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

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1 NOTTAWASAGA VALLEY CONSERVATION AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING AGENDA No BOD Date: March 22, 2019 Time: 9:00 a.m. to 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) Friends of Minesing Wetlands Historic Tour & AGM Saturday, March 30 th, :00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Fort Willow Conservation Area 2714 Grenfel Road Springwater, Ontario Spring Tonic Maple Syrup Festival Saturday, April 6 th, and Sunday, April 7 th, :00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Tiffin Centre for Conservation th Line Utopia, Ontario

2 Board of Directors Meeting BOD March 22, 2019 CALL TO ORDER 1. DECLARATION OF PECUNIARY AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST 2. MOTION TO ADOPT AGENDA Recommendation RESOLVED THAT: the Agenda for the Board of Directors meeting No BOD dated March 22, 2019 be approved. 3. ANNOUNCEMENTS There are no announcements for this meeting. 4. PRESENTATIONS Director, Watershed Management Services and Ecosystem Resources Inc. will conduct a presentation on the Integrated Watershed Management Plan. Recommendation RESOLVED THAT: the presentation regarding the Integrated Watershed Management Plan by Director, Watershed Management Services and Ecosystem Resources Inc. be received. 5. DEPUTATIONS There are no deputations for this meeting. 6. DELEGATIONS There are no delegations for this meeting. 7. HEARINGS There are no Hearings requested under Section 28 of the Conservation Authorities Act for this meeting. 8. DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION Board Members were requested to identify those items from the Consent List that they wish to have considered for separate discussion. 9. ADOPTION OF CONSENT LIST AND INDENTIFICATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION Recommendation RESOLVED THAT: agenda item number(s), having been identified as requiring separate discussion, be referred for discussion under Agenda Item #10; 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. Page 2 of 60

3 Board of Directors Meeting BOD March 22, CONSENT LIST A) Adoption of Minutes A.1) Approval of Minutes of the Board of Directors Meeting No BOD held on February 22, Recommendation RESOLVED THAT: the Board of Directors approve the minutes of the Board of Directors Meeting No BOD held on February 22, B) Staff Reports B.1) Staff Report BOD from Director, Corporate Services regarding the 2019 NVCA Draft Budget. Recommendation RESOLVED THAT: Staff Report No BOD regarding the NVCA s 2019 Draft Budget be received; and FURTHER THAT: the 2019 budget, operational and capital, as presented in the 2019 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. B.2) B.3) B.4) Staff Report BOD from Manager, Forestry regarding the 2019 Tree Seedling Purchase. Recommendation RESOLVED THAT: the Board of Directors receive Staff Report No BOD regarding the NVCA purchase of tree seedlings for the 2019 Tree Planting program from Somerville Nurseries located in Everett, Ontario; and FURTHER THAT: the NVCA purchase the required trees at a cost not to exceed $125,000. Staff Report BOD from Director, Watershed Management Services regarding the Integrated Watershed Management Plan. Recommendation RESOLVED THAT: the Board of Directors receive Staff Report No BOD for information. Staff Report BOD from Chief Administrative Officer regarding Meeting Provincial Priorities for Reducing Regulatory Burden. Recommendation WHEREAS: the provincial government intends to increase the supply of housing and streamline the land use planning and development approval process to achieve this goal; and Page 3 of 60

4 Board of Directors Meeting BOD March 22, 2019 WHEREAS: the conservation authorities play an important role in the planning and development review process with respect to watershed protection and hazard lands RESOLVED THAT: Staff Report BOD entitled Meeting the Provincial Priorities for Regulatory Burden be received by the Members of the Board of Directors, Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority and appended into the minutes of this meeting; and FURTHER THAT: the Board of Directors endorse the three key solutions developed by the Conservation Ontario working group to improve client service and accountability; increase speed of approvals; reduce red tape and regulatory burden as outlined in the issues/analysis section of this document; and FURTHER THAT: staff be directed to work with Conservation Ontario and the stakeholders to identify additional improvements; and FURTHER THAT: staff be directed to implement this report as soon as possible. B.5) Staff Report BOD from Communications Coordinator regarding NVCA Communications Dec 2, 2018 Mar 5, Recommendation RESOLVED THAT: Staff Report BOD from Communications Coordinator regarding NVCA Communications Dec 2, 2018 Mar 5, 2019, be received. 11. CLOSED SESSION Recommendation RESOLVED THAT: this meeting of the Board of Directors No BOD move into closed session at a.m. to address matters pertaining to: a) Personal matters about an identifiable individual, including authority staff. Chief Administrative Officer s annual performance review Recommendation RESOLVED THAT: the Board of Directors rise from closed session at a.m. and report progress. Recommendation RESOLVED THAT: the Board of Directors approve the Chief Administrative Officer s 2018 annual performance review and 2019 review for implementation. 12. ADJOURN Recommendation RESOLVED THAT: the Board of Directors adjourn at to meet again on April 26, 2019 or at the call of the Chair. Page 4 of 60

5 NOTTAWASAGA VALLEY CONSERVATION AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING AGENDA No BOD Date: February 22, 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 Councillor Gail Little Councillor Thom Paterson Councillor Fred Nix Councillor Donna Jebb, 2 nd Vice Chair Councillor Mariane Mcleod Councillor Rob Nicol Mayor Don Allen Deputy Mayor Bob Meadows Councillor George Watson, Chair Councillor Margaret Mercer Councillor Andrea Matrosovs Councillor Gary Harvey Councillor Dane Nielsen Councillor Cathy Keane Regrets: Councillor Raj Sandhu Councillor Walter Benotto Councillor Shirley Boxem Essa (Township) Amaranth (Township) Clearview (Township) Mono (Town) New Tecumseth (Town) Collingwood (Town) Innisfil (Town) Springwater (Township) Adjala-Tosorontio (Township) Wasaga Beach (Town) Melancthon (Township) Blue Mountains (Town) Barrie (City) Grey Highlands (Municipality) Oro-Medonte (Township) Bradford West Gwillimbury (Town) Shelburne (Town) Mulmur (Township) Staff: Doug Hevenor, Chief Administrative Officer; Byron Wesson, Director, Lands, Education and Stewardship Services; Chris Hibberd, Director, Watershed Management Services; Sheryl Flannagan, Director, Corporate Services; Haleigh Ferguson, Administrative Assistant/Recorder CALL TO ORDER Chair Watson called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m. 1. DECLARATION OF PECUNIARY AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST 2. MOTION TO ADOPT AGENDA RES: Approved by: D. Nielson Seconded by: A. Matrosovs Page 5 of 60

6 Board of Directors Meeting BOD February 22, 2019 RESOLVED THAT: the Agenda for the Board of Directors meeting BOD dated February 22, 2019 be approved. Carried. 3. ANNOUNCEMENTS There are no announcements for this meeting. 4. PRESENTATIONS There are no presentations for this meeting. 5. HEARINGS There are no Hearings requested under Section 28 of the Conservation Authorities Act for this meeting. 6. ADOPTION OF MINUTES RES: Approved by: R. Nicol Seconded by: D. Allen RESOLVED THAT: the Board of Directors approve the minutes of the BOD and BOD meeting held on January 25, 2019 Carried. 7. BOARD ORIENTATION RES: Approved by: B. Meadows Seconded by: G. Little RESOLVED THAT: the Board of Directors receive the orientation information as presented by staff. Carried. Mayor Allen, Township of Springwater suggested he may put forth a notice of motion. 8. ADJOURN RES: Approved by: D. Jebb Seconded by: B. Meadows RESOLVED THAT: the Board of Directors adjourn at 12:12 p.m. to meet again on March 22, 2019 or at the call of the Chair. Carried. Page 6 of 60

7 Staff Report: BOD Date: 22/03/2019 To: From: Chair and Members of the Board of Directors Sheryl Flannagan Director, Corporate Services SUBJECT: 2019 NVCA Draft Budget Recommendation RESOLVED THAT: Staff Report No BOD regarding the NVCA s 2019 Draft Budget be received; and FURTHER THAT: the 2019 budget, operational and capital, as presented in the 2019 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. Purpose of the Staff Report The purpose of this Staff Report is to gain the Board s approval regarding the NVCA s draft 2019 budget. Background The Board of Directors approved a $176,000 guideline for the 2019 draft budget in August 2018 and subsequently approved the 2019 draft budget for circulation for the 30 day comment period in October The levy was apportioned based on the current value assessment (CVA) values received from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry which are based on the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) determined values (See Attachment Draft Budget, Page 5). Page 7 of 60

