GRCA Minutes
Grand River Conservation Authority, 400 Clyde Road, Cambridge, Ontario N1R 5W6 Tel: 519-621-2761 Fax: 519-621-4844 Internet: www.grandriver.ca
January 2010 Many GRCA celebrations near Guelph Lake. for 75th anniversary in 2009 Volume 15 – No. 1 The UN considers a key challenge of After many public events and cele- our time to be the difficulty in bring- GRCA brations, the GRCA’s 75th anniversary ing people together from different dis- in 2009 is behind us. ciplines and jurisdictions to work on General Membership forestry and hydrology. The conserva- The GRCA used this as an opportu- tion authority model that is practiced Chairman - Alan Dale nity to engage the public with a series by the 36 conservation authorities in 1st Vice-Chairman - Jane Mitchell of events in a variety of locations. Ontario successfully encourages this 2nd Vice-Chairman - Vic Prendergast Several parks held anniversary cele- type of collaboration. Within a conser- brations with their visitors. An open vation authority, people from several Townships of Amaranth, East house took place at the GRCA head- disciplines and different political Garafraxa, East Luther Grand Valley, quarters in October. jurisdictions work together not only Melancthon and Southgate - for forest health, but also be build Tom Nevills The GRCA partnered with the Grand Valley Trails Association to healthy watersheds. Townships of Mapleton and hold a series of hikes. About 20 peo- Wellington North - Pat Salter ple completed the 275-km trail and High water warning issued Township of Centre Wellington - received GRCA 75th anniversary Dec. 9 for Port Maitland Shawn Watters crests. Several dozen members of the The Ministry of Natural Resources Town of Erin, Townships of Ancient Mariners held a special pad- issued a high lake level advisory for Guelph/Eramosa and Puslinch - dle for their 75th km along the Grand Lake Erie on Dec. 9. Brad Whitcombe River. City of Guelph - The communications department Police monitored roads along the Vicki Beard, Mike Salisbury also provided a series of four posters lakeshore and implemented closures as necessary. The Haldimand County Region of Waterloo - to all schools, and lots of articles and information highlighting the major flood co-ordinator was on call to warn Jane Brewer, Kim Denouden, affected residents and businesses Jean Haalboom, Ross Kelterborn, events of the past 75 years. along the Grand River downstream of Claudette Millar, Jane Mitchell, Dunnville Dam and in the village of Wayne Roth, Jake Smola, Bill Strauss, GRCA presenter at Port Maitland. Lynne Woolstencroft UN’s World Forestry Congress Town of North Perth and Township For information on the Flood of Perth East - George Wicke The GRCA was asked to make a Warning system see the Flood presentation about the Watershed Warning System page on Region of Halton - Forest Plan for the Grand River to the www.grandriver.ca. J. Barry Lee United Nation's World Forestry City of Hamilton - Congress in Buenos Aires in October. No watershed conditions report for Jeanette Jamieson the month of December was presented This event takes place every six to the board, since the meeting took County of Oxford - years and it attracted 7,500 people place Dec. 11, only two weeks after Alan Dale from 160 countries. the last report was presented. County of Brant - Martin Neumann, supervisor of ter- Robert Chambers, Brian Coleman restrial resources, spoke about "Forest Oakland swamp donation City of Brantford - and Water: Working Together - a 75- Eleven hectares of the Oakland Robert Hillier, Vic Prendergast Year Success Story." He described the Swamp in Brant County have been collaborative approach taken by the Haldimand and Norfolk Counties - donated to the GRCA. Lorne Boyko, Craig Grice GRCA, giving several examples, including the Rotary Forest project The property includes hardwood
THE GRAND - A Canadian Heritage River forest and provincially significant But this is nowhere near the rate of A registration form and schedule is wetland. There are no structures on it. one million in the 1980s, before gov- available on www.grandriver.ca. The The GRCA has accepted four dona- ernment funding cutbacks. Heritage Day Workshop is held in a tions in the past three years in this different part of the watershed each For more information see the same complex. year with a focus on a different aspect Forestry section of www.grandriver.ca of the Grand River's heritage. It is or call 519-621-2763, ext. 2250. The Oakland Swamp is one of three hosted by the Heritage Working large wetland complexes where the Group of The Grand Strategy. The GRCA has acquired donated land How to subscribe to GRCA news workshop is free, although donations recently. The other two are the are always welcome. Space is limited This is a reminder that anyone can Roseville Swamp and the Beverly so please register in advance. Swamp. All three have many land- self-subscribe to receive press releases, locked firewood lots. It is the GRCA’s flood warnings, GRCA Minutes and Conservation Areas open policy to acquire environmentally-sen- Grand Actions by e-mail. If you do for winter activities sitive lands if they become available. this, you will receive this information at the same time as the news media. Currently, the GRCA owns and Three GRCA conservation areas manages 2.8 per cent of the land with- To subscribe, send a blank e-mail opened for winter activities in early in the watershed. (no subject line) to GRCAnews-sub- January. [email protected]. You will receive Shade's Mills in Cambridge, an e-mail acknowledgement to which GRCA begins work Pinehurst Lake south of Cambridge you must reply within five days to on new water gauge at York and Belwood Lake, east of Fergus are have your e-mail address added to the all open for ice fishing. Pinehurst is list. You will then receive a verifica- The GRCA has started work on con- offering snowshoeing. Cross country tion e-mail. To unsubscribe, send a struction of a new water monitoring skiing will be available at Shade’s blank e-mail (no subject line) to gauge in York to provide better infor- Mills and Laurel Creek when condi- GRCAnews- mation on water flows and water tions allow. quality in the Southern Grand. [email protected]. Check the newsroom on People may wish to subscribe only The new automated station will be www.grandriver.ca for updates on to Grand Actions, the newsletter that built on the riverbank just down- winter activities and the calendar for describes the many efforts of the stream from the York Bridge, which is special winter events, because condi- GRCA and our partners to improve located midway between Caledonia tions change quickly. and Cayuga. It will replace a smaller, the environment within the Grand less sophisticated station on the side River watershed. This can be done of the bridge. free of charge by sending an e-mail to [email protected] or calling ext. The new station will look like a 2302 and providing your contact small garden shed. It will house information. Please indicate whether equipment that will automatically you would like to receive it by mail or This issue of "GRCA Minutes" measure water levels and water quali- e-mail. was published in January 2010. ty information around the clock, every day of the year. Heritage Day workshop Feb. 12 It is a summary of the December 2009 business conduct- Trees available for purchase The theme for the 2010 Heritage ed by the It is a summary of the Day Workshop on Feb. 12, 2010 is December 2009 business conduct- Landowners with 2.5 acres or more Beyond 20/20 Vision: A New Lens for ed by the Grand River of land (exclusive of buildings) can Heritage, Arts and Culture. ConservationAuthority board and order trees from the GRCA by March committees. 15. The workshop takes place at the Cambridge Centre for the Arts. It will Space permitting, other note- The list of available trees, a price list celebrate the links among heritage, worthy happenings and topics of and an order form are on arts and culture and their significance interest have been included. www.grandriver.ca in the Forestry to a community's well-being and pros- The Grand River Conservation section. The list is updated periodical- perity. While the spotlight is on the Authority welcomes the photo- ly. Orders for these trees must be for a City of Cambridge, there are rich copying and distribution of minimum of 200 seedlings or 20 examples of cultural heritage through- "GRCA Minutes" or visit our saplings. out the whole Grand River valley. website at www.grandriver.ca. Tree planting in the watershed has The 13th annual workshop will fea- Reports mentioned in the GRCA grown from 180,000 in 2008 to more ture community leaders, interactive Minutes are also available online than 230,000 in 2009, and more trees sessions, tours and opportunities for in the Meetings section. are expected to be planted this year. hands-on learning.
THE GRAND - A Canadian Heritage River GRCA Minutes
Grand River Conservation Authority, 400 Clyde Road, Cambridge, Ontario N1R 5W6 Tel: (519) 621-2761 Fax: (519) 621-4844 Internet: http://www.grandriver.ca
February 2010 Alan Dale re-elected to GRCA Pearson told the GRCA board when for fourth term as chair he presented the business case for Volume 15 – No. 2 maintaining the infrastructure. The Alan Dale was acclaimed as chair of current value of the infrastructure in GRCA the GRCA for a fourth one-year term. the Grand River watershed is $750 Also re-elected by acclamation were million to $1 billion and it is crucial to General Membership maintain it to protect people and first vice-chair Jane Mitchell and sec- property from flood damage. This Chairman - Alan Dale ond vice-chair Vic Prendergast. infrastructure prevents an estimated 1st Vice-Chairman - Jane Mitchell Dale has been a member of the $100 million in flood damage across 2nd Vice-Chairman - Vic Prendergast GRCA board since 2000 and served as Ontario each year. vice-chair in 2006. He is a former Townships of Amaranth, East Since 2003, the province has con- member of Norwich Township Garafraxa, East Luther Grand Valley, tributed $5 million annually for flood Council and has served on several Melancthon and Southgate - control maintenance while municipali- Tom Nevills township and Oxford County commit- tiesconservation authorities contribute tees. Townships of Mapleton and another $5 million. The federal gov- Wellington North - Pat Salter Mitchell, a member of Waterloo ernment doesn’t contribute to annual Township of Centre Wellington - Regional Council from the City of maintenance, although it did help Shawn Watters Waterloo, has been a GRCA board fund construction of many projects. member since 2003 and a regional Conservation Ontario is working to Town of Erin, Townships of councillor since 2000. Vic Prendergast, Guelph/Eramosa and Puslinch - raise awareness of this issue among a representative of the City of Brad Whitcombe politicians at the provincial and feder- Brantford, has been a GRCA board al level and believes that other fund- City of Guelph - member for 11 years, including nine ing opportunities will include infra- Vicki Beard, Mike Salisbury years as second vice chair. structure investment for flood infra- Region of Waterloo - The Grand River Conservation structure. Jane Brewer, Kim Denouden, Authority manages water and other Jean Haalboom, Ross Kelterborn, natural resources on behalf of 38 New park fees approved Claudette Millar, Jane Mitchell, municipalities and 950,000 residents. Wayne Roth, Jake Smola, Bill Strauss, The 26 members of the board are all Park fees for 2010 have been set by Lynne Woolstencroft appointed by the municipalities of the the GRCA board and the vehicle pass Town of North Perth and Township Grand River watershed. will remain frozen at the current level of Perth East - George Wicke ($95) for the first vehicle and $65 for the second vehicle. Region of Halton - A business case for fixing dams J. Barry Lee Admission and camping fees are The estimated cost of replacing City of Hamilton - increasing moderately. Park admis- flood control infrastructure, such as Jeanette Jamieson sion is $4.50 for adults (an increase of dams and dikes, in Ontario is close to 25 cents) and $5.25 at Brant. The fee County of Oxford - $3 billion. Nearly one-third of for those age 6 to 14 remains $2.50, Alan Dale Ontario’s flood infrastructure is in the but it is set to increase to $3.25 at County of Brant - Grand River watershed. Brant Park. Children under 6 are free. Robert Chambers, Brian Coleman The GRCA is the watershed in Pool admission is included with park admission at Brant, and it is $1 extra City of Brantford - Ontario where the biggest investment at Byng. Robert Hillier, Vic Prendergast has been made in flood infrastructure. Haldimand and Norfolk Counties - Consequently, it is also the watershed Nightly camping fees range from Lorne Boyko, Craig Grice with the highest maintenance costs, $30 to $33 for unserviced sites and $37 Conservation Ontario CEO Don to $41 for serviced sites. For the com-
