January 12, 2012

LPRCA budget shows modest increase for 2012

The Board of the Long Point Region Conservation Authority has approved a 2012 budget which calls for a modest increase in spending over last year.

The consolidated budget calls for expenditures of $3.6 million (compared to $3.58 million in 2011) to pay the cost of programs that protect water quality, reduce flood damage, preserve and improve natural areas, support responsible development and provide outdoor recreation and environmental education.

The budget was unanimously passed at the Board meeting held Wednesday, January 11.

About $1.1 million, or 30 per cent of the cost of operating the LPRCA in 2012, will come from residents of the watershed who contribute through their local property taxes. That works out to about $6.63 per capita across the five partner municipalities (Brant, Elgin, Haldimand, Norfolk and Elgin counties).

The LPRCA will bring in revenues of about $2.1 million (60 per cent) from fees charged for services ranging from camping to planning. The LPRCA also raises revenue from land rentals, forest management and payments by school boards for conservation and heritage education programs.

Government grants, mostly from the provincial government, will amount to about $172,00 this year (5 per cent of the budget). Government grants cover part of the cost of core programs such as flood forecasting and warning, dam maintenance, as well as, enhancing habitat for species at risk, developing source water protection plans under the Clean Water Act and operating Backus Heritage Village.

The remainder of the budget, about $193,500 (five per cent), comes from LPRCA reserve funds.

Some notable projects scheduled for 2012 include:

• Continuing to monitor Lynn River water quality in support of a five-year project undertaken by Norfolk County
• Release a report card that looks at overall watershed health based on forest cover, ground water and surface water resources
• Relocate the gatehouse at Backus Heritage Conservation Area
• Update information kiosk at Lee Brown Marsh

LPRCA Chairman Roger Geysens 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 the health of its programs and services for the benefit of the watershed.”

“This budget represents a variety of projects within the watershed,” said Geysens. “It includes grants for landowners to implement conservation projects, environmental monitoring, flood warning, providing conservation areas and much more.”

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 regarding the LPRCA’s 2012 budget, contact General Manager Cliff Evanitski at 519-842-4242, ext 225.