Authority Meeting Agenda

SAUGEEN VALLEY CONSERVATION AUTHORITY AUTHORITY MEETING Thursday December 3, 2020 1:00 p.m.

AGENDA AMENDED, DECEMBER 1, 2020

1. Adoption of Agenda

2. Declaration of Pecuniary Interest

3. Approval of Minutes - Authority Meeting November 5, 2020– attached

4. Matters Arising from the Minutes a. Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic Response Update – Jennifer Stephens b. Conservation Authorities Act Update – Jennifer Stephens c. Section 28 Violations Report – Erik Downing – attached

5. Consent Agenda a. Correspondence – attached b. Finance Report – attached c. Program Report – attached d. News Articles for Members’ information – attached

6. New Business a. 2021 Meeting Schedule – Janice Hagan – attached b. Operational Hours – Christmas 2020 – Jennifer Stephens – attached c. Proposed Amendments to Environmental Planning and Regulations Policies Manual, May 2017 – Erik Downing – attached d. Strategic Plan, Rebranding, Website Redesign Initiatives – Jennifer Stephens – attached

7. Other Business

Adjournment AGENDA

SAUGEEN VALLEY CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

Conservation through Cooperation MINUTES

MEETING: Authority Meeting DATE: Thursday November 5, 2020 TIME: 1:00 p.m. LOCATION: Electronic

CHAIR: Dan Gieruszak

MEMBERS PRESENT: Maureen Couture, Mark Davis, Barbara Dobreen, Mark Goetz, Cheryl Grace, Tom Hutchinson, Mike Myatt, Sue Paterson, Diana Rae, Christine Robinson, Bill Stewart

ABSENT WITH REGRETS: Paul Allen, Steve McCabe, Don Murray

OTHERS PRESENT: Glen Norcliffe, Kincardine Ski Club Jennifer Stephens, General Manager/Secretary Treasurer Laura Molson, Manager, Accounting Erik Downing, Manager, Environmental Planning & Regulations JoAnne Harbinson, Manager, Water Resources & Stewardship Services Donna Lacey, Manager, Forestry and Lands Shaun Anthony, Flood Warning/Water Quality Coordinator Janice Hagan, Administrative Assistant/Recording Secretary

Chair Dan Gieruszak, called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m.

1. Adoption of Agenda An amended agenda had been forwarded to the Members prior to the meeting. MOTION #G20-89 Moved by Mike Myatt Seconded by Barbara Dobreen THAT the agenda be adopted as amended. CARRIED

2. Declaration of Pecuniary Interest No persons declared a pecuniary interest relative to any item on the agenda. Authority Meeting – November 5, 2020

3. Minutes of the Authority Meeting – October 1, 2020 MOTION #G20-90 Moved by Maureen Couture Seconded by Cheryl Grace THAT the minutes of the Authority meeting, held October 1, 2020 be approved as circulated. CARRIED

4. Presentation – Glen Norcliffe, Stoney Island Ski Club Glen Norcliffe presented to the Authority a history of the Stoney Island Conservation Area. He noted that the property was acquired by SVCA in 1973. In 1995, SVCA considered selling the property, however, it was agreed that the Kincardine Ski Club would maintain the trails on a volunteer basis if the property was retained by SVCA. This arrangement continues to the present. According to records kept by the club, there has been approximately 5,900 volunteer hours contributed to the maintenance of the property since 1997. These volunteers clear the trails each year, including removal of tree branches and rocks, and make improvements according to standards set by SVCA. Bridges have been built and maintained, and the Russel Municipal Drain has been kept clear. The club welcomes school groups to the area and has a ski loan program. Mr. Norcliffe told the Authority that the club activities support SVCA under the Conservation Authorities Act as it relates to natural hazards, the conservation and management of lands, and to the duties, functions, and responsibilities of the Authority. The Members thanked Mr. Norcliffe for the presentation.

5. Matters Arising from the Minutes a. Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic Response Update

Jennifer Stephens, GM/S-T, reviewed the protocols set in place in adherence to regional guidelines. She told the members the Administration office will be opening to the public by appointment on November 9, 2020 and noted that there has been no interruption in services during closure. Staff are screened upon entrance to the Administration Office and schedules have been created for working on a rotational basis. Staff continue to maintain social distancing, wearing of masks, and have implemented disinfection strategies. The Members requested that notification of office opening be sent to the municipal clerks and be posted on social media.

b. 2021 Draft Budget Review

Laura Molson summarized the Draft Proposed 2021 Budget report and noted that at the Authority’s direction, Staff had made changes such that the levy increase would be 1.6%. Changes incorporated include a reduction of expenses in Community Relations, Environmental Planning & Regulations, Non- Revenue Parks and Lands Management, and GIS/IT, as well as an increased use of reserves. The Members discussed staff cost of living and grid increases and requested that a separate report on salary compensation and performance evaluation be submitted to the Board of Directors.

After further discussion, the following motion was passed:

Authority Meeting – November 5, 2020

MOTION #G20-91 Moved by Maureen Couture Seconded by Mark Davis THAT the SVCA Board of Directors approve a general levy increase of 1.6% for the 2021 draft budget in principle; and further

THAT Staff be authorized to forward the draft budget to the Authority’s watershed municipalities for a 30- day review. CARRIED

c. 2021 Fee Schedule Laura Molson presented the draft User Fee Schedule for 2021. The Forestry fees will be set when pricing from tree nurseries has been received. Laura noted that it was proposed to maintain the 2020 camping fees as per the Parks Committee recommendations. The Members discussed setting the camping fees before seasonal contracts are circulated in successive years.

After further discussion, the following motion was passed:

MOTION #G20-92 Moved by Maureen Couture Seconded by Cheryl Grace THAT the 2021 User Fee Schedule, presented November 5, 2020, be adopted. CARRIED

6. Consent Agenda

MOTION #G20-93 Moved by Barbara Dobreen Seconded by Tom Hutchinson THAT the reports, Minutes, and information contained in the Consent Agenda, [items 6a-g], along with their respective recommended motions be accepted as presented. CARRIED

7. Closed Session

MOTION #G20-94 Moved by Sue Paterson Seconded by Christine Robinson THAT the Authority move to Closed Session, In Camera, to discuss personal matters about identifiable individuals; and further

THAT Jennifer Stephens, Laura Molson, and Janice Hagan remain in the meeting. CARRIED

Bill Stewart left the meeting at 2:45 p.m.

Authority Meeting – November 5, 2020

MOTION #G20-97 Moved by Barbara Dobreen Seconded by Mark Goetz THAT the Authority adjourn from Closed Session, In Camera, and rise and report. CARRIED

There was nothing to report from the Closed Session.

8. New Business a. Section 28 Violations Report

The Members discussed the Section 28 Violations Report as submitted by Erik Downing.

After discussion, the following motion was passed:

MOTION #G20-98 Moved by Sue Paterson Seconded by Maureen Couture THAT the status of current violations be received. CARRIED

b. SVCA Plan Review Service Agreements – Update Brandi Walter reviewed the Plan Review Service Agreements report and gave an updated status of the existing and on-going negotiations.

After further discussion, the following motion was carried:

MOTION #G20-99 Moved by Mark Goetz Seconded by Cheryl Grace THAT Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority continues Plan Review Service Agreement negotiations with member municipalities.

AND THAT agreements dated earlier than 2017 may be deemed null and void at a later date with appropriate notification.

AND FURTHER THAT the target date to have updated Plan Review Service Agreement in place with member municipalities is June 2021. CARRIED

c. Well Upgrade and Decommissioning Program

Jo-Anne Harbinson presented the report on the proposed Well Upgrade and Decommissioning Program. It was noted that the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) had committed $50,000 in funding support. The Members commended Staff for developing and implementing the program.

Authority Meeting – November 5, 2020

After discussion, the following motion was passed:

MOTION #G20-100 Moved by Mike Myatt Seconded by Tom Hutchinson THAT the SVCA Board of Directors endorse the establishment of a Well Upgrade and Decommissioning Program using funds provided by the Nuclear Waste Management Organization;

AND FURTHER THAT Staff be directed to pursue longer term funding opportunities to sustain the continuation of this Program beyond 2022. CARRIED

d. Revisions to Committee Terms of Reference

The GM/S-T told the Authority that Staff recommend updating the Terms of Reference for each of the five committees. Staff will present the updated documents at the February 2021 Authority meeting and upon approval would be posted on the SVCA website.

MOTION #G20-101 Moved by Cheryl Grace Seconded by Mike Myatt THAT the Board of Directors direct Staff to work collaboratively with current members of the SVCA’s Committees to finalize a Terms of Reference outlining responsibilities and operational procedures;

AND THAT each Terms of Reference have a clause requiring that invitations be sent to Directors when the Committee is meeting within their municipality;

AND FURTHER THAT the Terms of Reference be brought before the Board of Directors at their February 2021 meeting.

CARRIED

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m. on motion of Maureen Couture and Barbara Dobreen.

______Dan Gieruszak Janice Hagan Chair Recording Secretary

AGENDA

1078 Bruce Road 12, P.O. Box 150, Formosa ON Canada N0G 1W0 Tel 519-367-3040, Fax 519-367-3041, [email protected], www.svca.on.ca

TO: Chair and Directors, Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority

FROM: Erik Downing, Manager, Environmental Planning and Regulations

DATE: November 26, 2020

SUBJECT: Violations Report

PURPOSE: To provide an update on the status of violations under Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority’s Regulation 169/06: Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses, as amended Regulation

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT staff continue to work towards the resolution of outstanding violations, while prioritizing those that have the most likelihood of resulting in the risk to life and property.

BACKGROUND

At its meeting held on August 6, 2020, the Board of Directors (hereafter referred to as the Board) received an update on the status of outstanding violations. By Motion #G20-69, the Board agreed to receive a report of outstanding violations regularly.

ANALYSIS

Since the last meeting (November 5, 2020), the following violation related activities have transpired:

Resolved Violations 1 New and Resolved Violations 0 New Violations 0 A summary of the outstanding violations is attached to this Report.

