Outdoor Recreation

45 Conservation Areas available Serviced campgrounds (e.g., Fanshawe, Wildwood, Lake Whittaker) Day use areas, trails, boating, fishing, biking > '/z million visitors annually

Economic spin-offs

W~.nwmNVw. Kettle Creek ---Conlo,..ll*" *"I

9 Board of Directors

Conservation No. of Board No. of London Authoritv members Members

9 Governed by individual Boards of Directors LTVCA 12 1 Members are appointed by UTRCA 15 I 4 municipalities .Autonomous body with levy powers

10 Conservation Authority Budgets

London's Share= $2.8 million

Questions?

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