8 2019 Draft Budget Staff Report No BOD March 22, 2019 Issues/Analysis The draft budget was then sent to all of our member municipalities for review and an opportunity to comment. The Conservation Authorities Act requires a minimum of 30 days comment time which the NVCA extended due to the 2018 elections. NVCA staff provided 2019 budget presentations to 3 municipal councils; Springwater Township, Town of Innisfil and Township of Oro-Medonte and have received no correspondence/comments from watershed municipalities. The following procedures will occur when considering the 2019 Draft Budget as required by the MNRF: a) Board Members will have an opportunity to deliberate and ask questions. b) A roll call of the members present will be completed by the CAO. c) The budget vote will be recorded and each Member will be requested to vote yea or nay to the attached budget, done in alphabetical order of Municipality. Further, the vote will be weighted based upon the current value assessment (CVA) as broken down in the 2019 Draft Budget. The breakdown is as follows: Name Municipality/Township Percentage Deputy Mayor Bob Meadows Township of Adjala-Tosorontio % Councillor Gail Little Township of Amaranth % Councillor Gary Harvey City of Barrie % Councillor Andrea Matrosovs Town of the Blue Mountains % Councillor Raj Sandhu Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury % Councillor Thom Paterson Clearview Township % Councillor Mariane McLeod Town of Collingwood % Councillor Keith White Township of Essa % Councillor Dane Nielsen Municipality of Grey Highlands % Councillor Rob Nicol Town of Innisfil % Councillor Margaret Mercer Township of Melancthon % Councillor Fred Nix Town of Mono % Councillor Shirley Boxem Mulmur Township % Councillor Donna Jebb Town of New Tecumseth % Councillor Cathy Keane Township of Oro-Medonte % Councillor Walter Benotto Town of Shelburne % Mayor Don Allen Township of Springwater % Councillor George Watson Town of Wasaga Beach % Page 8 of 60

9 2019 Draft Budget Staff Report No BOD March 22, 2019 Relevance to Authority Policy/Mandate The Conservation Authorities Act (CAA) addresses NVCA s ability to raise funds. Starting in 2018, the NVCA has undertaken separating its annual operating (general levy) and capital (asset levy) programs. Section 24, 25, 26, and 27 of the CAA, deals with apportionment of costs for administration, maintenance and capital expenditures, which permits the NVCA to work with municipalities to raise funds for both operating and capital (and benefitting) expenses through different budget requests. Special apportionment arrangements for capital (benefitting) projects, surveys and studies will be based on the municipal CVA apportionment. If special projects are carried out over several municipalities, such as new flood plain mapping, apportionment can be assessed to each municipality on a CVA basis. Impact on Authority Finances The 2019 Draft Budget totals $4,924,948 million in revenue as compared to the 2018 approved budget of $4,744,148. Reviewed by: Original Signed by Sheryl Flannagan Director, Corporate Services Approved for submission by: Original Signed by Doug Hevenor Chief Administrative Officer Attachments: Draft Budget Page 9 of 60

10 2019 Draft Budget Information for Member Municipalities October 2018 Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority If you require this document in an alternative format please contact NVCA at or Page 10 of 60

11 About NVCA For 59 years, the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) has worked with municipal, provincial and federal partners, and local stakeholders to deliver excellence in watershed planning and management. Like Ontario s other 35 conservation authorities, NVCA operates under three fundamental principles: Watershed jurisdiction Local decision making Funding partnerships As your municipal partner, NVCA provides the expertise to help protect our water, our land, our future. Vision - Innovative watershed management supporting a healthy environment, communities and lifestyles. Mission - Working together to lead, promote, support and inspire innovative watershed management. Guiding Principles - We are committed to carrying out our responsibilities, providing services to our customers and working with our partners in a professional, accountable, responsible and dedicated manner. We are: an adaptive organization - constantly striving to improve; committed to anticipating change and thinking strategically a "can-do" organization - collaborative, decisive and efficient, committed to finding solutions that work for all a science-based organization - committed to using the best available watershed science and knowledge to inform decisions NVCA 2019 Draft Budget Information for Member Municipalities Page 11 of 60

12 a professional organization - authentic and credible, respectful of all and receptive to the ideas of others an open organization - approachable, committed to customer service excellence, honest, open, transparent and effective a responsible organization - trustworthy, committed to fiscal prudence and the responsible use of resources Our watershed encompasses a large geographic area of 3,700 sq. km, with jurisdiction in 18 municipalities. One representative from each municipality is appointed as a member of our board of directors. Our members play a key role in governing the authority. They have a responsibility to represent the interests of their municipalities, to consider the interests of the authority and the watershed as a whole, and to act as a liaison between their municipalities and NVCA. NVCA 2019 Draft Budget Information for Member Municipalities Page 12 of 60

13 Member Municipalities Township of Adjala-Tosorontio Township of Amaranth City of Barrie Town of the Blue Mountains Bradford/West Gwillimbury Clearview Township Town of Collingwood Township of Essa Municipality of Grey Highlands Town of Innisfil Township of Melancthon Town of Mono Mulmur Township Town of New Tecumseth Township of Oro-Medonte Town of Shelburne Township of Springwater Town of Wasaga Beach NVCA 2019 Draft Budget Information for Member Municipalities Page 13 of 60

14 Budget Process In August 2018, board members approved a staff report on the budget pressures projected for 2019 and directed staff to prepare a 2019 budget for consideration based on a $176,586 increase to general levy. The draft budget is to be reviewed at the October 26, 2018 board of directors meeting and subsequently circulated to NVCA watershed municipalities for comments. Typically the board of directors vote on the budget at the December meeting, however as 2018 is an election year, the vote will be held in March Budget Vote Directors of the board will vote on the budget and levy using a weighted vote. The weighting formula is based on the Current Value Assessment (CVA) levy apportionment found on the next page. Board of Directors approves circulation of draft budget October 26, 2018 Budget to Municipal partners October 29, 2018 Municipal review period until February 22, 2019 Board of Directors weighted vote March 22, 2019 NVCA 2019 Draft Budget Information for Member Municipalities Page 14 of 60

15 2019 Draft Budget The 2019 operation budget is organized into business units and departments and is intended to reflect all associated costs. Operating programs have been maintained at the previous years service levels. A $176,586 increase in municipal levy, is needed to support the operating expenditures. The operating levy is shared by NVCA member municipalities based on the CVA apportionment percentages provided by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. Summary of Municipal Levy Contribution Municipality 2018 CVA Apportionment Percentage 2019 CVA Apportionment Percentage 2018 Operating Levy 2019 Operating Levy $ Increase $2,286, $2,463, $176, Township of Adjala-Tosorontio % % $97, $103, $5, Township of Amaranth % % $5, $5, $ City of Barrie % % $354, $379, $25, Town of The Blue Mountains % % $33, $34, $1, Bradford/West Gwillimbury % % $87, $98, $10, Clearview Township % % $118, $124, $5, Town of Collingwood % % $236, $247, $11, Township of Essa % % $154, $171, $17, Municipality of Grey Highlands % % $8, $8, $ Town of Innisfil % % $148, $166, $18, Township of Melancthon % % $11, $11, $ Town of Mono % % $88, $93, $5, Mulmur Township % % $40, $41, $1, Town of New Tecumseth % % $291, $325, $33, Township of Oro-Medonte % % $176, $185, $8, Town of Shelburne % % $47, $50, $3, Township of Springwater % % $165, $181, $16, Town of Wasaga Beach % % $222, $232, $9, NVCA 2019 Budget Information for Member Municipalities Page 15 of 60

16 Sources of Revenue $4,744,148 Levy - 47% Special Benefit Projects - 1% Municipal Contributions - 0% Municipal Project -RMO - 2% Federal Funding - 0% Provincial Funding - 4% Grants written by NVCA - 8% Revenue Generated by Authority - 27% Operational Reserves - 1% Contributions - 9% $4,928,748 Levy - 49% Special Benefit Projects - 0% Municipal Contributions - 1% Municipal Project -RMO - 2% Federal Funding - 0% Provincial Funding - 4% Grants written by NVCA - 5% Revenue Generated by Authority - 28% Operational Reserves - 1% Contributions - 9% NVCA 2019 Budget Information for Member Municipalities Page 16 of 60

17 Expenditures $4,744,148 Wages and Benefits - 74% Transfer to Reserves - 3% Advertising - 1% Travel & Vehicle - 1% Interest & Bank - 0% Training/Memberships/Dues - 2% Office Supplies & Project Material Costs - 11% Occupancy Costs/Utilities - 4% Professional & Consulting Fees - 4% $4,928,748 Wages and Benefits - 77% Transfer to Reserves - 2% Advertising - 1% Travel & Vehicle - 1% Interest & Bank - 0% Training/Memberships/Dues - 2% Office Supplies & Project Material Costs - 9% Occupancy Costs/Utilities - 4% Professional & Consulting Fees - 4% NVCA 2019 Budget Information for Member Municipalities Page 17 of 60

