New Tecumseth reaffirms working partnership with NVCA

New Tecumseth Free Press Online
The public expression of support from New Tecumseth comes after the fact since Essa mayor David Guergis has since abandoned his efforts to push dissolution of the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA).
Mr. Guergis’ aborted mission isn’t without its results since it has led to, or at least fast-tracked, a renewed working relationship between the NVCA and the 18 watershed municipalities who are each now considering draft terms of a new Municipal Streamlining Partnership Agreement for Plan Review and Technical Clearance and Fee Collection. It’s dated October 2009, and stamped “Version 5.”
New Tecumseth council Monday night in committee reaffirmed its support of the NVCA but does expect some changes, particularly on the fees charged by the authority.
“The NVCA provides a valuable service to the Town through their numerous programs and plans, using their expertise on environmental issues without duplicating Town expertise,” according to the Town’s planning department report by Lindsay Edwards. “As such, it is recommended that the Town continue to work with the NVCA on a Partnership Agreement that will be brought back to council for consideration.”
Ms. Edward’s report concludes the NVCA falls on the higher side of fees it charges for such things as reviewing development applications, and permit fees, compared to the neighbouring Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, which New Tecumseth also pays an annual levy to.
On the bigger items, the NVCA currently charges $10,000 for a residential plan of subdivision, and $12,500 for site plans greater than four hectares up to 10, then an additional $1,250 per hectare after that.
“Two examples of recent NVCA’s fees within the Town include the Nautical (Kingsmere retirement complex) and Belterra subdivision developments,” according to the report. “Belterra’s fees owed to the NVCA totalled $374,115 and are based on the original fees from their application in 2003. The Nautical development’s fees owed to the NVCA are $26,100 (appeal pending).”
NVCA collects 45 per cent of its annual revenue from municipal levies. New Tecumseth, with the second highest level of assessment inside the regulated area among the 18 communities, contributed 12.86 per cent or $226,994 in 2009.
The draft partnership agreement is a three year deal from the date of execution, with three year automatic renewals unless otherwise terminated by either side, with scheduled annual reviews. It also calls “to explore further opportunities to streamline the plan review system as it relates to Provincial and regional, local interests.
There’s also a provision whereby municipal development applications are to include “reference to NVCA fees and/or attach the Authority’s information and invoice sheets to application forms,” according to the draft. “And, that municipal staff will actively ensure that applicants are well informed with respect to the need to address the payment of any additional NVCA fees where applicable.”