Meeting Summaries

New staff introduced to the board included: Trent Francis Regulations Officer 12 month contract; Vivian Nolan Resources Information Technician; James Pearson Flood Forecasting and Warning Coordinator.

Several Saugeen Bluffs staff were recognized for life saving efforts performed during the summer of 2022.

Kim Clarke from RTO7 presented a report on data pulled geofences set up around Allan Park, Denny's Dam, Durham, Saugeen Bluffs and Sulphur Spring Conservation Areas.  The report delivered estimated numbers of visitors to these locations in 2021, and where they were travelling to those CAs from.  The report observed that all of the aforementioned areas are popular with locals, and that there is public desire to see continued enhancement and maintenance the properties.

2023 Proposed Budget for Saugeen Conservation was approved at $6,007,080.

New policies approved by the Board of Director included: Social Media, Electronic Monitoring, Marketing and Communications Approval, Acceptable Use, Fall Protection, Ladder Safety, Working in Lightning Safety, Heat Stress Prevention and Hot Weather.

A strategic plan update was given by Jennifer Stephens, General Manager/Secretary-Treasurer, that summarized all feedback given during the public consultation process.

Click to read the October 20th, 2022 Agenda.

The inaugural meeting of the Board of Directors of Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority brought new faces to the table.  For a list of our current board, please click here.

SVCA General Manager Jennifer Stephens gave a Board of Directors Orientation presentation, which covered information regarding the Conservation Authorities Act and its recent changes, administrative bylaws, hearing procedures, remuneration, additional committees including Drinking Water Source Protection, departmental summaries, as well as funding and budget summaries.

The General Manager's report listed numerous council delegations and staff accomplishments.

The finance report was accepted, with analysis showing general levy programs ending the year in a neutral position, and non-levy programs expected to show surplus, which would be allocated to reserves as approved.

SVCA Fee Policy and Fee Schedules were approved, and can be found here.

A report on Bill 23 More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 was presented by General Manager, Jennifer Stephens.  She noted, "For the time being, it is business as usual for our plan review services, and planning applications should continue to be circulated for our review. Our permitting services continue uninterrupted except for new provisions concerning Minister’s Zoning Orders and Community Infrastructure and Housing Accelerator Orders."  For specific details with respect to the dates of Provisions of the Act will come into place, please review the meeting agenda. 

The 2023 Authority Meeting schedule was approved, with dates as follows:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

1. 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;
2. 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
3. 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.

January 19th, 2024 - Annual Meeting

The annual meeting of Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority was held January 19th, 2024 in person at the Administrative Office in Formosa.  

Many greetings were shared by member municipalities, these included:
Lisa Thompson, MPP, Huron/Bruce
Pat O’Connor, on behalf of Ben Lobb, MP Huron/Bruce
Angela Coleman, Conservation Ontario
Glen McNeil, Warden, Huron County
Ed McGugan, Vice Chair Maitland Valley Conservation Authority (also performed Chair Pro Tem duties)
Phil Beard, General Manager, MVCA
Tim Lanthier, CAO, GSCA
Katie Langdon, NWMO
Mark Goetz, Mayor, South Bruce
Paul McQueen, Mayor, Grey Highlands
Coreena Smith, Bruce County Planning
Andrew Beumer, Bruce County Transportation
Moiken Penner, on behalf of Arran-Elderslie
Greetings received by written correspondence from Alex Ruff, MP, Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound.

Staff recognition awards were given to the following SVCA employees:
Donna Lacey, Manager of Forestry and Lands: 25 years
Laura Molson, Manager of Corporate Services: 20 years
Rick Rowbotham, Field Operations Coordinator: 10 years
Cheryl Skingley, Brucedale Superintendent: 5 years

The executive were elected as follows:
Chair: Barbara Dobreen
Vice Chair: Tom Hutchinson
2nd Vice Chair: Paul Allen
Member at Large: Greg McLean

Committee appointments as follows:

Forestry Committee: Tom Hutchinson, Moiken Penner, Bud Halpin, Dave Myette
Property and Parks Committee: Paul Allen, Moiken Penner, Larry Allison, Bill Stewart, Jennifer Prenger
Water Resources Committee: Tom Hutchinson, Greg McLean, Dave Myette, Bill Stewart
Agricultural Advisory Committee: Dave Myette, Steve McCabe, Kevin Eccles and Mike Niesen

The revised 2024 SVCA Budget was passed, at 5.7 million from 5.9 million. Concern was noted about the provincial fee freeze which occurred in late December, with official correspondence on behalf of Saugeen Conservation recommended, in line with current municipal efforts.