THE GRAND - A Canadian Heritage River plete list of fees, see the parks section • Randy Walden, owner of Nedlaw of the best birding and hiking trails in of www.grandriver.ca. Roofing Ltd. of Breslau communities throughout the Grand River watershed. Eight of the GRCA’s 11 conservation • Joy O’Donnell, owner of Grand areas offer camping at more than Financial Planning in Cambridge and Partners in Grand River Country is 2,500 camp sites. This makes the Brantford a marketing alliance that includes GRCA the second largest campground eight municipalities and the GRCA. The four new members will join a operator in the province — second 16-member board that is led by The “Trails Take Flight” project was only to Ontario Parks. The GRCA con- President David Hales of Waterloo partially funded through a grant from servation areas operate on a break- and Vice-President Crawford Reid of the Ontario Ministry of Health even basis. They record more than one Brantford. The foundation was found- Promotion. Trail and birding research million visits annually. ed in 1965 to raise money to support was done in partnership with the projects of the Grand River Guelph Field Naturalists Club, with Very dry January weather Conservation Authority. More than $6 brochure and website design by the million has been raised to educate GRCA. Precipitation in January was 19 to 53 kids about the outdoors, restore vital The “Trails Take Flight” brochures per cent below the long-term average wetlands that cleanse our water, pro- are available from local Tourism across the watershed. vide habitat that promotes wildlife Information Offices, the GRCA in diversity and offer opportunities for In fact, precipitation over the past Cambridge – or check out the “Trails” people to simply enjoy their natural three months has been below average, section of the Grand River Country world. reflecting a drier-than-normal trend. website at This is a stark contrast to late 2008 and www.grandrivercountry.com/trails. early 2009, which was very wet. The Nature Centre program update landscape has not held as much snow Be our Facebook fan either — with less snow on the The GRCA operates full-time nature centres at Laurel Creek, Apps’ Mill, ground in most parts of the water- The Grand River Conservation Guelph Lake and Shade’s Mills and shed. Authority now has a Facebook fan also has three seasonal centres at page and we invite you to join it. Temperatures have been approxi- Rockwoood, Taquanyah and mately one degree above the long- Pinehurst Lake. This is where we post information, term average for January. photos, videos and events related to In 2009, these centres hosted more our conservation areas and other areas The majority of the river system is than 37,000 students from six area of work. covered with ice. The major reser- school boards. An additional 16,000 voirs are in the normal operating young people participated in family, We also invite you to post your pho- range for this time of the year, but youth group and environmental day tos, videos and comments on the wall. Luther Dam is slightly above normal. camp programs along with over 3,000 adult or parent volunteers. Four new foundation members Nature centre programs expanded Four new members have joined the in 2009 to include a specialist high board of the Grand River skills major and GPS programs. This Conservation Foundation, which rais- spring they are also planning Ducks Unlimited’s “Project Webfoot” pro- This issue of "GRCA Minutes" es money to support environmental was published in February 2010. improvement projects in the Grand gram to teach young people about River watershed. wetlands. It is a summary of the January 2010 business conducted by the The four new members have strong Award for birding brochure Grand River Conservation ties to the business community in Authority board and commit- Waterloo Region and Brantford as Representatives of the Grand River tees. Space permitting, other well as extensive experience with Country Tourism Alliance attended noteworthy happenings and top- charitable and other community-based the Economic Developers Council of ics of interest have been includ- organizations. Ontario Awards banquet on February ed. The Grand River The new members are: 4th in Toronto, and picked up a pres- Conservation Authority wel- tigious EDCO Tourism Marketing comes the photocopying and • C. Thomas Lebrun, QC, a lawyer award. distribution of "GRCA who was a partner with the law firm Minutes." Reports mentioned in Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP in The award is for the “Trails Take Flight” brochure and micro-website the GRCA Minutes are available Kitchener project, completed last spring. The online at www.grandriver.ca in • Terry Reidel, Executive Director of website has a downloadable brochure, the Meetings section. the Cowan Foundation of Kitchener maps and detailed information on 20
THE GRAND - A Canadian Heritage River GRCA Minutes
Grand River Conservation Authority, 400 Clyde Road, Cambridge, Ontario N1R 5W6 Tel: (519) 621-2761 Fax: (519) 621-4844 Internet: grandriver.ca
March 2010 Tree planting contracts Consumer Price Index. Volume 15 – No. 3 Four different companies have been Currently power from the Shand awarded contracts with a total value Dam is sold to Hydro One at a rate of GRCA of $176,000 for planting 379,000 trees 3 cents per kWh. Power from in 2010. Conestogo Dam is sold under a con- General Membership tract that expires in September, 2011 The GRCA carries out numerous with the rate of 6.01 cents per kWh. Chairman - Alan Dale tree planting projects on both private 1st Vice-Chairman - Jane Mitchell and GRCA-owned property each A 20-year contract will provide a spring. The cost of these plantings has stable revenue source for the GRCA. 2nd Vice-Chairman - Vic Prendergast increased over the last few years to Any increase in the plant’s capacity Townships of Amaranth, East the extent that it is necessary to put would be eligible for revenue under a Garafraxa, East Luther Grand Valley, the planting contract out to public ten- different program geared to encour- Melancthon and Southgate - der. age new sources of electric power at a Tom Nevills rate of 13 cents per kWh. In 2010 the The contract for machine planting GRCA’s hydro revenue is projected at Townships of Mapleton and throughout the watershed and hand $364,000, compared to $220,000 under Wellington North - Pat Salter planting of trees in the north part of the existing terms of sale. Township of Centre Wellington - the watershed will be done by Tree Shawn Watters Logic for $83,103.88. Hand planting of seedlings in the south and saplings Conestogo Dam project Town of Erin, Townships of cost now at $3.1 million Guelph/Eramosa and Puslinch - throughout the watershed will be car- ried out by Wilderness Vegetative Brad Whitcombe The cost of work underway at the Management for $76,000. Curb Conestogo Dam has increased from City of Guelph - Appeal will plant seedlings and Vicki Beard, Mike Salisbury saplings on two GRCA-owned prop- $2.8 million to $3.1 million. Region of Waterloo - erties for a value of $11,000, while The project began in July 2009 and Jane Brewer, Kim Denouden, Great Lakes Woods Ltd. will plant is expected to be completed by the Jean Haalboom, Ross Kelterborn, seedlings in plastic mulch for close to end of this year. The work involves Claudette Millar, Jane Mitchell, $6,000. upgrades to the stilling basin, which is Wayne Roth, Jake Smola, Bill Strauss, the area immediately downstream of Lynne Woolstencroft Plantings are paid for by the proper- ty owners who require the service. If the dam gates. Concrete walls and Town of North Perth and Township eligible, these costs may be offset by energy dissipation blocks are of Perth East - George Wicke programs such as the Rural Water designed to calm the water after it Region of Halton - Quality Program. surges through the gates. J. Barry Lee Most of the work is taking place in City of Hamilton - 20-year hydro contract six metres of water. High water pres- Jeanette Jamieson sures have led to challenges with The GRCA has agreed to sign a 20- drilling anchor holes for the blocks. County of Oxford - year contract with the Ontario Power Alan Dale This is one factor that has led to the Authority for power produced at the higher cost and increased construction County of Brant - Shand and Conestogo dams. time. During the project, it was also Robert Chambers, Brian Coleman The Hydroelectric Contract discovered that a portion of the south City of Brantford - Initiative allows hydro producers to wing wall has poor quality concrete Robert Hillier, Vic Prendergast sign a long-term agreement at a rate without enough strength to support Haldimand and Norfolk Counties - of 6.9 cents per kilowatt hour in the the new new construction. Extra Lorne Boyko, Craig Grice base year 2009. Each year the price work will be required on this part of will be adjusted based on the the wall.
THE GRAND - A Canadian Heritage River The stilling basin upgrade is one of Walkerton Inquiry. the rehabilitation of Drimmie Dam two projects that will bring the dam was completed as part of an environ- The GRCA administers the funds up to safety standards set by the mental assessment of the deteriorating for all four watersheds. Ontario Ministry of Natural dam on the Grand River in downtown Resources. The second project is con- Elora. It outlines various alternatives struction of an emergency spillway Dry February weather to address the poor state of the dam, that is scheduled to be completed by which is close to 100 years old. Precipitation in February continued 2015. to be well below the long-term aver- The preferred alternative presented age for this time of year. in the report is to build a new, but GRCA approves 2010 budget lower, dam in the same location at an The monthly average ranged from a estimated cost of about $1.25 million. The board of the GRCA has low of 29 per cent at Shade’s Mills to a This option was identified as the most approved a budget of just under $33 high of 57 per cent at Luther Dam. cost-effective way of reducing poten- million for 2010. The drier weather can be linked to El tial flood damages in Elora and main- The budget will pay the cost of Ninio, a warming of waters in the taining the heritage and economic GRCA programs that protect water eastern Pacific Ocean near the equator benefits of the existing dam. quality, reduce flood damages, protect thought to be caused by changes in Copies of the report are available at natural areas, support responsible the normal wind patterns. There is the Township of Centre Wellington development and provide outdoor also less snow on the ground. Office, Elora Public Library and the recreation and environmental educa- Temperatures in February were GRCA Administration Centre in tion. It is about $1.6 million greater warmer than normal by about one Cambridge. It is also on the GRCA than in 2009 but much of the increase degree. River flows in the Grand website in the “Resource is due to one-time stimulus grants River and its major tributaries are in Management” section. The deadline from the federal and provincial gov- the normal range for this time of year. for comments is March 18, 2010. ernments for construction projects at Reservoirs have between 69 and 90 conservation areas. per cent of their storage capacity Tweets about parks and floods The GRCA has three main sources available for flood control. of revenue which include: $10 million The GRCA has set up two Twitter (32 per cent) from watershed munici- Provincial soil conservation feeds. palities; $8 million (25 per cent) from program sought One feed is to distribute flood mes- the provincial and federal govern- sages throughout the watershed and it ments; $13.4 million (43 per cent) in The GRCA is requesting that the is called grca_flood_msg. It is a new self-generated revenue such as money province develop a long-term funding way that watershed residents can get from campground fees, planning fees, program to support conservation direct notice of GRCA-flood messages. tree sales, hydro generation, rental authorities in delivering soil conserva- property income and other sources. tion programs, such as the Rural The other is for park related items Water Quality Program and tree and is called grandriverparks. It will The municipalities raise the money planting programs. These help to become especially active once the through their general tax rates or manage the soil in a sustainable man- parks open April 30. It is a way to find through charges on their water bills. ner. out about campsite availablity, activi- The municipal levy works out to ties such as tubing and special events about $9.68 per person. This request is in line with the Environmental Commissioner of in the parks. The entire GRCA budget is posted Ontario’s recommendation that the on www.grandriver.ca. Search for province set up an aggressive soil con- “Budget Overview.” servation agenda, including a long- This issue of "GRCA Minutes" term strategy to bring Ontario’s net was published in March 2010. $4.1 million for SWP soil loss to zero. It is a summary of the A total of $4.1 million of the The GRCA has been working with February 2010 business conduct- GRCA’s 2010 budget is going towards agricultural producers to reduce soil ed by the Grand River the Source Water Protection program. erosion since the 1950s. Conservation Authority board The cost of this program is covered and committees. The GRCA entirely by provincial grants. The pro- Drimmie Dam report available welcomes the photocopying and gram is developing source water pro- for public comment distribution of "GRCA Minutes." Reports mentioned in tection programs under the Clean A report outlining options for the Water Act in four watersheds – Grand the GRCA Minutes are available future of Drimmie Dam in Elora is River, Long Point Region, Catfish online at www.grandriver.ca in now available for public comment. Creek and Kettle Creek – to imple- the Meetings section. ment recommendations of the The Environmental Study Report on
