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02 12 2003 COW AgendaCOMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING AGENDA DATE: WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2003 TIME: 9:00 a.m. 1. NOTICE OF ADDITIONS TO AGENDA 2. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA 3. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF: - "IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ACT" 4. RECEIPT OF ACCOUNTS: a) Statement of Accounts for the month of January, 2003. 5. DEPUTATIONS: a) 9:10 a.m. Judy Smith, re: boat ramp at Second Concession, Shanty Bay. b) 9:30 a.m. Keith Sherman, Co-ordinator, Severn Sound Environmental Association, re: Severn Sound Sustainability Project. c) 10:00 a.m. Wayne Wilson, Chief Administrative Officer/Secretary-Treasurer, Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority, re: 2003 Business Plan. A4 a) Trehaven Golf Club, correspondence re: Municipal Property Assessment Corporation's tax assessment for golf property. b) Township of Severn, correspondence re: Capital Contributions to the Coldwater & District Community Centre. c) Ministry of the Environment, correspondence re: Proposed New Drinking Water Regulation (copy available in Clerk's office for review). Ministry Deadline for Comments: March 15, 2003. d) Ms. Beth Bashford, petition of Sugarbush residents, re: neighborhood park, received February 5, 2003. 7. FINANCE, ADMINISTRATION AND FIRE: a) Jennifer Zieleniewski, CAO, Report re: Recreation Advisory Committee composition (to be distributed at the meeting). b) Report No. ADM2003-12, Jennifer Zieleniewski, CAO / Andria Leigh, Senior Planner, re: Proposed Expansion of Conservation Authority Jurisdiction within the Township of Oro-Medonte. c) Marilyn Pennycook, Clerk, DRAFT By-Law Respecting Smoking in Workplaces (for Council's consideration only). d) Councillor Hughes, discussion re: Old Town Hall Flood. e) Councillor Hughes, discussion re: Plan 709. 8. PUBLIC WORKS: zu 9. ENGINEERING & ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES: a) Report No. EES2003-08, Keith Mathieson, Director of Engineering and Environmental Services, re: Ontario Small Town and Rural Development (OSTAR) Round 1 Funding Agreement. 10. BUILDING, PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT: IN 11. IN-CAMERA: a) Jennifer Zieleniewski, CAO, re: Legal Matter. 4 W&AMMU COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING Wednesday, February 12, 2003 6. CORRESPONDENCE: e) Notice of Decision, County of Simcoe, re: Lot 154, Plan 51 M-689, 30 Hewitt Place, City of Barrie. f) Notice of Decision, County of Simcoe, re: 382, 384, 386, 388, 390 and 392 Dunsmore Lane, Block 340, Registered Plan 51 M-689, City of Barrie. g) Yvonne Klima, correspondence, re: Shanty Bay Public Boat Launch. h) Barbara Adamson, correspondence, re: Severance of Pt. Lot 6, Con. 9. i) Douglas Campbell, correspondence, re: Deputation Pertaining to Sale of Park Land in Plan 709 at Council Meeting, February 5, 2003. Pat Hastings, correspondence, re: Request to Waive Procedure for a Deputation Notice. k) Ontario Municipal Board, correspondence, re: Decision re Hardwood Hills dated January 20, 2003. 7. FINANCE, ADMINISTRATION AND FIRE: f) Mayor Neil Craig, re: West Nile Virus. 11. IN-CAMERA: b) Jennifer Zieleniewski, CAO, re: Personnel Matter. C``_' - p From: Marilyn Pennycook Sent: Wednesday, January 29, 2003 12:42 PM To: 'frederick.smith @sympatico.ca' Subject: RE: re deputation Ms. Smith, Your name has been placed on the agenda for the February 12 meeting of Committee of the Whole. The meeting begins at 9:00 a.m. There is a deputation before yours on the agenda. I would ask that if you have prepared a written submission to the Committee that you have 10 copies available for distribution to members. Thank you. Marilyn Pennycook Clerk - - - -- Original Message - - - -- Sent: Tuesday, January 28, 2003 5:29 PM To: clerk Ccr�township.oro- medonte.on.ca Subject: re deputation January 28th., 2003 Clerk, Marilyn Pennycook I am requesting time at the February 12th. 2003 council meeting to bring a deputation regarding the boat ramp at the second concession in Shanty Bay Please comfirm this by e -mail to frederick.smith @sympatico.ca Thank You, Judy Smith, Box 4B8 RR# 3 Shanty Bay LOL 2LO phone 722 7637 �c Deputation to Council, Township of Ciro- Medonte: February 12, 2003 Submitted by: Residents and other interested parties, Village of Shanty Bay Regarding: Construction of Utility Boat Ramp, Line 2 South, Village of Shanty Bay Part I - Facts to Consider: 1. Commencing April 2002, Shanty Bay residents presented concerns to Council regarding boat ramp use by a barge owned by Jones Construction: concerns related to interference and damage; at no time did residents consent to the presence of the barge. The boat ramp was damaged by the barge. 2. It appears that Jones Construction was approached to repair the boat ramp. Jones Construction retained Peter W. Gill, Landscape Consultant, to provide diagrams. This included an expansion with a utility ramp for truck access. 3. A report supporting the utility ramp project was presented to township's Committee of the Whole: this report, dated November 1, 2002 and prepared by Jerry Ball, Public Works, was adopted by Council. Timeline for completion of the project was March 15, 2003. We are concerned that before this report was made (and the project was officially approved), an `Application for Work Permit' was filed (on September 15, 2002) with the Ministry of Natural Resources by the township. Furthermore, an authorization for Peter W. Gill to act on behalf of the township was signed by Mr. Ball on September 30, 2002. This was done without public consultation. 