| January 19th, 2023 - Annual Meeting |
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The annual meeting of Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority was held January 19th, 2023 in person at the Administrative Office in Formosa.
Many greetings were shared by member municipalities, the past chair Maureen Couture, General Manager/Secretary-Treasurer Jennifer Stephens, as well as from Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson and MP Ben Lobb.
Staff recognition awards were given to the following SVCA employees:
Lorne Chamberlain, Field Operations Assistant: 5 years
Erik Downing, EPR Manager: 15 years
The executive were elected as follows:
Chair: Barbara Dobreen
Vice Chair: Tom Hutchinson
2nd Vice Chair: Paul Allen
Member at Large: Steve McCabe
Committee appointments as follows:
Forestry committee: Tom Hutchinson, Paul Allen, Moiken Penner, Dave Myette
Property and parks committee: Bill Stewart, Larry Allison, Moiken Penner, Bud Halpin, Paul Allen
Water Resources: Tom Hutchinson, Greg McLean, Dave Myette, Bill Stewart
Agricultural Advisory: Steve McCabe, Dave Myette, Kevin Eccles, Mike Niesen
A thorough presentation was given by Forestry and Lands manager Donna Lacey, detailing the function and history of the work done by that department, as well as an introduction to staff.
February will see a departmental presentation by Corporate Services, and Water Resources is scheduled for March. A separate training meeting to cover Environmental Planning and Regulations will be set as soon as possible.
To read the agenda in its entirety, please click here.
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| February 16th, 2023 |
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The February meeting of Saugeen Conservation's Board of Directors was held at the administration office in Formosa, ON. The meeting began with a presentation from Glenn Sheppard of Marsh Insurance, which detailed the corporations coverage, risk management, board liability and coverage in a comprehensive overview. 34/36 conservation authorities use Marsh, which enables them to provide their clients with up to date best practices, as well as buying power. Mr. Sheppard spoke about the "new reality of risk", and the importance of documentation and due diligence.
Sean Michael Stephen of Watson and Associates Ltd gave a delegation summarizing the Plan Review and Permitting Fee Review they performed. Watson assessed the full cost of service for plan review and permitting activities and made specific recommendations over three difference scenarios. Fee comparison charts showed SVCA's current fees for property clearance, minor, standard and major development are in the middle to lowest end of the spectrum compared to other CAs. SVCA is competitively priced.
Carl Seider, project manager of Drinking Water Source Protection (DWSP), delivered a primer on DWSP's history, scope and function. DWSP is a mandatory program that protects the quality and quantity of current and future sources of municipal drinking water.
Corporate Services manager Laura Molson gave an introductory presentation, detailing the roles and characters within the department. Accounting, finance, communication, education, scanning, GIS, finance and executive assistance provide support to all departments at Saugeen Conservation.
SVCA's strategic plan update, workplan, committee terms of reference, provincial offences officer endorsements, and EPR permit endorsements all passed unanimously.
The read the agenda in its entirety, please click here.
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| March 16th, 2023 |
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The March meeting of Saugeen Conservation's Board of Directors was held at the administration office in Formosa, ON.
During the meeting, John Bujold from Baker Tilly SGB LLP presented the draft of the 2022 Audited Financial Statements, which were approved as presented. Elise MacLeod gave a presentation on Water Resources. The General Manager's Report was given verbally by Jennifer Stephens. The board received reports for information on the 2023 Workplan Update, Finance, Program, and News articles.
Under New Business, Jennifer Stephens proposed changes to the SVCA Administrative Bylaws, which were approved along with an endorsement of the review of the bylaws by legal counsel.
Erik Downing's request for endorsement of Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourse applications was approved. The board also approved two policies: Cold Weather Work and Personal Protective Equipment.
To read the agenda in its entirety, please click here.
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| May 18th, 2023 |
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The May meeting of Saugeen Conservation's Board of Directors was held at the administration office in Formosa, ON.
All reports for information, including the 2023 Workplan Update, were accepted. The 2023-2033 Strategic Plan was received, with another meeting of the Board pending for further review. The Programs and Services report was also received, with direction of SVCA staff to pursue discussions with municipalities regarding Category 3 Agreements.
A one year pilot program agreement with Grey County for prosecution services was approved to move forward, and phase 1 of the Durham Upper Dam Environmental Assessment was approved pending WECI funding.
The Flood Hazard Identification Mapping contract was awarded to D.M. Wills Associates Limited, and staff have been directed to discontinue lease discussions with a potential investor regarding potential rehabilitation of the Walkerton Hydro Dam.
Chris Cossitt, Les Nichols, Paul Wettlaufer, Karen Gorman, Katie Normet, Allan Willits, and Meg Roberts were appointed to the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority Agricultural Advisory Committee for the 2023 calendar year.
Staff were directed to purchase software to support hybrid board meetings, and a Conservation Authority Content Management System.
To read the agenda in its entirety, please click here.
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| July 20th, 2023 |
The July meeting of Saugeen Conservation's Board of Directors was a hybrid meeting, in part held at the administration office in Formosa, ON.
The meeting began with Erik Downing, Manager of Planning and Regulations, assuming the duties of Acting General Manager, Secretary-Treasurer.
All reports for information, including an update regarding the Varney Pond infrastructure, were received.