THE GRAND - A Canadian Heritage River GRCA Minutes
Grand River Conservation Authority, 400 Clyde Road, Cambridge, Ontario N1R 5W6 Tel: (519) 621-2761 Fax: (519) 621-4844 Internet: www.grandriver.ca
April 2010 New park reservation system watershed close to Lake Ontario. and number for campers Volume 15 – No. 5 The monthly average air tempera- A new camping reservation system ture at Shand Dam was four degrees for the GRCA parks opened for busi- above the long-term average for GRCA March. General Membership ness early in April. The new system has been designed Even though it is dry, it is also the Chairman - Alan Dale to enhance the reservation experience season of spring melts. A high water safety bulletin was issued on March and provide campers with an 1st Vice-Chairman - Jane Mitchell 12 and a flood warning was issued for enhanced and interactive way to book 2nd Vice-Chairman - Vic Prendergast Grand Valley and Ayr on March 14. their site online. Townships of Amaranth, East Conditions were monitored closely Garafraxa, East Luther Grand Valley, The service, found at through that weekend. www.grcacamping.ca, is available 24 Melancthon and Southgate - The flows in the Grand River and Tom Nevills hours a day, 365 days a year and its major tributaries were slightly allows campers to book a site up to Townships of Mapleton and above the normal range for this time six months in advance. As well, a call Wellington North - Pat Salter of year and have slowly receded since centre is available for those who want March 14. The warm conditions have Township of Centre Wellington - to book over the telephone. The call Shawn Watters brought the frost out of the ground centre, which can be reached toll-free and it has dried up earlier than nor- Town of Erin, Townships of at 1-877-558-GRCA (4722), is available mal, reducing the potential for runoff Guelph/Eramosa and Puslinch - year-round (except for Christmas and and associated flooding. Brad Whitcombe New Year's Day) from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. All the reservoirs have been filled to City of Guelph - The parks will open April 30. their April 1 storage levels earlier than Vicki Beard, Mike Salisbury Bookings for group campsites, pavil- normal. They have 18 to 35 per cent of Region of Waterloo - lions and seasonal camping are han- their storage capacity available. Jane Brewer, Kim Denouden, dled directly by the park staff starting Jean Haalboom, Ross Kelterborn, at that time. Argentina twinning receives Claudette Millar, Jane Mitchell, The GRCA is the second largest GRCA support for five years Wayne Roth, Jake Smola, Bill Strauss, campground operator in Ontario Lynne Woolstencroft offering over 2,500 campsites through- The GRCA has signed another five- Town of North Perth and Township out the Grand River watershed. Of year agreement with the Los of Perth East - George Wicke the GRCA's 11 parks, eight offer Algarrobos Civil Association, of the San Roque Lake watershed in Region of Halton - nightly, monthly, and seasonal camp- Argentina and the GRCA board has J. Barry Lee ing opportunities. also agreed to provide financial sup- City of Hamilton - port for exchanges. Jeanette Jamieson Warm dry weather continues The GRCA will provide $8,000 County of Oxford - Dry weather conditions continued annually for the next five years. This Alan Dale through March, reflecting a five- money will go towards exchanges, County of Brant - month dry trend. workshops and technology transfer. Robert Chambers, Brian Coleman This weather is linked to El Niño, a The GRCA will also provide $5,000 in City of Brantford - warming system in the eastern Pacific support for the Watershed Management Conference to be hosted Robert Hillier, Vic Prendergast Ocean. Total precipitation during by Los Algarrobos in Cordoba, March was 31 to 113 per cent of the Haldimand and Norfolk Counties - Argentina in September, 2010. Lorne Boyko, Craig Grice long-term average, with heavier pre- cipitation along the eastern side of the While the two watersheds have
THE GRAND - A Canadian Heritage River been working together for several a three-year program at Conestoga of prairie and savannah ecosystems. It years, the financial support for these College. Students must be Canadian clears out non-native species and exchanges has come from other citizens or permanent residents, in releases important nutrients which sources, including the International environmental sciences, engineering, promote growth and increase seed River Foundation. Non-GRCA funds chemistry or manufacturing. For fur- yields for native species, which have will be used for "on-the-ground" ther information and an application adapted to survive fire. work, such as agroforestry demonstra- form visit www.grcf.ca. tion sites at a farm set up to train Another burn at Snyder's Flats apprentice agricultural workers in Nominations now due for Argentina. the 2010 Watershed Awards Another prescribed burn will take place on the Snyder's Flats property The GRCA hopes to raise half of the Each year since 1976, the authority near Bloomingdale to improve the $8,000 from external sources, while has presented awards to individuals, habitat value of the existing floodplain the $5,000 for the conference would families, organizations and businesses meadow. come from the training and develop- that have taken action to protect and ment budget. The burn is scheduled to take place enhance the natural environment of sometime in April. It will involve 11 the Grand River watershed. Community conservation grants hectares of the 96-hectare property The GRCA presents two types of nestled in a bend of the river in Applications are now being accept- awards: the Honour Roll Award for a Woolwich Township, west of ed from community groups and sustained record of achievement over Bloomingdale. The City of Waterloo is schools for Community Conservation an extended period of time and on the western bank of the river, Grants given out by the Grand River Watershed Awards for outstanding opposite the burn site. The exact date Conservation Foundation. examples of conservation and envi- will depend on the weather. ronmental work. Each year the foundation awards The burn is being managed by grants of up to $1,000 to qualified Nominations can come from anyone Lands & Forests Consulting which has groups (must be a registered charity) in the watershed, so if you know a handled many similar burns for the or up to $500 for elementary schools person, organization or business that GRCA and other agencies. All safety undertaking conservation projects in you think deserves an award, please precautions will be taken by the communities throughout the Grand make a nomination. The deadline for GRCA and the company to protect River watershed. Eligible projects nominations is May 1, 2010. A nomi- neighbouring properties. Natural fire- must be tangible and available for the nation form is available in the breaks and constructed firebreaks will use or benefit of the entire communi- "Watershed Awards" section of the be used to contain the burn. ty. GRCA website at www.grandriver.ca. The deadline for receipt of grant The 2010 winners will be selected by applications is May 1. The grant recip- the Special Recognition Committee of ients will be selected this summer the GRCA board and they will be with the cheque presentations taking honoured at an event in the fall. place this fall. Applications can be downloaded from www.grcf.ca. Three prescribed burns in Brant
Environment scholarship The GRCA is carrying out pre- available for post-secondary scribed burns on three properties in This issue of "GRCA Minutes" students April to help maintain the remnant was published in April 2010. prairie and savannah habitats in the It is a summary of the March Applications are being accepted area. 2010 business conducted by the until May 31 for the S.C. Johnson Two burns took place at Brant Grand River Conservation Environmental Scholarship. Conservation Area on Jennings Road Authority board and commit- This scholarship, worth $1,500, is and on a 2.5 hectare parcel of land tees. made available by the Grand River west of Paris, adjacent to the Paris The Grand River Conservation Conservation Foundation to help Landfill on Railway Street. A third Authority welcomes the photo- post-secondary students continue burn is slated for part of the Apps' copying and distribution of their studies in conservation and envi- Mill Conservation Area property. "GRCA Minutes." Reports men- ronment related fields. Applications The burn dates depend on the tioned in the GRCA Minutes are are open to full-time students who weather. There has to be approximate- available online at have completed the third year or sixth ly three days of warm, dry weather www.grandriver.ca in the semester of an honours program in a prior to a burn. Meetings section. watershed university (Waterloo, Guelph, Laurier) or the second year of Fire is a natural part of the life cycle
THE GRAND - A Canadian Heritage River GRCA Minutes
Grand River Conservation Authority, 400 Clyde Road, Cambridge, Ontario N1R 5W6 Tel: (519) 621-2761 Fax: (519) 621-4844 Internet: www.grandriver.ca
May 2010 Water Management Plan Update four years were 1940, 1946, 1987 and 2003. Volume 15 – No. 5 The GRCA endorsed the direction of the Water Management Plan for the The dry conditions stem from El GRCA Grand River watershed and selected a Niño, a warming of waters in the east- co-ordinator for this project. ern Pacific Ocean that changes the General Membership wind patterns. Conditions have not It has been more than 25 years since only been dry, but also much warmer Chairman - Alan Dale the Grand River Basin Water than normal. The air temperature has 1st Vice-Chairman - Jane Mitchell Management Study was released. been about four degrees above aver- That report looked at three key issues age. 2nd Vice-Chairman - Vic Prendergast — flood damage reduction, water Townships of Amaranth, East supply and water quality. It provided Currently flows in the Grand River Garafraxa, East Luther Grand Valley, a list of more than 20 recommenda- and its tributaries are lower-than- Melancthon and Southgate - tions to address these issues and most average for this time of year. Flows Tom Nevills of the recommendations were imple- are equivalent to what they would normally be during mid-summer. Townships of Mapleton and mented. Wellington North - Pat Salter Now that study needs to be updated Reservoir levels are lower than nor- Township of Centre Wellington - so that it can provide a new roadmap mal for this time of year due to the Shawn Watters for the next 25 years. These years will dry conditions. Reservoir discharges bring new pressures caused by rapid have been reduced in order to con- Town of Erin, Townships of population growth, climate change serve water for the summer months. Guelph/Eramosa and Puslinch - and agricultural intensification. The Hydro production has been reduced Brad Whitcombe plan will provide the framework to as well. City of Guelph - guide decision-making by the GRCA Lake Erie is also slightly below the Vicki Beard, Mike Salisbury and its many partners. These partners long-term average for this time of Region of Waterloo - include municipalities, the province, year, and this is expected to continue. Jane Brewer, Kim Denouden, First Nations, federal departments and other stakeholders. Jean Haalboom, Ross Kelterborn, Parkhill Dam Hydro Project Claudette Millar, Jane Mitchell, The new full-time project coordina- Update Wayne Roth, Jake Smola, Bill Strauss, tor is Lorrie Minshall, who headed the Lynne Woolstencroft Source Protection Program. She has Thanks to a provincial green energy Town of North Perth and Township stepped into this new three-year posi- program, the GRCA is investigating of Perth East - George Wicke tion, while Simon Glauser is the new construction of a new hydro produc- tion facility at the Parkill Dam in Region of Halton - source protection program manager. Cambridge. J. Barry Lee The target date for the completion City of Hamilton - of this project is December 2012. A request for proposals will be Jeanette Jamieson issued for consulting services to help Dry spell continues develop the facility. The Green Energy County of Oxford - and Green Economy Act, 2009 was Alan Dale Dry conditions continued through passed into law a year ago. The new County of Brant - April, which had precipitation rang- Feed-in Tariff program provides a Robert Chambers, Brian Coleman ing from only 43 to 71 per cent of the guaranteed pricing structure for City of Brantford - long-term average. renewable electricity production and a 40-year contract with the Ontario Robert Hillier, Vic Prendergast In fact, the past six months have Power Authority. Haldimand and Norfolk Counties - been drier-than-normal, with only Lorne Boyko, Craig Grice four years since 1940 when records A hydro plant at Parkhill Dam is have been drier than this year. These expected to cost $4.8 million, but rev-
