Whereas, Climate Change and…

Whereas, Climate Change and flooding are mounting threats in Grey and Bruce Counties, and Conservation Authorities provide services including real-time flood forecasting, emergency planning support and water-related studies; and
Whereas, in 1996, the total provincial Section 39 Transfer Payment to all of Ontario’s conservation authorities for Flood and Erosion Control and Natural Hazard Prevention was reduced from $ 50-million to $ 7.5-million, and Grey Sauble Conservation Authority’s share of this payment has remained static at $ 71,779 since 1996; and
Whereas, the recent Provincial Budget has further reduced Grey Sauble Conservation Authority’s Section 39 Transfer Payments from $ 71,779 to $37,055 or about 50%; and
Whereas, this will affect emergency management supports and municipal planning, zoning and development input activities provided by Grey Sauble Conservation Authority; and
Whereas, there is a provincial role in province-wide flood risks reduction and emergency management, and investments in prevention can potentially avoid or reduce losses of life and property and major expenditures during and after an emergency; and
Whereas, the Ontario Government’s Proposal on the Environmental Registry of Ontario 013-5018 on Modernizing Conservation Authority (CA) Operations proposes to define a limited list of the core mandatory programs and services for CAs; therefore
Be It Resolved,
1) That Council of the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie recommends that the province acknowledge a strong and positive provincial role in flood risk reduction programs and reinstate funding to CAs; and
2) That Municipal staff are directed to provide a copy of this resolution to the Environmental Registry of Ontario (Proposal 013-5018) prior to the May 21st, 2019 deadline, to Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) and to MPP Bill Walker.