Jennifer Stephens, General Manager of the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA) presented. Stephens provided information on the purpose of the SVCA.
Changes to the Conservation Authorities Act impacted the mandatory and non- mandatory services of Conservation Authorities. These changes include reporting requirements for Conservation Authorities, budget apportionments and the requirement for agreements for non-mandatory services. Bill 23 More Homes, Built Faster Act, 2022 made further changes to the Conservation Authorities Act and the Planning Act with respect to Conservation Authority programs.
Stephens also provided broad information on other services such as flood warning programs, and environmental planning & regulations.
Information was provided on the Natural Hazard management responsibility delegated by the province to Conservation Authorities.
The role of the SVCA in Drinking Water Source Protection planning, land conservation, water quality programing, and various monitoring programs was presented.
An agreement is now legislatively necessary between the SVCA and a municipality to carry out any non-mandatory program on their behalf.
Council inquired about:
- land stewardship services around agriculture, (buffer strips, cover crops, etc.). The SVCA had a small program, but is considering whether to continue that program as it is non-mandatory.
- how the Board of the SVCA is constituted and how many directors may represent each municipality.
Council member discussed Section 28 regulations and the effect it may have on development.
Council inquired about the expected savings in the SVCA budget with changes to include only mandatory programming. Stephens did not expect savings, as inflation has gone up.