18 Asset Management The capital asset levy, which funds the asset management plan (AMP), is shared by the municipal partners based on their apportionment percentage. When the capital asset levy was introduced in 2017, some municipalities chose to phase in their contributions over five years while others chose to contribute their full amount starting in year one. To be fair to those that are contributing in full, the AMP will continue to be updated during the phase in period, but municipalities will only pay the fees as established in year one until the phase-in-period is complete. Below are the contributions for 2019 based on each municipality s choice: Capital Asset Levy - Phased-In Municipalities Municipality 2019 CVA Apportionment Percentage 2018 Capital Levy (2 nd of 4 year + CVA Adjustment) 2019 Capital Levy (3 rd of 4 year + CVA Adjustment) City of Barrie % $13, $20, Town of The Blue Mountains % $1, $1, Bradford/West Gwillimbury % $3, $5, Town of Collingwood % $8, $13, Township of Essa % $5, $9, Town of Mono % $3, $4, Town of New Tecumseth % $10, $17, Township of Oro-Medonte % $6, $9, Township of Springwater % $6, $9, Capital Asset Levy - Full Contributing Municipalities Municipality 2019 CVA Apportionment Percentage 2018 Capital Levy 2019 Capital Levy with CVA Adjustment Township of Adjala-Tosorontio % $5, $5, Township of Amaranth % $ $ Clearview Township % $6, $6,584.4 Municipality of Grey Highlands % $ $ Town of Innisfil % $9, $9, Township of Melancthon % $ $ Mulmur Township % $2, $2, Town of Shelburne % $2, $2, Town of Wasaga Beach % $12, $12, NVCA 2019 Budget Information for Member Municipalities Page 18 of 60

19 These amounts will be put into reserves to pay for the repair maintenance and replacement of the assets as identified in the AMP expenditures as per the AMP: 1. Projects at New Lowell Campground from New Lowell reserve fund 2. Parts replacement on monitoring equipment to extend life 3. Computers and server upgrade 4. Dam safety review for another of NVCA s dam s 5. A well decommission along with replacement of level loggers 6. Replacement of a car, ATV, brush mower, and trailer Funding for Asset Management Plan 2019 Total Cost - $176,850 Asset Levy - $130, New Lowell Reserve - $12,750 Capital Reserve - $33, **In years where the capital asset levy is more than the required in expenditures, excess funds will replenish the capital reserve use occurring due to the ten year averaging. Capital reserve use is forecast to balance out over the ten year period. NVCA 2019 Budget Information for Member Municipalities Page 19 of 60

20 Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority Proposed 2019 Budget Consolidated BUDGET BUDGET $ CHANGE REVENUE: Municipal Levy Non Match Matching Municipal Levy (Flood) Special Benefit Projects Oro-Medonte MOU Municipal Contributions Municipal Project - RMO Total Municipal Revenue MNR Transfer Payment-Flood Other Provincial Sources Federal Sources Total Government Grants Contributions 2,097, , , (34,311.39) 28, , ,416, , , , , , ,274, , , (36,953.37) 25, , ,570, , , , , , , , (2,641.98) (3,000.00) (19,999.95) 153, , (209,000.00) (132,451.62) 47, User Fees Reforestation Healthy Waters Conservation Lands Planning Environmental Monitoring Environmental Education Tiffin Operations Conservation Land Leases Investment Income 52, , , , , , , , , Total Contributions and User Fees 1,692, Operational Reserves TOTAL REVENUE 49, ,744, , , , , , , , , , ,855, , ,924, , , , , , (3,608.02) 180, EXPENSES: Wages and Interprogram Charges 3,502, ,502, ,780, ,780, , , Other Expenses Staff Cost Memberships/Professional Dues Educations and Training Materials & Supplies - General Materials & Supplies - Cost of Trees Vehicles & Large Equipment Costs Office Expenses Equipment Costs Transportation Costs Legal Consultants Insurance Taxes 11, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , (53,045.00) (17,100.00) , Page 20 of 60

21 Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority Proposed 2019 Budget Consolidated BUDGET BUDGET $ CHANGE Heat and Hydro 33, , Telephones and Internet Access 23, , Audit Fees 17, , Interest and Bank Charges 14, , Maintenance Expense 31, , Uniform Expense 5, , , Leases 14, , Advertisement and Communications 26, , (200.00) Bad Debt Expense Transfer to Reserves 150, , (34,000.00) 1,241, ,144, (96,470.00) TOTAL EXPENSES 4,744, ,924, , SURPLUS (DEFICIT) Page 21 of 60

22 Staff Report: BOD Date: 22/03/2019 To: From: Chair and Members of the Board of Directors Rick Grillmayer Manager, Forestry SUBJECT: 2019 Tree Seedling Purchase Recommendation RESOLVED THAT: the Board of Directors receive Staff Report No BOD regarding the NVCA purchase of tree seedlings for the 2019 Tree Planting program from Somerville Nurseries located in Everett, Ontario; and FURTHER THAT: the NVCA purchase the required trees at a cost not to exceed $125,000. Purpose of the Staff Report The purpose of this Staff Report is to authorize the purchase of trees required by the Forestry program to meet the needs of the 2019 Spring Tree Planting program. Background The NVCA has relied on Somerville Nurseries to provide the trees for our planting program since the last of the provincial nurseries closed in the early 2000 s. Somerville Nurseries is the only nursery in North America that is able to produce the quantity, species selection, stock type, and appropriate genetic sourcing Page 22 of 60

23 2019 Tree Seedling Purchase Staff Report No BOD March 22, 2019 required by our program. For the NVCA to be eligible for funding from Forests Ontario (FO) the trees must also meet specifications set by FO. These specifications are met by Somerville Nurseries. Forests Ontario is our single biggest funding partner. The trees we require have a 2 to 5 year production cycle (from seed collection to growing, to shipping to the NVCA). This makes it impossible to source trees from any nursery without making a 5 year commitment. Forests Ontario provides Somerville Nurseries with the deposits required to secure a 5 year supply. They do this to ensure an adequate supply for most conservation authority planting programs. This is a substantial benefit to the NVCA as we do not have the financial resources to do this. All of the trees we purchase have been re-sold to landowners who are required to sign agreements with the NVCA. All of the supporting funding from our partners has been confirmed. Issues/Analysis The seedling needs for the 2019 season is now over 146,000 trees. Landowners are still inquiring about spring planting and this number could increase. The cost of these trees is over the $100,000 threshold that requires BOD approval to purchase. Relevance to Authority Policy/Mandate The Forestry program works towards achieving the NVCA s objectives by expanding riparian forest buffers and protecting, enhancing, and restoring land by expanding forest cover to achieve our water quality targets. This program helps to meet these targets by creating permanent buffers along streams and by creating forests. Impact on Authority Finances All costs associated with the 2019 tree seedling purchase are covered by our funding partners and participating landowners. Municipal levy is not used in the purchase of tree seedlings. Page 23 of 60

24 2019 Tree Seedling Purchase Staff Report No BOD March 22, 2019 Reviewed by: Original Signed by Rick Grillmayer Manager, Forestry Approved for submission by: Original Signed by Doug Hevenor Chief Administrative Officer Page 24 of 60

25 Staff Report: BOD Date: 03/22/2019 TO: FROM: Chair and Members of the Board of Directors Chris Hibberd, Director, Watershed Management Services SUBJECT: Integrated Watershed Management Plan (IWMP) Recommendation: RESOLVED THAT: the Board of Directors receive Staff Report No BOD for information. Purpose of the Staff Report The purpose of this Staff Report is to provide the Board of Directors an update on the Integrated Watershed Management Plan project. Background NVCA s most recent watershed management plan was developed more than 20 years ago, updated in 2006 and expired in A new watershed plan will allow the authority to address the rapid growth and changing climate being experienced in our watershed. Further, this new plan will support local municipalities in responding to the climate change requirements in the updated Provincial Policy Statement and Provincial Growth Plan, as well as the watershed management components now required under the Growth Plan. The IWMP would strive to implement the recommendations from the NVCA s Climate Change Strategy which was adopted in principle at the NVCA s May 19, 2017 Board of Director s meeting. Page 25 of 60

