NVCA Media Release - NVCA reviews new proposal for changes to Conservation Authorities Act

NVCA reviews new proposal for changes to Conservation Authorities Act

UTOPIA, Ontario (May 20, 2021) – The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) is currently reviewing the Regulatory Proposal Consultation Guide, the first of two phases in finalizing the changes to the Conservation Authorities Act.

Part of the guide details the mandatory and non-mandatory programs and services conservation authorities will implement, along with the timelines to establish service agreements with municipalities.

Under the proposed regulations guide, NVCA will be able to continue integrated watershed management work such as protecting and enhancing water quality and quantity, identifying flood and erosion risks and managing stormwater systems. This process helps NVCA manage human activities and natural resources on a watershed basis while taking into account social, economic and environmental issues, as well as impacts of growth and climate change.

“I am extremely proud of the collaborative work that the Conservation Authority Working Group (CAWG) was able to do to assist the development of this regulations guide,” said Doug Hevenor, CAO at NVCA. “On behalf of NVCA, I would like to thank the Province for including a wide range of stakeholders in the development of the guide.

CAWG was established by the Province of Ontario in January 2021, and is made up of representatives from conservation authorities, Conservation Ontario, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, and the development and agricultural sectors. Their first task included looking at the first phase of proposed regulations that impact conservation authorities and their participating municipalities.

"I'm so pleased the Province has recognized a watershed-wide approach to management as the best way to approach conservation issues,” commented Mariane McLeod, NVCA Chair. “I'm grateful that our staff will have sufficient time to work with our 18 member municipalities to develop Memorandums of Understanding for the services our conservation authority provides."

Later in the year, the Province will consult on the second phase of the proposed regulations, which will including details on municipal levies related to mandatory and non-mandatory programs and service standards for the delivery of non-mandatory programs and services.

Feedback on the proposed regulations is due June 27, 2021 and can be submitted to the Environmental Registry of Ontario.