January 15, 2026 - Annual Meeting
The Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority Board of Directors met virtually on January 15, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., with Chair Tom Hutchinson presiding. The meeting opened with a land acknowledgement read by Director Mike Niesen. The agenda was adopted, the minutes of the November 20, 2025 meeting were approved, and no declarations of pecuniary interest were made.
Guests from neighbouring conservation authorities and partner municipalities were welcomed, with greetings shared in recognition of SVCA’s 75th anniversary. The Board was introduced to new Corporate Services staff, including a new accounting clerk and the Acting Manager of Corporate Services.
In his address, the Chair acknowledged the continued support of member municipalities, staff, partner authorities, and watershed taxpayers, and spoke to recent provincial announcements regarding conservation authority amalgamation. He reaffirmed the value of local governance and reflected on SVCA’s 75-year legacy of conservation, flood protection, planning support, and land stewardship.
The General Manager reported that 2025 was a productive year, marked by progress across departments through staff collaboration and adaptability. Highlights included planning system improvements, conservation area upgrades, forestry operations, and continued advancements in flood forecasting and water resource infrastructure.
For the election of officers, Robert Uhrig was appointed Chair Pro Tem, with Tim Lanthier and Phil Beard serving as scrutineers. Nominations were closed for Chair, Vice Chair, and Second Vice Chair. As the Past Chair remained on the Board, an election for Member-at-Large was not required. Committee appointments for 2026 were approved.
The Board received the General Manager’s program report, which outlined ongoing engagement with MECP, Conservation Ontario, neighbouring authorities, and municipal partners regarding proposed conservation authority amalgamation. Updates were also provided on training, committee participation, and flood preparedness outreach.
Corporate Services reported on a staffing transition in December, and welcomed a new accounting clerk and acting manager.
Environmental Planning and Regulations staff reported progress on regulation mapping updates, planning agreement revisions, floodplain consultation, and targeted outreach. Forestry and Lands staff addressed unauthorized camping, site cleanups, hazard tree removal, and infrastructure improvements at conservation areas. Water Resources staff issued Watershed Conditions Statements, completed Flood Watch training, and commenced seasonal snow and ice monitoring, including daily frazil ice monitoring in Durham. Water Quality staff continued municipal delegations and completed seasonal sampling programs.
The Board approved the 2026 Authority Meeting and Section 28 Hearing schedule, noting that a revised March meeting date will be brought forward for confirmation.
The Board approved the 2026 SVCA Budget in the amount of $6,493,483, including a 1.6 percent Category 1 apportionment increase. The budget maintains current programs and service levels through reserve use, cost containment, and operational efficiencies, and authorizes notification to member municipalities with payments due in March and June 2026.
The Board reaffirmed statutory health and safety and workplace harassment policies for 2026 and confirmed Baker Tilly SGB LLP as auditor. Legal counsel appointments for the year were also approved, with staff noting that legal services are retained on an as-needed basis.
The Board received a report explaining the discontinuation of copying Directors on active planning and regulation correspondence, noting legal guidance related to procedural fairness and confirmation from Conservation Ontario that the practice is not standard among conservation authorities.
An updated Memorandum of Understanding with the County of Bruce for planning review services was endorsed and will be circulated to County Council for approval. Amendments to the 2026 Environmental Planning and Regulations Fee Schedule were approved, with an implementation date of March 1, 2026, to allow time for communication with municipalities.
An update was provided regarding the renewed lease with the Saugeen Valley Children’s Safety Village. Staff explained that subleasing is no longer permitted, as the organization does not pay rent for the facility or surrounding lands, and unrestricted third-party rentals would be inconsistent with the intent of the agreement.
It was noted that 56 items of correspondence were attached to the agenda, with all but one related to conservation authority amalgamation. The remaining item was correspondence from the Township of Chatsworth supporting the 2026 SVCA budget. None were pulled for discussion.
The Board moved into closed session to discuss matters relating to an identifiable individual and reported that no motions resulted.
The meeting adjourned at 4:49 p.m.
To receive the agenda package, please email: publicinfo@svca.on.ca
March 11, 2026 - Board of Directors Meeting
The Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority Board of Directors met virtually on March 11, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., with Chair Tom Hutchinson presiding. The meeting opened with a land acknowledgement read by Director Moiken Penner. The agenda was amended to include reports related to recent Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks announcements regarding conservation authority restructuring and fee freezes. The amended agenda and January 15, 2026 meeting minutes were approved, and no declarations of pecuniary interest were made.
