NOTTAWASAGA VALLEY CONSERVATION AUTHORITY BOARD … Documents/24_01_2020_Agenda.pdf · Time: 10:00...

NOTTAWASAGA VALLEY CONSERVATION AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

AGENDA No. 11-19 Date: January 24, 2020

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Location: John L. Jose Learning Centre, Tiffin Conservation Area, Utopia, Ont.

UPCOMING EVENTS (Visit our website for more information nvca.on.ca)

Family Nature Day – Winter Survival Date: Friday, January 24, 2020 Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Location: Tiffin Centre for Conservation Minesing Wetlands Snowshoe Hike Date: Saturday, January 25, 2020 Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Location: Announced a week before the hike Minesing Wetlands Snowshoe Hike Date: Saturday, February 8, 2020 Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Location: Announced a week before the hike Family Nature Day – Winter Trek Date: Thursday, February 13, 2020 Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Location: Tiffin Centre for Conservation

Board of Directors Meeting 11-19-BOD January 24, 2019 CALL TO ORDER 1. DECLARATION OF PECUNIARY AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST 2. MOTION TO ADOPT AGENDA

Recommendation: RESOLVED THAT: the Agenda for Board of Directors Meeting BOD-11-19 dated January 24, 2020 be adopted.

3. ANNOUNCEMENTS

There are no announcements for this meeting. 4. DEPUTATIONS

There are no deputations for this meeting.

5. HEARINGS

There are no Hearings requested under Section 28 of the Conservation Authorities Act for this meeting.

6. DELEGATIONS

There are no delegations for this meeting.

7. PRESENTATIONS 7.1 2019 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Councillor George Watson, NVCA Chair will present a slide show focusing on NVCA 2019 accomplishments.

7.2 GUEST SPEAKER Jack Imhof, Conservation Ecologist “Protect the Best and Restore the Rest: The Value of Rebuilding Watershed Resilience” 8. DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION

Board Members are requested to identify items from the Consent List that they wish to have considered for separate discussion. of 50

Board of Directors Meeting 11-19-BOD January 24, 2019 9. ADOPTION OF CONSENT LIST AND IDENTIFICATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING

SEPARATE DISCUSSION Recommendation:

RESOLVED THAT: agenda item numbers ________, having been identified as requiring separate discussion, be referred for discussion under Agenda Item #8; and FURTHER THAT: all Consent List Agenda Items not referred for separate discussion be adopted as submitted to the board and staff be authorized to take all necessary action required to give effect to same; and FURTHER THAT: any items in the consent list not referred for separate discussion, and for which conflict has been declared, are deemed not to have been voted on or discussed by the individual making the declaration.

10. CONSENT LIST A) Adoption of Minutes

Recommendation: RESOLVED THAT: the Minutes of the Board of Directors Meeting BOD-10-19 dated December 13, 2019 be approved.

B) Correspondence B-1) Letter dated November 20, 2019, written by Mayor Harry Hughes from the Township of

Oro-Medonte regarding Conservation Authority Exit Claus. B-2) Email correspondence dated August 23, 2019 through to December 13, 2019 written

by Kim Gavin, General Manager, Conservation Ontario and Jeff Yurek, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks regarding improving transparency and accountability.

B-3) Letter dated January 15, 2019, written by Jim Harrison, Mayor, City of Quinte West

regarding resolution of support for conservation authorities. B-4) Resolution dated January 15, 2019 from the Municipality of Dutton Dunwich supporting

the role of conservation authorities. C) Staff Reports

C-1) Staff Report No. 44-11-19-BOD from Director, Watershed Management Services

regarding Appointment of Officers under the Conservation Authorities Act; and permit signing authority.

Recommendation:

RESOLVED THAT: Daniel Dyce and Kate Thomson, NVCA Regulations Technicians, be appointed as officers for NVCA as per Section 10 of Ontario 172/06; Section 28(1) (d) of the Conservation Authorities Act; and of 50

Board of Directors Meeting 11-19-BOD January 24, 2019 FURTHER THAT: the following staff positions be delegated the authority to approve permissions consistent with Board approved policies and guidelines, for a maximum period of 24 months (2 years), under Ontario Regulation 172/06:

• CAO/Secretary-Treasurer • Director, Watershed Management Services • Manager, Planning Services • Regulations Technician • Planner III

C-2 Staff Report No. 45-11-19-BOD from Director, Watershed Management Services

regarding watershed health checks. Recommendation: RESOLVED THAT: Staff Repot No. 45-11-19-BOD regarding 2018 NVCA watershed

health checks be received for information. C-3) Staff Report No. 46-11-19-BOD from Communications Coordinator regarding

Communications Report – December 3, 2019 – January 9, 2020. Recommendation: RESOLVED THAT: Staff Report No. 46-11-19-BOD regarding NVCA Communications –

December 3, 2019 – January 9, 2020, be received. 11. NOTICE OF MOTION Recommendation:

RESOLVED THAT: the draft minutes of the NVCA Agricultural Advisory Committee be added to the Consent Agenda on future NVCA Board of Directors meetings for approval.

12. OTHER BUSINESS 13. ADJOURN TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2020 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND

ELECTIONS Recommendation: RESOLVED THAT: this meeting adjourn at _________ and the position of Chair be declared vacant.

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NOTTAWASAGA VALLEY CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

BOARD OF DIRECTORS AGENDA No. 10-19-BOD Date: December 13, 2019

Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Location: John L. Jose Learning Centre, Tiffin Conservation Area, Utopia, Ont.

Present: Councillor Keith White, Vice Chair Essa (Township) Councillor Gail Little Amaranth (Township) Arrived at 9:09 a.m. Councillor Mariane McLeod Collingwood (Town) Mayor Don Allen Springwater (Township)

Councillor Margaret Mercer Melancthon (Township) Councillor Cathy Keane Oro-Medonte (Township) Deputy Mayor Bob Meadows Adjala-Tosorontio (Township)

Councillor George Watson, Chair Wasaga Beach (Town) Councillor Thom Paterson Clearview (Township) Departed at 10:05 a.m.

Councillor Andrea Matrosovs Blue Mountains (Town) Councillor Ralph Manketlow Mono (Town) Councillor Dane Nielsen Grey Highlands (Municipality) Councillor Donna Jebb, 2nd Vice Chair New Tecumseth (Town) Councillor Shirley Boxem Mulmur (Township) Councillor Rob Nicol Innisfil (Town) Councillor Walter Benotto Shelburne (Town) Councillor Gary Harvey Barrie (City)

Regrets: Councillor Raj Sandhu Bradford West Gwillimbury (Town)

Staff: Doug Hevenor, Chief Administrative Officer; Chris Hibberd, Director Watershed Management Services; Byron Wesson, Director Conservation Services; Sheryl Flannagan, Director Corporate Services; Ryan Post, Manager Watershed Science; Haleigh Ferguson, Executive Administrator/Recorder

Chair Watson called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. 1. DECLARATION OF PECUNIARY AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST

None declared.

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Board of Directors Meeting 10-19-BOD December 13, 2019 2. MOTION TO ADOPT AGENDA

RES: 88-19 Moved by: Cllr. Walter Benotto Seconded by: Cllr. Dane Nielsen RESOLVED THAT: the agenda for the Board of Directors meeting No. 10-19-BOD dated December 13, 2019 be approved.

Carried; 3. ANNOUNCEMENTS

There are no announcements for this meeting.

4. DEPUTATIONS There are no deputations for this meeting.

5. HEARINGS

There are no Hearings requested under Section 28 of the Conservation Authorities Act for this meeting.

6. DELEGATIONS

There are no delegations for this meeting.

7. PRESENTATIONS

There are no presentations for this meeting. 8. DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION

Board Members are requested to identify items from the Consent List that they wish to have considered for separate discussion.

9. ADOPTION OF CONSENT LIST AND IDENTIFICATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION

RES: 89-19 Moved by: Cllr. Rob Nicol Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Bob Meadows

RESOLVED THAT: agenda item numbers C-1, C-2, and C-4, having been identified as requiring separate discussion, be referred for discussion under Agenda Item #8; and FURTHER THAT: all Consent List Agenda Items not referred for separate discussion be adopted as submitted to the board and staff be authorized to take all necessary action required to give effect to same; and FURTHER THAT: any items in the consent list not referred for separate discussion, and for which conflict has been declared, are deemed not to have been voted on or discussed by the individual making the declaration.

