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NVCA board reviews June 23 flood

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Aug 29th, 2017
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From NVCA: Board Meeting Highlights August 25, 2017

Review of the June 23, 2017 flood event
Peter Alm, NVCA’s Water Resource Engineer, provided board members with an overview of the June 23, 2017, flood event that took place in the southern portion of the watershed. The 100-year storm saw 113 mm of rain fall in the Mono area in a seven-hour period, and resulted in severe flooding in portions of Shelburne, Mono and Adjala-Tosorontio.
Overall the flood response system worked well, with NVCA monitoring the situation and issuing warnings, and municipalities prepared and able to quickly respond. Staff highlighted the excellent job done by municipalities, counties and EMS in responding to the flood.
Following the flood, NVCA staff have been reviewing protocols and actions to determine what, if anything, could be improved going forward.
Also, staff are working to have repairs made to the emergency spillway at the Tottenham Dam, which was damaged during the flood.

New partnership funds programs to improve water quality and fish habitats
The board agreed to enter into a new partnership with Environment and Climate Change Canada to implement two projects, both receiving support from the EcoAction Fund.
The first project will see NVCA receive $100,000 over three years for 2020 Vision of Healthy Waters: Community Stewardship in the Nottawasaga Valley and South Georgian Bay.
The 2020 Vision of Healthy Waters application involves the ongoing implementation of the NVCA’s Healthy Waters grant incentive program. This program provides support for landowners and environmental groups looking to implement water quality improvement projects.
The second project will see NVCA receive $65,000 over one year for the Connecting Communities and Creeks.
The Connecting Communities and Creeks program will see the implementation of two stream restoration projects: one on Lamont Creek at the Clearview EcoPark and one on Black Ash Creek in the Town of the Blue Mountains. The funding will support work already begun under the Nottawasaga Watershed Improvement Program.
The board thanked Environment Canada and all the community and municipal partners involved in these projects.

Draft 2018 budget expected in September
The board approved guidelines for the development of the draft 2018 NVCA budget. The draft budget will be considered by the board at their September 22 meeting.

In brief
During the meeting the board also:
· Acknowledged the Rotary Club of Barrie for their support of a new program that saw 12 children that are new to Canada attend NVCA’s Camp Tiffin summer day camp. For many of the children, this was their first time experiencing Canadian summer must-dos like canoeing.
· Received a report on the results of the time tracking conducted by the NVCA planning staff over the past year.
· Recognized the efforts of NVCA staff, partners and volunteers in the successful “Fight the Phrag!” Phragmites removal day in Collingwood on August 12, 2017.
· Recognized NVCA staff with service awards:
o Sheryl Flannagan, Director of Corporate Services (5 yrs)
o Sheri Steiginga, Flood Operations Field Specialist (5 yrs)
o Ian Ockenden, Watershed Monitoring Specialist (10 yrs)
o Chris Hibberd, Director of Watershed Management Services (10 yrs)
o Henry Pelley, Maintenance Technician (15 yrs)
o Fred Dobbs, Manager of Stewardship Services (25 yrs)
o Tim Salkeld, Resource Planner (30 yrs)
o Glenn Switzer, outgoing Director of Engineering & Technical Services, (15 yrs) and congratulated for his retirement from the NVCA.

Future Meetings and Events
Re-Wiggle Willow Creek – Volunteer Stream Rehabilitation Day
Thursday, Aug 31, 10:00 am – 2:30 pm
Minesing Wetlands – Willow Creek Canoe Launch, 2220 George Johnston, Minesing
What’s the Buzz? TD Tree Days – Volunteer Pollinator Garden Plant, Mono
Saturday, Sept 16, 9:30 am – 2:00 pm
246372 Hockley Rd, Mono (near Orangeville)
Clearview EcoPark Volunteer Plant – TD Tree Days
Saturday, Sept 16, 9:30 am – 2:00 pm
300 Mowat St. North, Stayner
For the Birds! Minesing Volunteer Plant – TD Tree Days, Angus
Sunday, Sept 17, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
4150 Concession 2 Sunnidale, Angus
NVCA Board of Directors Meeting
Friday, Sept 22, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm (followed by Board Bus Tour)
Suite Works, 92 Caplan Ave., Suite 309, Barrie
Wasaga Beach Volunteer Plant – TD Tree Days
Saturday, Sept 30, 9:00 am – 12:30 pm
Wasaga Sports Park, 1888 Klondike Park Road
Festival at Fort Willow
Saturday, Sept 30, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Fort Willow Conservation Area, Grenfel
Hike the Bluffs – Small Halls Festival Event
Sunday, Oct 1, 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Nottawasaga Bluffs Conservation Area
Offered as part of Clearview’s Small Halls Festival, Singhampton Hall

For more information on these events, please visit the NVCA website.

Next Board Meeting: September 22, 2017
at Suite Works, 92 Caplan Ave., Barrie

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