November 5, 2009

 

LPRCA board approves 2010 budget

 

The Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) Board unanimously approved its 2010 budget on Wednesday, November 4. 

 

The $3.5 million budget will pay the cost of LPRCA programs that protect water quality, reduce flood damages, protect natural areas, support responsible development, and provide outdoor recreation and environmental education.  In order to meets its overall expenditure budget, the LPRCA will be required to draw down its reserve balances by approximately $258,600. 

 

Overall next year’s budget is about $81,000 higher than 2009, with much of the increase due to one-time capital projects or special programs, that are covered entirely by the province, municipalities or other sources.

 

2010 Revenues

 

The LPRCA has three main sources of revenue:

 

  • $1,043,280 (30%) from watershed municipalities.  Most of the money is raised by the municipalities from residents through their property taxes.  That levy works out to about $10.16 per person.
  • $176,562 (5 %) from grants, mostly from the provincial government
  • $2,238,230 (65%) from self-generated revenue such as money from park admission and campground fees, planning fees, rental property income and other sources.

 

2010 Expenditures

 

The budget is broken down into two sections:

 

Operating budget - $3.2 million (91%) – Ongoing programs of the LPRCA including flood prevention, environmental education, planning advice to municipalities and landowners, forest management and conservation areas. 

 

Capital projects - $300.000 (9%) – One-time projects that are covered by grants and revenue from outside sources.  Some of the projects are:

 

•   $8,000 to complete a project to inventory dams

•   $15,700 to update the SWOOP digital ortho photography

•   $15,000 to replace the Backus Homestead roof

•   $30,000 to paint exterior of the 1798 Backhouse Grist Mill National Historic Site

•   $32,000 to upgrade conservation area water systems

 

 

LPRCA Chairman Buck Sloat acknowledged the importance of partnerships in working towards these projects next year.  “With support from municipalities, the Federal and Provincial Governments, volunteers and the community, LPRCA will continue to enhance its programs and services.” Sloat said.

 

“This budget represents a great deal of conservation work for our watershed,” Sloat said.  “It includes grants for landowners to implement conservation projects, environmental monitoring, flood warning, conservation areas and much more,” Sloat explained 

 

Long Point Region Conservation Authority is a community-based environmental organization that protects, restores and manages the natural resources in its watershed.  It is one of 36 conservation authorities operating in Ontario with a mandate to manage natural resources.  The 10-member LPRCA board is made up of representatives appointed by municipal councils throughout the watershed. 

 

For further information on the LPRCA’s 2010 budget contact General Manager Cliff Evanitski at 519-408-4623, ext 225.