Carried;

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Board of Directors Meeting 10-19-BOD December 13, 2019 10. CONSENT LIST A) Adoption of Minutes A-1) Approval of Minutes of the Board of Directors meeting No. 09-19-BOD held on

November 22, 2019. Approved by Consent. RESOLVED THAT: the Board of Directors approve the minutes of the 09-19-BOD Board meeting held on November 22, 2019.

B) Correspondence B-1) Letter dated October 2, 2019 written by Raylene Martell, Director of Legislative

Services/Municipal Clerk, Municipality of Grey Highlands regarding Grey Highlands Resolution 2019-603.

B-2) Letter dated October 21, 2019 written by Krista Royal, Deputy Clerk, Town of The

Blue Mountains regarding climate change. B-3) Letter dated November 1, 2019 written by Matt MacDonald, Director of Corporate

Services/City Clerk, City of Bellville regarding support for Township of Springwater Resolution C457-2019 and C456-2019.

B-4) Letter dated November 22, 2019 written by Susan Stone, CAO/Clerk Treasurer,

Amaranth regarding Conservation Authority Exit Clause. B-5) Letter dated November 22, 2019 written by Brandi Teeple, Deputy Clerk, Loyalist

Township regarding support for Township of Springwater Resolution C457-2019 and C456-2019.

C) Staff Reports

C-1) Staff Report 38-10-19-BOD from Director, Corporate Services regarding 2020 NVCA

Budget Vote. RES: 90-19 Moved by: Cllr. Andrea Matrosovs Seconded by: Cllr. Mariane McLeod

RESOLVED THAT: Staff Report 38-10-19-BOD regarding the NVCA’s 2020 Budget Vote be received; and FURTHER THAT: the 2020 budget, operational and capital, as preseted in the 2020 Draft Budget booklet be approved; and FURTHER THAT: each watershed member municipality be formally advised of their respective share of the levies, operational and capital.

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Board of Directors Meeting 10-19-BOD December 13, 2019

Recorded Weighted Vote: Yay: Deputy Mayor Bob Meadows, Cllr. Andrea Matrosovs, Cllr. Thom Paterson, Cllr. Mariane McLeod, Cllr. Keith White, Cllr. Dane Nielsen, Cllr. Margaret Mercer, Cllr. Ralph Manktelow, Cllr. George Watson, Cllr. Walter Benotto, Cllr. Donna Jebb, Cllr. Shirley Boxem, Cllr. Rob Nicol, Cllr. Gary Harvey Nay: Mayor Don Allen, Cllr. Cathy Keane Regrets: Cllr. Raj Sandhu, Cllr. Gail Little

Carried; C-2) Staff Report No. 39-10-19-BOD from Director, Corporate Services regarding

Employee Handbook Updates. RES: 91-19 Moved by: Cllr. Bob Meadows Seconded by: Cllr. Walter Benotto RESOLVED THAT: the Board of Directors approve Staff Report. No 39-10-19-BOD regarding the Employee Handbook Update.

Carried; C-3) Staff Report No. 40-10-19-BOD from Director, Conservation Services regarding

NVCA Conservation Area Road Side Signage. Approved by Consent. RESOLVED THAT: the Board of Directors support staff recommendation to remove

existing Tourism Ontario Directional Signage for NVCA Conservation Areas and that staff be directed to work with municipalities on roadside signage where applicable.

C-4) Staff Report No. 41-10-19-BOD from Manager, Watershed Science regarding NVCA

Strategic Plan and Business Plan project. RES: 92-19 Moved by: Cllr. Mariane Mcleod Seconded by: Cllr. Gail Little RESOLVED THAT: Staff Report No. 41-10-19-BOD regarding the proposed 2020-

2025 NVCA strategic plan and annual business plan be received for information. FURTHER THAT: an update to the stragetic and business plan is discussed with the

Board at each meeting until completed. Carried; C-5) Staff Report No. 42-10-19-BOD from Director, Watershed Management Services

regarding Permits/Approvals under the Conservation Authorities Act for the Period of June 7, 2019 to December 1, 2019.

Approved by Consent. RESOLVED THAT: the Board of Directors receive Staff Report No. 42-10-19-BOD

that summarizes the permits and approvals issued by staff for the period of June 7, 2019 to December 1, 2019.

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Board of Directors Meeting 10-19-BOD December 13, 2019 C-6) Staff Report No. 43-10-19 BOD from Communications Coordinator regarding

Communications Report – November 8, 2019 – December 2, 2019. Approved by Consent. RESOLVED THAT: the Board of Directors receive Staff Report No. 43-10-19-BOD

regarding NVCA Communications – November 8, 2019 – December 2, 2019. 11. OTHER BUSINESS 11.1 A notice of motion was put forth by Cllr. Dane Nielsen to have Agricultural Advisory

Committee draft minutes included in the Board of Directors consent agenda for approval at future meetings.

11.2 Deputy Mayor Bob Meadows gave a warming ‘thank you’ to NVCA staff; Fred Dobbs,

Manager of Stewardship Services and his team for attending Adjala-Tosorontio’s Open House and providing a presentation on an overview of our watershed.

11.3 Vice-Chair White, sincerely thanked NVCA staff and the Board for their hardword

during a more stressful year, input from all was above and beyond expectations. 11.4 Chair Watson gave an update on the warm welcome he and CAO, Doug Hevenor

received at the Nottawasaga Inn Corporate Christmas Party. Chair Watson also gave an update on the recent Conservation Ontario meeting,

where discussions were had with the Deputy Minister, Environment, Conservation and Parks regarding conservation authority core mandates.

11.5 CAO, Doug Hevenor provided an update on the recent Flood Study Report released

from the MNRF. 12. IN-CAMERA 12.1 No conversation was needed for the in-camera session Staff Report, therefore the

Board did not go into closed-session.

RES: 93-19 Moved by: Cllr. Donna Jebb Seconded by: Cllr. Gary Harvey RESOLVED THAT: confidential Staff Report No. 44-10-19-BOD regarding NVCA renewable lease be approved.

Carried; 13. ADJOURNMENT

RES: 94-19 Moved by: Cllr. Mariane Mcleod Seconded by: Cllr. Donna Jebb

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Board of Directors Meeting 10-19-BOD December 13, 2019

RESOLVED THAT: the Board of Directors adjourn at 10:15 a.m. to meet again on January 24, 2020 or at the call of the Chair.

Carried;

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-------- Original message -------- From: "Minister, MECP (MECP)" <[email protected]> Date: 2019-08-23 8:10 p.m. (GMT-05:00) To: Kim Gavine <[email protected]> Subject: Improving transparency and accountability

Dear Ms. Kim Gavine,

On Friday August 16th, I sent a letter to conservation authorities and municipalities to reiterate our government’s commitment to improve transparency and accountability for conservation authority activities, and to focus on the delivery of programs and services related to their core mandate. Response from municipal leaders was very positive at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference this past week.

The changes we are making through Bill 108, the More Homes, More Choice Act, to refocus conservation authorities to their core mandate is an opportunity to have them work in a more transparent and open way with municipalities so the public understands what is being paid for. Municipalities contribute a significant amount of money to conservation authorities’ annual budgets. Municipal councils, like any level of government, are elected to serve the public and their communities which is why our government clearly specifies in Bill 108 that they have the option to enter into transparent and public funding agreements with conservation authorities for non-core services.

I strongly encourage conservation authorities to proactively formalize these arrangements with their municipal partners. Where agreements already exist, the Conservation Authorities Act and upcoming regulations will help streamline these relationships.

I further indicated that conservation authorities should not proceed with any increases to fees or levies while legislation and regulations are put in place unless they are supported by your partner municipalities for 2020 and beyond. Unfortunately, we’ve heard some conservation authorities with operating budgets of millions of dollars can’t find even one per cent of efficiencies.

I appreciate the productive conversations with municipalities and stakeholders at the AMO conference, and I look forward to further discussion and engagement with municipalities, conservation authorities, Indigenous communities, and stakeholders that are involved with the stewardship of our lands on upcoming regulations to ensure that we’re moving conservation authorities towards those mandated programs.

I encourage you to share this letter with your membership as a means to clarify how we will be moving forward.