The Board proceeded to approve all matters arising from the minutes, including an update to Category 3 Programs and Services, and floodplain mapping program budget allocation for Durham Creek and the Town of Saugeen Shores.
All new business motions passed, including the proposed staffing plan for the water resources department, the year three scope of work for NWMO, permit approvals, a planning application approval for the Southampton Seniors Care Facility, and Agricultural Advisory Committee terms of reference.
To read the agenda in its entirety, please click here. |
| September 21st, 2023 |
The September meeting of the Saugeen Conservation Board of Directors was a hybrid meeting, in part held at the administration office in Formosa, ON. The meeting was preceded by a Special Authority Meeting, for discussion around the 2023-2033 SVCA Strategic Plan. The Board of Directors accepted the plan as presented and directed staff to incorporate linkages into future board reporting.
The following Authority meeting began with the Boards approval of 2024 Campground Fees and the acceptance of two RFPs related to ash tree removal at Brucedale and Saugeen Bluffs Conservation Areas.
The remainder of the meeting was spent on budget presentations and discussion. Staff were directed to return a revised budget to the October 19th, 2023 meeting of the Board.
To read the agenda in its entirety, please click here. |
| October 29th, 2023 |
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The meeting of the SVCA Board of Directors was held on Thursday, October 19th, 2023. This hybrid meeting saw nine directors attending in person, with two attending virtually.
The agenda and minutes from previous and special meetings were approved. Reports for information (including the General Manager’s report, and program reports) were received.
The revised 2024 budget was presented by Laura Molson, Saugeen Conservation’s Manager of Corporate Services. For the 2024 fiscal year, the proposed general levy increase was reduced to $216,000 reflecting a decrease from 9.07% to 7.42%. Director inquiry regarding the potential for the Province to freeze fees for 2024; ultimately this will be the prerogative of the Provincial government and future revisions will be undertaken if necessary. The 2024 draft budget was approved for 30 day circulation to member municipalities.
An update was made to the Authority regarding the progress of Category 2 Agreements and Releases and Category 3 Cost Apportioning Agreements.
Tenders were awarded for the sale of standing timber in the Township of Proton, totaling $48,500.
Environmental Planning and Regulations department approached the board seeking endorsement of changes to violation management. This request was approved in principle, with direction for staff to return with a refined process for consideration.
To read the agenda in its entirety, please click here.
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| November 30th, 2023 |
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The meeting of the SVCA Board of Directors was held on Thursday, November 30th, 2023. This hybrid meeting had one absence, and one director attending virtually.
The meeting began with a Section 28 Hearing. These are hearings held under Section 28 (12) of the Conservation Authorities Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter C.27 and amendments thereto, to consider an application for a permit under the Authority’s Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses published by the province of Ontario as Ontario Regulation 169/06.
Both SVCA staff and the applicant are given opportunity to present information. Comments and questions are discussed, and then the Board is given opportunity to deliberate in-camera. The Board then votes on the motions presented and has the opportunity to amend the motions before them. For this particular permit application, SVCA staff were unable to approve the application as policy condition “will not exceed original habitable floor area nor the original footprint of the previous structure” was not met. After discussion and deliberation, the Authority voted to approve the application at 34 Bell Drive in the Township of Huron-Kinloss through the following motion:
THAT Application to Alter a Regulated Area, seeking permission to demolish an existing 1,480 square foot one-story cottage and bunkie/shed, construct a new 3,812 square foot detached 2- story house with basement and attached garage on a fill pad, septic system installation with related excavation, filling, and grading at 34 Bell Drive, Part Lot 9, Plan 2A in the Township of Huron-Kinloss, is approved with the following specific conditions:
- The Applicant shall hire a qualified geotechnical engineer to design the fill pad to withstand the hydrostatic and hydrodynamic forces from the Regulatory Storm to prevent erosion. A copy of the design shall be provided to SVCA staff for review and approval prior to construction;
- The Applicant shall hire a certified Ontario Land Surveyor or qualified engineer to complete an elevation survey to verify that the as-built grades and elevations proposed in the Application have been achieved; and that
- The lowest exterior opening be above the regional flood level.
Nancy Griffin, Education Coordinator at SVCA was recognized for her outstanding contribution to environmental education. After 34 years, it is estimated that Nancy has taught 360,000 students. A well deserved retirement.
Reports for information on this agenda included the general manager's report, violation statistics report, a business case for the stewardship program, and approved committee minutes.
The SVCA 2024 budget was approved in the amount of $5,993,275.
The Board approved motions to execute both Category 2 and Category 3 Agreements. Category 2 Agreements are formed between SVCA and member municipalities for the inspection and maintenance of property/projects owned or operated by the member municipality. Category 3 Agreements are cost apportioning agreements that have been formed with unanimous support from member municipalities, thus enabling SVCA's Water Quality Program continue for a five year term.
Direction was made through the board to staff to indicate to applicants with a violation about the opportunity to dispute a violation to the SVCA General Manager/Secretary-Treasurer, and if not satisfied, to request a delegation to the Board of Directors.
Both the 2024 Fee Schedule and Meeting Schedule were approved.
Finally, the Board approved the 2024 Fee and Meeting Schedules and endorsed all permits issued between October 11th and November 13th, 2023.
To read the agenda in its entirety, please click here.
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