Approved By:

Erik Downing, Manager, Environmental Planning and Regulations

Approved By:

Jennifer Stephens, General Manager/Secretary-Treasurer

Geographic Reported to Severity of Works Statute of Limitations No. Township Nature of Violation SVCA Date (1Low-10High) (months remaining) 3 Kinloss Barn Addition May-17 5 Past 4 Huron Attached Garage May-17 2 Past 5 Huron Dwelling May-17 8 Past 6 Huron Shed May-17 5 Past 7 Huron Detached Garage May-17 2 Past 8 Huron Barn May-17 5 Past 9 Huron Coverall May-17 5 Past 10 Huron Fill in Floodplain May-17 2 Past 11 Huron Accessory Building May-17 5 Past 12 Huron Attached Garage May-17 5 Past 13 Huron Development May-17 5 Past 14 Kinloss Addition to Dwelling May-17 8 Past 15 Huron Dwelling and Deck May-17 8 Past 16 Greenock PSW removed Apr-18 5 Past 17 Greenock PSW Removed Apr-18 5 Past 18 Paisley Fill in Floodplain 20-Apr-15 8 Past 19 Bruce Fill in Floodplain 27-Jun-16 2 Past 20 Normanby Fill in Floodplain, removal of wetland 24-May-18 7 Past 21 Egremont Development adjacent to PSW 4-Oct-18 2 2 months 22 Bentinck Draining wetland 9-Oct-18 5 2 months 23 Bentinck Fill in Floodplain 2-Jul-19 2 12 months 24 Arthur Tile Drainage in Regulated Area 6-Feb-20 2 19 months 25 Clifford Fill in Floodplain (driveway improvements) 19-May-20 2 22 months 26 Glenelg Watercourse Alteration 22-May-20 7 22 months 27 Artemesia Fill and development adjacent to wetland 25-May-20 5 22 months 28 Elderslie Fill in Floodplain 15-Jun-18 5 Past 29 Huron restoration withour permission 30-Sep-20 6 23 months 30 Brant Replacing retaining wall 18-Aug-20 2 22 months 31 Kinloss Road or trail in "sensitive area" 17-Aug-20 4 22 months 32 Kinloss Fill in swamp 13-Jul-20 4 21 months 33 Culross Proposed shed 9-Jul-20 2 21 months 34 Huron Replacing gabion baskets 26-Jun-20 6 20 months 35 Huron New retaining wall on property 18-Jun-20 8 20 months 36 Huron Report of renovations and new deck closer to lake 25-May-20 4 19 months 37 Brant Anonymous reporting of sea can and addition to barn 8-May-20 4 19 months 38 Egremont Structure in flood hazard 16-Mar-20 4 17 months 39 Proton Structure in area adjacent to wetland; wetland & Watercourse alteration 11-Feb-20 6 16 months Ontario Regulation 169/06, As Amended - Violations Report December 2020 Resolved Violation New and Resolved Violation New Violation

Geographic Reported to Severity of Works Statute of Limitations No. Township Nature of Violation SVCA Date (1Low-10High) (months remaining) 40 Egremont watercourse alteration 3/Feb/20 6 16 months 41 Chesley Pavilion not built to permit conditions in flood hazard 14-Jan-20 8 15 months 42 Huron Unauthorized development in dynamic beach 10-Jan-20 4 15 months 43 Huron Shore deck in dynamic beach 2-Dec-19 2 14 months 44 Egremont shed in flood and erosion hazard 21-Nov-19 8 13 months 45 Kinloss LSW alteration 30-Oct-19 6 12 months 46 Proton wetland removal 18-Sep-19 6 11 months 47 Egremont wetland filling; unauthorized structures 30-Aug-19 ? 10 months 48 Minto PSW removal 30-Aug-19 6 10 months 49 Huron structures in dynamic beach 23-Aug-19 2 10 months 50 Huron unauthorized dwelling in flood hazard 15-Aug-19 6 10 months 51 Huron unauthorized structure in dynamic beach 13-Aug-19 2 10 months 52 Egremont wetland alteration 12-Aug-19 6 10 months 53 Brant Structures adjacent to wetland; wetland filling; structures altered adjacent to Pearl Lake 11-Aug-19 6 10 months 54 Proton Wetland removal 9-Aug-19 8 10 months 55 Walkerton watercourse alteration (asphalt on banks) 30-Jul-19 2 9 months 56 Huron unauthorized structures in dynamic beach 17-Jul-19 6 9 months 57 Huron shore deck in dynamic beach 17-Jul-19 4 9 months 58 Proton file in wetland 16/Jul/19 2 9 months 59 Huron unauthorized structure in dynamic beach 9-Jul-19 6 9 months 60 Huron unauthorized structures within dynamic beach 5-Jul-19 6 9 months 61 Greenock wetland removal 3-Jul-19 8 9 months 62 Greenock unauthorized culvert placed in watercourse 28-Jun-19 6 8 months 63 Carrick Installation of laneway, added fill adjacent to wetland 28-Jun-19 4 8 months 64 Egremont unauthorized structure in flood hazard; adjacent to wetland 25-Jun-19 4 8 months 65 Egremont Potential PSW disruption 6/Jun/19 ? 8 months 66 Huron unauthorized fill placed in flood hazard 3-Jun-19 6 8 months 67 Proton unauthorized structures in flood hazard 29-Apr-19 6 6 months 68 Carrick wetland and watercourse alteration 2-Apr-19 6 6 months 69 Greenock wetland alteration 1-Apr-19 6 6 months 70 Brant unauthorized works 16/Aug/17 2 Past 71 Huron structure at top of slope 20/Nov/18 8 1 month 72 Proton wetland alteration 18/Oct/18 8 Past 73 Walkerton various - structure and fill in flood hazard 4/May/16 2 Ongoing 74 Greenock tile drainage and watercourse enclosure 19/Dec/16 10 Past 75 Minto fill in floodplain 5/Jul/18 10 Past 76 Proton unauthorized culvert adjacent to PSW 3/May/18 4 Past Ontario Regulation 169/06, As Amended - Violations Report December 2020 Resolved Violation New and Resolved Violation New Violation

Geographic Reported to Severity of Works Statute of Limitations No. Township Nature of Violation SVCA Date (1Low-10High) (months remaining) 77 Normanby fill; wetland and watercourse alteration 6/Mar/18 8 Past 78 West Luther PSW removal 9/Jan/18 6 Past 79 Egremont PSW removal 22/Sep/17 Past 80 Artemesia watercourse rerouted 8/Aug/17 6 Past 81 Greenock wetland alteration 6/Apr/17 6 Past 82 Greenock deck in flood hazard 4/Apr/17 2 Past 83 Carrick wetland removal 16/Dec/16 6 Past 84 Arthur Wetland removal 13/Nov/16 2 Past 85 Egremont building adjacent to wetland 1/Jul/16 4 Past 86 Egremont/Southgatewetland alteration 29/May/15 ? Past 87 Greenock dam/watercourse alteration without proper approvals 1/Jan/14 6 Past 88 Hanover Fill in Regulated Area 28-Apr-20 2 18 months 89 Paisley Dwelling in floodplain 11-Mar-20 8 17 months 90 Artemesia Watercourse Alteration and Wetland Interference 21-Nov-19 5 13 months 91 Bentinck Grading/filling in floodplain, wetland interference 27-Sep-19 3 11 months 92 Sullivan Fill in Wetland 26-Aug-19 5 10 months 93 Durham Deck and stairs in floodplain 20-Aug-19 3 10 months 94 Southampton Gabion Basket shore protection and shoreline retaining wall and fill 22-Jul-19 3 9 months 95 Artemesia Watercourse alteration and wetland interference 3-May-19 4 7 months 96 Normanby Pond cleanout in regulated area 19-Dec-18 2 2 months 97 Holland Fill in wetland 8-Nov-18 5 4 months 98 Elderslie Structures in floodplain 4-Oct-18 7 3 months 99 Sullivan Steambank excavation 17-Aug-18 7 Past 100 Southampton Sunroom addition on oversteepened slope 13-Aug-18 7 Past 101 Normanby Streambank alteration and fill in floodplain 9-Jul-18 5 Past 102 Bentinck Garden shed and cottage/shack constructed in floodplain 13-Oct-17 7 Past 103 Saugeen Site alteration 27-Jul-20 3 20 months 104 Proton Placement of fill/debris in wetland 22-Sep-20 3 23 months 105 Artemesia Watercourse enclosure 14-Oct-20 3 24 months 106 Bentinck Fill in floodplain 23-Sep-20 9 23 months 107 Artemesia Watercourse alteration 24-Sep-20 5 23 months 108 Southampton Wetland alteration, filling 21-Aug-20 4 22 months 109 Saugeen Shoreline alteration 17-Jul-20 1 21 months 110 Bentinck Watercourse alteration 4-Aug-20 1 22 months 111 Bentinck Watercourse alteration 21-Aug-20 6 22 months 112 Southampton Stairs on slope 15-Jul-20 4 21 months 113 Southampton slope alteration 15-Jul-20 3 21 months AGENDA Town of Saugeen Shores Resolution

Nov. 23, 2020

Motion to Support Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA) Resolution Regarding Proposed Amendments to the Conservation Authorities Act and the Planning Act in Schedule 6 of Bill 229

Moved by: Mike Myatt

Seconded by: Cheryl Grace

WHEREAS members of the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority passed the following resolution on November 20, 2020; and

WHEREAS Bill 229, Protect, Support and Recover from COVID-19 Act, (Budget Measures), 2020 was introduced on November 5, 2020 and is expected to be approved by December 10, 2020;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Town of Saugeen Shores supports the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority resolution outlined below; and

THAT the Clerk send copies of this resolution to the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority, the Premier of Ontario, the Ontario Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, the Ontario Minister of Finance, and MPPs Lisa Thompson and Bill Walker.