The Manager of Environmental Planning and Regulations introduced a new Resources Information Technician to the Board.
The Board received the 2026 SVCA Workplan, which outlined departmental priorities and operational initiatives for the year ahead. Staff noted several updates and new initiatives, including the transition of SVCA’s content management system from iCreate to Govstack effective in April. An update was also provided regarding Environmental Planning and Regulations service agreements, with negotiations temporarily paused pending additional provincial direction.
The General Manager’s program report highlighted continued high activity levels across the organization throughout early 2026. Staff delivered municipal budget presentations, major community events, watershed management initiatives, permitting services, and flood response operations, including extensive 24/7 frazil ice monitoring in Durham. Corporate Services continued advancing payroll audits, tax filings, financial reconciliations, and administrative system improvements, while Communications, GIS, and IT staff maintained strong operational support and ongoing infrastructure and mapping projects.
A new quarterly municipal update initiative was introduced to improve communication and information sharing with member municipalities.
The Board approved appointments to Conservation Ontario Council and the Source Protection Regional Management Committee for 2026. Discussion also occurred regarding the future role of Conservation Ontario in light of proposed provincial conservation authority amalgamation.
Staff provided an overview of the Province of Ontario’s March 10, 2026 announcement regarding conservation authority restructuring. The revised provincial proposal would consolidate Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities into nine regional entities. Under the proposal, SVCA would become part of a Lake Huron regional authority, with transition activities anticipated to begin in May 2026 and full implementation targeted for February 2027. Staff noted that no immediate operational changes are expected and that SVCA will continue delivering services under its existing governance and budget structure during the transition period.
An additional update was provided regarding the provincial direction freezing planning, development, and permitting fee increases until February 28, 2027. As SVCA’s previously approved fee schedule changes were adopted prior to the provincial announcement, those changes will remain in effect.
Corporate Services presented draft first quarter financial statements for 2025, noting that HST filings had been completed and that reconciliation work remains ongoing. Preliminary January 2026 financial reporting was also reviewed, with staff advising that regular financial updates will continue to be brought forward to the Board.
The Board deferred Forestry and Lands and Water Resources presentations, including Forestry 101 and the Frazil Ice Event update, to a future meeting.
Environmental Planning and Regulations staff presented the 2025 Environmental Regulations Permit Statistics report, noting that 295 permits were issued in 2025, with 99.7 percent processed within provincial timelines. Average permit review time improved to 3.51 days, reflecting continued efficiency gains and service improvements.
No correspondence items were pulled for discussion.
The Board moved into closed session to discuss matters relating to an identifiable individual and later reported that no motions resulted from the closed session discussion.
The meeting adjourned at 3:11 p.m.
May 21, 2026 - Board of Directors Meeting
The Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority Board of Directors met at the Formosa Administration Office on May 21, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., with Chair Tom Hutchinson presiding. The meeting opened with a land acknowledgement read by Director Barbara Dobreen. The agenda and March 11, 2026 meeting minutes were approved, and no declarations of pecuniary interest were made.
The General Manager introduced a new Resources Information Technician to the Board.
The Board received an update on SVCA’s 2026 Operational Workplan, including current priorities, project timelines, and completed initiatives across all departments.
The General Manager’s program report summarized organizational activities between February and May 2026. Highlights included continued engagement with Conservation Ontario, provincial ministries, municipalities, and watershed stakeholders regarding governance, infrastructure, watershed operations, and the proposed conservation authority amalgamation. Corporate Services continued supporting human resources, finance, communications, GIS, and IT functions, including seasonal staff onboarding, audit preparation, financial reporting, website migration, mapping, and public communications.
Environmental Planning and Regulations staff issued 54 permits during the reporting period and continued regulatory mapping, planning services, compliance activities, and outreach. Forestry and Lands staff advanced spring tree planting, the annual Arbour Day Tree Sale, campground preparations, community events, and flood response support. Water Resources staff coordinated extensive spring flood forecasting and response activities, including efforts related to the Pinkerton dyke breach, while Water Quality staff continued municipal presentations and watershed monitoring initiatives.
The Board received an update on the Province’s conservation authority amalgamation initiative and the Minister’s Direction issued May 1, 2026. The Direction restricts certain governance, staffing, financial, land, procurement, and capital project decisions without prior provincial authorization. Day-to-day operations will continue within the approved 2026 budget, although additional approval requirements may result in delays for some projects.