Sincerely,

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mailto:[email protected]


Jeff Yurek Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks

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From: Bonnie Fox Sent: August 26, 2019 8:58 AM To: Angela Coleman (SNC) <[email protected]>; Brad McNevin (Quinte) <[email protected]>; Brian Horner (Ausable) <[email protected]>; Brian McDougall (SCRCA) <[email protected]>; Brian Tayler (NBMCA) <[email protected]>; Carl Jorgensen (NDCA) <[email protected]>; Chris Darling (CLOCA) <[email protected]>; Chris Wilkinson (CCCA) <[email protected]>; Corinna Barrett (SSMRCA) <[email protected]>; Dan Marinigh (ORCA) <[email protected]>; David Vallier (MRCA) <[email protected]>; Deb Martin-Downs (CVC) <[email protected]>; Doug Hevenor (NVCA) <[email protected]>; Elizabeth VanHooren (KCCA) <[email protected]>; Gayle Wood (NPCA) <[email protected]>; Geoff Rae (CRCA) <[email protected]>; Hassaan Basit (Halton) <[email protected]>; Ian Wilcox (UTRCA) <[email protected]>; Joe Farwell (Grand) <[email protected]>; John Mackenzie (TRCA) <[email protected]>; Judy Maxwell (LPRCA) <[email protected]>; Linda Laliberte (GRCA) <[email protected]>; Lisa Burnside (Hamilton) <[email protected]>; Mark Majchrowski (Kawartha) <[email protected]>; Mark Peacock (LTVCA) <[email protected]>; Mike Walters (LSRCA) <[email protected]>; Phil Beard (Maitland) <[email protected]>; Rhonda Bateman (LTC) <[email protected]>; Richard Pilon (RRCA) <[email protected]>; Richard Wyma (ERCA) <[email protected]>; Sally MacIntyre (MVCA) <[email protected]>; Samantha Lawson (GRCA) <[email protected]>; Sommer Casgrain-Robertson (RVCA) <[email protected]>; Tammy Cook (Lakehead) <[email protected]>; Tim Lanthier (GSCA) <[email protected]>; Tim Pidduck (CVCA) <[email protected]>; Wayne Brohman (Saugeen) <[email protected]> Cc: Kim Gavine <[email protected]>; Jane Lewington <[email protected]> Subject: FW: Improving transparency and accountability

This message is being sent on behalf of Kim Gavine,

To: CAOs

Please see the email Kim Gavine, General Manager, received from the Minister on Friday evening. We wanted to share this letter with you as soon as possible given that some of you are working on letters to the Minister. The Chair and Kim have secured a meeting with the Minister for September 9th where we will address his concerns raised in his letter and media quote(s). Conservation Ontario will not be responding publicly to this letter at this time; we do not want to escalate the issue prior to the September meeting.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call me.

Thanks for your support,

Bonnie Fox, CAE Manager, Policy and Planning Conservation Ontario 120 Bayview Parkway

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Newmarket, Ontario L3Y 3W3 Tel: 905-895-0716 ext.223 Fax: 905-895-0751 email: [email protected] www.conservationontario.ca

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http://www.conservationontario.ca/

From: Kim Gavine Sent: December 13, 2019 8:50 AM To: Angela Coleman (SNC) <[email protected]>; Brad McNevin (Quinte) <[email protected]>; Brian Horner (Ausable) <[email protected]>; Brian McDougall (SCRCA) <[email protected]>; Brian Tayler (NBMCA) <[email protected]>; Carl Jorgensen (NDCA) <[email protected]>; Chris Darling (CLOCA) <[email protected]>; Chris Wilkinson (CCCA) <[email protected]>; Corinna Barrett (SSMRCA) <[email protected]>; Dan Marinigh (ORCA) <[email protected]>; David Vallier (MRCA) <[email protected]>; Deb Martin-Downs (CVC) <[email protected]>; Doug Hevenor (NVCA) <[email protected]>; Elizabeth VanHooren (KCCA) <[email protected]>; Gayle Wood (NPCA) <[email protected]>; Hassaan Basit (Halton) <[email protected]>; Ian Wilcox (UTRCA) <[email protected]>; John Mackenzie (TRCA) <[email protected]>; Judy Maxwell (LPRCA) <[email protected]>; Katrina Furlanetto (CRCA) <[email protected]>; Linda Laliberte (GRCA) <[email protected]>; Lisa Burnside (Hamilton) <[email protected]>; Mark Majchrowski (Kawartha) <[email protected]>; Mark Peacock (LTVCA) <[email protected]>; Mike Walters (LSRCA) <[email protected]>; Phil Beard (Maitland) <[email protected]>; Rhonda Bateman (LTC) <[email protected]>; Richard Pilon (RRCA) <[email protected]>; Richard Wyma (ERCA) <[email protected]>; Sally MacIntyre (MVCA) <[email protected]>; Samantha Lawson (GRCA) <[email protected]>; Sommer Casgrain-Robertson (RVCA) <[email protected]>; Tammy Cook (Lakehead) <[email protected]>; Tim Lanthier (GSCA) <[email protected]>; Tim Pidduck (CVCA) <[email protected]>; Wayne Brohman (Saugeen) <[email protected]> Cc: Bonnie Fox <[email protected]> Subject: FW: Improving transparency and accountability Importance: High To: CAOs From: Kim Gavine Re: 2nd piece of correspondence from Minister Yurek

As discussed at our Council meeting on Monday, please be reminded of the second 2nd piece of correspondence (below) that was sent from Minister Yurek’s office following his August 16th letter to the conservation authorities and all the municipalities. This second piece of correspondence was only sent to me with a request that it be sent to all of you. It was not cc’d to the municipalities unlike the first piece of correspondence which was in letter format.

Please take note of the fourth paragraph where it states that “….conservation authorities should not proceed with any increases to fees or levies while legislation and regulations are put in place unless they are supported by your partner municipalities for 2020 and beyond.”

At Council it was discussed that this correspondence should be shared and used in your budget discussions with your member municipalities.

Kim Gavine

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CITY OF QUINTE WEST

OfJi.ce of the MayorJim Harrison

P.O. Box 490Trenton, Ontario, KïV 5R6

TEL: (613) 392-2841FAX: (613) 392-5608

January 15,2020

The Honourable Doug FordPremier of OntarioLegislative BuildingQueen's Park, Toronto, ON M7A 141

RE: Resolution - Gonservation Authorities

Dear Premier Ford:

This letter will serve to advise that at a meeting of City of Quinte West Council held on

January 13, 2020 Council passed the following resolution:

Moved by CassidySeconded by Alyea

Whereas the City of Quinte West has been well served by both the Lower TrentConservation Authority and the Quinte Conservation Authority and

Whereas we have working service agreements with both Authorities and

Whereas we value the efforts of the Conservation Authorities to monitor floods, tomanage source water protection and to ensure the integrity of the watershedswithin our municipality and conserve our natural environment and

Whereas the current Provincial government is reviewing the mandate andpotential funding to Conservation Authorities

Be it resolved that the City of Quinte West requests that the ProvincialGovernment improve their funding of Conservation Authorities to provide a morestable funding base that would prevent any downloading of costs to municipalities

And further that the Provincial Government will maintain and not dímínísh the coremandate of Conservation Authorities

And further that we forward this motion to the Minister of Environment,Conservation and Parks, the Minister of Natural Resources, the Premier, theLeaders of all opposition parties, all of our local municipal partners, and AMO toseek their support and concurrence. Garried

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We trust that you will give favourable consideration to this request.

Sincerely,

CITY OF QUINTE WEST

Jim HarrisonMayor

?

2

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Staff Report: 44-11-19-BOD

Date: 01/24/2020

TO: Chair and Members of the Board of Directors

FROM: Chris Hibberd, Director, Watershed Management Services

SUBJECT: Appointment of Officers under the Conservation Authorities Act; and permit signing authority.

Recommendation

RESOLVED THAT: Daniel Dyce and Kate Thomson, NVCA Regulations Technicians, be appointed as officers for the NVCA as per Section 10 of Ontario 172/06; Section 28(1) (d) of the Conservation Authorities Act; and

FURTHER THAT: the following staff positions be delegated the authority to approve permissions consistent with Board approved policies and guidelines, for a maximum period of 24 months (2 years), under Ontario Regulation 172/06:

• CAO/Secretary-Treasurer• Director, Watershed Management Services• Manager, Planning Services• Regulations Technician• Planner III

Purpose of the Staff Report:

The purpose of this report is to request the Board’s approval for the Appointment of Officers under the Conservation Authorities Act; and that certain staff positions be delegated the authority to approve permissions.