WHEREAS the province has introduced Bill 229, Protect, Support and Recover from COVID-19 Act - Schedule 6 - Conservation Authorities Act; and

WHEREAS the Legislation introduces a number of changes and new sections that could remove and/or signiﬁcantly hinder the conservation authorities’ role in regulating development, permit appeal process and engaging in review and appeal of planning applications; and

WHEREAS conservation authorities protect residents, property and local natural resources on a watershed basis by regulating development and engaging in reviews of applications submitted under the Planning Act; and

WHEREAS the changes allow the Minister to make decisions without SVCA watershed data and expertise and consistency with policies and guidelines; and

WHEREAS the Legislation suggests that the Minister will have the ability to establish standards and requirements for non-mandatory programs which are negotiated between the conservation authorities and municipalities to meet local watershed needs; and

WHEREAS SVCA and municipalities require a longer transition time to put in place new budgets as well as agreements for non-mandatory programs; and

WHEREAS the appointment of municipal representatives on CA Boards should be a municipal decision; and the Chair and Vice Chair of the CA Board should be duly elected; and WHEREAS the changes to the ‘Duty of Members’ contradicts the ﬁduciary duty of a CA board member to represent the best interests of the conservation authority and its responsibility to the watershed; and

WHEREAS conservation authorities have already been working with the Province, development sector and municipalities to streamline and speed up permitting and planning approvals through Conservation Ontario’s Client Service and Streamlining initiative; and

WHEREAS changes to the legislation will create more red tape and costs for the conservation authorities, and their municipal partners, and potentially result in delays in the development approval process; and

WHEREAS the province has made changes to the legislation that will limit the ability of SVCA to ensure compliance with the Act and our policies by not including stop-work orders and modifying powers to enter property potentially resulting in more legal action; and

WHEREAS all watershed residents and municipalities value and rely on the natural habitats and water resources within our jurisdiction for their health and well-being as well as SVCA’s work to prevent and manage the impacts of ﬂooding and other natural hazards and to ensure safe drinking water;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Province of Ontario work with conservation authorities to address their concerns by repealing and/or amending changes to the Conservation Authorities Act and the Planning Act; and

THAT the Province of Ontario provide a longer transition period up at least to December 2022 for non-mandatory programs to enable coordination of CA-municipal budget processes; and

THAT the province respects the current conservation authority - municipal relationships; and

THAT the province embraces their long-standing partnership with conservation authorities and provide them with the tools and ﬁnancial resources they need to eﬀectively implement their watershed management role. P a g e | 1

November 18, 2020

Doug Ford, Premier Legislative Building Queen's Park Toronto ON M7A 1A1 Sent via email: [email protected]

To whom it may concern:

Re: Grey Highlands Council resolution re: Bill 229

Please be advised that the following resolution was passed at the November 18, 2020 meeting of the Council of the Municipality of Grey Highlands.

2020-747 Cathy Little, Dane Nielsen Whereas the Province has introduced Bill 229, Protect, Support and Recover from COVID 19 Act - Schedule 6 – Conservation Authorities Act; and Whereas the Legislation introduces a number of changes and new sections that could remove and/or significantly hinder the conservation authorities’ role in regulating development, permit appeal process and engaging in review and appeal of planning applications; and Whereas we, the Municipality of Grey Highlands, rely on the watershed expertise provided by local conservation authorities to protect residents, property and local natural resources on a watershed basis by regulating development and engaging in reviews of applications submitted under the Planning Act; and Whereas the changes allow the Minister to make decisions without CA watershed data and expertise; and Whereas the Legislation suggests that the Minister will have the ability to establish standards and requirements for non-mandatory programs which are negotiated between the conservation authorities and municipalities to meet local watershed needs; and Whereas these proposed changes will impact Ontario’s ability to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change by undermining the work of conservation authorities to keep development out of high risk areas and protect natural infrastructure; and Whereas municipalities require a longer transition time to put in place agreements with conservation authorities for non-mandatory programs; and Whereas municipalities believe that the appointment of municipal representatives on conservation authority Boards should be a municipal decision; and the Chair and Vice Chair of the conservation authority Board should be elected as per the discretion of the conservation authority Board; and

The Municipality of Grey Highlands  206 Toronto Street South, Unit One P.O. Box 409 Markdale, Ontario N0C 1H0 519-986-2811 Toll-Free 1-888-342-4059 Fax 519-986-3643  www.greyhighlands.ca  [email protected] P a g e | 2

Whereas the changes to the ‘Duty of Members’ contradicts the fiduciary duty of a conservation authority board member to represent the best interests of the conservation authority and its responsibility to the watershed; and Whereas conservation authorities have already been working with the Province, development sector and municipalities to streamline and speed up permitting and planning approvals through Conservation Ontario’s Client Service and Streamlining Initiative; and Whereas changes to the legislation will create more administrative burden and costs for the conservation authorities, and their municipal partners, and potentially result in delays in the development approval process; and Whereas the combined contribution of municipal levy and self-generated revenues support 93% of the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority budget; and Whereas the Provincial contribution to this budget is 7%, the majority of which is for Drinking Water Source Protection; and Whereas municipalities value and rely on the natural habitats and water resources within our jurisdiction for the health and well-being of residents; municipalities value the conservation authorities’ work to prevent and manage the impacts of flooding and other natural hazards; and municipalities value the conservation authority’s work to ensure safe drinking water; now

Therefore be it resolved that the Province of Ontario work with conservation authorities to address their concerns by removing Schedule 6 from Bill 229 which affects changes to the Conservation Authorities Act and the Planning Act; and That the Province of Ontario delay enactment of clauses affecting municipal concerns; and That the Province of Ontario provide a longer transition period up to December 2022 for non-mandatory programs to enable coordination of conservation authority-municipal budget processes; and That the Province respect the current conservation authority/municipal relationships; and That the Province embrace their long-standing partnership with the conservation authorities and provide them with the tools and financial resources they need to effectively implement their watershed management role. CARRIED.

Sincerely,

Raylene Martell Director of Legislative Services/Municipal Clerk Municipality of Grey Highlands

Cc: Hon. Rod Phillips, Minister of Finance ([email protected]) Hon. Jeff Yurek, Minister of Environment Conservation and Parks ([email protected]) Hon. John Yakabuski, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry ([email protected]) Hon Bill Walker, MPP ([email protected]); Conservation Ontario ([email protected]); Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority ([email protected]) Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority ([email protected]) Grey Sauble Conservation Authority ([email protected]) All Ontario Municipalities

November 27, 2020

To all Dufferin County municipalities

RE: Concern about Bill 229 and impact on Conservation Authorities

Conservation Authorities (CAs) are unique to Ontario. While other agencies aimed at conservation and watershed management exist across the country, Ontario is the only province that has promoted the establishment of conservation authorities through legislation and financial support. Today, over 95 percent of Ontario’s population lives within the borders of a conservation authority’s jurisdiction. Ontario CAs protect and manage the impacts on our natural resources in partnership with residents, businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and all levels of government.

While we certainly agree that Ontario should be home to a prosperous economy, with jobs close to home and housing that is attainable we understand that we cannot achieve our ambitions without a healthy environment.

Bill 229, Protect, Support and Recover from COVID-19 Act (Budget Measures), 2020 significantly limits or completely changes the role of conservation authorities to protect Ontario’s environment and ensure people and property are safe from flooding and other natural hazards. The changes risk watering down or limiting the conservation authorities’ ability to ensure a watershed-based approach needed to conserve and restore Ontario’s important natural resources.

In 2006, the Highland Companies, funded by a Boston based hedgefund Baupost, represented by civil engineer John Lowndes, started buying up properties in the Melancthon area (100km North of Toronto), eventually accumulating 8,500 acres of farmland – purportedly for growing potatoes. But, after the company started drilling in the area, local people became suspicious and began organizing. At the time Baupost had assets worth 23 billion dollars.

In 2009, Highland revealed plans for the mega-quarry at a public meeting. In March 2011, Highland filed its application with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) to excavate 2,400 acres of prime agricultural land located at the headwaters of five major rivers. This area is in the Grand River Conservation Authority Region where more than 1 million people rely on source water.

When completed, the mega-quarry was to have been the second largest quarry in North America. It would have extend ed 200 feet below the water table, with the company pumping out 600 million litres of groundwater daily in order to excavate the aggregates (rock and gravel) used to make concrete.

Citizens mobilized and were very effective in stopping this, but what really helped seal its fate was a technical report prepared by SLR dated May 2014 for the Grand River Conservation Authority (copy attached). Several issues were identified in this report including, “insufficient investigation”, “insufficient address of potential impacts to the environment”, “does not allow for informed decisions”. The fact that no legislation has changed to protect prime agricultural land and source water, this report is the only thing that will prohibit someone from filing for a license for this exact aggregate operation.

OUR ASK: • Repeal Schedule 6 of the Budget Measures Act (Bill 229) • Continue to work with conservation authorities to find workable solutions to reduce red tape and create conditions for growth • Respect the current conservation authority/municipal relationships • Embrace their long-standing partnership with the conservation authorities and provide them with the tools and financial resources they need to effectively implement their watershed management role

Submitted on behalf of the Board by Karren Wallace, Chair North Dufferin Agricultural and Community Taskforce (NDACT)

Box 875 Shelburne, ON L9V 3M1 [email protected]

CC: Premier Doug Ford Minister of Environment and Conservation and Parks Minister of Finance Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Sylvia Jones, MPP Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority Credit Valley Conservation Grand River Conservation Authority Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority Toronto Region Conservation Authority Conservation Ontario Simcoe County Greenbelt Coalition AWARE Simcoe Environmental Defence

BACKGROUND - NDACT North Dufferin Agricultural and Community Taskforce (NDACT) is a grassroots group formed in 2009 by local farmers and residents to defend Melancthon’s prime farmland at the headwaters of 5 rivers from a proposed mega-quarry. An outline of the proposal is attached as Schedule A. After a successful campaign, NDACT continues to fight for farmland and source water by developing awareness, encouraging people power, and by promoting better legislation. Food & Water First is a campaign of NDACT.

FACTS: “Only about 10,800 hectares of the 56,200 hectares available was developed between 2006 and 2016-leaving 80% of land still available.” (source: Neptis Foundation) “Ontario is home to almost 46,900 farms that grow more than 200 agricultural commodities. Ontario’s family farm and food processing businesses contributed $47.5 billion each year to the province’s economy supports 837,000 jobs. Agriculture and agri-food processors are the number one economic contributor to Ontario’s overall economy. (Source: October 7, 2019 Province of Ontario news release)

“…prime agricultural lands, Classes 1, 2, and 3 and specialty croplands, are a very limited resource in Canada. Only 5% of the Canadian land mass is made up of prime land. Only 0.5% of it is Class 1. 50% of that land is in Southern Ontario and 20% of that is Class 1-the best of the best and extremely rare. (Source: http://www.neptis.org/publications/agriculture-central- zone/chapters/where-are-significant-agricultural-lands-located) The Corporation of THE TOWNSHIP OF MELANCTHON 157101 Highway 10, Melancthon, Ontario, L9V 2E6

Telephone - (519) 925-5525 Website: www.melancthontownship.ca Fax No. - (519) 925-1110 Email:[email protected]

November 30, 2020

Legislative Assembly of Ontario Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs 99 Wellesley Street West Room 1405 Whitney Block Queen’s Park Toronto, Ontario M7A 1A2

Attention: Julia Douglas, Clerk

Dear Ms. Douglas:

Re: Schedule 6 of Bill 229 and Conservation Authorities

The Township of Melancthon is a member of three Conservation Authorities – Nottawasaga Valley, Grand River and Saugeen Valley and we value the services provided by these Conservation Authorities.

