The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s (NPCA) 2023 Annual Report highlights the significant advancement of our 2021-2031 Strategic Plan, driving our mission to achieve a thriving environment for future generations. The theme, 'Driving Collective Impact …Naturally,' emphasizes our commitment to collaboration in advancing regional solutions. The positive impact of conservation authority work in our communities and across the Niagara Peninsula watershed is demonstrated by our collaborative successes over the past year.
As we entered the 65th year of NPCA’s establishment, we’re filled with immense pride, seeing ourselves well-positioned to carry forward the legacy of our founding leaders. These visionaries, in the early decades of the conservation movement, contributed significantly to finding creative solutions to the challenges of their day, from flood control measures to safeguarding communities and infrastructure, preserving wetlands and bogs through land securement and restoration, and solving local irrigation problems.
The factors that contributed to these past achievements are still relevant today and have continued to transform our organization: long-term vision and staff ingenuity, unwavering support from partners and the community, a solution-driven collaborative approach, and good environmental stewardship. Over the past few years, we’ve proven how much is possible and we look back on our performance with immense gratitude against the backdrop of recent challenges.
A major milestone in NPCA’s transformation in 2023 was the approval of our administrative office relocation. In keeping with NPCA’s climate and sustainability commitment, the new office is located within the boundaries of the Brock District Plan, a sustainable and green urban district. Our asset upgrades included Low Impact Development (LID) features and electric vehicle (EV) chargers.
Our “Trees for All” campaign (one million trees by 2030) garnered significant interest, with 800 landowners participating. Another key highlight was the inclusion of 11 NPCA properties – encompassing 790 hectares – toward Canada’s goal of protecting 30 per cent of its lands and waters by 2030. With these additions, NPCA’s total contribution to this national target now stands at an impressive 1,622 hectares.
Operationally, we set the bar high for client service in planning and permitting, visitor experience, and fiscal responsibility, with diversified revenues to address program gaps and support our various initiatives.
In addition to these, our 2023 report highlights many of our achievements, including:
- Completed 184 km of floodplain mapping.
- Launched the “Trees for All” program with 800 hectares of potential planting areas including over 700 private and 200 public properties.
- Added 11 properties, totaling 790 hectares, toward Canada’s 30x30 target for a total of 1,622 hectares.
- Implemented the Niagara River ‘Beach Closings BUI’ removal.
- Engaged over 11,000 children in outdoor education at 10 conservation areas.
- Attracted over 30,000 visitors to events, boosting the local economy and heritage appreciation.
- Welcomed record numbers of visitors: 500,000 passive park visitors and 160,000 paid visitors at flagship parks.
- Created 1,552 square meters of pervious parking surface.
- Installed three electric vehicle charging stations.
- Engaged 846 active volunteers, contributing 8,269 hours of service.
- Secured $2.1 million in grant funding, a 375% increase.
- Approved a new administrative office within the Brock District Plan, enhancing sustainability.
We deeply appreciate the contributions of NPCA’s nimble and hard-working staff, our amazing volunteers, our supportive community, Indigenous and our municipal partners, the many organizations we work with, and our Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation. Our collaborative efforts with the federal and provincial governments, and our ongoing partnership with Conservation Ontario, have been pivotal in our success.
Together, we continue to create a strong, purposeful organization that significantly contributes to sustainability and prosperity across our unique eco-region.