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Appointment of Officers and Signing Authority Staff Report No. 44-11-19-BOD

Background:

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) recommends that “officers” be appointed in order to enforce the provisions and regulations under the Conservation Authorities Act. The MNRF also recommends that a standard set of criteria be considered when appointing officers under the Act. The recommended criteria are as follows:

• Proof of a clean criminal record check.• Adequate training with the Conservation Authorities Act and Provincial Offences

Act.• Appointment by the CA Board of Directors.

It has been the practice of the NVCA to specifically name NVCA staff members who will be Officers under the Conservation Authorities Act. Furthermore, past revisions to Ontario Regulation 172/06 provided for the designation of employees to grant permission for Permit applications that meet the Board approved policies and guidelines.

Issues/Analysis:

Once appointed by the Board and upon submission to the NVCA of proof of successful training, staff are officially designated as Provincial Offences Officers. It should be noted that the Trespass to Property Act can also be enforced by these staff members on lands owned by NVCA. Mr. Dyce and Ms. Thompson have fulfilled the criteria established by the Ministry, which included training under the Provincial Offences Act.

Since 2012 the Board has approved the designation of employees to grant permission for Permit applications that meet the Board approved policies and guidelines. It is recommended the past approved listing of staff be updated to reflect new staff and/or updated staff titles. This updated listing would include: CAO/Secretary-Treasurer; Director, Watershed Management Services; Manager, Planning Services; Regulations Technician; and, Planner III.

Relevance to Authority Policy/Mandate:

The Conservation Authorities Act and Section 10 of Ontario Regulation 172/06 provides for the appointment of officers for the purposes of ensuring compliance with this Act and the regulations. Furthermore, Section 9 (10) of Ontario Regulation allows for one or more employees of the Authority that have been designated by the Authority for the purposes of this section may exercise the powers and duties of the Authority under subsections (2), (3) and (4), but not those under subsections (6), (7), (8) and (9).

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Appointment of Officers and Signing Authority Staff Report No. 44-11-19-BOD

Impact on Authority Finances:

Costs associated with appointing the existing staff persons were covered within the existing 2020 budget.

Submitted by: Approved for submission by: Original Signed by Original Signed by Chris Hibberd, Doug Hevenor Director, Watershed Management Services Chief Administrative Officer

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Date: 24/01/20

To: Chair and Members of the Board of Directors

From: Ryan Post, P.Geo. Manager, Watershed Science

SUBJECT: Watershed Health Checks

Recommendation

RESOLVED THAT: the Staff Report No. 45-11-19-BOD regarding the 2018 NVCA watershed health checks be received for information.

Purpose of the Staff Report

The purpose of this Staff Report is to provide the Board of Directors an overview of the 2018 watershed health checks for information.

Background

NVCA’s watershed health checks provide an overview of forest, wetlands, stream and groundwater health within the larger NVCA watershed. They also identify stewardship priorities, future challenges, and opportunities to improve environmental health.

The watershed health checks are completed for all nine of NVCA’s subwatersheds in 2018 in addition to the full watershed. NVCA began producing watershed report cards in 2007, released on a 5 year schedule. In 2013, they were renamed to Watershed Health Checks in an effort to differentiate these reports from Conservation Ontario’s province-wide Watershed Report Cards.

The watershed health checks can be found at: https://www.nvca.on.ca/watershed-science/watershed-report-cards

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https://www.nvca.on.ca/watershed-science/watershed-report-cards

https://www.nvca.on.ca/watershed-science/watershed-report-cards

Watershed Health Checks Staff Report No. 45-11-19-BOD

The key parameters measured as part of the watershed health checks comprise of forest conditions, wetland conditions, stream health, and groundwater quality. In addition, these documents report the number of stewardship projects completed by the forestry and stewardship programs.

Analysis

The watershed health checks are based on the analysis generated from several internal and external data sources include: orthophotography interpretation (forest and wetland conditions), the provincial groundwater monitoring network (groundwater condition), and provincial water quality monitoring network and the internal NVCA benthic monitoring program (stream health). In addition, the methodology used is consistent with the Conservation Ontario watershed report card methodology (e.g. groundwater and forest conditions) or builds on it (e.g. stream health and wetlands). Each indicator was analyzed to evaluate the status, ranging from ‘very poor’ to ‘very good’.

Each subwatershed is a dynamic entity. For example and in comparison to the 2013 subwatershed health checks, the stream health for the Mad, Pine, and Willow subwatersheds have decreased in a grade. The wetland buffer grade of the Willow subwatershed has declined from very good to good whereas the Blue Mountains subwatershed has declined overall from fair to poor. Comparably, the riparian forest cover drops a grade with the overall condition declining from ‘good’ to ‘fair’ for the Blue Mountains subwatershed. The grade change is typically associated with land use change.

As a corporate technical communication vehicle, the individual watershed health checks provide information on other internal programs including but not limited to education and conservation lands and offer land owner-based stewardship and drinking water protection tips.

Relevance to Authority Policy/Mandate

The watershed health checks highlight the condition of the 9 subwatersheds in the NVCA. They showcase the natural performance of the subwatersheds which are used cross departmentally in the delivery of other program areas, for example stewardship. In addition, these high level communication tools are used to identify opportunities and projects to enhance these key features through special benefitting projects.

The NVCA Board of Directors recently endorsed the Integrated Watershed Management Plan (IWMP) at the June, 2019 meeting. This document aims to guide watershed management efforts to maintain and enhance the watershed’s natural heritage resources through the development of strategies and objectives.

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Watershed Health Checks Staff Report No. 45-11-19-BOD

The watershed health checks provide a mechanism to track the progress and success of strategies related to the IWMP and opportunities for improvement.

Impact on Authority Finances

The project is being completed internally and within existing funding. There are no budget implications on the NVCA finances.

Reviewed by: Approved for submission by: Original Signed by Original Signed by Chris Hibberd Doug Hevenor Director, Watershed Management Services Chief Administrative Officer

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Date: 01/24/2020

To: Chair and Members of the Board of Directors

From: Maria Leung Communications Coordinator

SUBJECT: Communications Report – December 3, 2019 – January 9, 2020

Recommendation

RESOLVED THAT: Staff Report No. 46-11-19-BOD regarding NVCA Communications – December 3, 2019 – January 9, 2020, be received.

Purpose of the Staff Report This staff report presents a summary of NVCA media coverage and public outreach during the period of December 3, 2019 – January 9, 2020.

Background The following outlines the communications and media coverage during the period. 1. Media coverage

All media releases can be found on NVCA website under "News."

Start your kids' New Years by spending time outdoors (issued December 5, 2019)

Title Media Outlet Date Reference From bird counts to fun in the snow, NVCA offering

Barrie Today December 6, 2019

Naomi Saunders, Manager of

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http://www.nvca.on.ca/news

Communications Report – December 3, 2019 – January 9, 2020 Staff Report No. 46-11-19-BOD Title Media Outlet Date Reference camps for kids in the new year

Environmental Education

Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority hosting outdoor events for kids

Bradford Today December 8, 2019

Naomi Saunders, Manager of Environmental Education

Christmas Bird Count for Kids

Aware Simcoe December 27, 2019

Scout seasonal specimens of birds with Christmas Bird Count for Kids

Alliston Herald December 29, 2019

Shannon Stephens, Health Water Program Coordinator

All media releases can be found on NVCA website under "News."

Other Media Coverage

Title Media Outlet Date Reference Clearview councillor, longtime Collingwood businessperson, Ed Christie dies

Simcoe.com December 2, 2019

Former NVCA Board Member Ed Christie

No 'formal' offers made to purchase former tree seed plant in Angus


Angus Seed Plant

Wasaga asks to ease rules for owners wanting to repair shoreline property

Wasaga Sun December 5, 2019

Clearview Council News Creemore Echo December 13, 2019

NPCA's departing CAO Gayle Wood says authority has remade its image

Stoney Creek News

December 18, 2019

Former NVCA CAO, Gayle Wood

Niagara conservation authority has changed its image

Hamilton Community News

December 26, 2019

Former NVCA CAO, Gayle Wood

Uproar followed closure of Angus tree seed plant


Angus Seed Plant

Winter Camp Tiffin CTV Barrie January 3, 2020

Maegan McConnell

Jack Imhof speaks at NVCA AGM

Aware Simcoe January 5, 2020

Community Events Springwater News January 9, 2020

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http://www.nvca.on.ca/news

Communications Report – December 3, 2019 – January 9, 2020 Staff Report No. 46-11-19-BOD Title Media Outlet Date Reference NVCA Board Meeting Highlights December 13, 2019

Springwater News January 9, 2020

Sheryl Flannagan, Director of Corporate Services

Chair Watson

CAO Doug Hevenor

DISCLAIMER: NVCA does not allege that the information provided in the media articles depicts accurate statements or testimonies on behalf of any individual named, and is not responsible for any misinterpretation of information or misquoted statement(s).