The Township relies on their expertise to protect the health and well-being of our residents, values their work to prevent and manage the impacts of flooding and other natural hazards, and values their work to ensure that we all have safe drinking water.

There are a number of issues/concerns that the Township would like to outline regarding Bill 229, Protect, Support and Recover from COVID 19 Act, Schedule 6, Conservation Authorities Act, and these are noted below:

- there are a number of changes and new sections that could remove and/or significantly hinder the Conservation Authority’s role in regulating development, the permit appeal process and engaging in review and appeal of planning applications. The Township relies on the watershed expertise that is provided by the local Conservation Authorities, as we could not possibly afford to hire our own engineers, planners, ecologists, hydrogeologists, etc., to do the work that the Conservation Authorities do for us, when reviewing applications submitted under the Planning Act.

. . .2 - 2 -

- there are changes to the Act that will allow the Minster to make decisions without Conservation Authority data and expertise and that the Minister will have the ability to establish standards and requirements for non-mandatory programs which are negotiated between the Conservation Authorities and Municipalities to meet local watershed needs.

- the Township believes that the appointment of municipal representatives on Conservation Authority Boards should be a municipal decision, and the Chair and Vice Chair of the Conservation Authority be duly elected.

- the changes to the ‘Duty of Members’ contradicts the fiduciary duty of a Conservation Authority Board member to represent the best interests of the Conservation Authority and its responsibility to the watershed.

- the changes to the legislation will create more red tape and costs for the Conservation Authorities, their Municipal partners and potentially result in delays in the development approval process.

In closing, I request that the Province of Ontario remove Schedule 6 of the Act in its entirety, and debate it on its own merit. I would ask that the Province continue to work with the Conservation Authorities to find a workable solution to reduce red tape and create conditions of growth. I would also request that the Province respects the current Conservation Authority and Municipal relationships, and that the Province embrace their long-standing partnership with the Conservation Authorities and provide them with the tools and financial resources they need to effectively implement their watershed management role.

Respectfully,

Darren White, Mayor c. Honourable Doug Ford, Premier Honourable Sylvia Jones, Solicitor General, MPP Dufferin Caledon Honourable Rod Phillips, Minister of Finance Honourable Jeff Yurek, Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks Honourable John Yakabuski, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry Conservation Ontario Association of Municipalities of Ontario Rural Ontario Municipal Association Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority Grand River Conservation Authority Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority AGENDA

1078 Bruce Road 12, P.O. Box 150, Formosa ON Canada N0G 1W0 Tel 519-367-3040, Fax 519-367-3041, [email protected], www.svca.on.ca

Report To: Chair and Directors, Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority

From: Laura Molson, Manager, Corporate Services

Date: December 3, 2020

Subject: Finance Report

Recommendation:

THAT the Finance Report to August 31, 2020 be accepted as distributed.

ANALYSIS: General levy programs are currently showing a surplus due primarily to revenues generated in the Environmental Planning & Regulations department. Surpluses are expected to trend downward towards year end in these programs.

Non-levy programs are showing a surplus due to increased revenues in the campgrounds which are offset by a deficit in our Forestry program. Once forestry tender revenues are recognized for the year, we will see a rebound in this department.

Approved By:

Laura Molson Manager, Corporate Services

Approved By:

Jennifer Stephens General Manager / Secretary-Treasurer

Program Revenue Expenses

Approved Budget Actual % Actual/ Approved Budget Actual % Actual/ Surplus/ Budget YTD YTD Budget YTD Budget YTD YTD Budget YTD (Deficit) Administration 517,155 341,524 332,951 97% 517,155 348,700 353,495 101% (20,544)

Flood Warning 219,250 146,046 145,939 100% 219,250 145,789 134,022 92% 11,917

Water Management Flood Control Structures 163,600 109,064 112,067 103% 163,600 112,222 95,936 85% 16,131 Water Quality 100,890 67,472 67,540 100% 100,890 67,428 62,690 93% 4,850

Environmental Planning & Regulations 791,300 547,036 551,820 101% 791,300 526,464 506,640 96% 45,180

Information Technology & GIS 157,825 105,216 105,351 100% 157,825 106,972 93,784 88% 11,567

Community Relations Information 230,900 154,280 149,920 97% 230,900 164,820 153,262 93% (3,342) Education 93,300 65,796 47,949 73% 93,300 66,010 60,950 92% (13,001)

Land Management Non-Revenue Parks & Lands 136,550 93,050 94,235 101% 136,550 96,604 87,248 90% 6,987 Property Management 69,850 46,568 46,598 100% 69,850 46,969 47,131 100% (533)

Total - General Levy Programs 2,480,620 1,676,052 1,654,370 99% 2,480,620 1,681,978 1,595,158 95% 59,212 Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority Financial Report Non-General Levy Programs and Capital Projects August 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

Program Revenue Expenses

Approved Actual % Actual/ Approved Budget Actual % Actual/ Surplus/ Budget Budget YTD YTD Budget YTD Budget YTD YTD Budget YTD (Deficit) Land Management Revenue Parks: Brucedale C. A. 79,550 74,950 88,147 118% 57,000 43,280 48,857 113% 39,290 Durham C. A. 247,300 243,900 254,324 104% 234,000 178,105 153,623 86% 100,701 Saugeen Bluffs C.A. 268,200 250,150 310,034 124% 256,350 201,935 165,918 82% 144,116 Agricultural Lands 15,000 10,200 9,995 98% 8,800 7,750 4,224 55% 5,771 Motor Pool 158,000 115,950 118,031 102% 135,700 106,030 136,029 128% (17,998)

Forestry Services 404,500 204,000 77,885 38% 387,850 299,794 195,372 65% (117,487)

Capital Projects Water Management 10,000 - - 0% 10,000 - - 0% -

Total-Non General Levy & Capital Programs 1,182,550 899,150 858,416 95% 1,089,700 836,894 704,023 84% 154,393

Summary Total - General Levy Programs 2,480,620 1,676,052 1,654,370 99% 2,480,620 1,681,978 1,595,158 95% 59,212 Total-Non General Levy & Capital Programs 1,182,550 899,150 858,416 95% 1,089,700 836,894 704,023 84% 154,393 3,663,170 2,575,202 2,512,786 98% 3,570,320 2,518,872 2,299,181 91% 213,605

Budget YTD surplus/(deficit) 56,330

157,275 AGENDA

1078 Bruce Road 12, P.O. Box 150, Formosa ON Canada N0G 1W0 Tel 519-367-3040, Fax 519-367-3041, [email protected], www.svca.on.ca

Program Report December 3, 2020

Corporate Services

A major development since the last Board of Directors meeting was the release of proposed amendments to the Conservation Authorities Act in Bill 229: Protect, Support and Recover from COVID-19 Act (Budget Measures), 2020. Staff have participated in several General Manager Meetings, as well as a Communication Strategy Meeting to ensure consistency in messaging across the Province. All SVCA watershed municipalities have been requested to endorse the Resolution from the Board of Directors supporting the repeal of Schedule 6 of Bill 229. A Media Release is expected to be issued by November 27th, 2020. Several SVCA staff were encouraged to participate in the webinar hosted by the Canadian Environmental Law Association and Ontario Nature explaining the contents of Schedule 6 and the implications of the changes.

A draft Service Level Agreement (SLA) has been prepared by the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) and reviewed by SVCA staff. The Agreement will largely be based on the Scope of Work currently being developed by the NWMO. Once the scope is finalized, the parameters contained within the SLA will be solidified. A tentative date for having the SLA in place is in January 2021.

The Government of Canada announced its sixth intake of the Natural Disaster Mitigation Program (NDMP) on November 10th, 2020. Under this intake, the NDMP may provide up to 50 per cent federal funding, to a maximum of $1.5 million per project, for following projects: 1) Flood risk assessments 2) Flood mapping 3) Flood mitigation plans 4) Non-structural flood mitigation projects (structural projects are not eligible). SVCA staff have reached out to member municipalities and the Nuclear Innovation Institute, stating our interest in partnering on updating or creating new floodplain mapping, which would then inform the development of Regulations mapping. Staff have heard interest from the Municipality of West Grey, the Township of Southgate, and the Municipality of Kincardine.

Staff have also become aware of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program: COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream. Category 4 of this Program, disaster mitigation and adaptation, provides funding for natural infrastructure, flood and fire mitigation, tree planting and related infrastructure. SVCA is looking at opportunities to partner with watershed municipalities to use this Program to help improve floodplain mapping as well with the goal of creating Regulations mapping.

Staff are continuing to set up delegations to watershed Municipal Councils to present the proposed 2021 budget. Most of these delegations are being set up for the 2nd and 3rd weeks of December, although some may carry into January 2021. The goal is to have a delegation to each watershed municipality.

Updates on the Strategic Plan development, rebranding opportunities, and an improved SVCA website will be discussed in separate reports in the amended agenda materials for this Board of Directors meeting.

Watershed Member Municipalities Municipality of Arran-Elderslie, Municipality of Brockton, Township of Chatsworth, Municipality of Grey Highlands, Town of Hanover, Township of Howick, Municipality of Morris-Turnberry, Municipality of South Bruce, Township of Huron-Kinloss, Municipality of Kincardine, Town of Minto, Township of Wellington North, Town of Saugeen Shores, Township of Southgate, Municipality of West Grey Over the past couple months, SVCA’s GIS Coordinator has been working diligently on improving access to our mapping. A new interactive application has been created to allow watershed residents to determine the location of their property in relation to SVCA’s hazard mapping. With this information, the public will be able to determine whether a permit or approval is needed from SVCA prior to initiating works. A Media Release drawing attention to this application will be issued imminently.

