On Thursday, February 18, 2021, the Board of Directors of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) held its regular monthly meeting electronically.
Highlights from the meeting included:
2021 Meeting Schedule:
The Board of Directors approved its 2021 meeting calendar for all regular NPCA Board and Committee meetings, directing that the meeting dates be publicized on its website and circulated to the participating and local area municipalities. Also of particular note, the schedule provided for the Board’s regular monthly meetings to move to Friday mornings for the duration of 2021.
Floodplain Mapping Updates and Formal Adoption:
The Board formally approved the Richardson Creek Floodplain Mapping Study along with the Grimsby and Lincoln Floodplain Mapping Update for use in the administration of Ontario Regulation 155/06 intended to reduce the negative impacts of natural hazards including flooding.
Progress Update - 2018 Special Audit of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority
The Board received a staff update on the implementation of recommendations from the Auditor General’s 2018 Special Audit of the NPCA. In response to one of the Auditor General’s observations, the Board requested a report back on comments that its new policy regarding development near wetlands may be more permissive than the direction set out in the regulation under the Act.
NPCA Public Advisory Committee - Member Appointment
The Board appointed Cindilee Ecker-Flagg to its Public Advisory Committee noting her strong connections to the local community and various indigenous organizations. With prior experience on advisory and other multi-stakeholder committees, it was acknowledged that Ms. Ecker-Flagg was a resident of Niagara Region for over 50 years and had held leadership roles related to education, tourism, health, Indigenous knowledge sharing and cultural teachings.
Bill 229 - Implications of (February, 2021) Proclamation of Various Provisions
The Board received a staff report stating that various amendments to the Conservation Authorities Act (“CAA”) through Bill 229, Protect, Support and Recover from COVID-19 Act (Budget Measures) had been proclaimed on February 2, 2021 with implications to the NPCA. As a result, the Board requested that partner municipalities initiate the process of determining NPCA Board composition and associated appointments in time for NPCA’s January 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM).
The Board also acknowledged that it would consider reconfirmation of Chair and Vice Chair term for the remainder of 2021 at the June 2021 AGM with the matter referred to the Governance Committee for further discussion in consultation with member municipalities.
Links to Agendas, Minutes and Video:
https://npca.ca/administration/board-meetings