2. Other Communication/Media Outreach

• December 18, 2019 – Highlights of the NVCA Board of Directors Meeting,November 22

• Ongoing – social media outreach (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn)

3. Presentations/Displays/Key Events by NVCA staff

• December 12 – Fred Dobbs, Manager of Stewardship Services hosted aCommunity Participation Meeting - Nottawasaga River Restoration andBoyne River Log Jam Management Projects in Adjala Tosorontio

• January 3 – Kyra Howes, Manager of Lands Management hosted ChristmasBird Count for Kids at the Tiffin Centre for Conservation

Issues/Analysis NVCA media mentions focused on the Christmas Bird Count for Kids event, and former CAO Gayle Wood’s departure from the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority. Other media mentions include the closure of the Angus Seed Plan.

In general, media coverage and public outreach/communications were positive with regard to NVCA work and programs over the past months. There are no issues of concern at this time.

Relevance to Authority Policy/Mandate Communications and promotion are an integral part of the work of NVCA. Reference to both can be found in the 2014-2018 Strategic Plan.

Impact on Authority Finances Staff time to prepare this report is addressed in the 2020 budget.

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Communications Report – December 3, 2019 – January 9, 2020 Staff Report No. 46-11-19-BOD

Reviewed by: Approved for submission by: Original Signed by Original Signed by Sheryl Flannagan Doug Hevenor Director, Corporate Services Chief Administrative Officer

Attachment 1 – Media Clippings for the period

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Clearview councillor, longtime Collingwood businessperson, Ed Christie dies

December 2, 2019

Simcoe.com

Ed Christie

Ed Christie was committed to helping his community, whether it was on the trails or downtown streets.

Christie, a member of Clearview Township council, died Nov. 30 after a battle with leukemia.

“Ed was a worker,” his brother George told Simcoe.com. “He was always doing something for other people.”

Christie was elected as Clearview Ward 1 councillor for Nottawa in 2018. He served as a councillor in Collingwood for one term from 1994-97.

He also founded Christie’s Menswear in Collingwood in 1976, and was a founding member of the Collingwood BIA.

Christie’s son, Michael, who along with his sister operates the business, said his dad believed the community could become a vibrant area.

“I would like people to remember how much he cared about the communities he lived in and worked in,” he said. “He always saw the community as a jewel in the rough that could be

a vibrant community, and he worked hard to make sure that’s what happened.”

Sonny Foley, a longtime councillor and businessperson in Collingwood, knew Christie for more than 70 years. The two first met in Boy Scouts and even attended the 1950 Jamboree in Valley Forge, Pa.

“I know when he did anything, he really did it as the best as anybody could,” Foley said. “He was very passionate about the community, the environment and an all-around great guy.”

Clearview Mayor Doug Measures said Christie was passionate about trails and was engaged in a potential business improvement area in Stayner.

“A guy who really enjoyed talking to people, he was customer-service focused,” Measures said. “He was a really good community guy and we’re definitely going to miss him. I think his greatest strength at the council table was he understood we could always do better.”

Collingwood BIA general manager Sue Nicholson said Christie was a “BIA champion.”

Christie sat on the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority board and the Collingwood hospital board, and was a founding member of the Rotary Club of Collingwood South Georgian Bay.

Michael Christie said his dad was a 12-year cancer survivor, but hadn’t been feeling well in recent weeks. He was admitted to hospital on Nov. 28 and died a year to the day after his late wife Diane’s burial after succumbing to the same disease.

He is survived by his two children and four grandchildren.

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No 'formal' offers made to purchase former tree seed plant in Angus

Ministry says community group would have to buy property at market value

December 4, 2019 by Brad Pritchard

Alliston Herald

The province said no formal expressions of interest were made to purchase the former tree seed plant in Angus when the circulation process ended in July. - Brad Pritchard/Torstar

Things are not looking very encouraging for a grassroots effort to preserve the legacy of the historic tree seed plant in Angus.

Jeff Giffen, a spokesperson for Infrastructure Ontario (IO), says the ministry did not receive any formal expressions of interest to purchase the property when the circulation process ended in July.

Earlier this year, the property was declared surplus after the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry decided it no longer needed the property.

After it was declared surplus, Giffen said IO followed its standard disposition process.

He said the circulation process began by looking at the potential for continued public uses.

Provincial ministries and agencies were circulated concurrently with other levels of government, registered eligible not-for-profit corporations, public colleges, school boards and eligible indigenous communities, but no offers were made.

He said if any of those entities were interested, a direct sale could have been "negotiated at market value."

In August, a plan was submitted from a group comprised of local stakeholders that proposed to transform the nearly century-old property into The Natural Climate Solutions, Community and Education Centre.

The stakeholders included the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA), which would act as the leaseholder for the property and report directly to the province, along with Essa Township, a partnership of hemp farmers, and non-profit groups such as Forests Ontario, the Compost Council of Canada, AWARE Essa and Friends of the Utopia Mill and Park.

Giffen said the ministry has explained the disposition process to the group and said they will have enter into an official partnership with a public entity, or obtain a membership to the Ontario Non-profit Network (ONN) to facilitate a direct sale. At that point, a transaction at "market value" would be considered.

Giffen said there is no current appraisal on record for the 22-acre

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https://www.simcoe.com/news-story/9560666-new-vision-sprouting-for-former-tree-seed-facility-in-angus/



property, but said this would be done as part of any direct sale.

“IO’s mandate is to sell surplus government properties at market value,” he said. “If a property is sold on the open market, it is done through a broker to ensure a fair, open and competitive process and to obtain the best value for the people of Ontario.”

Earlier this year, stakeholders who attended workshops at the site were told the province expects to get between $30 million and $40 million from the sale of the property, but not everyone agrees the land is worth that much.

Susan Antler, who is spearheading the Second Century Plan, said the group recently signed up for membership with the ONN and is planning to sign up for the Nonprofit Lands Registry.

She believes the group has provided a "good option" for the government to use the property to support local jobs and climate change solutions.

"The property is the legacy of generations of Ontarians," she said. "I hope that the Ontario government will step up as partners, contributing the land and infrastructure to benefit the needs of our community and support proven natural climate change solutions."

But she admits finding the money to purchase the property is "in the miracle category of life."

She added that "one has to have faith and believe that we are on the side of good. Miracles do happen."

A public auction was held at the property in October to sell off all of the equipment, furniture and other items the province no longer requires.

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Wasaga asks to ease rules for owners wanting to repair shoreline property

December 5, 2019 by Ian Adams

Wasaga Sun

The Town of Wasaga Beach has placed sandbags around the front doors of some of its beachfront commercial property in an effort to protect the retail units from high water. - Ian Adams/Torstar

Wasaga Beach is calling on the province to cut through the red tape for shoreline property owners trying to protect their land from high water and storm events.

Councillors pushed through a motion at their Dec. 3 committee of the whole meeting, asking the relevant approval agencies — be they the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority or the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks — to develop a streamlined approval process for permits required to undertake shoreline repair work “in an expeditious and financially feasible way.”

The average water level in lakes Huron and Michigan tied a 33-year-old record for the month of November, with an average level of 177.26

metres. Chart datum for the two lakes is 176 metres.

The prognosis for December is a potential new record, or close to the record set in 1986, while water levels in January are anticipated to be several centimetres above the 1987 record.

Combined with more severe storm events, notably two in October, high waves have battered both private and public property along Georgian Bay.

“We’ve had significant erosion and property damage along the beachfront properties,” said Mayor Nina Bifolchi, who presented the motion to council for consideration.

Bifolchi said she had been contacted by a number of landowners who have land on Georgian Bay.