The development of the Environmental Planning and Regulations storymap is underway.

Conservation Education (CE) COVID-19 continues to restrict in-person programming. Staff have been busy revamping existing education programs to fit COVID-19 restrictions and have been participating in a variety of webinars and virtual meetings related to education programming.

CE - Wild Encounters Day Camp /Outdoor School (New Program) Our first session of the Outdoor School is now complete with 8 young people aged 5 to 12 participating, one day per week over a three-week period. Our second session begins on November 26 for another three weeks. Space is limited to 14 participants and all 8 from the first session have signed up again to participate in the second session. User fees cover the costs of the program. More of these Outdoor School sessions are planned for the New Year. All COVID-19 safety considerations are in place.

CE- DEER At the request of Bruce Power, all Fall and Winter DEER programs have been cancelled with hopes that in-person field trips will resume in Fall 2021 if the COVID-19 situation allows. Work continues the revamping of existing programs and materials under the new 2020 contract. A new 2021 contract will be prepared with the Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII) to work together with SVCA staff on producing virtual programs for Winter and Spring 2021.

CE - WREN Plans are in development to present a hybrid virtual/in-person program to schools within the two local school boards. With the help of part-time school staff who will be on-site with the equipment, programs will be delivered virtually to the classrooms. At present, no one, except school board staff and students are allowed on the school properties in Grey Bruce. Conversations with school board staff are ongoing to ensure the program can roll out as planned, with the intention to begin programming in the New Year.

CE - Earth Week 2020 Our Earth Week Programming for 2020 will take place in December as a virtual/material sharing program. The program is totally sponsored by Enbridge and has the potential to reach many more classes in this format.

CE -Professional Development (PD) Day Programming for November 27, 2020 The Town of Hanover, Parks and Recreation Department, after much deliberation, has decided not to pursue a shared Professional Development (PD) day program for youth on November 27 with SVCA. The Grey Bruce Health Unit released COVID-19 guidelines for day camps in August. These guidelines indicate that transporting day camp participants via a bus increases the potential risk of COVID-19, therefore this practice should not be permitted. School buses are considered an essential service, however, use of buses for recreation activities is not considered essential. SVCA will be hosting a PD day independently at Sulphur Spring Conservation Area, limiting the participation to 14 youth aged 5 to 12. All other COVID-19 precautions will be in place. Staff are continuing to explore ways to partner on customized educational programs with our municipal recreation departments.

CE - Meetings: (all remote) Grey Bruce Children’s Water Festival; Rekindle the Spark – conservation education workshops; Bruce Grey Forest Festival; Town of Hanover Parks and Recreation Department; Grey Sauble Conservation Authority – Community Relations Department

Water Resources

SVCA Flood and Erosion Control Project Activity: SVCA has been advised by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) that the Water and Erosion Control Infrastructure (WECI) funding process will be amended over the next 6 months. MNRF will consider re- allocating surplus funds from projects approved in 2020-2021 towards new WECI applications. Staff will evaluate SVCA submissions to WECI to determine possible options and will connect with our relevant member municipalities where necessary.

Durham Middle Dam As an update to earlier reports, MNRF hired a contractor to install new fencing and railing at the Durham Middle dam to replace the previous pipe system. Operations staff worked directly with Water Resources staff to assist the contractor. The access across the dam will remain restricted.

New Fencing & Railing – Middle Durham Dam Middle Durham Dam Saugeen River Canoe Access group Staff are working with various stakeholders in Grey and Bruce Counties to come together for a discussion on the understanding of tasks and responsibilities for access points to the Saugeen River for recreational users.

Grey Bruce Sustainabiltiy Network and WaterWORKS Video Development SVCA staff and the Grey Bruce Sustainablity Network are working together to develop short videos for us to the WaterWORKS program. Videos will descibe various aspects of conservation related work such as water quality monitoring, benthic invertebrate monitoring, and demonstration of soil stability and soil health related to water quality. These videos will be used to enhance school programming, as well as education and outreach.

Nuclear Wast Management Organization (NWMO) and SVCA Water Well Improvement Program SVCA is thrilled to be partnering with NWMO on this exciting new initiative in the SVCA watershed. SVCA staff have developed program guidelines and applications that will be used for the implementation of the Water Well Improvement Program. The Program will provide incentive funds for decommissioning and upgrading wells.

The Program officially launched on November 23, 2020. A combined SVCA-NWMO Media Release was issued and a webpage was developed for the SVCA website to share information with the public.

Lake Huron Canadian Agricultural Partnership Group (CAP) – Stewardship Cluster Zoom meetings have continued throughout the month keeping updated on activities and deliverables for the CAP project.

Highlights • 7,100 Twitter impressions from September 15th – October 15th, with the top tweet reaching 1,164 people. The tweet compared cover cropped and tilled fields

• Social media posts continue with weekly #DYK (Did you know) tweets to continue informative and engaging content with a wide range of topics.

• A social norm literature review, with accompanying program evaluation rubrics and a jurisdictional scan evaluating regional programming has been completed.

• Jurisdictional scan to evaluate three Ontario soil health and water quality programs (as selected by HLH cluster representatives) has been completed.

Compaction Recovery Research Project Sites have been harvested and yield maps of the areas created. Upcoming site visits and CT Scan sample collection will occur before the end of November.

Please follow us on Twitter with the hash tags: #LandtoLake #PieceofaPuzzle #HealthyLakeHuron. Follow @saugeenca; @svcastewardship; @healthylkhuron; and, @MaitlandStwdsp

Flood Related Watershed Conditions Rivers are running at about their normal seasonal levels. At the time of writing, snow cover is 0% and soil conditions are unfrozen and wet. Lake Huron’s beginning-of-November level was 81cm above average and 6cm lower than it was last year. This is the third highest level in the period of record, with a level that is 25cm lower than the previous beginning-of-month record for November set in 1986. A northwest wind event on Nov 1 – 2 generating 3-4m waves tested the shoreline defenses of several of our lakeside residents. A similar, less intense storm rolled in from the southwest on Nov 15 – 16. In both cases, staff were onsite to document wave uprush, unusual erosion, and damages. While plugging of tributary outlets continues to be an issue, only minor damage because of wave uprush was reported. This cycle is likely to continue until we have a freeze-up of the shore ice and/or until water levels recede to mean historical levels.

Snow Surveys Staff installed all 14 snow courses throughout the watershed, and snow survey season is now underway. Snow surveys are conducted every two weeks to help forecasters determine the amount of snow on the landscape and the equivalent amount of water contained within. This program is conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) and helps us to predict runoff volumes and associated peak water levels.

Data Requests QA/QC of hydrometric data is ongoing. There continues to be a steady stream of data requests coming in every week. Staff continue to process them in a timely manner.

Gauge Maintenance / Upgrades Stream gauge maintenance is ongoing, including readying structures and devices for winter. This involves winterizing rain gauges, fixing door jambs, turning on baseboard heaters and various other tasks. Additionally, a recent windstorm affected hydro and/or phonelines at several gauges requiring coordination of repairs. Staff are also being cognizant of funding opportunities to facilitate upgrades to existing stream gauge structures and logging equipment. We recently received design drawings and pricing for the eventual replacement of many of our shelters which are reaching end of useful life.

Training Staff attended the River Ice Engineering 3-day virtual workshop hosted by Kawartha Conservation Authority. Additionally, staff are planning to hold a Municipal Information Session, focused on SVCA’s Flood Forecasting and Warning Programs for Emergency Planning purposes via Zoom in mid-December.

Durham Dam Operations A re-organization of responsibilities internally at SVCA now has Water Resources staff overseeing dam operations for the Town of Durham. Staff installed a gauge on one of the piers at the middle dam to better visualize fluctuations in reservoir levels. While levels in the reservoir are down for winter configuration, staff are hoping to install a datalogger and water level sensors to allow them to track these fluctuations remotely.

Surface Water Quality - Chemistry Staff completed the final surface water sampling run for 2020 in November. The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) recently announced the reopening of their laboratory services; therefore, staff were able to resume sampling at all 29 of SVCA’s long-term surface water monitoring sites.

Surface Water Quality - Biomonitoring Staff have been sorting preserved samples as time permits. Sorting invertebrates to the “Family” taxonomic level is the practice at all conservation authorities. Benthos are excellent indicators of water quality because of their varying tolerances to pollution and/or contamination. For example, a stonefly, which is relatively sensitive to pollution, might only be found in areas where water quality is relatively “good.” These population data are often used as early-warning indicators for water chemistry and habitat conditions.

Water Quality Partnership - Bruce Power Both autonomous water quality sondes have now been removed from Bruce Power monitoring sites to have their last 6 months of data downloaded and analyzed. The sondes will be redeployed in the spring once the threat of ice damage has receded. Additionally, staff completed surface water sampling efforts in mid- November.

Groundwater Quality - Chemistry Last month, staff began sampling the 23 groundwater monitoring wells located within our jurisdiction. This annual sampling is conducted as part of our agreement with MECP through the Provincial Groundwater Monitoring Network (PGMN). The data obtained through this process informs of the water chemistry within the groundwater aquifers, to obtain baseline data which can aid in sound land-use planning. Staff are eager to finish sampling at the last 8 wells in the next couple weeks.

Water Quality Partnership - Healthy Lake Huron With the reopening of the MECP lab, staff have resumed baseline and event sampling within the South Pine River watershed. This data contributes to the development of a Rural Stormwater Management Model and helps us understand how nutrients and other contaminants enter our rivers under a variety of environmental conditions. Furthermore, staff will soon retrieve the standalone data logger deployed earlier this year, which keeps an hourly record of temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, and turbidity.

Meetings: • Southwestern Ontario Flood Forecasters Association (SWOFFA) • Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) Consultant meeting. • Grey County Climate Change Working Group • Healthy Lake Huron Working Group Meetings • Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation • Stewardship Grey Bruce • Wellington County Rural Water Quality virtual meeting

Forestry and Lands

Forestry staff have completed the marking of SVCA properties, Hardwood Hill, and Saugeen Bluffs, for an improvement harvest and reduction in potential Ash hazard trees.

