• Protecting Water and Farmland in Simcoe County


Efficiency Audit Recommendations Released


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In Agencies
Aug 22nd, 2014
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Next phase to focus on human resources and performance management

From NVCA communications

The NVCA Board of Directors received 26 recommendations coming from Phase I of the authority’s efficiency audit, conducted by Gazda Houlne and Associates over the spring and summer of this year. These recommendations cover NVCA organization and staffing, service delivery, finance, human resources and corporate leadership, and board operations. Fifteen of these recommendations were prioritized by the board; the Efficiency Audit Committee will work with staff to detail how these items may be implemented, subject to direction from board.

The board approved 15 additional recommendations coming from Phase II of the audit and related to performance management. They moved on these items immediately, contracting Gazda Houlne and Associates to prepare a performance management program for the senior management team. Gazda Houlne and Associates will also conduct a market compensation review to ensure that current rates of pay at NVCA are in-line with those of similar-sized authorities across the province.

Updated Regulation Mapping Approved
New pilot project to look at streamlining low-risk development permit approvals

The board approved updates to the NVCA’s regulation mapping, which identifies areas of potential hazard related to development in wetlands and adjacent to waterways. The adjustments to the regulation limits in the mapping reflect the findings from new technical studies, engineering modelling and site visits. Further, they reflect information gathered by NVCA staff through an extensive consultation process with municipalities, landowners and other interested parties. The updated mapping includes the shoreline of Georgian Bay extending 5 km into the lake. In total, the new limits increase the amount of land regulated by NVCA by 8.65% along Georgian Bay, and 1.02% throughout the rest of the watershed.

In addition to the updated mapping approval, the board agreed to a new pilot project that will look at streamlining low-risk development permit approvals. Working with member municipalities, staff will test a process for municipal approval of minor development activities in low-risk areas. This will simplify the process for many residents seeking permits and free NVCA staff to focus on more significant, higher risk development applications. It is anticipated that the streamlined approvals will cover minor development activities (such as pools, grain bins, sheds and other accessory structures) in regulated areas between 30 and 120 m of non-provincially significant wetlands.

Tiffin Tornado Damage Update

Board members received an update on the clean-up from the June 17 tornado that caused extensive damage at the Tiffin Conservation Area. Twelve acres of trees were downed by the storm and considerable educational, recreational and operational infrastructure was damaged or destroyed. To-date, trees have been removed from the affected area, electrical systems have been repaired and/or updated, and damaged outbuildings have been assessed for repair or replacement.

The board agreed to release $3,000 from the revenue generated by sale of salvaged wood to assist with remaining clean-up activities that will not be covered by NVCA’s insurance. These funds will be used to purchase a small bulldozer to spread wood chips salvaged from tornado damaged trees to mulch areas to be replanted. Many community groups and corporate partners have volunteered their services to help with the replanting.

NVCA Staff Recognized for Years of Service

The board formally recognized four staff members for their years of service to the Authority: Naomi Saunders, environmental education assistant (5 yrs.); Laurie Barron, executive assistant (10 yrs.); Kimberly Winder, receptionist/administrative associate (15 yrs.); and Byron Wesson, director of lands, operations & stewardship services (25 yrs.).

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