"It’s not something the municipality can fix for them, it is a provincial responsibility,” she said. However, she added, the intent is to “work together, and put a process in place to streamline the process.”

Earlier this year, the Ministry of Natural Resources introduced a streamlined Crown land work permit process for properties in Muskoka affected by flooding. The process covered activities such as new construction, expansion or erosion control structures.

Bifolchi said high water has not only taken out fences, but has also undermined pools. And the work to shore up some structures would require the services of an engineer.

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“It is cost-prohibitive for most, so we’re looking to see if there is a way to streamline it for those people who want to protect their properties before more erosion happens,” Bifolchi said.

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From bird counts to fun in the snow, NVCA offering camps for kids in the new year

December 6, 2019

Barrie Today

(via Shutterstock)

NEWS RELEASE NOTTAWASAGA VALLEY CONSERVATION AUTHORITY ************************* The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) is hosting two outdoor events for kids this coming new year – Christmas Bird Count for Kids (CBC for Kids) and Winter Camp Tiffin.

This is a special year for CBC for Kids because it’s taking place at the same time as Winter Camp Tiffin. Kids who want to attend both events can sign up for Winter Camp Tiffin, and will participate in the bird count with camp counselllors.

“Exploring nature in the winter is a unique experience, “said Naomi Saunders, Manager of Environmental Education at NVCA. “Kids get to encounter nature in our coldest season, which for some is a new experience. This broadens their

curiosity about the natural world and deepens their connection to it.”

CBC for Kids is on Jan. 3, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. It is a family-friendly citizen science event that provides families with the opportunity to learn about local bird populations in the winter. Volunteers from Nature Barrie will show participants how to use binoculars and how to identify the birds they may encounter on the trails at Tiffin Conservation Area.

Winter Camp Tiffin is on January 2-3, 2020, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Activities include forest exploration, animal tracking, shelter building, winter games and kick sledding. Winter appropriate clothing, including waterproof boots and gloves are a must. Registration fee for each camper is $90 for two days, or $45 for one day. Extended care is available from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for $10 per day.

For more information about these programs, or to volunteer for CBC for Kids, visit nvca.on.ca.

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http://www.nvca.on.ca/?utm_source=barrietoday.com&utm_campaign=barrietoday.com&utm_medium=referral

Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority hosting outdoor events for kids

December 8, 2019

Bradford Today

Stock image

NEWS RELEASE THE NOTTAWASAGA VALLEY CONSERVATION AUTHORITY *************************** UTOPIA – The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) is hosting two outdoor events for kids this coming new year – Christmas Bird Count for Kids (CBC for Kids) and Winter Camp Tiffin.

This is a special year for CBC for Kids because it’s taking place at the same time as Winter Camp Tiffin. Kids who want to attend both events can sign up for Winter Camp Tiffin, and will participate in the bird count with camp councillors.

“Exploring nature in the winter is a unique experience, “said Naomi Saunders, Manager of Environmental Education at NVCA. “Kids get to encounter nature in our coldest season, which for some is a new experience. This broadens their

curiosity about the natural world and deepens their connection to it.”

CBC for Kids is on Jan. 3 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. It is a family-friendly citizen science event that provides families with the opportunity to learn about local bird populations in the winter. Volunteers from Nature Barrie will show participants how to use binoculars and how to identify the birds they may encounter on the trails at Tiffin Conservation Area.

Winter Camp Tiffin is on Jan. 2-3, 2020, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Activities include forest exploration, animal tracking, shelter building, winter games and kick sledding. Winter appropriate clothing, including waterproof boots and gloves are a must. Registration fee for each camper is $90 for two days, or $45 for one day. Extended care is available from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for $10 per day.

For more information about these programs, or to volunteer for CBC for Kids, visit nvca.on.ca.

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Council supports NVCA joint service review

December 13, 2019 by Bonnie MacPherson

The Creemore Echo

EarlyOn Centre requests reduced rent

Clearview Township staff has been asked to weigh in on a request from E-3 Community Services for reduced rent on space in the Stayner Community Centre.

E3 spokesman Peter Doner made the request in a presentation to council Monday evening. Doner explained that as the lead agency for EarlyON Child and Family Centres, E3 plays a vital role in preparing children for lifelong learning, health and well-being. Full-time sites are operated in Collingwood and Alliston, with two day per week satellite programs in smaller communities including Stayner. EarlyON started offering services in Stayner from a location at the Clearview Youth Centre in 2018, then moved to the Jubilee Presbyterian Church in 2019. To date, the centre has seen more than 1,000 visits by parents and children looking for support, advice, personal connections and access to a network of resources. Doner believes that a move to the community centre adjacent to the library would make the service more visible and more accessible to families within the community.

E3 is asking for use of half the large meeting room at the community centre on Mondays and Wednesdays. The posted rate for the rental space works out to $22,000 per year. As a not-for-profit agency, E3 is requesting a 50 per cent reduction in that rate.

The meeting space is currently used by the VON on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so some councillors expressed concern that granting the E3 request would effectively make the space unavailable to other groups during the week. On the question of whether a rent reduction for E3 would open the door to similar request from the VON, it was revealed that the VON is actually using the space rent-free.

Council has asked for a staff report before responding to the E3 request.

Council supports NVCA joint service review

Clearview Township council has expressed support for a joint service program review between the township and the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA).

The review will seek to clarify roles of the NVCA and member municipalities and refine protocols to improve service delivery. Councillor Connie Leishman, formerly Clearview’s representative on the NVCA pointed out that there have been many similar discussions in the past, which resulted in little progress. However, Mara Burton, Director of Community Services for Clearview suggested that with the many changes in personnel at the NVCA in recent years, this may be a good time for a review.

Clearview CAO, Steve Sage suggested that the loss of some long-time staff has contributed to challenges with the NVCA. Sage said that in the past, an employee with 35 years experience might quickly approve an access road to a farm field and devote more time to evaluating the proposed site of a high-traffic fast food restaurant. Now he says, less experienced staff tend to focus on procedure and deal with all applications in the same way causing the whole system to bog down. While the township recognizes the mutual benefit of NVCA services, the focus must be on improving service delivery.

Council continues to encourage Lafarge site rehab

Clearview Township council has adopted a recommendation by the Committee of Adjustment regarding zoning changes to the former Lafarge Quarry site on County Road 9 near New Lowell.

Lafarge had requested creation of two new lots on 3/4 Sideroad Sunnidale. The Committee of Adjustment recommended granting that approval conditional on the site being graded

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and cleaned up, with large concrete blocks and scrap metal removed.

Councillor Thom Paterson suggested that council should also insist on removal of existing fuel tanks and pumps, but planning staff indicated those would be allowed to remain to facilitate potential future industrial use. There is currently a soil berm along one side of the Lafarge property. Typically this would be removed as part of the site remediation but neighbours to the south have requested that the berm be left in place.

The COA has recommended a 15 metre side yard setback versus the usual 4-5 metres to accommodate this request, but ultimately, the decision on what to do with the berm will rest with the Ministry of Natural Resources.

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NPCA's departing CAO Gayle Wood says authority has remade its image

December 18, 2019 by Kevin Werner

Stoney Creek News

Gayle Wood's work for the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority will end this year as chief administrative officer after taking over from the beleaguered agency earlier this year. She will be replaced by Chandra Sharma of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. - Torstar file photo

Outgoing Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority Chief Administrative Officer Gayle Wood says the troubled agency is in “good hands” once she leaves the authority at the end of the month.

Attending her last NPCA board meeting Dec. 18, Wood said in an interview the toughest job she had when she was hired early this year was reestablishing its relationship with critical citizens and outraged municipalities.

She said the NPCA had “lost faith and trust” with the community it serves and the municipalities that help fund the organization.

“You have to demonstrate that the organization is worth your trust and that takes a while,” said Wood.

The former chief administrative officer for the Nottawasaga Valley, Ganaraska and Lake

Simcoe Conservation authorities was hired as the authority’s interim CAO in February. Her contract was extended to the end of the year in July.

“We have done so many things here in the last year to address the auditor general’s report to address the number of issues and concerns that came up over the last five to six years,” she said. “I am very comfortable leaving it in good hands.”

Wood, who is a Niagara-on-the-Lake resident and held a variety of positions with the NPCA from 1979 to 1989, applied for the interim position while she was vacationing in Florida. The NPCA’s first board of directors hired her not expecting what she would do, she said.