The harvest of the SVCA’s Mildmay/Carrick Forest Tract has been delayed due to excessive moisture. The harvest is expected to resume once the ground is frozen.

The Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program (MFTIP) assists landowners in managing forests on their property sustainably. Requests for the completion and updating of these Plans continue to come regularly.

Tree planting requests from private landowners have been limited. Lumber Harvested from the Mildmay- Forestry staff are working with Enbridge to achieve their tree planting Carrick Forest Tract obligations for the 2021 planting season. A Media Release will be issued imminently to encourage landowners to start planning for tree planting in Spring 2021.

Operations staff have been continuing to remove hazard trees throughout SVCA’s trail network. This work is extensive and is progressing well.

Campgrounds have closed for the winter season.

To facilitate social distancing, the Formosa Administration Office has been reorganized to allow more staff to work safely in the office. Regulations staff have been relocated to a new closed office space which will allow more privacy in dealing with sensitive regulatory matters and to ensure space for the Regulations Coordinator expected in start on staff in January 2021.

The Resource Centre basement has been re-organized to allow for small group meetings.

Fleet maintenance and winter tires has been ongoing.

Environmental Planning & Regulations

Charges against a landowner who built a building in the floodplain without SVCA or municipal approval has been executed. The first court appearance was postponed from November 2020 to January 2021 due to the COVID- 19 pandemic.

SVCA’s three Regulations Officers participated in Search Warrant Training on November 17, 2020.

SVCA staff attended a Natural Disaster Mitigation Funding meeting along with West Grey staff on November 20, 2020.

To date, over 320 permits have been issued by SVCA in 2020. The number of permits issued are currently higher than those issued in 2019 at the same time of the year. In 2019, the number of permits issued was the highest in SVCA’s history.

Planning Act applications are approximately 75% of those received in 2019.

Department staff are continuing to receive inquiries regarding erosion and shore works on private, municipal, and public/crown land adjacent to Lake Huron, as trails and roadways are put at jeopardy. Private landowners are interested in repairs to shore walls and establishing new or expanded protection for shoreline properties. Works in these areas require SVCA permission. Works on municipal property have prompted municipalities to enter into agreement with owners, separate from SVCA approvals.

New Planning Service Agreements for Grey and Wellington Counties have been initiated. An agreement with the Township of Morris-Turnberry is the most recent agreement to be signed. Southampton, November 2020, Erik Downing

Issued Permit Reports 20-333 Egremont, 552046 Southgate Road 55, Lot 16 & 17, Concession 12. Install approximately 250 metres of 450 mm (18”) and 525 mm (21”) diameter concrete tile with two surface inlets; to undertake a watercourse cleanout of approximately 400 metres of an unnamed tributary to the Fairbanks Creek; and related excavation, grading and site restoration. Regulated Area; Watercourse.

20-329 Huron, Huron Heights Drainage Ditch Maintenance, By Lowry Lane & Tayna Crescent Undertake a ditch cleanout approximately 175 metres in length; construction of a berm; and related excavation, placement of rip rap, and site restoration. Regulated Area.

20-328 Egremont, 94 Uncle Tom’s Crescent, Part Block 41 Plan 16M5, Parts 1 and 2 Plan 16R9849. Construction of a dwelling with attached garage, construction of a 1,200 square-foot detached shed (to the southeast of the garage), installation of sewage disposal system, and related excavation, filling, and grading (all within 30 metres from wetlands and/or within 15 metres from the floodplain and/or valley of Fairbanks Creek). Regulated Area.

20-327 Kincardine Township, 4 Sandy Crescent, Part Lot 20 Concession A Demolition of an existing dwelling, construction of a new dwelling with attached garage and decks, and related excavation, filling, and grading. Regulated Area.

20-326 Huron, 38 Tout's Grove Hill Rd. Porch enclosure. Regulated Area.

20-325 Sullivan, 162 McCullough Lake Drive, Part Lot 22, Concession 4. To construct a 10-foot x 20- foot storage shed and related placement of fill, grading, and site restoration. Regulated Area.

20-324 Proton, 111783 Grey Rd 14; CON 8 PT LOT 13. Reconstruction of an approximate 1,025 square foot shed with related excavating, grading, and filling. Regulated Area.

20-323 Bentinck, 10 Pine View Drive, Lot 10 Plan 1097. Construction of new dwelling with attached garage, installation of a sewage disposal system, and related excavation, filling, and grading, all within 120 metres of part of Louise, Boyd, McDonald Lakes Provincially Significant Wetlands. Regulated Area.

20-322 Culross, Fischer Bridge over the Teeswater River, Bruce Road 6. Repairs to the existing Fischer Bridge over the Teeswater River, including repairs to the soffit, girders, and concrete abutments. Watercourse.

20-320 Brant, 716 Marl Lake Rd 7; PLAN 419 LOT 10. The reconstruction of a 528 sq ft “Bunkie” structure with attached deck, and the addition of a 280 sq ft covered deck to the existing dwelling, with related excavating grading, and filling. Regulated Area.

20-319 Kincardine Township, 70 Victoria St. To enclose a 160 square foot section of an attached deck. Regulated Area.

20-318 Huron, Unassigned Civic Address; PLAN 2A PT MARINE ALLOWANCE. To place approximately 108 cubic yards of riprap stone protection to the existing north and south piers at the mouth of the Pine River. Watercourse.

20-317 Artemesia, 733759 West Back Line, Lot 164-165 Con 2SWTSR. To install a culvert crossing adjacent to a wetland for improved agricultural access, measuring 40 feet long with a travelled width of 20 feet, including a 24-inch diameter, 30-foot long culvert, with related excavation, filling and grading. Regulated Area.

20-316 Normanby, 241607 Concession 16; Part Lot 15 Concession 16. The pond cleaning, landscaping, and related site grading, and filling. Regulated Area.

20-315 Sullivan, 682545 Sideroad 6. Single detached dwelling, two sheds, sewage disposal system and grading. Regulated Area.

20-314 Bentinck, 177 Kingston Dr; CON 7 PT LOT 4 AND ROW OVER PART 20 RP 17R182. The construction of an approximate 348 square foot addition, with 75 square foot covered porch, and related excavating, grading, and filling adjacent to the shore of Habermehl Lake. Regulated Area.

20-313 Glenelg, 474825 Townsend Lake Road, Con 12, PT Lot 5 RP 17R109, Part 11. Removal of an existing storage shed and the construction of a 448 square foot storage outbuilding, including related excavation, placement of fill, site grading, and restoration. Regulated Area.

20-312 Huron, 8 Cathcart Street, Lot 9 Plan 3M115. Construction of new dwelling, and related excavation, filling, and grading. Regulated Area.

20-311 Mount Forest, Mill Street Pedestrian Bridge. Repairs to the Mill Street pedestrian bridge over the South Saugeen River, including repairs to the centre deck truss using in-water scaffolding and placement of fill. Regulated Area; Watercourse.

20-310 Southampton, Edmund Street Road Allowance. Site grading and alteration for the installation of a 450 mm storm sewer. Regulated Area.

20-309 Durham, 461 and 465 George Street West, Plan 500 Park Pt Lot 5; Lambton N/S. To construct a 216 square foot covered porch, with related excavation, filling and grading. Regulated Area.

20-308 Kincardine Township, 23 MacGregor Beach Road, Part Lot 20 Concession A. Construction of a 440 square foot (footprint) two storey, with full basement addition to the existing dwelling, and construction of a 20 foot by 10 foot detached accessory building on grade, and related excavation, filling, and grading. Regulated Area.

20-307 Markdale, Part Lots 103 and 104 Concession 1. Hospital Stormwater Management WM pond construction. Regulated Area.

20-306 Paisley, Vacant Lot W/S Angie St. / Maggie St.; Plan 87 Lot 14 Plan Village of Paisley Pt Lots 12 and 13 N Cambridge St RP 3R8141 Part 1 RP 3R6783 Part 1. To deposit and grade approximately 700 cubic metres of fill. Regulated Area.

20-305 Normanby, 155 Viola May Crescent; Part Lot 31 Concession 1 WGR. The construction of a 602.5 square metre commercial building with attached garages and office building, the installation of a sewage disposal system, a parking lot and any related filling and grading. Regulated Area. 11/18/2020 Co-op students learn while contributing to community | Shoreline Beacon Times AGENDA Co-op students learn while contributing to community

For The Shoreline Beacon More from For The Shoreline Beacon (https://www.shorelinebeacon.com/author/for-the-shoreline-beacon)

Published on: November 16, 2020 | Last Updated: November 16, 2020 8:42 AM EST

After moving this gazebo 75 feet inland to dry ground after record high Lake Huron water levels left it marooned oshore, Construction Co-Op students at Saugeen District Senior School will build a base and ﬂoor for it. (Bud Halpin photo)

Earning high school credits while learning construction skills and working on local community projects appeals to many of the 21 Grade 11 and Grade 12 students enrolled in the construction co-op class at Saugeen District Senior School this semester. “It is a unique learning opportunity. It allows them to contribute to the community and I’m sure it saves the taxpayers money, overall,” instructor Bud Halpin said recently at Port Elgin Main Beach, where the class is repairing high- water damage along the shoreline. The program is popular and the demand for skilled trades is growing. Some students sign up because they think the class would be fun, and that’s ne with Halpin.

“That’s a really valid reason to take something – because it is fun. Many of these students have decided they are going into the trades and this is a four credit dual course and their hours here count toward an apprenticeship,” Halpin said.

https://www.shorelinebeacon.com/news/local-news/co-op-students-learn-while-contributing-to-community 11/18/2020

For more than a decade the town and school have partnered to give students real-world construction experience on projects that would have cost the town to do. Classes have built an outdoor classroom at a Port Elgin School, constructed accessibility ramps, and done shoreline erosion control work. The coming cold is causing grumbling among some Construction Co-Op students, but for many, including Ryan Barlow, 16, the dislike of sitting in a classroom outweighs any weather issues. “This is nice because you’re out in the world and not stuck in a classroom all day,” the Grade 11 student said in a recent telephone interview.

After working outside with the class – including moving a gazebo marooned 75 feet from the shoreline in Lake Huron by record high water levels to high ground — Barlow said he likes the hand-on aspect of the class.

Barlow had been leaning toward becoming a mechanic, but is reconsidering.