26 Integrated Watershed Management Plan Staff Report No BOD March 22, 2019 In 2017, NVCA became aware of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) initiative that provides funding, training and resources to help municipalities adapt to the impacts of climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The program funds up to 80% of costs, including staff costs for studies, projects and plans that support municipalities in addressing climate change. Conservation authorities are eligible to be the lead applicant for funding, but require municipal support and buy-in. At the May 19, 2017 meeting the NVCA Board the Board of Directors endorsed the submission of an application under the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Climate Change Funding and that it be noted to FCM that the NVCA Board of Directors represents the 18 municipalities within the watershed. In November 2017 staff were informed that NVCA s application for an Integrated Watershed Management Plan was successful with an approved grant up to $168,000. The Board of Directors at the December 2017 meeting approved funding the remnant portion of the project s budget through municipal funds and drawing from NVCA s reserves. Analysis The IWMP project as outlined in the approved application consists of 5 key steps: Watershed characterization; Identify watershed issues; Develop strategies and plans to address issues; Drafting the plan; and, Approval and release of the final plan. The project includes engagement of an external consultant, Ecosystem Resources Inc., to guide the NVCA through the process and develop the plan. In addition, the plan development includes municipal partner and stakeholder engagement, a critical part of the process. The project is in the 15 th month of an 18 th month long task with the final watershed plan to be provided to FCM by the end of June The progress to date includes: Spring 2018 established an Integrated Watershed Management page on our website. June 2018 completion of the Watershed Characterization Report. July/October/December 2018 Three stakeholder meetings were held where the Watershed Characterization Report was presented and input was received with regards to watershed issues and strategies. September 2018 an engagement survey was sent to staff and stakeholders to help determine watershed issues. December 2018 a survey was implemented on our website and social media soliciting public input. Page 26 of 60

27 Integrated Watershed Management Plan Staff Report No BOD March 22, 2019 January 2019 submission to FCM with an overview of the stakeholder engagement in the Watershed Issues and Strategy Development report. The above noted reports and other background information can be found on our website. The next steps for this project will include: March/April 2019 draft watershed plan will be developed and circulated to stakeholders as well as placed on our website for public input. June 2019 The plan is to be finalized and brought to the Board for approval and subsequently submitting to FCM. Relevance to Authority Policy/Mandate The above noted project will enable the Authority to move forward with the implementation of components of the NVCA s Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan. The IWMP is also intended to provide guidance on future NVCA activities to be outlined in our future strategic plan and/or business plan. Impact on Authority Finances The FCM approved project budget is $223,500 including $13,500 of in-kind support pledged through our watershed municipalities and $210,000 of eligible costs. The $210,000 of eligible costs is addressed through: $168,000 FCM grant; $12,250 municipal cash; and $29,750 from NVCA reserves. Reviewed by: Original Signed by Chris Hibberd, Director, Watershed Management Services Approved for submission by: Original Signed by Doug Hevenor Chief Administrative Officer Page 27 of 60

28 Staff Report: BOD Date: 22/03/2019 To: From: Chair and Members of the Board of Directors Doug Hevenor Chief Administrative Officer SUBJECT: Meeting Provincial Priorities for Reducing Regulatory Burden Recommendation WHEREAS: the provincial government intends to increase the supply of housing and streamline the land use planning and development approval process to achieve this goal; and WHEREAS: the conservation authorities play an important role in the planning and development review process with respect to watershed protection and hazard lands RESOLVED THAT: Staff Report BOD entitled Meeting the Provincial Priorities for Regulatory Burden be received by the Members of the Board of Directors, Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority and appended into the minutes of this meeting; and FURTHER THAT: the Board of Directors endorse the three key solutions developed by the Conservation Ontario working group to improve client service and accountability; increase speed of approvals; reduce red tape and regulatory burden as outlined in the issues/analysis section of this document; and FURTHER THAT: staff be directed to work with Conservation Ontario and the stakeholders to identify additional improvements; and FURTHER THAT: staff be directed to implement this report as soon as possible. Page 28 of 60

29 Reducing Regulatory Burden Staff Report No BOD March 22, 2019 Purpose of the Staff Report To seek endorsement of the Board of Directors of Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) for staff to pursue streamlining and client service measures to contribute to provincial priorities for housing supply in high growth areas. Background In June of 2018 a new government was elected and moved quickly to implement the Plan for the People platform which included promises to: Cut red tape and stifling regulations that are crippling job creation and growth, and single-window access for approvals with a hard one-year deadline Since that time the government has introduced a number of consultations, draft proposals and proposed amendments to legislation in support of their agenda. Made in Ontario Environment Plan: The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) released the Preserving and Protecting our Environment for Future Generations: A Made-in- Ontario Environment Plan (2018) that affirmed support for conservation and environmental planning and specifically mentioned that they would: work in collaboration with municipalities and stakeholders to ensure that conservation authorities focus and deliver on their core mandate of protecting people and property from flooding and other natural hazards and conserving natural resources. Housing Supply Action Plan: The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has initiated consultations on a Housing Supply Action Plan with the purpose to increase supply and streamline the development approval process. The Ministry is also reviewing the Planning Act and the Provincial Policy Statement to ensure that the land use planning and development approvals process is aligned with their goal. Concerns About CAs: Conservation authorities (CAs) in Ontario are part of the planning and development approvals process as we implement our mandate. Concerns have been expressed that conservation authorities need to stick to their mandate and that they present a significant barrier to timely development approvals. Many of these concerns Page 29 of 60

30 Reducing Regulatory Burden Staff Report No BOD March 22, 2019 arise in the Greater Toronto Area where land development is complex, and demands are high. CA s have acknowledged that we can always improve our processes and relationships with the many stakeholders that we interact with. In 2007 CA s participated with the Ontario Home Builders Association (OHBA) and the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) along with municipalities, the province and other stakeholders as members of the Conservation Authority Liaison Committee (CALC). In 2010, MNRF and MMAH approved the Policies and Procedures for Conservation Authority Plan Review and Permitting Activities that would form part of MNRF s Policies and Procedures Manual. Each CA then prepared publicly available policies and procedures to ensure transparency and outline expectations to stakeholders including review and permitting timelines. All of NVCA s policies, guidelines and mapping are available to our clients and staff work to adhere to the review and permitting timelines as determined through the CALC process. It is imperative that conservation authorities engage in the conversation about our very important role in land use planning and development approvals as well as helping the new government understand our mandate and the relationships we have with our municipalities. Issues/Analysis Conservation Ontario (CO) retained Strategy Corp an advisory organization to provide insights and advise us on working with the new government. Through this process, a small working group of General managers (GMs) from across Ontario was formed to address a number of specific concerns and identify actions that conservation authorities can take to aid the government in achieving their mandate while maintaining the CA mandate and protecting the role that CAs play in hazard management and plan review. The committee is working with Conservation Ontario to communicate key positioning to the province. Conservation Authority Mandate: The first positioning message surrounds clarifying and restating our mandate as supported by the recent update to the Conservation Authorities Act (2017) and as described in the province s Made in Ontario Environment Plan: The core mandate of conservation authorities is to undertake watershedbased programs to protect people and property from flooding and other natural hazards, and to conserve natural resources for economic, social and environmental benefits. Page 30 of 60

31 Reducing Regulatory Burden Staff Report No BOD March 22, 2019 This has always been the purpose of CA s and now, more than ever, it is necessary to have organizations like this on the ground and being able to work at the right scale to protect and manage natural resources. Our monitoring, identification of issues and appropriate mitigation measures, helps our communities to be able to respond to climate change and increase their resiliency. Further, as the federal and provincial governments restrict their activities more to policy related activities there is a gap in capacity to address local environmental issues. The following excerpt from a briefing note to the province identifies that: Conservation authorities are a cost-effective mechanism for the Province and municipalities for the delivery of objectives under the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) In addition to acting as a commenting agency on behalf of the Province with regard to natural hazards, conservation authorities also act as regulators. Additionally, conservation authorities act as technical advisors for municipalities in the review of planning applications, and, as source protection authorities under the Clean Water Act supporting policy implementation. Conservation authorities ensure that applicants and municipal planning authorities are aware of regulations and requirements as well as assist in the coordination of applications under the Planning Act and the Conservation Authorities Act. The focus is to eliminate unnecessary delay or duplication in the process as it relates to protecting public health and safety from natural hazards, now and into the future. Conservation authorities, through the provision of advice from watershedbased science, enable municipalities to cost effectively consider in their decision-making other PPS considerations such as wise use and management of resources and stormwater. Streamlining Conservation Authority Activities: The CO working group has been evaluating ways that CA s can streamline approval activities and reduce red tape in order to help the province address the lack of housing supply. It should be noted that we do not subscribe to the proposition that regulating hazard lands to ensure the health and safety of people and property is red tape. This is the language that the province has been using. We need to identify the outcomes that the province and our municipalities need and review and modify our processes to ensure the best solutions. CO and the working group developed the following three key solutions that we will work on with the development and construction community as well as municipalities or other stakeholders. Through these activities we will also identify any other specific concerns to be addressed. Page 31 of 60