“We are tremendously gratified to Gayle,” said Board chair David Bylsma, mayor of West Lincoln. “She conducted herself with zeal and fortitude.”

Going off script, Bylsma continued, saying “it’s been an absolute honour and delight” to work with Wood through what has been the agency’s historic “transformation.”

Wood will be replaced by Chandra Sharma, a former director of watershed strategies and director of community engagement and outreach, among other position, with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. She begins her new job Jan. 1, 2020. Wood said she will help ease Sharma through the transition to her new job.

Wood’s effort to “transform” the NPCA once she arrived involved a complete restructuring of the authority’s governance structure and personnel, including replacing all Niagara Region political representatives in an effort to stabilize the authority and implement needed reforms as outlined from the province’s auditor general’s report.

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Wood said after the board endured a difficult and controversial 2018, that included staff firings of the last CAO, David Barrick, legal challenges from members of the first board, plummeting staff morale, financial problems, and strained relationships with the Niagara Region and the City of Hamilton, the agency “has turned around its image.”

At the time Barrick was fired by then corporate services manager Mark Brickell November 2018. A few weeks later Brickell was fired by the NPCA board of directors, headed by former Fort Erie Regional councillor and board chair Sandy Annunziata and vice-chair James Kaspersetz.

Lisa McManus, the NPCA’s clerk was appointed interim CAO. She reappointed Barrick to his former position, then went on sick leave and did not return. The former board decided to make Barrick acting CAO

Barrick then fired the watershed manager and promoted several staffers to senior director positions. During his brief tenure, Barrick, among other things, failed to appear before Hamilton council to present the authority’s 2019 budget, drawing the ire of councillors.

Barrick and the NPCA announced in February a “mutual agreement” that resulted in him leaving. Barrick was recently hired as the city manager for Brampton.

Soon after Barrick left, other employees resigned their positions, including people from the authority’s communications department.

It will be an ongoing process, said Wood, to regain the trust of municipalities and the community because of the NPCA’s past.

“It takes a while to rebuild trust,” she said.

While she has received congratulations from Niagara Region officials, Hamilton officials continue to be skeptical of the authority’s financial plans.

The city is still smarting over paying the higher apportionment levy that nearly doubled after former chief administrative officer Carmen D’Angelo told councillors Hamilton had to pay the higher cost. Hamilton appealed the higher levy to the province and the court but lost both times.

Hamilton and the NPCA also settled for now the new board composition after a bitter dispute with Niagara Region. The city appointed four representatives, an increase of two to the new board this year. Niagara threatened to increase its representation to the authority as well if Hamilton’s composition remained at four.

“We have to demonstrate we are transparent with our budgets,” said Wood. “That we are accountable, that we want to work with (Hamilton), and demonstrate value in the investment.”

As a going-away present, the board gave Wood a landscape print, and she received a comfort maple pen, crafted out of a piece of wood from the 24.5 metre-tall Comfort Maple Tree, estimated to be over 500 years old that can only be found in Pelham.

Wood provided the board with two pieces of Tulip wood that can be used as trays. The authority adopted the Tulip tree leaf as its symbol years ago.

Wood will be a volunteer board member for the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation and was recently appointed as chair of the Ontario Land Trust Alliance and serves on the International Joint Commissioner’s Water Quality Board.

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Niagara conservation authority has changed its image

Outgoing CAO Gayle Wood says authority has regained trust.

Dec 26, 2019 by Kevin Werner

Hamilton Community News

Gayle Wood's work for the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority will end this year as chief administrative officer after taking over from the beleaguered agency earlier this year. She will be replaced by Chandra Sharma of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. - Torstar file photo

Outgoing Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority chief administrative officer Gayle Wood says the troubled agency is in "good hands" once she leaves at the end of the month.

Attending her last NPCA board meeting on Dec. 18, Wood said in an interview that the toughest job she had when she was hired early this year was re-establishing its relationship with critical citizens and outraged municipalities.

She said the NPCA had "lost faith and trust" with the community it serves and the municipalities that help fund the organization.

"You have to demonstrate that the organization is worth your trust and that takes a while," said Wood.

The former chief administrative officer for the Nottawasaga Valley, Ganaraska and Lake Simcoe conservation authorities was hired as the authority's interim chief administrative officer in February. Her contract was extended to the end of the year in July.

"We have done so many things here in the last year to address the auditor general's report to address the number of issues and concerns that came up over the last five to six years," she said. "I am very comfortable leaving it in good hands."

Wood, who is a Niagara-on-the-Lake resident and held a variety of positions with the NPCA from 1979 to 1989, applied for the interim position while she was vacationing in Florida.

"We are tremendously gratified to Gayle," said board chair David Bylsma, mayor of West Lincoln. "She conducted herself with zeal and fortitude."

Wood will be replaced by Chandra Sharma, a former director of watershed strategies and director of community engagement and outreach, among other positions, with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. She begins her new job Jan. 1, 2020. Wood said she will help ease Sharma through the transition to her new job.

Wood's effort to "transform" the NPCA once she arrived involved a complete restructuring of the authority's governance and personnel, including replacing all Niagara Region political representatives in an effort to stabilize the authority and implement needed reforms as outlined from the province's auditor general's report.

Wood said after the board endured a difficult and controversial 2018, that included staff firings of the last chief administrative officer, David Barrick, legal challenges from members of the first board, plummeting staff morale,

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financial problems, and strained relationships with the Niagara Region and the City of Hamilton, the agency "has turned around its image."

At the time, Barrick was fired by then-corporate services manager Mark Brickell in November 2018. A few weeks later, Brickell was fired by the NPCA board of directors, headed by former Fort Erie regional councillor and board chair Sandy Annunziata and vice-chair James Kaspersetz.

Lisa McManus, the NPCA's clerk, was appointed interim chief administrative officer. She reappointed Barrick to his former position, then went on sick leave and did not return. The former board decided to make Barrick acting chief administrative officer

Barrick then fired the watershed manager and promoted several staffers to senior director positions. During his brief tenure, Barrick, among other things, failed to appear before Hamilton council to present the authority's 2019 budget, drawing the ire of councillors.

Barrick and the NPCA announced in February a "mutual agreement" that resulted in him leaving. Barrick was recently hired as the city manager for Brampton.

Soon after Barrick left, other employees resigned their positions, including people from the authority's communications department.

It will be an ongoing process, said Wood, to regain the trust of municipalities and the community.

While she has received congratulations from Niagara Region officials, Hamilton officials continue to be skeptical of the authority's financial plans.

The city is still smarting over paying the higher apportionment levy that nearly doubled after former chief administrative officer Carmen

D'Angelo told councillors Hamilton had to pay the higher cost. Hamilton appealed the higher levy to the province and the court, but lost both times.

Hamilton and the NPCA also settled — for now — the new board's composition after a bitter dispute with Niagara Region. The city appointed four representatives, an increase of two to the new board this year. Niagara threatened to increase its representation to the authority, as well, if Hamilton's composition remained at four.

"We have to demonstrate we are transparent with our budgets," said Wood. "That we are accountable, that we want to work with (Hamilton), and demonstrate value in the investment."

Wood will be a volunteer board member for the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation and was recently appointed as chair of the Ontario Land Trust Alliance and serves on the International Joint Commissioner's Water Quality Board.

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Uproar followed closure of Angus tree seed plant

December 27, 2019 by Brad Pritchard

Alliston Herald

The processing facility and warehouse at the former Ontario Tree Seed Plant in Angus. With the aging facility being underutilized, having outdated equipment and losing about $2 million per year, the province decided to close it down in the fall of 2018. - Brad Pritchard/Metroland

The events following the closure of the former tree seed plant property in Angus was a headline-grabbing issue of 2019.

After the facility was officially shut down in the fall of 2018 and the property declared surplus, Infrastructure Ontario initiated the disposition process for the 22-acre site.

The ministry said the standard method of disposing of a property always begins by circulating provincial ministries and agencies to see if there is an opportunity to keep it in public hands. At the same time, the property was also circulated to other levels of government, eligible not-for-profit corporations, public colleges, school boards and eligible Indigenous communities.

But no formal submissions were made when the deadline to submit proposals passed in mid-July.

However, in August an informal group of local stakeholders, spearheaded by Susan Antler, chair of the Friends of the Utopia Mil and Park,

asked Infrastructure Ontario to review a proposal they came up with dubbed The Second Century Plan: A Place to Grow.