“Taking this course opened by eyes to the world of carpentry and it’s an option as I get more information on what the world needs and what I want,” he said. For Cheyanne Woods, 17, the thought of sitting in an oce all day is scary, while working outdoors and seeing something she’d worked on – a gazebo, boardwalk or retention wall – is “amazing.”

“Just looking at what we’ve accomplished to help the town is a great feeling,” the Grade 12 student said in a recent telephone interview.

While Woods was not born with a hammer in her hand, it was close. Her father and grandfather are carpenters and family lore has a seven-year-old Cheyanne making her own small hammer out of scrap of wood to help her dad and grandpa build a deck.

Woods, who earned 424 apprenticeship hours in Grade 11, plans to apprentice as both a welder and a carpenter.

After nishing at the waterfront, the class will work at Brucedale Conservation Area with the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority, plant more dune grass along the Lake Huron shoreline in Port Elgin and Southampton, and build sheds for the town, GC Huston School in Southampton and a minor sports association, and build a fence for the town on River Street in Port Elgin.

https://www.shorelinebeacon.com/news/local-news/co-op-students-learn-while-contributing-to-community Conservation authorities raise concerns about provincial changes | Owen Sound Sun Times Conservation authorities raise concerns about provincial changes

Rob Gowan More from Rob Gowan (https://www.owensoundsuntimes.com/author/rgowan)

Published on: November 20, 2020 | Last Updated: November 23, 2020 8:30 AM EST

A section of waterfront asphalt trail near Kelso Beach Park's amphitheatre has collapsed due to high water and wave action in 2019 and 2020. Further along the waterfront, the city has begun work on an armour stone wall to protect the shoreline. DENIS LANGLOIS

Local conservation authorities have joined the chorus of calls from others around the province against proposed changes to the Conservation Authorities Act.

The changes, brought forward by Ontario’s Conservative government last month as part of their 2020 budget bill, Bill 229, are being criticized by the province’s 36 conservation authorities, including the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority and the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority, for lacking transparency and for putting communities across the province at risk.

Called the Protect, Support and Recover from COVID-19 Act, the omnibus bill contains a number of proposals that the conservation authorities feel https://www.owensoundsuntimes.com/news/local-news/conservation-authorities-raise-concerns-about-provincial-changes?fbclid=IwAR3VJCnzQ42cDj… 1/6 Conservation authorities raise concerns about provincial changes | Owen Sound Sun Times could have a lasting impact on public safety, the local environment and resilience to climate change.

Cathy Little, chair of the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority board of directors, said Friday morning that the proposed changes threaten both the environment and the health and safety of residents of the local watershed by removing some of the oversights the conservation authorities have on development.

“When you are just an individual and something is impacting your property or your situation it is understandable that that would be annoying or frustrating,” Little said. “But in terms of the population as a whole and in our area, the residents of our watershed, it is really important to have the kind of oversight that conservation authorities provide.”

Little said the changes being proposed could have a long-lasting impact by undermining the role of the conservation authority.

“It is hard to reverse and impossible to reverse decisions that are made that aect the environment or aect peoples’ safety,” she said. The GSCA, which passed a motion earlier in the week asking the province to remove Schedule 6, the section of bill containing the changes, has identied several major issues in the bill that it says the public should be concerned about.

One change is that the bill would allow the province to determine what municipally or self-funded programs conservation authorities can undertake. GSCA ocials say that undermines the ability to decide what programs are benecial to the local watershed communities.

The bill also includes changes to the development permit process to allow permit appeals to be submitted directly to the province’s Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry and gives the power to the minister to issue their own permits. GSCA representatives say the move lacks transparency, can lead to decisions that are politically motivated and removes important scientic and other background work done at the local level. The change, which would allow the hearing process to be bypassed, could result in development in unsafe locations such as ood plains or the destruction of environmental features, they say.

The legislation also includes new fee appeal methods that may cause administrative burden on sta and hearing boards, which GSCA said would https://www.owensoundsuntimes.com/news/local-news/conservation-authorities-raise-concerns-about-provincial-changes?fbclid=IwAR3VJCnzQ42cDj… 2/6 Conservation authorities raise concerns about provincial changes | Owen Sound Sun Times lead to delays in development reviews.

“I just think that the conservation authority has done an excellent job in the last number of decades protecting peoples’ lives and private property,” Little said. “If we start loosening those regulations, the damage could be seen years down the road.”

Little also expressed concerns that the legislation includes changes to the way the conservation authority board of directors is organized, which could lead to a decision being made to the benet of a local municipality, rather than for the benet of the watershed and the people within it as a whole.

Little said the change, where directors would be accountable to their own municipality rather than to the entire watershed, could lead to decisions being made that could adversely impact their neighbouring municipalities downstream.

“Even planning decisions can aect your neighbouring municipality,” said Little. “Just the activities you permit someone to take in your own municipal area, those kinds of things don’t respect political boundaries.”

On Friday afternoon, the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority called a special meeting to discuss the changes and many members expressed similar concerns about the bill.

SVCA passed a motion 10-3 in a recorded vote asking the province to repeal Schedule 6 of the budget bill and continue to work with the conservation authorities on any changes. A letter will be sent to member municipalities asking them to endorse the motion, while the conservation authority also plans to take up their concerns with their local MPPs.

SVCA board chair Dan Gieruszak of the Municipality of Brockton said the changes being proposed have the potential to be the most signicant and historic the conservation authorities have seen in 70 years.

He said he is hopeful that any changes made can be done with the province and partner municipalities in a way that benets the watershed.

“I would hate to see us throw out the baby with the bathwater, as the expression is,” Gieruszak said.

“We would love to see all of the positive economic things continue to happen and we would love to see a reduction in red tape.” https://www.owensoundsuntimes.com/news/local-news/conservation-authorities-raise-concerns-about-provincial-changes?fbclid=IwAR3VJCnzQ42cDj… 3/6 Conservation authorities raise concerns about provincial changes | Owen Sound Sun Times But Gieruszak said the way the province is going about making those changes, without considering the concerns of the conservation authorities, is the wrong approach.

“I would hate to see us back here ve years from now talking about the negative things that happened because this legislation perhaps went too far too fast without a well thought out reasoned approach to the changes we all agreed were required,” he said.

Tim Lanthier, chief administrative ocer at the GSCA, said the changes in the bill have come about with very little opportunity for input and consultation.

“Based on what we are hearing from our partners and stakeholders throughout the province right now is that a lot of people aren’t happy with these changes that are being proposed right now and we are certainly not happy with the changes that are being proposed right now,” Lanthier said Friday.

GSCA is asking the community for support in advocating against the proposed changes in the bill by asking people to contact their MPP, e- mailing members of their municipal council and going to the GSCA website to advocate for the removal of Schedule 6 of the bill.

“This can receive second reading anytime, then third reading and then be pushed through,” Lanthier said. “I think there is a transparency issue there.

“We want people to know what the issues are and if they see value in the work that is being done by the conservation authorities to keep our communities safe and to keep their environment safe, we want them to reach out to the people who have decision-making power to let them know they care about these changes.”

https://www.owensoundsuntimes.com/news/local-news/conservation-authorities-raise-concerns-about-provincial-changes?fbclid=IwAR3VJCnzQ42cDj… 4/6 11/25/2020 BlackburnNews.com - SVCA receives generous donations from NWMO

SVCA receives generous donations from NWMO

NWMO donates $50,000 to the SVCA. Submitted photo.

By Fiona Robertson November 24, 2020 4:55am The Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA) and the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) have partnered together to offer a Water Well Improvement Program.

The NWMO has donated $50,000 to fund water well improvement projects to support landowners in their efforts to protect groundwater.

“SVCA is committed to partnerships which allow the community to contribute to the protection of our shared natural resources; we are grateful for the ﬁnancial support provided by NWMO so that the Water Well Improvement Program could be created”, said Dan Gieruszak, Chair of the Saugeen

https://blackburnnews.com/midwestern-ontario/midwestern-ontario-news/2020/11/24/svca-receives-generous-donations-nwmo/ 1/2 11/25/2020 BlackburnNews.com - SVCA receives generous donations from NWMO

Valley Conservation Authority.

The Program launched Monday, with landowners eligible to receive funding retroactively for completed projects. The Program is expected to last to the end of December 2021.

“The NWMO is delighted to partner with the SVCA on this new program, which will help protect and improve water quality throughout the region,” said Cherie Leslie Senior Engagement Advisor, Southern Ontario, with the NWMO. “We are committed to protecting people and the environment, including water resources, and are proud to support important initiative like this.”

Program guidelines and application materials for the Water Well Improvement Program can be found on the SVCA website.

Rural Voice, November 2020 AGENDA

1078 Bruce Road 12, P.O. Box 150, Formosa ON Canada N0G 1W0 Tel 519-367-3040, Fax 519-367-3041, [email protected], www.svca.on.ca

TO: Chair and Members, Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority

FROM: Janice Hagan, Administrative Assistant

DATE: December 3, 2020

SUBJECT: 2021 Meeting Schedule

PURPOSE: To set the Authority meeting schedule for 2021

RECOMMENDATION: THAT the 2021 SVCA Authority meeting schedule be adopted as presented, and further

THAT the January 2021 Annual meeting be held in-person at the Formosa Community Centre pending COVID-19 allowances.

BACKGROUND

Typically, there are a total of eight regularly scheduled Authority meetings each year. SVCA staff have made every effort to respect watershed municipal and county council calendars in determining the recommended schedule for 2021. Staff are recommending that the third Thursday of the month be set aside for each regular meeting. SVCA By-laws allow the Chair to call other special meetings, as necessary.

Historically, the January Annual meeting has been conducted on a Friday with invitations extended to special guests. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Administration office board room will not be available for this purpose, however, staff have tentatively reserved the Formosa Community Centre for the meeting.

A table of suggested dates accompanies this report.

Approved By:

Janice Hagan, Administrative Assistant

Approved By:

Jennifer Stephens, General Manager/Secretary-Treasurer

2021 Authority Meeting Schedule

Friday January 22 – Annual Meeting 1:00 p.m. Thursday February 18 1:00 p.m. Thursday March 18 1:00 p.m. Thursday May 20 1:00 p.m. Thursday July 15 1:00 p.m. Thursday September 16 – Budget Review 10:00 a.m. Thursday October 21 1:00 p.m. Thursday December 16 1:00 p.m.

