Board of Directors Meeting Highlights – September 17th, 2021
On Friday September 17th, 2021, the Board of Directors of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) held its regular monthly meeting electronically.
Highlights from the meeting included:
2021 Ducks Unlimited Canada Wetland Restoration Partnership
The Board of Directors approved the 2021 Memorandum of Agreement between Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) and the NPCA. Assistance from DUC will allow the NPCA to leverage funds and organizational capacity for financial efficiencies, collective impact and enhanced outcomes when implementing wetland restoration projects.
The Memorandum of Agreement will include seven (7) proposed wetland restoration projects for 2021 that will restore approximately 2.3 ha of wetlands located within the Niagara Region. DUC will contribute up to $43,300 to the seven (7) proposed projects and the NPCA will contribute an estimated $60,000 to the projects.
2023 NPCA Wedding Facilities Rates
The Board approved of the Proposed 2023 Wedding Fee structure and schedule for Ball’s Falls Conservation Area, as well as facilities at Binbrook, Chippawa Creek and Long Beach Conservation Areas. The approved changes would enact a minor cost increase in venue rentals and set-up costs at Ball’s Falls Conservation Area and for pavilion receptions at Binbrook, Long Beach and Chippawa Creek Conservation Areas.
Niagara Peninsula Aspiring Global Geopark Memorandum of Understanding
The Board of Directors was provided an update on the Niagara Peninsula Aspiring Geopark (NPAGG) and approved of a three-year term Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between NPAGG and NPCA. The MOU grants an NPCA staff member a seat on the NPAGG board that will encourage active participation and inclusion in geopark planning and operations as well a commitment to collaborative projects. The approval of this MOU and partnership is both timely and appropriate, as the NPCA initiates operations under a new strategic plan with a goal to forge strategic partnerships.
COVID-19 Vaccination Policy
Following suit with resolutions passed by the Regional Municipality of Niagara and the City of Hamilton, the Board of Directors approved of the formation and implementation of an NPCA policy on mandatory vaccinations for NPCA staff. The NPCA COVID-19 Vaccination Policy will enhance our commitments to protecting the health and safety of NPCA staff, board and various stakeholders.
Upon development of a COVID-19 vaccination policy, consultation will be held with relevant stakeholders including the NPCA Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee and the local Union Leadership. The policy will apply to all staff, regardless of work location and/or role, and all
staff will be educated on the policy and procedure.
2022 Operating and Capital Budget Assumptions
The Board of Directors approved the use of 2022 Operating and Capital Budget assumptions for use in the development of the 2022 Draft Budget for consultation and submission to municipal partners. Many factors such as: cost of living adjustments, inflation, operational impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and implications of Bill 229 were considered in the formation of assumptions.
Banking Policy and Investment Policy Approvals
The Board approved a formal Banking Policy to establish procedures and practices that ensure fiscally responsible and sound management of the organization’s financial resources. The objective of the policy is to set goals and objectives to ensure appropriate stewardship of NPCA’s cash and financial assets.
The Board also established an Investment Policy to govern the management of surplus funds and the investment portfolio of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA). This policy applies to the investment activities of the NPCA revenue funds, idle cash, reserves and funds held in trust.
Contract Award Update - Binbrook Conservation Area Septic System
The Board of Directors received an update on the capital contract award to Montague Construction Ltd. for the construction of a septic system at Binbrook Conservation Area in the amount of $910,000 plus HST. The capital disbursement also included a 10% contingency in the amount of $91,000, for a total capital project approval of $1.001M plus HST.
Links to Agendas, Minutes and Video:
https://npca.ca/administration/board-meetings