The proposal calls for the nearly century old property to be transformed into the The Natural Climate Solutions, Community and Education Centre.

The informal partnership also includes the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA), which would act as the leaseholder for the property and report directly to the province, along with Essa Township, a partnership of hemp farmers, and non-profit groups such as Forests Ontario, the Compost Council of Canada, and AWARE Essa.

While the proposal was handed in shortly after the submission deadline had passed, the province granted the group a grace period to enter a formal partnership with a public entity, or to become a member Ontario Non-profit Network (ONN) so it could begin discussions of negotiating a direct sale.

In November, the group signed up for membership with the ONN and it also announced plans to sign up for the Non-profit Lands Registry.

But given previous statements the province has made about wanting to get full market value for the property, which has been estimated to be worth tens of millions of dollars, the likelihood of the group securing the property remains highly questionable at this point.

If the group’s offer isn’t accepted, then the property will be listed on the open market.

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Friday, January 3: Christmas Bird Count for Kids at Tiffin Centre

December 27, 2019

Aware Simcoe

from Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority

Christmas Bird Count for Kids Date: Friday, January 3, 2020 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Location: Tiffin Centre for Conservation, 8195 8th Line, Utopia

Christmas Bird Count for Kids is a fun, family-friendly citizen science event that provides families with the opportunity to learn about local bird populations in the winter.

Volunteers from Nature Barrie will show kids and their parents how to use binoculars and how to identify the birds they may encounter on the trails at the Tiffin Conservation Area.

After the short tutorial, families and their guides will head outside and walk the trails at Tiffin to identify and count birds.

The young citizen scientists can then share their sightings and observations over hot chocolate in the John L. Jose Environmental Learning Centre.

The data will then be submitted through an online reporting system to eBirds, where the information can be used in scientific research.

$5/per person covers parking and hot chocolate. Children under four are free.

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https://www.nvca.on.ca/events-education

https://www.nvca.on.ca/events-education

Scout seasonal specimens of birds with Christmas Bird Count for Kids

December 29, 2010

Alliston Herald

Shannon Stephens of the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority looks into the trees with her binoculars during a walk. The Christmas Bird Count for Kids takes place at the Tiffin Centre for Conservation Jan. 3 from 9 a.m. until noon. Come prepared for the weather and bring binoculars and a field guide, if you have them. Additional binoculars and guides will be available for use at the event. Cost is $5 per person, which includes parking and hot chocolate. Children under four are free. To register, visit nvca.on.ca.

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Winter Camp Tiffin

January 3, 2019

CTV Barrie

To watch clip, click here and scroll to 20:23

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https://barrie.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=1862638&binId=1.1274844&playlistPageNum=1

Jack Imhof speaks at NVCA AGM

January 5, 2020

Aware Simcoe

Jack Imhof

From the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority

The NVCA Annual General Meeting to be held Friday, January 24, 2020 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM At: Tiffin Centre for Conservation, 8195 8th Line, Utopia

Join us for our NVCA’ 60th Annual General Meeting.

Our keynote speaker, Jack Imhof, Conservation Ecologist, will be speaking about the importance of stream restoration, with his speech ‘Protect the Best and Restore the Rest: The Value of Rebuilding Watershed Resilience’

Members of the public are invited to attend.

RSVP: If you plan on attending, please RSVP to Haleigh Ferguson by January 20, 2020 at [email protected] or 705-424-1479 x272

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https://www.nvca.on.ca/events-education/events

https://www.nvca.on.ca/events-education/events

Community Events

January 9, 2020

Springwater News

Jan 24 NVCA Annual Genreal Meeting 9-12 at the Tiffin Centre for Conservation, 8195 8th Line Utopia

Jan 24 10 am Family Nature Day -Winter Survival at the Tiffin Centre for Conservation. 705 424 1979 [email protected]

Jan 25 9-12 noon Minesing Wetlands Hike Hike departs at 9am. The location depends on weather. All registered participants will informed of the location and other details approximately a week before. You will be taken into the wetlands by experienced guides and you will learn some interesting facts about the landscape and history. Bring your own snowshoes. We do have two pairs that we can rent for $10. Please register below at the website link for Eventbrite. $10 per person. 705 728 4784.

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NVCA Board Meeting Highlights December 13, 2019

Next Meeting: January 24, 2020, Tiffin Centre for Conservation, Utopia

For the full meeting agenda including documents and reports, visit nvca.on.ca/about/boardofdirectors

NVCA 2020 Budget Approved

January 9, 2020

Springwater News

The Board of Directors overwhelmingly voted to approve NVCA’s 2020 budget at $5,004,264 million in revenue as compared to the 2019 approved budget of $4,924,948. Of this increase, $66,027.73 is coming from an increase to the municipal levy (shared among all 18 member municipalities), with the remainder coming from grants, fees for services, and other sources. Funds from municipal levy represent 50% of NVCA’s revenues.

Employee Handbook Update

NVCA’s employee handbook was updated and approved by the Board of Directors. Significant updates include:

Pay Equity

NVCA is in compliance with Ontario’s Pay Equity Act and has adopted this policy to ensure that all compensation for permanent full-time staff is equitable and that equal pay is provided for equal work. The value of positions will be assessed under the four factors used by the Pay Equity Commission: skills, effort, responsibility, and working conditions.

Each position within the NVCA will be evaluated regularly or when significant changes occur or a new job is introduced. The jobs will be evaluated using a gender-neutral factor comparison system that uses the four factors identified by the Pay Equity Commission.

Prescription Medications including Medical Marijuana

Employees who are required to use medical marijuana are no longer required to provide a copy of the possession license.

NVCA asks that, where possible, employees who require medical marijuana use a method other than smoking.

Employees who choose to smoke medical marijuana are not permitted to smoke in the presence of other NVCA employees or on NVCA property, except for an identified location provided to the employee by the NVCA. Senior Management Team is currently looking at suitable areas.

For a copy of the updated Employee handbook, please contact Sheryl Flannagan, Director of Corporate Services.

NVCA Conservation Area Road Side Signage

In the past, through support of the Board of Directors, NVCA has erected signs on the sides of provincial, county and municipal roads. These signs gave directional and distance information to conservation areas such as Tiffin, Minesing Wetlands and Nottawasaga Bluffs.

Recently, the Tourism Ontario Directional Signage has decided to double their annual rates (from $4000/year to $8000/year) for NVCA to advertise on Ontario’s highways, prompting staff to review signage needs as well as alternative opportunities.

As GPS technology is much more advanced as it once was, road signage has become less significant. As well, social media now drives traffic to our conservation areas in a way that road signs never could.

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Strategic Plan and Business Plan

In 2019, NVCA’s management team has started the process of developing the 2020 – 2025 strategic plan, which builds on the integrated watershed management approach and is complimented through the NVCA vision, mission, and value statements.

NVCA Staff will work with the NVCA Board of Directors to finalize the strategic plan and business plan in 2020.

Staff will give updates to Board of Directors at each monthly meeting beginning in February until the two documents are complete.

December 9 Meeting at Conservation Ontario

On December 9, 2019, NVCA Chair Watson and CAO Doug Hevenor attended a meeting at Conservation Ontario, along with representatives from all 36 conservation authorities.

MNRF Staff provided a presentation about Ontario’s flood management approach as reviewed by Doug McNeil, Ontario’s Special Advisor on flooding.

His report mentioned conservation authorities 82 times and commended them on Ontario’s current flood prevention network. Click here for the full report.

At the meeting the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Environment Conservation and Parks reiterated that conservation authorities can continue to provide non-core mandated undertake activities with self-generated funds. However, if conservation authorities want to use municipal levy for non-core mandate activities, an MOU agreement must be established with impacted municipalities.

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https://news.ontario.ca/mnr/en/2019/11/ontario-releases-report-from-special-advisor-on-flooding.html

https://news.ontario.ca/mnr/en/2019/11/ontario-releases-report-from-special-advisor-on-flooding.html

NOTTAWASAGA VALLEY CONSERVATION AUTHORITY BOARD … Documents/24_01_2020_Agenda.pdf · Time: 10:00...

Documents

Transcript of NOTTAWASAGA VALLEY CONSERVATION AUTHORITY BOARD … Documents/24_01_2020_Agenda.pdf · Time: 10:00...