THE GRAND - A Canadian Heritage River enue is expected to pay back the con- River Conservation Foundation. pond in the conservation area. They’ll struction costs in under six years. learn how to cast, rig lures, tie flies, The project is the result of nine identify various fish species and their The GRCA already produces elec- years of planning and work following habitats and learn how to catch more tricity at three locations — Conestogo the failure of a dam on Chilligo Creek. fish. Archery lessons are also avail- Dam, Shand Dam and Guelph Dam. In 2000 the dam was removed, allow- able. Combined, the three plants produce ing the creek to flow freely, resulting just over 1,350 kilowatts of electricity, in better water quality. For more information and to regis- enough to power about 1,200 homes. ter, call Belwood Lake Conservation However, community members Area at (519) 843-2979 or e-mail were concerned about the loss of the [email protected]. Guelph Rotary Forest event pond which had great scenic and was a resounding success recreational value. The GRCA and Grant from Monsanto Fund will community members developed a nat- The tree planting event April 24 at help GRCA expand Rural Water uralization plan that allowed the creek Guelph Lake Conservation Authority Quality Program to continue to flow freely. It provides drew a crowd of about 1,000 people, two off-line ponds to replace the big- including individuals, families, youth More farmers in the Grand River ger lost pond. groups and organizations. watershed will be able to tap into a Fundraising was co-ordinated by program to protect water quality This is the third year for the Guelph the Grand River Conservation thanks to a grant from the Monsanto Rotary Forest Earth Day celebration. Foundation which worked with the Fund. A 40-hectare piece of land is being community and the Rotary Club of transformed into a forest. The Monsanto Fund has provided a Cambridge North to come up with total of $142,500 (US) over two years The event also included displays, more than $150,000 for the project. to the Grand River Conservation food, and a performance by the Funky Other major supporters of the project Foundation to support the Rural Mamas, a Guelph band that caters to include the Ontario Trillium Water Quality Program (RWQP) oper- children. Foundation, Stantec, Schiedel ated by the GRCA. Construction, the GreenHorizons A special component this year was Group of Companies and the Hiff The money will be used to create the dedication of an outdoor class- Family. the Monsanto Water Conservation room across from Guelph Lake Fund for Farmers. The new fund will Nature Centre that was sponsored by allow farmers from parts of the Grand Ken Murray through the Grand River Take a Kid Fishing Day' May 8 River watershed where the existing Conservation Foundation. at Belwood Lake RWQP is not available to obtain the advice and financial support they To see a video about this event post- Junior anglers can learn from the need to adopt environmentally-friend- pros at the Shimano Take a Kid ed online, check www.youtube.com ly practices. and search for Guelph Rotary Forest. Fishing Day at Belwood Lake Conservation Area near Fergus on The areas include Haldimand Dedication and tree planting Saturday, May 8. County, Halton Region, Grey County, event was April 25 Perth County, the City of Hamilton, The event is free for registered par- Six Nations and New Credit. ticipants, although they will have to A dedication and tree-planting pay park entry fees, which are $2.50 event marked the completion of the for children and $4.50 for adults. restoration of a natural landscape along Chilligo Creek in the There will be two half-day sessions, This issue of "GRCA Minutes" Cambridge community of Fisher Mills with space for 120 people in each. The was published in May 2010. on April 25. morning session will go from 8:30 a.m. to noon, with the afternoon ses- It is a summary of the April About 100 people took part in the 2010 business conducted by the sion running from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. tree-planting which completes the Grand River Conservation Kids in both sessions can join in the landscaping of the area around the Authority board and commit- free barbecue lunch from noon to 1 newly built ponds. tees. p.m. Representatives of the groups The GRCA welcomes the pho- The day is designed to get new involved in the project spoke during tocopying and distribution of anglers, between 8 and 14, involved in the dedication ceremony including: "GRCA Minutes." Reports men- fishing and help them improve their Cambridge North, Sunrise and tioned in the GRCA Minutes are skills. Children must be supervised by Preston Hespeler Rotary Clubs; the available online at a parent or guardian. neighbourhood group which led the www.grandriver.ca in the fundraising effort; local and provincial The children will take lessons and Meetings section. dignitaries; the GRCA, and the Grand then try their new skills at the stocked
THE GRAND - A Canadian Heritage River GRCA Minutes
Grand River Conservation Authority, 400 Clyde Road, Cambridge, Ontario N1R 5W6 Tel: (519) 621-2761 Fax: (519) 621-4844 Internet: www.grandriver.ca
June 2010 Alan Dale elected vice-chair budget for the design and will seek of Conservation Ontario funding assistance for the construc- Volume 15 – No. 6 tion phase of the project. The chair of the GRCA, Alan Dale, GRCA was elected vice-chair of Conservation Belwood Lake restaurant Ontario, the provincial network of 36 to be demolished this year General Membership conservation authorities. Chairman - Alan Dale This will be Dale’s third term as vice A restaurant at Belwood Lake Conservation Area is slated for demo- 1st Vice-Chairman - Jane Mitchell chair of Conservation Ontario and he is also serving his forth term as chair lition at a cost of $16,500. 2nd Vice-Chairman - Vic Prendergast of the GRCA. Known as Our Place Family Dining, Townships of Amaranth, East the building is deficient and would Garafraxa, East Luther Grand Valley, Dale said these are challenging times and there is lots of work for need $72,300 for immediate improve- Melancthon and Southgate - ments. Tom Nevills Conservation Ontario to complete. He plans to continue working for the bet- Demolition will save the GRCA Townships of Mapleton and terment of the watersheds and help- Wellington North - Pat Salter about $2,800 annually in taxes. The ing to build a sustainable future for demolition will also allow Belwood Township of Centre Wellington - the organization and Ontario. Dick Lake Conservation Area to eventually Shawn Watters Hibma, the chair of Grey Sauble realign the entry drive. It is currently Town of Erin, Townships of Conservation Authority, is the chair of a concern for staff and visitors Guelph/Eramosa and Puslinch - CO and Virginia Hackson, chair of the because there is not enough room for Brad Whitcombe Lake Simcoe Region Conservation cars as the line up to enter the park. Authority is the vice-chair and treas- City of Guelph - urer. Vicki Beard, Mike Salisbury Much needed rain fell in May Region of Waterloo - Consultand hired to design Some much-needed rain fell in May, Jane Brewer, Kim Denouden, changes to Drimmie Dam helping to modify the dry weather Jean Haalboom, Ross Kelterborn, trend. Claudette Millar, Jane Mitchell, The GRCA has hired Sanchez Wayne Roth, Jake Smola, Bill Strauss, Engineering for close to $50,000 to Rainfall ranged from a high of 131 Lynne Woolstencroft finalize the design to make changes to per cent of the long-term average at Town of North Perth and Township the Drimmie Dam in Elora. Shand Dam to a low of 75 per cent at of Perth East - George Wicke Shade’s Mills. This provided some The Class Environmental relief from dry conditions, but the Region of Halton - Assessment for the project has been past six months have been drier-than- J. Barry Lee completed and was posted for public normal. Shand Dam records show that City of Hamilton - comment for 30 days. Through this only 10 of the past 70 years have had Jeanette Jamieson process, a preferred alternative was drier November to May totals. selected. Work is necessary because County of Oxford - the dam has deteriorated. The pre- The weather has been about one Alan Dale ferred alternative will allow continued degree warmer than average as well. County of Brant - hydro production at the Elora Mill The lower precipitation and warm Robert Chambers, Brian Coleman and also reduce the risk of flooding conditions has dried up the landscape. through Elora. The estimated cost of City of Brantford - Flows in the Grand River and its reconstruction is $1.2 million, but it Robert Hillier, Vic Prendergast major tributaries have gone down to could cost more if the dam gate is summer low flow conditions. Haldimand and Norfolk Counties - wider. Lorne Boyko, Craig Grice However, flows are close to the long- The GRCA has money in the 2010 term average for May, with above
THE GRAND - A Canadian Heritage River average flows in the northern part of the dams can be still, but the area gram in GPS (Geographic Positioning the watershed. downstream can be dangerous. Strong System) technology, primarily for currents at the base of the dam can Grade 6 students. Thanks to donations Lake Erie levels are slightly below capsize a canoe or kayak and trap the to the Grand River Conservation the long-term average, but a high lake occupant underwater. Foundation, each GRCA nature centre level advisory was issued May 7 for has a class set of GPS units. the lower Great Lakes including Lake The buoys and booms are installed Erie due to high winds. each spring and then removed in the The second new program is the fall before winter freeze-up. Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM), a new initiative of the Ministry of New fishing book available It is important to note that privately- in bookstores and online Education geared to high school stu- owned dams on the rivers may not be dents. This provides students with marked with buoys or booms. The GRCA has just released an practical skills and certification upon updated version of its popular Fishing graduation. Schools can access GRCA OMB hearing into proposed Grand River Country book. expertise and undertake hands-on quarry near Luther Marsh projects to provide a practical ground- This book was researched and writ- ing for students enrolled in these pro- ten by noted angler Stephen May on The GRCA is concerned about the grams. behalf of the GRCA, and published by impact of a proposed quarry next to James Lorimer Publishing. Luther Marsh on nearby wetlands and The third program, in co-operation watercourses. with Ducks Unlimited, is the Project It contains 160 full-colour pages Webfoot wetland education program with detailed information on fishing A below-water table bedrock quarry for Grade 4 students. This is free of in all parts of the main Grand River is proposed on a 62-hectare parcel of charge to a total of 50 classes in the and its major tributaries. The Grand land near the village of Monck. The Grand Erie and Waterloo public, River has more than 80 species of fish GRCA has been part of an Ontario Brant/Haldimand Norfolk and — more than 50 per cent of all fish Municipal Board hearing about the Waterloo Catholic school boards, species found in Canada. Being a proposal. But that hearing was tem- through a generous donation by SC river so close to major cities, the porarily suspended due to a Drainage Johnson and Son, Limited. Grand has become a major recreation- Act process. al fishery of exceptionally high quali- A January, 2010 order of the ty. To get your copy of Fishing Grand drainage referee provides a frame- River Country, ask for it in local work for managing potential drainage stores, or it's available in the "Online issues. The OMB process will resume Store" section of the GRCA's website now that the drainage issue is settled. at www.grandriver.ca. The book sells for $24.95. Next GRCA board meeting at Byng Island for 50th anniversary Warning buoys and booms installed at GRCA dams The June 25 meeting will take place at Byng Island Conservation Area. The GRCA has installed warning buoys or booms upstream of GRCA This year — 2010 — is the 50th This issue of "GRCA Minutes" dams to warn canoeists, kayakers and anniversary of Byng Island, the south- was published in June 2010. boaters to stay away from the dams. ern-most park that is close to Lake Erie. It opened July 28, 1960. Byng It is a summary of the May Installation took place between May Island is one of the busiest of the 11 2010 business conducted by the 17-20 at Dunnville dam and weirs, GRCA conservation areas and most Grand River Conservation Caledonia Dam, Wilkes Dam visitors come from outside of the Authority board and commit- (Brantford), Parkhill Dam watershed and stay overnight. It has tees. Space permitting, other (Cambridge-Galt), New Hamburg one of the biggest swimming pools in noteworthy happenings and top- Dam, and the Bissell and Drimmie the province and this attracts crowds ics of interest have been includ- dams in Elora, Conestogo, Shand, on warm summer days. ed. The Grand River Guelph, Luther, Woolwich, Breslau, Conservation Authority wel- New Dundee, Rockwood, Wellesley Three new nature centre comes the photocopying and and Wellington Street in Guelph. programs on offer this spring distribution of "GRCA The buoys are marked with a bright Minutes." Reports mentioned in Grand River nature centres are red diamond, which is an internation- the GRCA Minutes are available offering three brand new programs to al warning symbol for boaters. These online at www.grandriver.ca in schools starting this spring. dams are “run of the river” or “low the Meetings section. head” dams. The water upstream of The first is a formal day-long pro-