AGENDA

1078 Bruce Road 12, P.O. Box 150, Formosa ON Canada N0G 1W0 Tel 519-367-3040, Fax 519-367-3041, [email protected], www.Saugeen Conservation.on.ca

TO: Chair and Directors, Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority

FROM: Jennifer Stephens, General Manager / Secretary-Treasurer

DATE: December 1, 2020

SUBJECT: Operational Hours – Christmas 2020

RECOMMENDATION

THAT the staff be directed to inform municipal partners, the public, and other stakeholders that the SVCA office will be closed between December 25th, 2020 and January 4th, 2021;

AND FURTHER THAT the General Manager/Secretary-Treasurer be directed to inform staff that the Board of Directors is offering 22.5 hours compensation for exemplary work in 2020.

BACKGROUND

In 2019, the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority Administrative Office was closed between Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve Day, inclusive. This practice is common among conservation authorities. Staff were required to use vacation time to cover the three days that were not statutory holidays, a weekend, or a day off in lieu of a statutory holiday falling on a weekend when the office was closed. Many conservation authorities offer staff the three days off as a reward for work well done throughout the year.

In the 2021 Draft Budget negotiations, it was agreed that merit or performance increases would not happen in 2021; only a 1% cost of living increase will be awarded to staff.

ANALYSIS

The 2020-2021 Christmas holiday period runs between Friday, December 25th, 2020 and Monday, January 4th, 2021. There are three days during this period which are not statutory holidays, a weekend, or a day off in lieu of a statutory holiday falling on a weekend. In lieu of the merit or performance increases that will not be offered to staff in 2021 and to reward SVCA staff for their performance in 2020, especially considering the COVID-19 pandemic, these three days compensation is proposed.

Approved By:

Jennifer Stephens General Manager/Secretary-Treasurer

1078 Bruce Road 12, P.O. Box 150, Formosa ON Canada N0G 1W0 Tel 519-367-3040, Fax 519-367-3041, [email protected], www.Saugeen Conservation.on.ca

TO: Chair and Directors, Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority

FROM: Erik Downing, Manager - Environmental Planning & Regulations

DATE: December 1, 2020

SUBJECT: Proposed Amendments to Environmental Planning and Regulations Policies Manual, May 2017

RECOMMENDATION

THAT staff be directed to move forward with content and typographical revisions to the Policy Manual.

BACKGROUND

Since May 2017 when it was first created, Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA) staff have been using the Environmental Planning and Regulations (EPR) Policy Manual to direct decisions. This manual has been an important resource to ensure consistency across staff, as well as providing a clear indication of expectations regarding approvals being issued. This document also sets out requirements necessary when considering an application pertaining to a particular landform. The added value of this document is that it clearly distinguishes the steps and associated roles for all parties in the review and approval of applications, as well as the appeal of decisions. Watershed residents have also benefitted from the creation of this document, since SVCA’s planning and regulatory processes are clearly outlined.

The EPR Policy Manual was the first comprehensive document outlining policies related to SVCA’s role and responsibilities from a land use planning and regulatory perspective. The inaugural document was circulated in draft format to municipal staff and other watershed stakeholders for their input. Once finalized, the Manual was approved by the Board of Directors for use. In October 2018, the Board endorsed several editorial changes staff had made to the document.

ANALYSIS

Over the past 3 years, significant omissions and revisions have been identified by staff, Directors, and municipal partners. The manual itself indicates that “It is the intent of SVCA to revisit this policy manual from time to time to adjust for case law, watershed needs and science progress, Regulation updates, Act updates, etc. This review may occur every five years and as necessary when issues arise.” Further, there are typographical revisions that would assist in clarifying the intent of the policies in the document.

Some of the proposed changes to the document include:

1. The addition of a Terms of Reference for Coastal Engineering Reports given high lake levels facilitating the need for these reports associated with many projects 2. Scope of technical reports (geotechnical report, coastal engineering report, environmental impact statement) 3. Revised Case Law 4. Review of Safe Access Policies 5. Conformity with 2020 Provincial Policy Statement 6. Review of ‘exempt’ works policies 7. Review of violations policies 8. Review of municipal drain policies 9. Inclusion of Conservation Ontario Permitting Timelines Update 10. Clarifying the need for peer review and responsibilities with respect to fees incurred for this service 11. Clarifying the definition of a wetland 12. Alignment with Strategic Plan 13. Conformity with the revised Conservation Authorities Act (2019, 2020 – if necessary)

COMMUNICATION

Staff expect to circulate proposed changes to the Policy Manual to municipal staff, stakeholders, and the public prior to finalizing the document. Once a final draft is prepared, it will be brought before the Board for endorsement. Ideally, the schedule for revisions will align with the implementation of changes to the Conservation Authorities Act, including it associated regulations.

The Manual will then be made available on the SVCA website. Media Releases are likely to be issued to correspond with various stages of the document’s development and the opportunity to provide feedback. When necessary, advertising in print media may be pursued.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Proposed revisions to the Policy Manual will be undertaken by EPR staff. The only anticipated costs to the revision process are those associated with advertising to ensure that SVCA is reaching all target audiences to allow for the opportunity for feedback.

Approved By:

Erik Downing Manager, Environmental Planning and Regulations

Approved By:

Jennifer Stephens General Manager/Secretary-Treasurer

AGENDA

1078 Bruce Road 12, P.O. Box 150, Formosa ON Canada N0G 1W0 Tel 519-367-3040, Fax 519-367-3041, [email protected], www.Saugeen Conservation.on.ca

TO: Chair and Directors, Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority

FROM: Jennifer Stephens, General Manager / Secretary-Treasurer

DATE: December 1, 2020

SUBJECT: Strategic Plan, Rebranding, Website Redesign Initiatives

RECOMMENDATION

THAT staff be directed to develop an agreement with eSolutions to re-design the SVCA website and develop a new brand for the conservation authority;

AND FURTHER THAT the funds for these initiatives be withdrawn from the 2020 Community Relations and Flood Warning budgets and remaining funds drawn from the 2021 budget.

BACKGROUND

In August 2020, staff brought forward a proposal to develop a Strategic Plan for Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA), which was to be released in February 2021. This Strategic Plan was to guide the Authority over the period of February 2021 through December 2025.

Over the past 3 months, a working group of SVCA staff from all departments, have been reviewing the current website and have identified several issues. These challenges include a difficulty navigating the website, the lack of a professional image, and consistency in content writing. It is widely recognized by our stakeholders that we need to make the SVCA website easier to use by our clients.

In 2000, SVCA celebrated its 50 Year Anniversary. Concurrent with this celebration, the Authority was re- branded, and our current logo was established.

SVCA’s Personnel Policy outlines in Section 15.02, the Purchasing Policy currently in place. Three written or email quotations are to be submitted for any purchase made between $5,000 and $35,000. Any purchases over $35,000 are to be released for public tender. There is currently no provision for sole sourcing a purchase, despite such a policy being common among conservation authorities and municipalities.

ANALYSIS

SVCA Website

In 2020, the current approach to communication is through an organization’s website and other on-line media to reach target audiences. Now, more than ever, with the changes made to the Conservation Authorities Act in

2019, and potentially later this December, the need for a common identity is essential. Since SVCA is proceeding with the development its new Strategic Plan, the opportunity for a new website, and a renewed marketing and branding approach taking place concurrently seemed a logical approach to take advantage of public and municipal consultation opportunities. Further, 2020 marks the 70th anniversary of SVCA. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization was unable to celebrate this milestone. Re-designing the SVCA website and re- branding the Authority is an option to mark this occasion.

SVCA staff met with staff from eSolutions Group (ESG) to discuss communication needs. Through this initial meeting, a quote was received for development of a new website. The interactive, thorough approach as outlined by ESG staff would ensure the appropriate level of engagement to design a website that meets SVCA’s needs.

Re-Branding

Following this initial meeting, ESG confirmed that they have also been actively involved in re-branding for several hundred municipal clients, non-profit organizations, and the private sector. Staff met with ESG staff to discuss what options would be available for re-branding services. The package offered to SVCA included components such as research and engagement, brand development and design, and logo refresh.

Several factors contribute to staff recommending to single source the website design project to ESG:

Timing Constraints – The goal would be to unveil the new website and re-branding at the same time as the Strategic Plan is launched (June 2021). ESG has confirmed their ability to complete the website re-design and re-branding within a timeframe of 26 weeks.

Experience – ESG has completed more than 300 municipal logos and websites and has shown their ability to meet timelines with comprehensive deliverables.

Range of Services – ESG can offer the branding services (logo, tagline, branding) and integrate those into the new website seamlessly providing a unified look and feel both on and offline. ESG can provide SVCA with a custom website as well as hosting services for the website.

Relationship – SVCA has formed a relationship with ESG through various meetings and feel that the company is familiar with the Authority’s goal to focus efforts on our roles and responsibilities under the Conservation Authorities Act. ESG has completed websites for several conservation authorities, therefore, they are familiar with the dynamic of working with staff, municipal partners, and the public.

SVCA has gained momentum in the past several months, by identifying necessary changes to improve our stakeholder relationships. A fresh approach to branding along with improved forms of communication are essential to continuing with this momentum.

It is expected that a Communications Committee will be struck to support the website re-design and re- branding.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The website re-design falls under $35,000 (exclusive of HST), while annual website hosting is expected at $6,400 (exclusive of HST). The re-branding quote provided to SVCA falls below $35,000. In 2020, staff have projected to spend $20,000 on re-branding and a communication strategy. These funds remain unspent.

Staff anticipates a surplus of General Levy funds in the Flood Warning budget of $40,000 in 2020, since the SVCA received funds from the provincial government that were not budgeted for. These funds can be reallocated to the website re-design and re-branding.

Further, in the 2021 budget staff have budgeted to spend $10,000 on the re-design of the SVCA website and $10,000 for re-branding, both amounts already scheduled to come from Working Capital Reserve.

At the end of 2021 SVCA expects to have $1,019,000 in our Working Capital Reserve inclusive of the expenditures described above and those associated with staffing changes.

Approved By:

Jennifer Stephens General Manager/Secretary-Treasurer