32 Reducing Regulatory Burden Staff Report No BOD March 22, Improve Client Service and Accountability Provide client service training and establish client service standards implementing activities such as one point of contact for applications, and template guidelines for policies, processes, and, CA/Municipal MOUs that have clear deadlines for the different plan review services. Our commitment to timely approvals will be reported on annually. Initially, focus efforts on conservation authorities with high growth areas (GGHG/GTA and other parts of the province) where housing supply is needed immediately. 2. Increase speed of approvals Assess current application review/approval timelines, identifying problem areas where timelines are not being met and developing solutions to meet timelines. Establish timelines that match the complexity of development applications (e.g. simple and complete applications can be processed more quickly). 3. Reduce red tape and regulatory burden Examine where conservation authorities can improve or change our processes to speed up or simplify permitting in hazard areas. Explore additional legislative or regulatory amendments to achieve increased housing supply and decreased approval timeframes. Work Underway Among CA s: Some of these activities have already been started with the Section 28 Regulations Committee meeting over the past six months to identify potential streamlining options that can be implemented immediately. We too experience issues with other regulatory or planning processes that influence our ability to complete our work. We have identified several of these including the opportunity to revisit recent changes to the Safe Drinking Water Act (O. Reg 205/18) and streamlining of approvals under the Endangered Species Act. NVCA has developed a customer service protocol to outline expectations of staff and for clients. There is always more we can do and NVCA is committed to ensuring that we deliver our mandate while working with clients efficiently and effectively. NVCA intends to embrace the key actions identified by the working group and develop additional actions based on internal discussions. Conclusion The province is seeking to streamline planning and development approvals to facilitate the housing supply. CA s have a role to play in examining our processes for plan review and permitting and NVCA is committed to continuous improvement. Page 32 of 60

33 Reducing Regulatory Burden Staff Report No BOD March 22, 2019 This report outlines three areas for immediate action that we are seeking board endorsement to implement. Relevance to Authority Policy/Mandate The NVCA currently has a customer service strategy that will continue to be followed by staff and updated as required throughout this process. Impact on Authority Finances Staff time to prepare this report is addressed in the 2019 budget. Should there be review/approval timelines that are implemented through this process that are unattainable with the current staffing complement, there may be a budgetary adjustment. Approved for submission by: Original Signed by Doug Hevenor Chief Administrative Officer Page 33 of 60

34 Staff Report: BOD Date: 22/03/2019 To: From: Chair and Members of the Board of Directors Heather Kepran Communications Coordinator SUBJECT: Communications Report Dec 2, 2018 Mar 5, 2019 Recommendation RESOLVED THAT: Staff Report No BOD regarding NVCA Communications Dec 2, 2018 Mar 5, 2019, be received. Purpose of the Staff Report This staff report presents a summary of NVCA media coverage and public outreach during the period of Dec 2, 2018 Mar 5, 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." Flood Messages One issued during the period: Feb. 22. Note: for all flood notices, coverage includes radio and social media; the items below are a sample of the full coverage Page 34 of 60

35 Communications Report Staff Report No BOD March 22, 2019 Title Media Outlet Date Reference Conservation authority warns of localized flooding, ice jams Freezing rain, damaging winds, blowing snow forecast for Simcoe County Barrie Today, Collingwood Today, Orillia Matters Feb 22 Simcoe.com Feb 22 George Watson of Wasaga Beach to lead NVCA Board of Directors in 2019 (issued Jan 28) Title Media Outlet Date Reference Jebb scores Second Vice- Chair post on NVCA Board Wasaga councillor to lead NVCA Board of Directors George Watson of Wasaga Beach to lead NVCA Board of Directors in 2019 New Tecumseth Free Press Online Barrie Today, Collingwood Today Springwater News (clipping not included repeat) Jan 28 Jan 29 Feb 7 Tiffin Centre Bird Count makes Kids the Scientists (issued Dec 18, 2018) Title Media Outlet Date Reference Christmas Bird Count for Kids CTV News (video only) Jan 5 Ag Snapshot Farm View Feb 2019 Kyra Howes, Manager of Lands and Operations Other Media Coverage Title Media Outlet Date Reference FLATO s subdivision application for Beeton heads to public meeting Adjala-Tos council votes to have gravel pit documents peer reviewed Essa council pre-approves $1.7 million King Street reconstruction project Proposed waste, organics facility outside Barrie passes provincial hurdle Alliston Herald Dec 19, 2018 Alliston Herald Dec 28, 2018 Alliston Herald Jan 4 Barrie Today, Collingwood Today, Bradford Today Jan 4 Page 35 of 60

36 Communications Report Staff Report No BOD March 22, 2019 Title Media Outlet Date Reference Bridgewater gets 12-month extension; raises questions on long-term projects Utopia Conservation Area Master Plan Open House Climate change means Collingwood and region can expect more rain, higher temps Schedule 10, Springwater and the Hine s Emerald Dragonfly New subdivision proposed at golf course between Angus and Barrie Clearview taxpayers facing a $99 increase to their 2019 bills Dog rescued from ledge in Nottawasaga Bluffs Conservation authority veteran hired to lead NPCA Wasaga project draws habitat, density concerns Developers express willingness to front-end infrastructure works in Beeton Collingwood Today Jan 29 CTV Barrie (video only) Feb 3 Collingwood Today Feb 6 Byron Wesson, Director of Conservation Lands Springwater News Feb 7 Minesing Wetlands Alliston Herald Feb 11 Wasaga Sun Feb 15 CTV Barrie Feb 22 Nottawasaga Bluffs Conservation Area St. Catherines Standard (there were several similar stories in Niagara-area media) Feb 26 Wasaga Sun Feb 28 Alliston Herald Mar 5 Gayle Wood, retired NVCA CAO 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 Dec 17, 2018 Highlights of the NVCA Board of Directors Meeting, December 14, 2018 Dec 19, 2018 NVCA Conservation Update December (e-newsletter) Page 36 of 60

37 Communications Report Staff Report No BOD March 22, 2019 Feb 27 NVCA Conservation Update February (e-newsletter) Research Article from McMaster University (NCVA staff provided support for logistics and data collection): Rutledge, Julia and Patricia Chow-Fraser. Landscape characteristics driving spatial variation in total phosphorus and sediment loading from sub-watersheds of the Nottawasaga River, Ontario. Journal of Environmental Management. 234 (2019) Ongoing social media outreach (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn) 3. Presentations/Displays/Key Events by NVCA staff Dec 6, 2018 As part of the Integrated Watershed Management Plan process, NCVA hosted an agricultural stakeholder session at the Tiffin Centre for Conservation. Dec 13, 2018 Heather Kepran, Communications Coordinator, and Sarah Campbell, Aquatic Biologist, hosted a recreation and stewardship display at Patagonia (outdoor retail store) in Toronto. Jan 5 Kyra Howes, Manager of Lands and Operations, hosted the annual Christmas Bird Count for Kids at the Tiffin Centre for Conservation. Volunteers from Nature Barrie provided birding support for the 45 people in attendance. Jan 9 Doug Hevenor, CAO, and Sheryl Flannagan, Director of Corporate Services, presented before Oro-Medonte council on the NVCA 2019 draft budget. Jan 15 Doug Hevenor, CAO, and Sheryl Flannagan, Director of Corporate Services, presented before Innisfil council on the NVCA 2019 draft budget. Jan 16 Doug Hevenor, CAO, and Sheryl Flannagan, Director of Corporate Services, presented before Springwater council on the NVCA 2019 draft budget. Jan 26 Grant Wilson, Environmental Educator, offered several workshops on the winter outdoor activity snow snakes as part of the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) Mittens in the Snow Conference, held at the Tiffin Centre for Conservation. Feb 2 & 3 Byron Wesson, Director of Conservation Services and Kyra Howes, Manager of Lands and Operations, participated in the two-day Utopia Conservation Area Master Plan open house held at Utopia Hall. Feb 16 Byron Wesson, Director of Conservation Serives, presented at the Friends of Pine River meeting. Page 37 of 60

38 Communications Report Staff Report No BOD March 22, 2019 Feb 21 & 23 Shannon Stephens, Healthy Waters Program Coordinator, hosted an NVCA display at the National Farmers Union regional conference in Alliston. Feb 28 & Mar 1 Shannon Stephens, Healthy Waters Program Coordinator, hosted an NVCA display at the Central Ontario Agricultural Conference held at Georgian College in Barrie. Mar 2 Shannon Stephens, Healthy Waters Program Coordinator, hosted an NVCA display at Seedy Saturday at Utopia Hall, Utopia. 4. NVCA Website and Social Media Summary, 2018 Attachment 1 presents a summary of NVCA s website and social media outreach in o o The authority s website saw in excess of 95,000 visits in 2018, an increase of 6,700 visits over Over the period , website traffic increased by 58%. NVCA s use of social media (Facebook, Twitter) also increased in 2018, with increasing numbers of followers and more than 250,000 impressions for each channel (people seeing content about the authority). The authority s monthly e-newsletter also continued to grow, with 1,044 e-newsletter subscribers at the end of the year. Issues/Analysis 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 Strategic Plan. Impact on Authority Finances Staff time to prepare this report is addressed in the 2019 budget. Reviewed and approved for submission by: Doug Hevenor, Chief Administrative Officer Attachment NVCA Website and Social Media Summary Attachment 2 Media Clippings for the period Page 38 of 60

