On Thursday, September 17, 2020, the Board of Directors of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority held its regular monthly meeting electronically. Highlights from the meeting include:
Presentation on the Niagara Region Official Plan Update – Environment Work Program – The Board heard a presentation from Dave Heyworth, Official Plan Policy Consultant, Region of Niagara and had an opportunity to pose questions to a number of Regional staff in attendance.
Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation Progress Update and Memorandum of Understanding – The Board received a delegation and update from Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation Chair, Tom Insinna and Managing Director / Secretary – Treasurer, D. Gayle Wood culminating in approval of a Memorandum of Understanding to formalize and strengthen the partnership between the Conservation Authority and the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation.
Infrastructure Canada – Investing in Canada Plan – COVID-19 Community Resilience Funding – The Board was apprised of a potential funding opportunity and directed that staff proceed with proposal development and outreach to municipal partners on identified funding priorities. The Board agreed to offer direct support to staff by pursuing municipal partnerships and in garnering support from Provincial and Federal political representatives.
Strategic Planning Committee Terms of Reference and Work Plan – The Board approved a revised Terms of Reference for the newly formed Strategic Planning Committee, endorsed the proposed 2020 Committee Work Plan and authorized the immediate initiation of the planning process.
Binbrook Capital Project 2020 – Updated Budget Estimates and Debt Financing - The Board received refined budget estimates and directed staff to continue exploring financing options with the City of Hamilton for necessary capital works at the Binbrook Conservation Area.
Budget Assumptions for 2021 – Staff presented budget assumptions for the 2021 Operating and Capital Budgets and upon approval by the Board were directed to submit the Preliminary 2021 Budget to the funding municipalities in accordance with their guidelines and schedules. The Board also directed that a list of current known unfunded priorities be prepared for consideration in conjunction with 2021 Budgets.
Compliance and Enforcement Year to Date – The Board received a statistical report on compliance and enforcement issues and in closed session discussed specific matters and situations of concern.