THE GRAND - A Canadian Heritage River GRCA Minutes
Grand River Conservation Authority, 400 Clyde Road, Cambridge, Ontario N1R 5W6 Tel: 519-621-2761 Fax: 519-621-4844 Internet: www.grandriver.ca
July 2010 New gatehouse for Brant Park $230 to $370, while the plan review fee for complex applications will Volume 15 – No. 7 A new gatehouse will be construct- increase from $4,675 to $7,350. These ed at Brant Park for just under increases better reflect the amount of GRCA $400,000. staff time and resources that it takes General Membership Lanca Contracting of Brantford will to process these applications. Staff do the work. This park is a significant notified the development industry Chairman - Alan Dale tourist attraction which records about through their association and the com- plete report including new fees is 1st Vice-Chairman - Jane Mitchell 200,000 paid visits a year, of which 85 per cent are overnight and seasonal posted in the Meetings section of the 2nd Vice-Chairman - Vic Prendergast campers, while the rest are day-use website. Townships of Amaranth, East visitors. In addition, a temporary planning Garafraxa, East Luther Grand Valley, The existing gatehouse was con- position will become permanent to Melancthon and Southgate - improve the department’s efficiency. Tom Nevills structed as a temporary building in the early 1970s and it has deteriorated Townships of Mapleton and significantly since then. Two wet months in a row Wellington North - Pat Salter The new gatehouse will incorporate Township of Centre Wellington - Lots of rain fell in June for the sec- new communication technology, Shawn Watters ond month in a row. allow more efficient registration and Town of Erin, Townships of will be barrier-free to meet new The wet May and June is in stark Guelph/Eramosa and Puslinch - Ontario regulations. It will be 1,420 contrast to the much drier-than-nor- Brad Whitcombe square feet and will accommodate mal November through April period. The change in precipitation may be City of Guelph - washrooms for staff and the public in the future. due to the weakening effect of El Vicki Beard, Mike Salisbury Niño. Region of Waterloo - About half the cost will be covered The rainfall ranged from more than Jane Brewer, Kim Denouden, by a Recreational Infrastructure double the usual amount at Shade’s Jean Haalboom, Ross Kelterborn, Canada (RInC) grant and the rest will Mills in Cambridge (171 mm) to 20 Claudette Millar, Jane Mitchell, be covered through park user fees. Wayne Roth, Jake Smola, Bill Strauss, per cent above normal at Woolwich (90 mm). Lynne Woolstencroft Changes in permit and planning Town of North Perth and Township fees effective Aug. 1 The flows in the Grand River and its of Perth East - George Wicke major tributaries are above average Permit and planning fees will go up for this time of year. The exception to Region of Halton - on August 1. this is lower flows downstream of J. Barry Lee Shand and Conestogo dams, because The planning department has had City of Hamilton - water was taken into storage. All an increased workload due to a high Jeanette Jamieson reservoirs were in their normal oper- number of permits. The number went ating range by June 23, with the County of Oxford - from 240 permits to 650 as a result of exception of these two, which are Alan Dale the revised GRCA regulation that above the upper rule curve. County of Brant - came into effect in May 2006. Robert Chambers, Brian Coleman Reservoir levels are slowly being The fee schedule for permit applica- reduced and the additional water is City of Brantford - tions, plan review title clearance and increasing river flows and resulting in Robert Hillier, Vic Prendergast enquiry services will be increased by an increase in hydro production. Haldimand and Norfolk Counties - three per cent. There will be two other Lorne Boyko, Craig Grice modifications — the minor permit fee A high water bulletin was issued for development will increase from June 28 across the watershed due to
THE GRAND - A Canadian Heritage River more heavy rain. Luther Marsh is managed by the began her practice at Kearns Grand River Conservation Authority, McKinnon in 1982. Currently she is Inspections were completed at which owns most of the 5,600 hectare also a member of the board of trustees major dams immediately following property. Luther Marsh is one of the at the University of Guelph, and sits the June 23 earthquake, following most important wetland areas in as a director on the Guelph and standard operating procedures. Southern Ontario, providing habitat Wellington Development Association Rainfall, temperature and river lev- for a great variety of wildlife. More Board. els are available in the river data sec- information on Luther Marsh is avail- Visit www.grcf.ca to see the 2009 tion of the website. able on the GRCA website. annual report, which has now been Trumpeter swans were once hunted released. Optimization pilot project and harassed to the point where, in 1933, only 77 were breeding in Swimming and tubing conditions The GRCA is working with munici- Canada. The swan carcasses in this at conservation areas pal water managers to optimize case had large yellow wing tags indi- wastewater treatment plants. cating they were part of a restoration During the summer months, the Optimization is a two step process: project to boost the trumpeter swan Grand River Conservation Authority, Step 1: Identify the administrative, population in Ontario. in conjunction with local health units, operational and maintenance factors regularly tests the water in its pools that limit performance of a waste- Birthday party marks 50th and designated beaches to ensure the water meets the guidelines set for water treatment facility. anniversary of Byng Island swimming areas in Ontario. Step 2: Systematically address those A public birthday party was held at Beaches are posted when levels of E. limiting factors, starting with the Byng Island Conservation Area in coli bacteria exceed the Ministry of highest priority issues. Dunnville to mark the 50th anniver- Health guidelines. A posting is a rec- The goal is for the plant to produce sary of the opening of the park on ommendation that individuals swim higher quality effluent with the Saturday, June 26. at their own risk. important side benefit of reducing It included free birthday cake, hot The 1.5 acre pool at Brant Park and operating costs and improving regula- dogs and drinks. In addition, admis- at the two acre pool at Byng Island tory compliance. Optimization is a sion to the two-acre pool was free for open for the season on June 12th. cost-effective compliment to waste- the day. Please be advised that the pools close water infrastructure upgrades, which in poor weather conditions for safety The official opening was on July 28, are very costly. reasons. Tubing facilities at Elora 1960. The 470-acre park has 380 camp- This pilot project will see local Gorge may also close for safety rea- sites and the pool is one of the largest sons during the summer season. wastewater professionals participate in Ontario. The park records about in a collaborative process to evaluate 250,000 paid visits a year, with many Check the newsroom on and assess their wastewater treatment of the visitors coming from outside of www.grandriver.ca for this informa- plant using a proven framework. Two Haldimand County. During summer tion. municipalities, Guelph and months, the park employs more than Haldimand, have already successfully 40 people, many of them students. undertaken wastewater optimization. Also, as part of the anniversary This pilot project will bring opti- events, the regular monthly meeting mization to other wastewater treat- of the GRCA board was held in the ment plants within the Grand River picnic pavilion June 25. This issue of "GRCA Minutes" watershed. was published in July 2010. New director joins It is a summary of the June Hunters fined for killing conservation foundation 2010 business conducted by the trumpeter swans at Luther Grand River Conservation At its June 24 annual general meet- Authority board and commit- Two Toronto-area hunters have ing, the GRCF board of directors wel- tees. The Grand River been fined $1,500 each for hunting comed Robin-Lee Norris, a senior Conservation Authority wel- trumpeter swans at the Luther Marsh partner in the national law firm of comes the photocopying and Wildlife Management Area near Miller Thomson LLP, for a three year distribution of GRCA Minutes. Grand Valley last fall. term. Reports mentioned in GRCA According to Environment Canada, Norris is a graduate of the Minutes are available online at the two men pleaded guilty in June to University of Guelph and Osgoode www.grandriver.ca in the one offence each under the Migratory Hall Law School and has been active Meetings section. Birds Convention Act 1999. in the Guelph community since she
THE GRAND - A Canadian Heritage River GRCA Minutes
Grand River Conservation Authority, 400 Clyde Road, Cambridge, Ontario N1R 5W6 Tel: 519-621-2761 Fax: 519-621-4844 www.grandriver.ca
August 2010 CAO Paul Emerson whelmed the design capacity of the announces his retirement storm sewer system, resulting in some Volume 15 – No. 8 flooding. This type of storm would Paul Emerson, the Chief only come once every 100 years. GRCA Administrative Officer of the Grand Waterloo was also hard-hit by a storm General Membership River Conservation Authority, has July 23, resulted in flooding on announced he’s retiring from the job University Avenue. he’s held for the past decade. Chairman - Alan Dale River flows are above average for 1st Vice-Chairman - Jane Mitchell But he won’t be putting his feet up. this time of year across the watershed, with the exception of Mill Creek. 2nd Vice-Chairman - Vic Prendergast Emerson has been hired by the County of Brant to be its new CAO, Reservoirs are at or just above their Townships of Amaranth, East effective Sept. 7. Emerson, 57, grew normal operating range. The rain has Garafraxa, East Luther Grand Valley, up in Paris in the County of Brant. He been mostly beneficial for water quali- Melancthon and Southgate - received a Bachelor of Environmental ty, since it helps to flush out the river Tom Nevills Studies degree from the University of system. But Lake Erie remains slightly Townships of Mapleton and Waterloo in 1977 and has worked for below the long-term average for this Wellington North - Pat Salter the GRCA since April 1977. He held time of year. Township of Centre Wellington - positions ranging from conservation July at Shand Dam was the third Shawn Watters labourer to manager of the planning wettest in 70 years. The wet spring and regulation programs before he and summer have made up for an Town of Erin, Townships of was named CAO in 2000. Guelph/Eramosa and Puslinch - exceptionally dry winter and spring. Brad Whitcombe He leaves the GRCA just as it is City of Guelph - embarking on creation of a new water Stepping up enforcement Vicki Beard, Mike Salisbury management strategy to address of GRCA regulation flooding, water supply and water Region of Waterloo - quality issues in an era of population The Grand River Conservation Jane Brewer, Kim Denouden, growth and climate change. Emerson Authority is stepping up efforts to Jean Haalboom, Ross Kelterborn, championed the project and worked enforce the GRCA regulation made Claudette Millar, Jane Mitchell, with municipal, provincial, federal under the Conservation Authorities Wayne Roth, Jake Smola, Bill Strauss, and First Nations officials to get it off Act. Lynne Woolstencroft the ground. Town of North Perth and Township Regulated lands include areas in of Perth East - George Wicke A consultant will assist with finding and near rivers, streams, floodplains, a new CAO for the GRCA. wetlands, valleylands, slopes and the Region of Halton - Lake Erie shoreline. Any regulated J. Barry Lee Hot wet July activities, such as building or chang- City of Hamilton - ing a structure and adding or remov- Jeanette Jamieson ing fill in these areas, require a permit Twice as much rain as usual has issued by the GRCA. County of Oxford - been falling in most of the major Alan Dale reservoirs in the watershed, with the A professional resource planner is County of Brant - exception of Laurel Creek. assigned each time a permit applica- tion is made. Inspections by GRCA Robert Chambers, Brian Coleman A lot of this rainfall has come from staff may take place before, during or City of Brantford - thunderstorms, such as one July 17 after the work is complete. This Robert Hillier, Vic Prendergast that resulted in 111 mm to 125 mm ensures that the requirements of the Haldimand and Norfolk Counties - over Brantford. The peak one-hour permit have been carried out. Lorne Boyko, Craig Grice rainfall in Brantford between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. was over 60 mm, and over- Like all conservation authorities in