39 Communications Report Staff Report No BOD March 22, 2019 Page 39 of 60

40 Conservation authority warns of localized flooding, ice jams There's no major flooding anticipated, but the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority is urging caution around all bodies of water this weekend. Feb 22, 2019 Barrie Today, Collingwood Today, Orillia Matters The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority advises that warm temperatures and rain over the weekend will cause our snowpack to melt and increase flows in area watercourses and may cause local ice jams. The public and especially children are advised to stay away from all area water bodies as unstable ice cover, slippery banks and fast flowing watercourses may result in dangerous conditions. Current weather forecasts are calling for rain accumulation of less than 10 mm and above freezing temperatures. Melting snow and runoff may result in increases in stream flows and ice breakup. No major flooding is anticipated, however, local conditions may vary. At this time of year, there is always the potential for localized flooding and ice jams. The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority continues to monitor river and stream conditions and will issue additional messages as conditions warrant. This statement will be in effect until 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, For additional information, please call and select option 1 for the flood information line or check our website at: Page 40 of 60

41 Freezing rain, damaging winds, blowing snow forecast for Simcoe County Feb 22, 2019 Simcoe.com Environment Canada is warning Simcoe County residents that this weekend could be particularly unpleasant. There is the the potential for freezing rain Saturday night, as well as damaging winds and blowing snow on Sunday. The special weather statement issued Friday morning applies to Barrie, Innisfil, Angus, New Tecumseth, Collingwood, Hillsdale, Midland, Coldwater, Orr Lake, Orillia, Lagoon City and Washago. temperatures and rain over the weekend will cause the snowpack to melt and increase flows in area watercourses, which may cause local ice jams. The public is advised to stay away from all area water bodies, as unstable ice cover, slippery banks and fast-flowing watercourses may result in dangerous conditions. Precipitation associated with a strong lowpressure system may begin as freezing rain Saturday evening before changing to rain overnight or early Sunday evening. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery. Damaging winds with gusts to kilometres per hour are expected to develop Sunday afternoon. Areas near the Great Lakes are more likely to experience winds at the higher end of this range. The strong winds will persist through Sunday night and gradually weaken Monday. In addition, flurries and blowing snow will develop Sunday afternoon. Local snowfall amounts of 5-10 centimetres are possible by Monday morning. More importantly, any fresh snow that falls will be whipped up by the very strong winds, creating whiteout conditions at times. Visibility may be significantly and suddenly reduced to near zero, making travel hazardous. Damage to buildings, such as roof shingles and windows, may occur. Power outages are also possible. There is still some uncertainty regarding the track of this low-pressure system originating in Texas. Environment Canada said its meteorologists will continue to monitor this developing situation closely. Meanwhile, the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority is advising that warm Page 41 of 60

42 Jebb scores Second Vice-Chair post on NVCA board New Tecumseth Free Press Online Posted January 28, 2019 Wasaga Beach councillor George Watson was elected Chair of the 2019 Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) Board of Directors during the organization's 59th AGM, held Jan. 25. Mayor Don Allen, Township of Springwater * Officers of the Corporation Keith White, Essa's Ward 1 councillor, was acclaimed Vice-Chair. New Tecumseth Ward 5 councillor Donna Jebb was elected Second Vice-Chair. The 18-member board includes 12 new appointments representing watershed municipalities in Simcoe, Grey and Dufferin counties NVCA Board of Directors Chair: Councillor George Watson, Town of Wasaga Beach* Vice-Chair: Councillor Keith White, Township of Essa* Second Vice-Chair: Councillor Donna Jebb, Town of New Tecumseth* Councillor Bob Meadows, Township of Adjala- Tosorontio Councillor Gail Little, Township of Amaranth Councillor Gary Harvey, City of Barrie Councillor Andrea Matrosovs, Town of the Blue Mountains Councillor Raj Sandhu, Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury Councillor Thom Paterson, Township of Clearview Councillor Mariane Mcleod, Town of Collingwood Councillor Dane Nielsen, Municipality of Grey Highlands Councillor Ron Nicol, Town of Innisfil Councillor Margaret Mercer, Township of Melancthon Councillor Fred Nix, Town of Mono Councillor Shirley Boxem, Township of Mulmur Councillor Cathy Keane, Township of Oro- Medonte Councillor Walter Benotto, Town of Shelburne Page 42 of 60

43 Wasaga councillor to lead NVCA board of directors Barrie Today, Collingwood Today Jan 29, 2018 George Watson, councillor for the Town of Wasaga Beach, will lead the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority board of directors in Watson, now in his fourth term with Wasaga Beach, was elected chair of the board at the NVCA s 59th annual general meeting on Jan. 25, I look forward to working with the incoming NVCA board of directors, said Watson. As we go forward in this new term, our challenge will be to find the balance between development and the environment that best serves our residents and our watershed. Keith White, councillor for the Township of Essa, was acclaimed as vice chair. White has sat on the board for eight years, including serving as vice and second vice chair. I am proud of the accomplishments of both the NVCA board and staff over the past year, said White. Echoing many of my new board colleagues, our role will be to use our conservation good judgement to address issues of growth and development across the watershed. Donna Jebb, councillor for the Town of New Tecumseth, was elected as second-vice chair. Jebb is starting her third term on the NVCA board. Twelve new members appointed by their municipalities joined the board at the meeting. A total of 18 members sit on the NVCA board, representing watershed municipalities in Simcoe, Grey and Dufferin counties. The board governs the authority, a public agency dedicated to protecting, enhancing and restoring the Nottawasaga Valley watershed to support a healthy environment, communities and lifestyles. Visit for more information. Page 43 of 60

44 Tiffin Bird Count Feb 2019, Farm View Page 44 of 60

45 FLATO s subdivision application for Beeton heads to public meeting Dec 19, 2018 Brad Pritchard, Alliston Herald FLATO Developments Inc. has submitted applications to build a 136-home subdivision in the southwest area of the community. The homes are proposed to be built south of Main Street West, west of the South Simcoe Railway and cemetery, covering a total land area of 9.51 hectares. The subdivisions would include 67 single detached homes and 69 townhomes, and the developer is proposing to create two driveways connecting to Main Street West. The developer has applied to rezone the lands from agricultural to residential, open space and environmental protection. Because of the ongoing flooding problems in Beeton, the town has frozen new development outside the settlement boundaries until the master drainage study is completed. The study is slated to begin next year. The town's report outlines all of the issues that would need to be resolved in order for the proposal to move forward. While the proposed development is within the settlement area, the town said construction would not be able to start until sewer upgrades are performed on Dayfoot Street in order to service the new homes. Another developer, Sorbara, which is currently limited to the number of homes it can build due to the sewer issue, has proposed to front end the costs of the $14 million infrastructure project, but an agreement hasn't been reached yet with the town. During the meeting MacLellan said it was also pointed out to FLATO that it was using incorrect drainage maps from She said the town had already acknowledged this, and the correct maps would be forwarded to the developer. The developer would include a storm water management pond and open space for overland drainage flow. The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) is concerned about the relocation of a headwater watercourse, which it deems worth of protection and/or replication. The report further notes the final location of the watercourse has not been determined, but that the NVCA will continue to work with the applicant. In the report it's also noted the site has suitable habitat for barn swallows, bobolink and eastern meadowlark, and if the applications are approved, the developer would be responsible for replacing the habitats or enhancing existing ones. The Markham-based development firm began making a name for itself in the community in early 2017 after it offered $1 million to purchase the naming rights to the New Tecumseth Recreation Complex for a period of 10 years, but council didn't accept it. Throughout the remainder of 2017 the developer made a number of high-profile donations to Stevenson Memorial Hospital and Matthews House Hospice, and it also sponsored the town s Canada Day celebrations in Sorbara is pursuing a front ending arrangement because the town won't have sufficient funds in its development charge reserves. According to Beeton Coun. Stephanie MacLellan, who was at the planning meeting held Dec. 19, a spokesperson for FLATO stated it was not involved in those negotiations to pay for the sewer upgrades. Page 45 of 60

