The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) has received ruling on behalf of Justice James Ramsey pertaining to the NPCA Board of Directors composition.
As a result of a recent Supplementary Application, it was decided that Niagara Region is entitled to appoint 27 members to the Board, based on the population of the municipalities within the Region, as per the Conservation Authorities Act.
“Expanding the Board to the size referenced in today’s ruling would not be in the best interest of the Conservation Authority,” says Dave Bylsma, NPCA Board Chair. “Our current Board is operating in a highly effective manner, and we are thrilled with the accomplishments we have achieved in a relatively short period of time. As a Board, we feel that 27 members from Niagara alone would make the Board unmanageable and inefficient.”
The current NPCA Board of Directors is comprised of 18 members; 12 from Niagara Region, four from the City of Hamilton, and two from Haldimand County. According to Lawyer Paul DeMelo, the Conservation Authorities Act still permits the three municipalities to come to an agreement on the ultimate composition and number of Board Members to appoint.
“The mandate of this Board is to prioritize and focus on our environmental mandate, not political issues,” adds Diana Huson, NPCA Board Vice-Chair. “We owe it to the staff of the organization, and our watershed, to focus on what’s most important— the protection of people and property from flooding and other natural hazards, and the conservation of our natural resources.”
Today’s court ruling will be formally discussed at the next Board Meeting scheduled to take place on June 19 at Ball’s Falls Conservation Area. The NPCA respects Judge Ramsey’s decision and looks forward to providing any necessary support to its partner municipalities.
For more information about the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, please visit www.npca.ca. Follow on Facebook and Twitter for updates.
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About NPCA:
The NPCA manages the impact of human activities, urban growth, and rural activities on the Niagara Peninsula watershed with programs and services that help keep people and their property safe from flooding and erosion, while retaining the safety of our drinking water.
NPCA manages 41 Conservation Areas, including Ball’s Falls, Binbrook, Long Beach and Chippawa Creek. These lands are held in public trust for recreation, heritage preservation, conservation, and education. NPCA’s Conservation Areas marry nature, culture and adventure to create limitless opportunities for discovery.
Questions related to the above release should be directed to:
Erika Navarro
Communications Specialist
Mobile: 905-650-4027
enavarro@npca.ca