The proposed disposition of the Varney Conservation Area has been paused pending further provincial direction. Any future action will require Board approval and authorization from the Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency. The Chair advised that an update would be provided to the community regarding the property’s status.
The Board appointed General Manager Erik Downing and Chair Tom Hutchinson to represent SVCA on the Transition Committee established as part of the proposed Lake Huron regional conservation authority amalgamation process. The Committee will include representatives from six conservation authorities and will be responsible for developing and implementing a transition plan under the direction of the Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency.
The Board supported a proposed 2027 draft budget increase of up to nine percent and directed staff to return with a report for approval in principle at the next meeting. The proposed increase is intended to maintain existing service levels while addressing inflation, asset maintenance, staffing stability, and mandatory program delivery. Staff anticipate using reserves to reduce the municipal apportionment increase to approximately 2.5 percent. Updated reserve information will be available following completion of the 2025 audit.
Corporate Services presented Baker Tilly SGB LLP’s 2025 Audit Planning Letter, which outlined the scope, approach, responsibilities, and communication requirements for the audit of SVCA’s 2025 financial statements. Baker Tilly confirmed its independence and advised that the audit would be conducted in accordance with Canadian Auditing Standards.
Draft financial information for 2025 was also presented. Corporate Services reported that six-figure revenues had been recovered through ongoing reconciliation and collection efforts, although these gains were partially offset by increased legal expenses. The 2026 budget remains on track, a Chartered Professional Accountant is now supporting financial oversight, and efforts to recover outstanding revenue are continuing.
Environmental Planning and Regulations staff reported that SVCA was managing 45 active violation files as of May 2026. Nine new violations had been identified since the previous report, while two were resolved and six were closed. Most files were classified as moderate risk, and one matter remained before the Provincial Offences Court awaiting a trial date.
The Board approved updated regulation mapping for the Durham Creek area in the Municipality of West Grey. The revisions reflect updated floodplain boundaries and regulated areas developed following completion of the 2024 flood hazard mapping project. The proposed changes underwent public and municipal consultation and will be incorporated into SVCA and Grey County mapping systems.
Water Resources staff delivered a departmental overview covering flood forecasting and warning, flood and erosion control infrastructure, water quality monitoring, and drinking water source protection. SVCA manages 25 flood and erosion control infrastructure projects and supports source protection activities for 38 municipal drinking water systems. Emerging priorities include improving public access to water resources data, strengthening communication, advancing asset management and risk assessments, and continuing collaboration with municipal and external partners.
The Board received a report on the January 2026 frazil ice event in Durham. Rapid thaw, rainfall, snowmelt, increased river flows, and subsequent extreme cold produced significant frazil ice formation on the Saugeen River. SVCA issued flood messages, activated its Flood Event Operations Centre, and worked with the Municipality of West Grey to manage conditions. No damage to municipal infrastructure or private property occurred, and response costs were estimated at approximately $19,800. The ongoing Class Environmental Assessment will consider future frazil ice mitigation and dam management options.
Staff also presented a report on the 2026 spring freshet, which resulted from above-average snowpack, rapid snowmelt, and significant rainfall during March and April. The event was comparable to the major freshets of 2014 and 2018, with prolonged high-water conditions and near-record flows recorded at several monitoring stations. SVCA worked closely with municipalities and emergency responders, and residential impacts remained limited despite localized flooding and road closures.
A separate report addressed the March 2026 failure of a privately owned dam and earthen dyke in Pinkerton. The breach diverted water from the Teeswater River into low-lying areas of the village. SVCA supported the response through inspections, flood forecasting, monitoring, and coordination with municipal and provincial agencies. The Municipality of Brockton and local fire departments undertook sandbagging and constructed a temporary cofferdam to protect homes and Bruce Road 15.
SVCA had incurred approximately $6,200 in response costs at the time of reporting. The private property owner is responsible for repairing the failed structure, while SVCA will continue monitoring conditions and assessing repairs required to the Authority-managed Pinkerton dyke.
There were no correspondence items or other business brought forward. The meeting adjourned at 3:55 p.m.
July 16, 2026 - Board of Directors Meeting
The Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority Board of Directors met on July 16, 2026, with Chair Tom Hutchinson presiding. The agenda and May 21, 2026 meeting minutes were approved. All recommendations presented to the Board were carried.