46 Adjala-Tos council votes to have gravel pit documents peer reviewed Dec 28, 2018 Brad Pritchard, Alliston Herald The Nelson Aggregates gravel pit operation south of Everett has already been vetted by the Ontario Municipal Board, but that isn t stopping council from conducting another review process. At the Dec. 10 council meeting, Everett Coun. Deborah Hall Chancey tabled a motion to have the site plan agreement and other technical documents peer reviewed by the township s engineering firm, Burnside Engineering. Her motion, which was approved in a 5-2 vote, asks the engineering firm to ensure all of the conditions of the agreement are being met. She also wants to clear up the confusion that persists about a municipal drain or watercourse that was identified at the property on a township map, and also by the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA). watercourse/drain causes flooding to neighbouring properties. Anderson accused Pinto of thumbing his nose at the previous council for supporting the review. It s not about the former council, Pinto said. It s about protecting our residents, because down the road somebody s house could flood. Ward 3 Coun. Ronald O Leary, who also voted against the review, wasn t convinced flooding would be a problem. The only time this would be a concern is the future is if they restore (the pit) to its natural habitat, he said. But as far as I m concerned, you re only extracting 15 feet down. The watercourse didn't appear on the final site plan, and the township didn't raise a concern about this during the OMB hearing because the mapping was deemed to be incorrect by the director of planning. Hall Chancey pointed to reports presented at the hearing that identified a drain along the eastern boundary of the property located between the Boyne River and Tosorontio Creek. She also referenced a report from the NVCA describing it as a permanent cold water cool system with no sensitive fish habitat present. Ward 5 Coun. Scott Anderson, who voted against the motion, believes the matter was already addressed at the hearing, and he is concerned the township could be opening the door to legal problems by conducting a review. As far as I m concerned it's a legal matter, because it was ruled on by an OMB judge, he said. Mayor Floyd Pinto, who supported the review, thinks the township will be held liable if the Page 46 of 60

47 Essa council pre-approves $1.7 million King Street reconstruction project Jan 4, 2019 Brad Pritchard, Alliston Herald A costly construction project to urbanize King Street in Angus is heading to the tender stage. The $1.7 million project was pre-approved at the Dec. 19 council meeting, ahead of the 2019 budget discussions. The township s director of public works said that the project which will see King Street rebuilt from Auburn Street east of Mill Street was originally slated to begin in 2018, but the work wasn't performed due to delays in receiving the necessary permits from the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority and the Ministry of the Environment. The stretch of King Street between Huron and Auburn was completed in 2017, and Huron Street from Centre to King wrapped up in Page 47 of 60

48 Proposed waste, organics facility outside Barrie passes provincial hurdle Jan 4, 2019 Barrie Today, Jessica Owen (Also ran in Collingwood Today, Jan 3, under title Province approves ERRC zoning amendment with one caveat & Bradford Today, Jan 4, under title County s proposed waste, organics facility passes provincial hurdle) The contentious proposed Environmental Resource Recovery Centre (ERRC) cleared another hurdle in the process toward getting approvals in place this week. On Jan. 2, the county received notification from the provincial Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) that the County Official Plan Amendment for the proposed ERRC, to be located at 2976 Horseshoe Valley Rd. W., north of Barrie in Springwater Township, has been approved. While the province did ask for one modification to the county plan, county officials find the request to be in line with their overall plan. It fits in very well for us going forward, said Rob McCullough, the county's director of solid waste management. Essentially, one of the requirements for us was to compensate for the areas that are taken out of the Simcoe Forest at a two-to-one ratio. What this (modification) allows us to do is look at new plantings in areas that have never been planted, as well as remove Invasive Species from other areas to allow replanting. (The province s request) provides some clarification on what types of plants are allowed to be planted, he added. Previously, we hadn t yet had (specific) plots of land in mind (for planting) where work hadn t been done. Now, we have specifically identified them and worked that out with the responding agencies. Springwater Township Mayor Don Allen was in receipt of the approval when reached for comment on Wednesday. We did receive it and we are reviewing it with staff, Allen said. We will be discussing next steps at our council meeting on Jan. 9. Allen declined to comment further on the issue at this time. There are two major components of the proposed ERRC. The first component is a material management facility (MMF) where waste from multiple collection vehicles is consolidated and transferred allowing for cost-effective shipment to other locations. The second component is an organics processing facility (OPF) where green-bin materials are brought, broken down and converted into resources for use within the county such as compost, fertilizer or fuel. Assuming the approvals are in place, work is slated to begin on the site in 2019, commissioning the MMF in 2021 and the OPF in Opponents to the ERRC, have listed dangers to the environment, fire hazards, odour, traffic and costs as issues worth considering before going forward with the project. In the two years since the site location was announced, the county consulted with the public, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Natural Resources, forestry and the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority. There is a 20-day appeal period noted in the ministry s notice of decision. Next steps at the county level will be determined after the appeal period lapses. Assuming there is no appeal, the next step will be for county staff to prepare an update for county council with more details on the project while working with Springwater Township on Page 48 of 60

49 required local land use changes and additional studies required to support development. More public information sessions on the project will also be included. To read the full notice of decision, click here. To read our story about the proposed ERRC and the science behind the technology, click here. Page 49 of 60

50 Bridgewater gets 12-month extension; raises questions on long-term projects Collingwood Today Jan 29, 2019, by: Jessica Owen A major development project got its 12-month extension on Monday night (Jan. 28), but not without a few lingering questions from some council members. The Bridgewater on Georgian Bay development (previously named The Preserve at Georgian Bay) was requesting a 12-month extension to their current draft approval for a proposed subdivision. Although committee defeated the motion by a tie vote during the Development and Operations Standing committee on Jan. 21, council voted the extension through during their regular meeting on Jan. 28. While I recognize this is a request for an extension, there have been previous extensions on this application, said Coun. Deb Doherty. I believe, based on the age of this draft agreement and based on the fact that there have been no fewer than six other significant developments that have gone forward since this draft plan was first approved, all of which would have direct or indirect impact on the Silver Creek wetlands, and given that this development abuts the... wetlands, I find it difficult to support this application. Doherty also brought up that the application was 12 years old and the Ministry of Environment doesn t consider environmental assessments to be valid after 10 years. Saunderson said that the extension was being requested because the developer is planning to ask for change in the draft plan. Bridgewater s current draft approval is for 320 dwelling units and the developer is seeking to change that to a mix of 655 apartment, single detached dwellings, semi-detached dwellings, and back-to-back townhouse dwelling units. The property is in Collingwood s west end, on the north side of Highway 26 across from Georgian Bay Hotel and near Princeton Shore Boulevard. Would this be the oldest draft plan that the town has with an expiry date? asked Coun. Yvonne Hamlin. Director of Planning Nancy Farrer said it was her understanding that it was. Are you able to tell at this time how many units can be justified on this property? asked Hamlin. Mayor Brian Saunderson clarified that the motion before council was whether to allow the 12-month extension, before deferring to Farrer to answer. There have been environmental reports that have been submitted and we are waiting for those reports to be commented on by the NVCA (Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority), said Farrer. From what I can determine, we have some 5,000 units in the planning process in the pipeline, you might say, in our community, said Hamlin. From our various planning reports, we have an average household population of 2.2 people per unit, which would mean that right now we have an additional 11,000 residents without even one more application. If we add that to the approximate 22,000 population, that gives us 33,000 people. The growth plan... indicates that by 2031, our population isn t to exceed 33,400, said Hamlin. I see so many of these growth plans that have been hanging around for a long time, and this is the oldest one. It s a bit long in the tooth. I think we re going to have to start dealing with these. To me, this is an obvious one, she said. If the applicant is serious about doubling the density on this property, he s going to have Page 50 of 60

51 to do the work. Let s just see how serious he is. Hamlin also brought forward another concern around the influx of subdivision development proposals. My understanding is that once a project receives draft plan approval, the value of the property would then go up, which is good, said Hamlin, with a laugh. But it then allows the property to be traded at a higher value and allows financing to be obtained on the property. I think that by having so many properties in the pipeline we re encouraging speculation in our housing market, and I have a concern that we re driving up the prices of our housing because we have given all this approval for all these lots so far in advance of when they re ever going to come to market, she said. Coun. Bob Madigan threw his support behind granting the extension. It s 12 months. It will allow us the 12 months to get our heads wrapped around this, he said. I believe that this developer is adapting to the needs of Collingwood and the needs of the people who are moving here. They ve changed since Deputy Mayor Keith Hull also indicated he would be supporting granting the extension. It s a placeholder for one year, said Hull. If they choose to come forward with a different application, that s a separate issue to this motion tonight. We ll deal with it at that time. The motion to grant the extension was passed with Coun. Hamlin and Coun. Doherty opposed. For our full story on residential developments proposed in Collingwood, click here. Page 51 of 60