THE GRAND - A Canadian Heritage River the province, the GRCA is also facility at the Parkhill Dam in Conservation Foundation each con- responsible to enforce its regulation. Cambridge. tributed an additional $50,000. The GRCA regulation was updated by the province in 2006. This resulted in Genivar Ltd., a national engineering consulting firm, has been hired to Washrooms and a gatehouse an increase in permit applications and underway for GRCA parks a corresponding increase in compli- carry out the work which could take ance problems. close to two years. The company will review the economic feasibility of the Three projects are now underway to Two enforcement staff have been project, apply for approval under the improve facilities at parks. hired and funds have been set aside in province’s Feed-In-Tariff program for The projects are a new washroom the 2010 budget to help cover the legal electricity generation, carry out an and shower complex and sewage and consulting expenses that result environmental assessment and design main project at Elora Gorge, a new from legal proceedings. the facility. washroom and shower facility beside In 2009 a total of 628 planning per- The contract, which is worth just the causeway to the island at Guelph mits were issued by the GRCA and over $400,000, is structured to allow Lake Conservation Area and a new permit application numbers are in line the GRCA to back out of the project at gatehouse at Brant Park. These project with that again during the first six various points if it is discovered that were projected to cost $1.3 million and months of 2010. it’s not economically viable. this was to be shared equally by the federal and provincial governments An earlier study estimated that a and the GRCA. New groundwater technology turbine at the Parkhill Dam could pro- duce enough electricity to power The current cost over-run for these The GRCA is working with the about 1,200 homes. That’s as much projects is expected to be $202,000 in Ontario Geologic Survey (OGS), power as the GRCA generates at its 2010. This is due to additional work Waterloo Region and Guelph to test three existing facilities at Shand Dam, that is needed and the current high new technology at 15 existing obser- Conestogo Dam and Guelph Dam. demand for construction services. vation wells. This additional cost will be funded Leading-edge equipment is being Harris Woolen Mill restoration from the Conservation Area purchased from a New Mexico com- Stabilization Reserve. The expanded pany. OGS is covering the $400,000 The Harris Woolen Mill at scope of the Brant gatehouse will also cost of this project. The technology is Rockwood Conservation Area is get- require additional investment in a way to learn more about ancient ting a $855,000 facelift this summer, future years. aquifers. Reusable liners and multi- thanks to special federal funding. level ports will be installed to enable The scenic limestone mill ruins are a controlled sampling of water from a favourite spot for park visitors, special variety of aquifer zones. events such as weddings and film The resulting research will provide shoots. But last summer the mill ruin better and more complete information had to be closed due to safety con- that will help groundwater experts cerns. Some of the walls and part of better understand the flow of water the foundation were considered unsta- and the impact on municipal water ble. supplies. The contractor for the restoration is This issue of "GRCA Minutes" This is the most advanced deep Phoenix Restoration of Scarborough. was published in August 2010. bedrock groundwater characterization This project is on schedule and expect- ever undertaken in southern Ontario. ed to be complete by the fall. The mill It is a summary of the July It will provide groundbreaking infor- will reopen for visitors and special 2010 business conducted by the mation related to source water protec- events next spring. Grand River Conservation tion. The mill was constructed in 1884 to Authority board and commit- tees. The wells are in the central portion replace an earlier mill that burnt of the Niagara Escarpment region, down. In its heyday it employed 80 The Grand River mostly within the Grand River water- people, but ceased operation in 1925. Conservation Authority wel- shed. It accidentally burned down in 1967, comes the photocopying and leaving a stone shell. distribution of "GRCA Consultant hired for Parkhill This restoration project received Minutes." Reports mentioned in Dam hydro proposal $755,000 from the Federal Economic the GRCA Minutes are available Development Agency under the online at www.grandriver.ca in The GRCA has taken a big step Community Adjustment Fund. The the Meetings section. toward developing a hydroelectricity GRCA and the Grand River
THE GRAND - A Canadian Heritage River GRCA Minutes
Grand River Conservation Authority, 400 Clyde Road, Cambridge, Ontario N1R 5W6 Tel: (519) 621-2761 Fax: (519) 621-4844 Internet: http://www.grandriver.ca
September 2010 Landowners are responsible resources consultant has been retained for removing giant hogweed to advise the GRCA board on the hir- Volume 15 – No. 9 ing process to replace Emerson. It’s Landowners are responsible for con- expected that a new CAO will be GRCA trolling undesirable vegetation such hired by the end of November. as giant hogweed that is on their General Membership property, including along waterways. Unusually dry August Chairman - Alan Dale The GRCA has posted information 1st Vice-Chairman - Jane Mitchell about this non-native plant that is August has been unusually dry, breaking the wet weather trend of the 2nd Vice-Chairman - Vic Prendergast spreading in the watershed on www.grandriver.ca in the Newsroom previous three months. Townships of Amaranth, East section. So far it has been confirmed at Monthly average rainfall at the Garafraxa, East Luther Grand Valley, six GRCA properties where it has reservoirs ranged from 20 per cent of Melancthon and Southgate - been treated. Many other sightings the long-term average precipitation (at Tom Nevills turn out to be angelica, which is very Woolwich reservoir) to 59 per cent (at similar but does not grow to the three Townships of Mapleton and Luther). Wellington North - Pat Salter to five-metre height of giant hogweed. Township of Centre Wellington - The plant is not on the provincial One exception to the dry weather is Shawn Watters list for noxious weeds, but some the portion of the watershed south of municipalities within the watershed Brantford, where it has been wetter Town of Erin, Townships of than normal in August. Guelph/Eramosa and Puslinch - have added it to their list. It has a neg- Brad Whitcombe ative impact on human health, some- Water users in the Upper Nith River times causing skin problems similar to area were asked in mid-August to City of Guelph - a severe burn. Vicki Beard, Mike Salisbury keep an eye on water use after a drop in river flows in recent weeks. Region of Waterloo - Acting CAOs appointed by GRCA Jane Brewer, Kim Denouden, Environment Canada reports that while replacement is sought Jean Haalboom, Ross Kelterborn, 2010 is also on track to be the warmest Claudette Millar, Jane Mitchell, Two Acting Chief Administrative year on record. At Shand Dam it was Wayne Roth, Jake Smola, Bill Strauss, Officers have been named at the nearly two degrees warmer than aver- Lynne Woolstencroft Grand River Conservation Authority age. Town of North Perth and Township while a replacement is sought for The flows in the Grand River and its of Perth East - George Wicke retiring CAO Paul Emerson. tributaries are close to or above the Region of Halton - Joe Farwell, who is currently the long-term average for the month. The J. Barry Lee Assistant CAO for Resource exceptions to this are the Speed River City of Hamilton - Management, and Keith Murch, who and Conestogo River above the dams, Jeanette Jamieson is Assistant CAO and which have low flows. The need to Secretary/Treasurer, will both be act- use reservoir water to increase river County of Oxford - flows has been reduced this year. Alan Dale ing CAOs effective Sept. 4. County of Brant - Emerson, who leaves the GRCA on Two contracts awarded Robert Chambers, Brian Coleman Sept. 3 after 10 years as CAO and City of Brantford - three decades as an employee, is mov- The GRCA has awarded two con- Robert Hillier, Vic Prendergast ing on to become the CAO of the struction contracts. County of Brant. Haldimand and Norfolk Counties - Drexler Construction Ltd. of Lorne Boyko, Craig Grice Alan Dale, chair of the GRCA Rockwood has been awarded the board, said Friday that a human $270,000 tender for construction of the
THE GRAND - A Canadian Heritage River Elora Gorge Conservation Area sani- Mountain Ash which is not a true ash speeches, panel discussions and dis- tary force main. Lanca Contracting tree. Native to eastern Asia, it was plays on the current state and the Ltd. of Brantford was awarded the first discovered in Canada in Windsor future of the watershed. nearly $400,000 tender for construc- Ontario in 2002 and has since killed 20 Keynote speaker for the event is tion of the Brant Conservation Area million trees in North America. noted painter and environmentalist gate house. So far it has been detected in the Ken Kirkby of Bowser B.C. who will Both contracts will be funded from Grand River watershed in Brantford, offer his special insights into how the approved GRCA budget for 2010 Cambridge, Kitchener and Oxford individuals can make a difference in with assistance from the Recreational County at locations close to Highway today’s world. Infrastructure Canada (RInC) 401. There is no immediate cause for The registration fee is $100, or $55 alarm because the emerald ash borer Program. It is expected that both for students and seniors, plus tax. The poses no risk to human health and the projects will be completed this year. fee includes lunch. impacts may not be seen for several years. GRCA receives $1.3 million Precautions urged at for major water infrastructure Movement restrictions have been two reservoirs after algae bloom placed on wood from the affected The GRCA has received approval properties and the owners have been Warning signs were posted around for $1.3 million for two projects — the notified. Further regulatory measures Belwood Lake advising people to take Class Environmental Assessment for to control this infestation will be con- precautions because of the presence of Drimmie Dam in Elora and some sidered once Canadian Food blue-green algae Aug. 13 to 23. work on the Conestoga Dam. Other Inspections Agency (CFIA) surveying smaller GRCA projects did not receive is completed in later this year. A similar warning was urged Aug. funding this year. 27 for Woolwich Reservoir on the More information is available in the Canagagigue Creek. This funding has come from the Newsroom of the GRCA website. The province through the Water and insect has not yet been found on This species contains a toxin called Erosion Control Infrastructure (WECI) GRCA property, however, as it microcystin which can cause illness program. This program has provided spreads and further monitoring is when ingested by people or animals. $5 million each year to all conserva- done this will likely change. Algae blooms are a natural phenom- tion authorities but in 2010, $500,000 enon. They tend to occur during hot was cut from the budget. 10th annual Water Forum dry weather. Algae feed on phospho- The GRCA has extensive water and Sept. 17 at GRCA head office rous, a chemical found naturally in erosion control infrastructure and as a soil as well as in manure, fertilizers result receives significant financial Two Ontario cabinet ministers have and human waste. GRCA water quali- support under this program. There is been added to the list of speakers for ty staff believe that runoff from heavy still more work ahead, including the the 10th Annual Grand River rains in June may have carried addi- stilling basin and emergency bypass at Watershed Water Forum on Sept. 17. tional phosphorous into the reservoir the Conestogo Dam. This work is and that hot weather in July accelerat- John Wilkinson, who was named ed the growth of algae. required by provincial regulations and Minister of Environment in August the total estimated cost is $20 million. will appear at the event. Wilkinson Conservation Ontario is urging the represents the riding of Perth- province not to cut funding for repairs Wellington, which takes in part of the This issue of "GRCA Minutes" and improvements to dams, dikes and Grand River watershed. Prior to the shuffle, he was Minister of Revenue was published in September erosion control structures. It has sent 2010. a letter to the Ministry of Natural and before that Minister of Research Resources to express concern over cut- and Innovation. It is a summary of the August 2010 business conducted by the backs in this area. Glen Murray entered the cabinet for Grand River Conservation the first time in August when he was Authority board and commit- Emerald ash borer named Minister of Research and tees. The Grand River Innovation. He was elected to the leg- found in Grand River watershed Conservation Authority wel- islature in January after winning the comes the photocopying and On June 30 emerald ash borer was byelection in the riding of Toronto distribution of "GRCA confirmed in the Grand River water- Centre. He was mayor of Winnipeg Minutes." Reports mentioned in shed. from 1998 to 2004. the GRCA Minutes are available The metallic green insect is highly The one-day forum is called online at www.grandriver.ca in destructive and attacks and kills all "Inspiring Grand Transformations: the Meetings section. species of ash trees, excluding Our Preferred Future" and will feature