The General Manager’s program report highlighted ongoing engagement related to the Province’s conservation authority restructuring initiative, including meetings with the Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency, Conservation Ontario, neighbouring conservation authorities, and municipal partners. SVCA submitted organizational information to support provincial transition planning, and representatives participated in the initial informal meeting for the proposed Lake Huron Regional Conservation Authority Transition Committee.
The Board also recognized Forestry and Lands Manager Donna Lacey as the recipient of Forests Canada’s 2026 Most Valuable Planter Award. The national award recognizes her leadership and contribution to forest restoration, including the planting of approximately 2.6 million trees during her 28-year career with SVCA.
Departmental reports outlined continued activity across the organization. Corporate Services completed the intensive 2025 external audit while supporting payroll, financial administration, human resources, communications, GIS, IT, seasonal staffing, and development of the 2027 budget. The Authority’s 2025 Charitable Information Return and fourth-quarter HST filing were also completed.
Environmental Planning and Regulations staff continued regulatory mapping, planning agreement updates, floodplain mapping work, and municipal and public outreach. A total of 71 permits were issued between May 1 and June 29, 2026.
Forestry and Lands staff reported a successful spring planting season, with more than 13,000 seedlings and 4,700 large-stock trees planted and more than 16,000 trees distributed to landowners. Staff also supported recreational properties, campgrounds, community events, forest management programs, and watershed stewardship initiatives.
Water Resources staff continued flood forecasting, infrastructure inspections, monitoring, maintenance planning, water quality programming, and municipal coordination. Work also continued on infrastructure projects, source protection initiatives, and the assessment of damage associated with the spring flooding event in Pinkerton.
The Board received an updated 2026 Operational Workplan showing progress on departmental priorities and projects across the Authority.
The Board approved the 2027 draft budget in principle and authorized staff to circulate it to watershed municipalities for a 30-day review and commenting period, including the opportunity to request a delegation. Consistent with the direction provided by the Board in May, the budget incorporated the planned use of reserves to reduce the municipal apportionment increase to approximately 2.5 percent. The draft budget is intended to maintain existing programs and service levels while addressing inflation, asset maintenance, staffing requirements, and other operational pressures.
The Board approved amendments to SVCA’s Fee Policy and the 2027 fee schedules for Environmental Planning and Permitting, campgrounds, Forestry, Corporate Services, and Water Resources. Most eligible fees will increase by approximately three percent to reflect inflation and anticipated program costs. Environmental Planning and Regulations fees remain unchanged due to the provincial fee freeze.
Corporate Services presented the draft 2025 year-end financial results, reporting an overall operating surplus of approximately $585,000 before capital fund considerations and final audit adjustments. Results varied across departments. Administration experienced a deficit related primarily to employee separation costs, consulting expenses, unrecoverable receivables, and legal costs. Environmental Planning and Regulations, Forestry and Lands, Water Resources, and other program areas reported surpluses arising from additional revenue, unspent budgeted expenses, revised project scopes, deferred work, grants, and the capitalization of certain expenditures. Campground results included operating surpluses at Brucedale and Saugeen Bluffs and a deficit at Durham resulting from lower-than-anticipated revenue and higher operating expenses.
The Board authorized staff to seek approval from the Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency to continue disposal-related work for the Varney Conservation Area. Provincial authorization is required before SVCA can undertake further investigation, due diligence, consultation, reporting, or other work intended to advance the potential disposition of the property, in whole or in part.
The Board designated a staff member as a Provincial Offences Officer under the Conservation Authorities Act and the applicable provincial class designation.
The Board endorsed the transfer of easements associated with seven flood and erosion control infrastructure projects to the Municipality of Kincardine. The projects include the Campbell Erosion Control Project, Inverhuron Flood Control Project, Kincardine Gabion Wall Project, Kincardine Township Erosion Control Project, Penetangore River Diversion, Penetangore Slope Stability and Erosion Control Project, and Riggins Erosion Control Project. Staff will proceed with finalizing the required documents and easement transfers.
The Board received correspondence concerning conservation authority consolidation, future funding, the Town of Saugeen Shores’ objection to the Minister’s Direction, and the Province’s requirements for completing the 2027 budget and municipal apportionment process.
The Board moved into closed session to discuss matters concerning identifiable individuals, litigation or potential litigation, and the proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land.