A delegation was presented to the Board of Directors from a concerned citizen, however no questions or comments were provided as the file is currently open with the Environmental Planning and Regulations department.

To read the agenda in its entirety, please click here.

February 15th, 2024

Due to weather conditions, the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority Board of Directors met virtually on February 15th, 2024. 

Acting General Manager Erik Downing recognized the following Directors for their service on the board for a continuous five years:

• Bill Stewart, Municipality of Kincardine
• Tom Hutchinson, Municipality of West Grey
• Paul Allen, Municipality of Grey Highlands

Water Resources Manager, Elise MacLeod P.Eng, presented a preview of the publicly accessible water quality data (dating back to 1960) that will be heading to the SVCA website shortly.  The project was made possible by funding through RBC's Tech For Nature Program, and represents the first time historical data has been made accessible on a public platform by the Authority.

The Water Resources Committee meeting schedule was amended, and the WHIMIS policy approved for 2024.

The Environmental Planning and Regulations report pertaining to Administrative Guidelines was approved pending the inclusion of a quorum component.  The SVCA Board of Directors then gave permission through motion for SVCA staff to inform applicants of zoning issues when reviewing development proposals.

To read the agenda in its entirety, please click here.

March 21st, 2024

Due to weather conditions, the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority Board of Directors met virtually on March 21st, 2024.

The delegation from Al Leach of the Children's Safety Village was postponed.  Susan Glausauer from the University of Waterloo gave a delegation proposing that the SVCA Board of Directors consider supporting a proposal that would have the Greenock Swamp designated as a 'Wetland of Distinction' through the Society of Wetland Scientists.  The swamp does appear to meet the recommended criteria, there are no associated legal implications, nor particular benefits.  Concern was noted by Directors that the property would be unable to accommodate an increase of visitors, and that other natural areas in Grey and Bruce Counties that have experienced an influx, have been at the detriment of the property.

A return to work update and general manager's report was given by Jennifer Stephens, General Manager, Secretary-Treasurer.  Ms. Stephen's highlighted the recent Provincial changes through O.Reg 41/24, SVCA's operational plan and associated work.

New staff were welcomed; Rick Southcote accepted the position of Environmental Technician, to support CA Act deliverables.  Kyle hope accepted the position of Capital Water Infrastructure Coordinator at SVCA, which will involve coordination of capital infrastructure projects, including preparing RFPs, RFQs, infrastructure inspections, and permitting.  Alex Duszczyzszyn joined SVCA as a Forestry Technician.

A new campground reservation system called Campspot is working well for the Forestry and Lands department.  In the SVCA fleet, a truck that was slated for replacement in 2024, but funding for which was removed during budget negotiation was discovered to have a cracked frame.

Water Resources announced that all engineered flood hazard mapping under the Federal FHIMP has been completed.  The publicly accessible water data, made possible through funding by RBC's Tech for Nature grant, has been published: www.saugeenconservation.ca/data

An updated hiring policy was approved, as was the appointment of two members to the Agricultural Advisory Committee and all permits issued for endorsement.

To view the agenda package in its entirety, please click here.

May 16th, 2024

The Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority Board of Directors met on Thursday, May 16th, 2024 at 1:00pm. 

The 2023 Audited Financial Statements were presented through delegation format by a representative of Baker Tilly SGB LLP, and were approved as presented.  The deferred delegation from March 21st, 2024 from Al Leach of the Children's Safety Village was received.  

The SVCA Board of Directors approved the following policies: Accessibility Policy, Records Retention Policy as well as the MFIPPA Report and the Final Inventory of Programs and Services.

Environmental Planning and Regulations presented reports on the permit application and template, annual reporting, stop work orders and procedures, status of active violations and new policy planning instruments.  All were endorsed or received as appropriate.

An update was given regarding the pond at Varney Conservation Area, noting that the estimated total cost associated with reopening and operating the pond at Varney Conservation Area is $800,500. With consideration to the costs associated addressing structural deficiencies, public safety concerns, permitting and general remediation, disposal of the property should be explored.

The Board of Directors then endorsed an application made by students at the University of Guelph to designate the Greenock Swamp as a Wetland of Distinction.  One SVCA staff member was designated as a Provincial Offences Officer, and $35,000 was allocated to Durham Conservation Area for the purposes of making the site compatible with winter camping.