THE GRAND - A Canadian Heritage River GRCA Minutes
Grand River Conservation Authority, 400 Clyde Road, Cambridge, Ontario N1R 5W6 Tel: (519) 621-2761 Fax: (519) 621-4844 Internet: http://www.grandriver.ca
October 2010 Tenth annual Water Forum The awards went to Clare Rennie Sept. 17 was a success for his work on the Guelph Rotary Volume 15 – No. 10 Forest; Paul and Steve Cressman who Two provincial ministers, the have planted more than 7,000 trees on GRCA Environmental Commissioner for their two farms near New Hamburg; General Membership Ontario and a B.C. artist were among Ducks Unlimited Canada for invest- those who spoke at the tenth annual ing $1.6 million in 80 wetland projects Chairman - Alan Dale Water Forum on Sept. 17. in this watershed; Chuck Beach who is rallying people and organizations to 1st Vice-Chairman - Jane Mitchell About 300 Grand River enthusiasts ensure the environment is a top con- filled the grand marquee tent at the 2nd Vice-Chairman - Vic Prendergast cern for everyone in Brantford; and GRCA headquarters for this day-long Wellington Green Legacy which start- Townships of Amaranth, East forum. Accolades regarding local ed in 2004 and has now planted more Garafraxa, East Luther Grand Valley, water management, partnerships and Melancthon and Southgate - than a million trees. innovations were abundant. Tom Nevills The GRCA has given out these envi- Townships of Mapleton and The theme was "Inspiring Grand ronmental awards for 35 years. Links Wellington North - Pat Salter Transformations: Our Preferred to videos about each of the recipients Future." The event included two panel Township of Centre Wellington - are posted on www.grandriver.ca in discussions and questions and com- the newsroom. Shawn Watters ments from the audience. Town of Erin, Townships of Guelph/Eramosa and Puslinch - The morning panel, A Grand Community Conservation Grants Brad Whitcombe Future, was comprised of community, awarded to schools and groups business and academic leaders who City of Guelph - discussed the role the Grand River The GRCA and the Grand River Vicki Beard, Mike Salisbury can plays in ensuring a sustainable Conservation Foundation presented Region of Waterloo - future. The afternoon panel, A Grand 2010 Community Conservation Grants Jane Brewer, Kim Denouden, Community, consisted of representa- to three organizations and nine Jean Haalboom, Ross Kelterborn, tives from various sectors who dis- schools. Claudette Millar, Jane Mitchell, cussed future community needs. The community group recipients Wayne Roth, Jake Smola, Bill Strauss, were Tallgrass Ontario, Brantford; Lynne Woolstencroft GRCA presents Honour Roll and Ancient Mariners Canoe Club, Town of North Perth and Township five 2010 Watershed Awards Cambridge; and the Eden Mills of Perth East - George Wicke Millpond Conservation Association Region of Halton - On Sept.16, Allan Holmes received Inc. J. Barry Lee the 2010 Grand River Watershed Honour Roll Award, the highest The school grants are for school City of Hamilton - award given by the GRCA. Holmes greening projects. Grants went to Jeanette Jamieson was the CAO of the GRCA from 1991- Lloyd S. King Education Authority, County of Oxford - 2000, which was a challenging time of New Credit Reserve; Hespeler Public Alan Dale funding cuts and also a period of suc- School, Cambridge; Ryerson Heights cesses. Elementary School, Brantford; Arthur County of Brant - Public School, Arthur; J. L. Mitchener Robert Chambers, Brian Coleman An additional five Watershed Public School, Cayuga; Princess City of Brantford - Awards were awarded to groups and Elizabeth Public School Brantford; Robert Hillier, Vic Prendergast individuals who have undertaken Cobblestone Elementary School, Paris; Haldimand and Norfolk Counties - projects to enhance the natural envi- Thompson Creek Elementary School, Lorne Boyko, Craig Grice ronment in the Grand River water- Dunnville; and Trillium Waldorf shed. School, Guelph.
THE GRAND - A Canadian Heritage River The money for these grants comes Shand Dam to Legatt were average ed to the public in a unique brochure from two foundation endowment due to higher than normal discharges and interactive website. funds: The Thiess Riverprize Fund from Luther Dam. The project won a provincial mar- and the Grand Champions Fund. The keting award from the Economic Thiess fund was established with the All the reservoirs are in their normal Developers Council of Ontario GRCA’s monetary award when it was operating range with the exception of (EDCO). In early October at a national named the world’s top watershed Shand and Luther dams. These two conference in Quebec City, the project management agency in 2000. The northern reservoirs were above the won a 2010 Marketing Canada Award Grand Champions Fund holds the normal level due to the wet summer from the Economic Developers foundation’s endowment donations. months. Reservoir levels are now Association of Canada (EDAC). This is the seventh year that these slowly being reduced. grants have been given out. River flows have been augmented This award was granted in the sin- over the past couple of months due to gle publication category, and was cho- A new plan for the Grand the dry conditions. About 58 per cent sen from an award program that expected in two years of the water in the river through included 180 submissions in numer- Kitchener has been released from the ous categories, from across Canada. The Grand River Water reservoirs, while about 30 per cent of Management Plan update will look at the water in the river through the water needs and improvements Brantford is from the reservoirs. that can be undertaken within the Along the Speed River, flow augmen- watershed over the next 25 years. tation is also 30 per cent. The last time a similar study was undertaken was in 1982. The plan will Warning buoys and booms to be look at three key areas. These include removed from GRCA dams a sustainable water supply for com- munities and ecosystems, reducing Warning buoys and booms flood damage potential and improv- upstream of GRCA dams are being ing water quality to maintain river removed during October to prepare health. for winter. They will be put back in place in May 2011 after the spring The plan is in its initial stages and runoff. will take about two years to complete. Lorrie Minshall, a water resources The removal schedule started Oct. engineer, is the program director. A 12 with the Dunnville Dam and Byng steering committee has been set up. Island weirs and is expected to finish The goal is to develop an action plan Oct. 22 with the New Dundee and that the partners agree to implement. Breslau dams. The most recent issue of The Grand The schedule is subject to change, outlines this in more detail and has depending on weather conditions. been distributed to local residents. It The buoys and booms are installed is also available on the GRCA website between May and October to provide in the publications section. warning to boaters about the danger This issue of "GRCA Minutes" of approaching these dams. Boaters was published in October 2010. Dry weather continues should exercise extra caution around It is a summary of the the dams after the buoys and booms September 2010 business con- Precipitation in September was are removed. slightly below the long-term average ducted by the Grand River with a few exceptions. Rainfall was 86 Conservation Authority board to 112 per cent of the average during National award for and committees. Space permit- the month, depending on location. birding and trails brochure ting, other noteworthy happen- ings and topics of interest have Above average rainfall May through The Trails Take Flight brochure been included. The Grand July contrasts with the drier months of struck gold again, this time winning a River Conservation Authority August and September. Temper- national award. welcomes the photocopying and atures were warmer than average in “Trails Take Flight” is a marketing distribution of "GRCA September. initiative to promote the Grand River Minutes." Reports mentioned in River conditions in the Grand River trails and bird viewing opportunities. the GRCA Minutes are available and its major tributaries are close to or Twenty trails in communities across online at www.grandriver.ca in below the long term average for the watershed were selected for their the Meetings section. September. Flows in the Grand above exceptional bird habitats, and market-
THE GRAND - A Canadian Heritage River GRCA Minutes
Grand River Conservation Authority, 400 Clyde Road, Cambridge, Ontario N1R 5W6 Tel: (519) 621-2761 Fax: (519) 621-4844 Internet: http://www.grandriver.ca
November 2010 2010 second warmest year head will serve as a link between the in the watershed in 26 years Walter Bean trail and the Trans Volume 15 – No. 11 Canada Trail. October's rainfall was slightly below GRCA the long-term average across the One of the abutments for the bridge watershed with a few exceptions. is on GRCA land. Kitchener will cover General Membership the construction costs. Monthly average rainfall ranged Chairman - Alan Dale from a low of 77 per cent at First draft of 2011 GRCA budget 1st Vice-Chairman - Jane Mitchell Conestogo Lake to a high of 122 per 2nd Vice-Chairman - Vic Prendergast cent at Guelph Lake. Rainfall has been The GRCA board got a first glimpse more regular through October. into the budget for 2010 and have Townships of Amaranth, East asked staff to cut a proposed levy Garafraxa, East Luther Grand Valley, So far, 2010 is the second warmest increase — the part of revenue that Melancthon and Southgate - year on record in the past 26 years. comes from municipalities — from Tom Nevills The warmest year was 1998, a year 10 per cent to three per cent. when there were fewer thunderstorms Townships of Mapleton and than 2010 due to less humidity. The preliminary GRCA budget Wellington North - Pat Salter showed spending of just under $31 Township of Centre Wellington - The flows in the Grand River and its million, compared to a 2010 budget of Shawn Watters major tributaries are close to or above close to $33 million. the long-term average for October, Town of Erin, Townships of reflecting wet conditions this fall. All The levy was set to increase by Guelph/Eramosa and Puslinch - reservoirs are in their normal operat- $922,000 or 10 per cent. This includes Brad Whitcombe ing range with the exception of a 7.69 per cent increase ($622,000) to City of Guelph - Shand, Guelph and Luther. These base operating programs and a 27.3 Vicki Beard, Mike Salisbury three are above the upper rule curve per cent increase ($300,000) to capital Region of Waterloo - but the levels are slowly being programs due to spending on water Jane Brewer, Kim Denouden, reduced. Demand for flow augmenta- control structures. Jean Haalboom, Ross Kelterborn, tion has picked up during the late The GRCA board asked staff to sug- Claudette Millar, Jane Mitchell, summer and early fall. gest alternative scenarios to achieve Wayne Roth, Jake Smola, Bill Strauss, Dissolved oxygen, a key indicator of the three per cent increase. This report Lynne Woolstencroft water quality, is better than usual for will be discussed by the committee Town of North Perth and Township this time of year due to lower water Nov. 12. of Perth East - George Wicke temperatures and high river flows. Changes to the budget will be Region of Halton - reviewed by the board over the next J. Barry Lee Easement for pedestrian bridge few months. The budget is scheduled City of Hamilton - across the Grand River to be ratified by the board at the Jeanette Jamieson annual general meeting in February. The GRCA is granting an easement County of Oxford - to allow the City of Kitchener to com- Post-secondary MOUs signed Alan Dale plete a pedestrian bridge over the County of Brant - Grand River as part of the Walter Agreements between the GRCA and Robert Chambers, Brian Coleman Bean Grand River Trail. three post-secondary institutions to advance shared goals in research and City of Brantford - The bridge will connect the trail that education were renewed in October. Robert Hillier, Vic Prendergast now ends on GRCA land near the Haldimand and Norfolk Counties - Pioneer Tower, with the trailhead in The memoranda of agreement rec- Lorne Boyko, Craig Grice the area of the Doon Valley Golf ognize common interests in improv- Course in south Kitchener. This trail- ing research and education. The