52 Climate change means Collingwood and region can expect more rain, higher temps A plan by the local conservation authority suggests we need to be prepared for extreme weather to be more commonplace. Feb 6, 2019 Collingwood Today, by Erika Engel Rainfall, while the increase may seem small, is showing a trend toward higher intensity, meaning more rain in shorter bursts, with an increased risk of flooding. This is of particular concern to NVCA as this increases the risk of loss of life and property due to storm-related flooding and erosion, states the report. Changing temperature and precipitation regimes and the numerous outcomes that arise as a result such as rising stream temperatures are going to have major impacts to the environmental, physical, and socio-economic systems for the communities situated in the watershed, states the report. The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority said Collingwood is a high risk for significant damage during a flood event due to high population along the rivers and creeks. Erika Engel/CollingwoodToday Climate change means the trend to hotter, drier summers and wet, warm winter and springs is going up in the Nottawasaga Valley area. According to a Climate Change Strategy and Action plan by the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA), which includes Collingwood, temperatures in the region are climbing steadily, and predicted to continue on that upward trajectory, particularly in the winter months. Annual precipitation is also increasing. The NVCA report predicts a temperature climb between 2.7 to 4.7 degrees Celsius and annual precipitation increase of 71 and 128 mm (7.1 to 12.8 per cent) over the next 100 years. Stream temperatures are also increasing with a rise between 1.6 and 4.7 degrees Celsius predicted over the next century. Rising stream temperatures can have an impact on cold and cool-water fisheries and macro-invertebrates, while also causing an increase in algae growth, which impacts water quality. The NVCA report is one phase of many, and this one focused on research of past data to predict increases for the future. While the numbers included in the report are predictions, and therefore can t be considered certain, the NVCA says uncertainty is no excuse for inaction. The next phase of the plan will look at risks and impacts associated with climate change observable today and projected to come in future years. Recent extreme weather events such as flash flooding, heat waves, drought, and tornadoes illustrate the extent to which weather can impact daily life, states the NVCA report. They also emphasize the need to be prepared for changing weather regimes where such events are expected to be more commonplace. In Canada, climate change has meant more wildfires, and more unpredictable droughts, extreme heat events, extreme weather and storms, capable of dumping a month s worth of rain in a matter of hours. As Dr. Blair Feltmate, associate professor at the University of Waterloo and head of the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation (ICCA), recently told the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority s Annual General Meeting: The elephant in the room, from a climate change perspective, is too much water in the wrong places. Combined with the loss of natural wetlands, ageing infrastructure, and unprepared homeowners, the result can be catastrophic as measured in insurance payouts for property damage due to flooding. From the 1980s to 2008, insurance companies could expect to pay out between $200 million and $500 million Page 52 of 60

53 per year in damages, well below the revenues brought in by insurance premiums. Since 2009, the average annual payout has been closer to $1 billion, with losses exceeding premiums in eight out of the nine last years. Fifty-five per cent of these losses are due to water flooding, and flooded basements, Feltmate said. It s not just the financial cost. The rise in damages is a metaphor for the risk that is in the system, Feltmate said. A risk that could have increasingly negative impacts on homeowners, businesses and municipalities. A growing number of homes are no longer able to get flood insurance because they live in an area that s been flooded repeatedly, or have made claims, he said. Without flood insurance, the average $43,000 cost of a flooded basement falls on the homeowner or the municipality. Another report by the NVCA titled Watershed Flood Risk Assessment noted Collingwood was most-at-risk for flooding within the NVCA boundaries. The risk is higher in Collingwood due to the number of buildings and roads within the floodplain compared to other communities. My primary interest is to de-risk Canada, relative to the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events" by finding ways to create flood-resilient communities, Feltmate said. Climate change is real, and it is irreversible. It s here to stay. We may slow down the rate of change, but we re not going back." The Intact Centre is working with the National Research Council of Canada, Standards Council of Canada and CSA Group to come up with new standards - practical, costeffective ways to mitigate flood risk. Information is available for individual homeowners, new greenfield development and subdivisions, and, just this past week, community retrofits. A set of standards for commercial businesses will be released later this year. Feltmate also called on planners and developers to recognize the importance of natural infrastructure wetlands, floodways and deltas in reducing flooding. By retaining, restoring or building natural infrastructure, it is possible to reduce flood damage by up to 29 per cent in rural areas, and 38 per cent in urban areas, he said a significant improvement. - With files from Miriam King Page 53 of 60

54 Schedule 10, Springwater and the Hine s Emerald Dragonfly Springwater News, Feb 7, 2019 Page 54 of 60

55 New subdivision proposed at golf course between Angus and Barrie Important documents missing, says planner Feb 11, 2019 Brad Pritchard Alliston Herald Essa Township has received three planning applications to build a new subdivision at a golf course location on County Road 90 between Angus and Barrie, but the proposal won t be able to go through the full review process until more information is provided. The development proposal at 6275 County Road 90 which is currently used as the Green Acres Golf Course would include 165 single detached homes, 30 townhomes, a 30- unit condo, lands for more residential use, a commercial area and two parks. The lands are within the settlement area of Angus, and the town s official plan states that future growth should be kept within this area where servicing exists. But the applicant has not submitted key documents, including: an environmental impact study, maps to show the regional and 100-year flood lines, the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority s regulation limits and delineated natural heritage features. Other information required include an updated flood hazard study and a stormwater management plan. Essa s manager of planning said that the information is important, since the official plan doesn't allow new subdivisions on lands prone to flooding. The applicant wants the rules amended to allow for development if proper safeguards are used. Council agreed to receive the information and ask for the missing documentation to be provided. Page 55 of 60

56 Clearview taxpayers facing a $99 increase to their 2019 bills Feb 15, 2019 John Edwards, Wasaga Sun You re likely to see an increase in your property taxes if you live in Clearview Township. At its Feb. 11 council meeting, council held a public meeting on the 2019 budget. The average home in Clearview has an assessed value of $293,000 this is up from $284,000 in The budget calls for a 3.11 per cent increase, which means that the average homeowner will pay an additional $99 in The municipal levy will increase $87, while policing costs jumped $1, county taxes are up $16 and education charges dropped $5. In total, your tax bill is estimated at $3,271, with $1,688 going to the township. Clearview doesn t keep all the money it collects; about 23 cents of every dollar goes to the County of Simcoe, 18 cents to the school boards and Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority. Clearview has $28.9 million in revenues, with 56 per cent coming from residential taxes. The balance is made up of user fees (23 per cent), development charges (10 per cent), grants (four per cent), other income (four per cent) and transfers from reserves (three per cent). The largest expenditure in the Clearview budget is public works with 24 per cent of the $28.9 million in expenses going to this department. are at 18 per cent and administration at 17 per cent. In 2019, some of the notable budget items are a 2.3 per cent increase to town reserves, including $250,000 to the bridge reserves to fund the repair or replacement of 13 bridges over the next 12 years. The town transfers about $788,000 to its bridge reserves every year. There are 72 bridges and major culverts in the municipality, with many being built after the Second World War staff started socking money away in the bridge reserves in One of the major projects is the South Collingwood bridge, which has an expected cost of about $2.5 to $3 million, with the cost rising $140,000 each year that it s delayed. The budget will see a 1.3 per cent increase in funding to parks and recreation projects, a 0.6 per cent increase to improve youth centre services and a 0.4 per cent increase toward the Creemore Bus Route. The municipality will create a parking lot next to the Nottawa Hall, add $5,000 to the cemetery refurbishment reserve, $75,000 for a concrete skating pad for New Lowell Park and money from reserves to replace accessible doors at the Stayner Arena. Administration (11.3 per cent), development charges and parkland (10.3 per cent), water (9.8 per cent), parks (9.7 per cent), policing (7.9 per cent), fire (7.4 per cent), sewer (6.8 per cent), library (3.7 per cent), planning (2.9 per cent), building (1.7 per cent), economic development (1.3 per cent), information services (1.2 per cent), bylaw (0.9 per cent) and the medical centre (0.3 per cent), make up the balance of Clearview s budget. Salaries and benefits are Clearview s largest expense at 27 per cent, followed by transfers to reserves at 22 per cent; contracted services Page 56 of 60

57 Dog rescued from ledge in Nottawasaga Bluffs CTV Barrie Published Friday, February 22, 2019 Crews sprang into action to rescue a dog stranded on a narrow ledge at the Nottawasaga Bluffs on Friday. Clearview Fire Chief Roree Payment told CTV News the dog slid off the edge of a cliff and landed on a ledge about 30 feet down. Rescuers used a ladder to carefully scale the cliffside and bring 'Jay' to safety. They were able to reunite the black lab, uninjured, with his owners. Page 57 of 60