Hazard Classification was presented for the Durham Upper Dam, and public safety plans for Durham Lower Dam and Glen Elg were approved as presented.

To view the agenda package in its entirety, please click here.

July 18th, 2024

The Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority Board of Directors met on Thursday, July 18th, 2024 at 1:00pm. 

Bylaw Amendments and an agreement with Grey County for the provision of a pilot project pertaining to the procurement of legal services through a pilot project for assistance with Section 28 and Section 29 Conservation Act items were approved.

Environmental Planning and Regulations presented permits, and a report on the Town of Saugeen Shores' interest in implementing two-zone floodplain mapping for Southampton.  

Regarding CA Act Deliverables, the Conservation Areas Strategy, the Watershed Based Management Strategy were approved to proceed with public consultation, and the Ice Management Plan was endorsed by the Board.

Slight increases to campground fees were approved for the 2025 year.

Fulsome reports on the Durham Upper Dam and Walkerton Hydro Dam were shared, with EA recommendations stemming from both.  An update was given on the SVCA Hydrometric Network, which included both improvements and decommissioning efforts. 

The Board moved to support full transparency with applicable municipal partners through the sharing of all available documents, drawings, and reports, both historic and current, related to water and erosion control infrastructure that is deemed special benefitting.

To read the agenda package in its entirety, please click here.

September 19th, 2024

The Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority Board of Directors met on Thursday, September 19th, 2024 at 1:00pm. 

The SVCA Board of Directors approved the following policies: Confidentiality Policy, Artificial Intelligence Policy, Lands Acquisition Policy.  A Fundraising Strategy was also approved that focused on encouraging a diverse and sustainable revenue stream for the Authority.

The SVCA Pay Policy and proposed Annual Report were deferred back to staff for minor adjustment. These items will return to the Board.

Environmental Planning and Regulations permits issued for endorsement were expeditiously approved.

The meeting then moved into closed session.

To read the agenda package in its entirety, please click here.

October 17th, 2024

The Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA) Board of Directors held a virtual meeting on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at 1:00 p.m.

SVCA General Manager and Secretary-Treasurer, Erik Downing, provided a verbal update on the lightning strike that occurred at the SVCA Administration Office on Sunday, October 6, 2024. He informed the board that the strike caused damage to both the interior and exterior of the building, with structural and electrical inspections currently underway.

The Board approved the 2025 Fee Schedule. While campground fees were previously approved, all fees were bundled for discussion. It was noted that, despite a fee review by Watsons and Associates indicating that current review fees are not covering costs, the Ministry of Natural Resources has not permitted fee adjustments related to planning or permitting since January 1, 2023. Cost of living or other fee increases are not allowed until directed by the Minister.

The Board was informed that SVCA will celebrate its 75th anniversary in July 2025, and an event planning committee has been established to coordinate preparations.

The Board also approved the Conservation Areas Strategy and Watershed-Based Resource Management Strategy, both of which had undergone public consultation as required under the Conservation Authorities Act.

The Pay Policy, which had been deferred from September’s meeting, was approved.

All permits presented by Matt Armstrong, Acting Environmental Planning and Regulations Manager, were approved, along with the new Environmental Planning and Regulations (EPR) Policies Manual. The manual outlines SVCA’s approach to reviewing planning and development applications under the Planning Act, and defines the criteria for administering regulatory responsibilities under the Conservation Authorities Act and Ontario Regulation 41/24. It is used by EPR staff for consistent review and by the public to understand policies guiding development near natural hazards.

Finally, the Board endorsed the submission of SVCA’s application to the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF) for the repair and rehabilitation of recreational infrastructure at Sulphur Spring Conservation Area.

To read the agenda package in its entirety, please click here.

November 21, 2024

The Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA) Board of Directors held a virtual meeting on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 1:00 p.m.

SVCA General Manager and Secretary-Treasurer, Erik Downing, provided a verbal update on the lightning strike that occurred at the SVCA Administration Office on Sunday, October 6, 2024. He informed the board that the strike caused damage to both the interior and exterior of the building, and remediation is underway.

The 2025 meeting schedule of the SVCA Board of Directors was approved, as was the 2025 SVCA Budget for circulation to member municipalities.

Environmental Planning and Regulations had an update to the violations strategy, permits and 2025 fees approved.

Water Resources returned to the board for the approval of the cessation of ice management practices at the Durham Upper Dam.  

To read the agenda in its entirety, please click here.