THE GRAND - A Canadian Heritage River renewed agreements were with tions in the Great Lakes region. Twenty trails in communities across Wilfrid Laurier University, the the watershed were selected for their The initial concern was that cor- University of Guelph and Conestoga exceptional bird habitats, and market- morants could overwhelm the heronry College. The agreement with the ed to the public in a unique brochure University of Waterloo was signed at the marsh because they were initial- and interactive website. last year to coincide with the launch ly nesting at a rookery constructed for The project won a provincial mar- of the opening of the Grand River herons. The number of breeding pairs keting award from the Economic Collection in the Dana Porter Library. of cormorants has not increased at Luther in recent years, likely because Developers Council of Ontario These agreements promote research the lake is very shallow and not ideal (EDCO). In early October at a national and education aimed at improving habitat for these birds. conference in Quebec City, the project watershed health, resilience and sus- won a 2010 Marketing Canada Award tainability; increasing heritage aware- Cormorants are also breeding at from the Economic Developers ness and conservation; improving other GRCA reservoirs, such as Association of Canada (EDAC). human and environment relationships Belwood Lake and Guelph Lake, This award was granted in the sin- within the watershed and assisting the where the water is deeper. The cor- gle publication category, and was cho- GRCA in planning, implementing, morants no longer appear to be a sen from an award program that monitoring and evaluating resources threat to the herons, which continue included 180 submissions in numer- management in the Grand River to be seen regularly at Luther and ous categories, from across watershed. throughout the watershed. Canada.The brochure is now nominat- ed for two other national awards. Draft Luther management plan ECO Annual 2010 report highlights conservation issues A draft management plan for Luther 2011 meeting schedule Marsh Wildlife Management Area A report about Ontario’s environ- The schedule for GRCA committee 2010-2019 is ready to be released for mental commissioner, Gord Miller’s of the whole and general membership public consultation. looked into environmental issues says Ontario’s conservation authorities meetings has been set for 2011. The plan went to the board for make an important contribution to Committee of the whole meetings approval in October. The previous natural resource conservation. will continue to take place on the sec- plan was created in 1991 and the new ond Thursday of each month. one is consistent with it, but places Miller recommends redefining con- However in August no committee more emphasis on ecosystem servation at provincial, watershed and meeting will be held, as is usually the approaches, species-at-risk, monitor- municipal levels to include the new, case. ing and habitat restoration. broader understanding of the natural world that has developed recently. The general membership meetings The 30-day public consultation will will take place on the fourth Friday of include posting to the GRCA website This means a fundamental change in each month with the exception of (check the Newsroom for a link) and the way we live and function and a April and July, when they will be held the province’s environmental registry. redefined conservation ethic that is deeply ingrained in our collective psy- on the fifth Friday. Luther was created in 1952 with the che, he said. construction of a small dam over Black Creek, which empties into the Topics in the report that are of inter- Grand River. The dam created a reser- est to the GRCA and other conserva- voir and the wilderness area around it tion authorities include tree planting This issue of "GRCA Minutes" has grown in size and importance and biodiversity, wetland drainage, was published in November over the decades. integrated watershed management, 2010. storm water management, protection It is a summary of the October Cormorant numbers of the Waterloo, Paris, and Galt 2010 business conducted by the stable at Luther Marsh moraines and retrofitting dams to Grand River Conservation incorporate fish ladders. Authority board and commit- The cormorant population at Luther tees. Marsh Wilderness Area has not Birding brochure strikes increased dramatically in recent years. gold with national awards The GRCA welcomes the pho- tocopying and distribution of Cormorants are black-green water The Trails Take Flight brochure "GRCA Minutes." Reports men- birds that can be destructive in large struck gold again, this time winning a tioned in the GRCA Minutes are numbers. The GRCA considered a cor- national award. available online at morant cull in 2006, but opted not to www.grandriver.ca in the take this step and now it looks like it Trails Take Flight is a marketing ini- Meetings section. will not be necessary, although culls tiative to promote the Grand River have been undertaken at other loca- trails and bird viewing opportunities.
THE GRAND - A Canadian Heritage River GRCA Minutes
Grand River Conservation Authority, 400 Clyde Road, Cambridge, Ontario N1R 5W6 Tel: (519) 621-2761 Fax: (519) 621-4844 Internet: www.grandriver.ca
December 2010 Joe Farwell named new CAO of land in the area of the Woolner Flats in south Kitchener up for sale, Volume 15 – No. 12 Joe Farwell has been appointed the but is going to keep a two-hectare sec- new Chief Administrative Officer of tion in the same area at the request of GRCA the Grand River Conservation nearby residents. Authority. General Membership Several people came to the Nov. 12 The announcement was made by board meeting to say they had no dif- Chairman - Alan Dale GRCA Chair Alan Dale at a board ficulty with the GRCA’s plans to sell 1st Vice-Chairman - Jane Mitchell meeting Nov. 12. He succeeds Paul the larger parcel of land, but they Emerson, who was CAO until 2nd Vice-Chairman - Vic Prendergast want the smaller parcel to remain in September before leaving to take the the GRCA’s jurisdiction. Townships of Amaranth, East job of CAO for the County of Brant. Garafraxa, East Luther Grand Valley, After the presentations, staff were Melancthon and Southgate - Farwell started his career with the directed to conduct a design brief for Tom Nevills GRCA in 1988 as a soil conservation the surplus lands to ensure that future engineer, and moved up through the development meets the objectives of Townships of Mapleton and organization in a variety of engineer- Wellington North - Pat Salter the GRCA’s Sustainable Development ing and management positions. He Policy. The surplus land will be listed Township of Centre Wellington - was named Assistant CAO – Resource and sold on the open market, subject Shawn Watters Management in 2008. to final approval by the GRCA gener- Town of Erin, Townships of Farwell grew up on a Huron al membership. Guelph/Eramosa and Puslinch - County farm. He holds a Bachelor of Brad Whitcombe Science degree in Engineering from Draft budget to be reviewed City of Guelph - the University of Guelph and a Master by partner municipalities Vicki Beard, Mike Salisbury of Business Administration degree from Wilfrid Laurier University. Region of Waterloo - The second draft of the GRCA Jane Brewer, Kim Denouden, He is president of the Canadian budget was reviewed by the board Jean Haalboom, Ross Kelterborn, Dam Association, and a member of and this version will go to municipali- Claudette Millar, Jane Mitchell, the Provincial Lakes and Rivers ties to assist them in the preparation Wayne Roth, Jake Smola, Bill Strauss, Improvement Act Advisory Panel and of their municipal budgets. Lynne Woolstencroft the Professional Engineers of Ontario. The proposed $30.7 million budget Town of North Perth and Township “I’m committed to working with keeps the levy contributed by munici- of Perth East - George Wicke our staff and our board of directors to palities to the GRCA budget at three Region of Halton - do our part to make sure the Grand per cent over the prior year. J. Barry Lee River watershed continues to be a A number of proposed cost-cutting City of Hamilton - place we can all be proud to call measures are contemplated in order to Jeanette Jamieson home,” said Farwell. achieve this proposed levy increase. County of Oxford - “The river winds its way through The final 2011 budget will be passed Alan Dale our communities and is linked to our by the GRCA board in February. lives. I believe that when we look after County of Brant - our rivers and streams and the lands Grand River Source Protection Robert Chambers, Brian Coleman that feed them, we look after our assessment report City of Brantford - future.” Robert Hillier, Vic Prendergast Following the GRCA board meeting Haldimand and Norfolk Counties - Woolner Flats land sale in November, the Grand River Source Lorne Boyko, Craig Grice Protection Authority met to look at The GRCA is putting seven hectares the proposed assessment report for
THE GRAND - A Canadian Heritage River the Grand River Source Protection below the long-term average, ranging every two months and anyone is wel- Area. from a low of 39 per cent at Shand come to subscribe at no cost. Dam to a high of only 61 per cent of This report contains the scientific The newsletter, Grand Actions, the long-term average at Shades’ started in 1996. It is packed with infor- data upon which the source protection Mills. plan for the Grand River will be mation about initiatives taking place based. It was available for a 30 day Much of the groundwater recharge up and down the Grand River and its consultation period Nov. 5 to Dec. 6. takes place during late fall and early tributaries. It also has information This proposed assessment report can spring. The impact of less rain is about the GRCA and its many part- be viewed at the GRCA office or at noticeably lower pond levels. Next ners. summer there may be a need for more www.sourcewater.ca. Grand Actions is available by mail river augmentation to help maintain or by e-mail. If you would like to be The Source Protection Authority water quality and ensure enough added to the mailing list, or if you cannot make changes to the proposed water is available for municipal water would like your contact information Grand River Source Protection Area supplies. Assessment Report and does not updated, please send an e-mail to “approve” it. Every month during 2010 experi- [email protected] or call ext. 2302. enced warmer-than-normal tempera- Staff will bring the proposed report tures. During November, tempera- forward to the Grand River Source tures were about three degrees above Protection Authority together with average. Warmer air temperatures any comments received at its Dec. 17 mean that water evaporates more meeting. These will then be submitted quickly and this may also lead to a to the Minister of the Environment for scarcity of water on the landscape final approval. next summer.
Best practices for below water ’Tis the time for giving green table aggregate operations This holiday season, consider giving The GRCA board accepted a paper the gift of a strong and resilient natu- that explains the technical aspects for ral world by making a donation to the cumulative effects of below-water Grand River Conservation aggregate operations. Foundation. This paper includes general roles Whether it is for family, friends or and responsibilities that have been someone you appreciate in your com- accepted by the provincial ministries munity, a gift in support of tree plant- of natural resources and the environ- ing, trails and special natural places is ment as well as the Ontario Stone, unique and will be appreciated for Sand and Gravel Association. generations to come. It is entitled Cumulative Effects A $30 contribution will cover the Assessment (Water Quality and costs to plant a tree in your area, or Quantity) Best Practices Paper for spend $20 to help keep our trail sys- Below-Water Sand and Gravel tems in top shape for the community. This issue of "GRCA Minutes" Extraction Operations and is posted in The recipient of your gift will receive was published in December the Meetings section of the GRCA a beautiful personalized card from the 2010. website. GRCF, and you will receive a charita- ble tax receipt. The GRCA will continue to chair It is a summary of the November 2010 business con- and participate in a joint committee Give by visiting www.grcf.ca, call- ducted by the Grand River and work with other organizations on ing Doina Hartley toll-free at 877-29- Conservation Authority board this issue. The Region of Waterloo and GRAND (877-294-7263) or e-mailing and committees. the County of Wellington will be [email protected]. invited to participate on the joint com- The GRCA welcomes the pho- Please order by Friday, Dec. 17 to mittee in 2011. tocopying and distribution of ensure that your gift card will arrive "GRCA Minutes." Reports men- before the holidays. Warm dry November tioned in the GRCA Minutes are available online at November was unusually dry and Sign up now for Grand Actions www.grandriver.ca in the warm. newsletter Meetings section. Rainfall during the month was well The GRCA’s newsletter comes out
THE GRAND - A Canadian Heritage River