4. Public opposition to the project has become significant: A public meeting was held on February 6, 2003, where 60 people attended to voice concerns such as: ♦ Safety: heavy construction trucks in a residential village setting pose safety issues, particularly for the many children who walk down Line 2 to gain access to the public dock for swimming + Pollution: air pollution, noise pollution, and water pollution + Congestion: arising from the combination of construction trucks and boaters' vehicles in a space that is already busy in summer months + Inappropriate commercial activity in a "rural settlement area" (the designation assigned to this area in the township's Official Plan): the docking area is intended for public boat launching, not for commercial purposes (Deputation to Council — Village of Shanty Bay — page 2) Part 11— What We Want Council To Do: 1. Commit, in writing, to an immediate stop to the utility ramp project. 2. Pay for the necessary repairs to the boat ramp; seek compensation for such repairs from Jones Construction. 3. We are concerned that even if the utility ramp project is cancelled -- as we assume it will be -- barges can still use this access point to the lake as their loading spot. This means large construction trucks in a quiet, residential setting: this is, as previously mentioned, a grave safety issue. The environment is also seriously threatened by the presence of barges and large, industrial trucks. The solution: a. Pass a by -law restricting the size of vehicles permitted on this section of Line 2 except for certain, intermittent, uses, i.e., deliveries, moving, etc. b. Pass a by -law restricting the use of the boat ramp by barges. Closing thoughts: The Oro- Medonte Official Plan includes these guiding principles: "Changes to the water quality and hydrological and hydrogeological characteristics of watercourses, lakes and wetlands are to be minimized... " "The protection of the Township's natural attributes, such as its rural character and its Natural Heritage System, will be encouraged to ensure that the recreational and tourism uses that rely upon these attributes continue to thrive. " We strongly urge Council to adhere to these principles: Please act now to terminate the utility ramp project and ensure that future use of the boat ramp and surrounding roads is appropriate. •■ rrrsrrrrsrsrrssrrsarrrrsrsrrssrrsrrrrrrsrrasrssarsrsrsrsrrsrsrssrrsrrst Respectfully submitted by the following working group on behalf of residents of Shanty Bay and other interested parties: John Anderson: 739 -8198 Mitchell Eisen: 720 -2811 Michael Puro: 722 -8497 Shawn Murray: 725 -0160 Glenn Kendall: 735 -2881 Stephen Peake: 720 -2754 Judy Smith: 722 -7637 rsust-,LinaWity Plan for Severn Sound Severn Sound Environmental Association [f he Partners ftnmm to SSFA Agreement • Environment Canada • Town a Midland • Town or Penetangulshene • township of Tiny • Township of Tay • Township of Oro- Medonte • Township of Severn • Township of Georgian Say • Township of Spnrtgwater • Friends of Wye Marsh Inc. Protect Partnam Include: .Ont. Ministry of Environment -Ont. Ministry of Natural Resources -Ont. Ministry or Agriculture and Food -Ont. Ministry of Minos and Northern Development •pert. of Fisheries and Oceans -Natural Resources Canada -industry Canada -Agriculture Canada P02 0% 100 00:00 56-1 i My 5sion statczncnt The mission of the Severn Sound Environmental Association is to restore and maintain environmental quality and to ensure continued protection through a legacy of wise stewardship of Severn Sound and its tributaries. Restore and maintain environmental quality... a Restoration: c Remedial Action Plan (RAP) • Stage 3 completed and formally transmitted to the International Joint Commission items that still testae mmcdiation were listed and a long term plan of action is currently being devdlnoed. • October 10, 2002 — UC announces tnffi Severn Sound is to bu rammed from their list of Areas of Concern . Ongoing actions include: rural programs, habitat restoration, pollution prevention and surveillance... I Monitoring... ■ Monitoring Environmental Quality: • Monitoring Programs • Open Water—Sevem Sound, Eastern Georgian Bey, Algae complaints... • Tributary—Flow, Long Term Quality, Provincial Water Quality Monitoring Network • North Simcoe Rural Water Quality Improvement Program • North Simcoe Municipal Groundwater Study Sustainabalty • Now that the Severn Sound Area of Concern has been deitftd. the Sevem Sound Environmental Aawdettot's goal is to oomptete the rmnsMon"the Remedial Action Plan program to a locally sustained envirorxrnsrrtal offloe. promdi g cost etfeaw- envunnmental manageptent tmat will sustain improvements "eyed thmupn the RAP prooem The AssW, ation is now focusing on the future — beyond the completion of the RAP dc-listlng mandate and developing a sustainebiilty plan for the Sev¢rn Sound oommunity, We nave an opportunely to define what it means to be a Sustainable Community. -. e0 100 00:00 tr Ensure continued protection through a legacy of wise stewardship... ■ The SSEA continues to: a provide expertloe in planning, designing, funding and implementing environmental projects, a provide a "neutral, informed voice' to assist the community In making decisions related to the environment, c monitor the state of the environment and the effectiveness of remedial measures, o coordinate and provide access to the Sevem Sound Environmental database and reports, and o Initiate new projects, resources, and partnerships. Melbourne Principles u r .IItr�: i rcIL EI Irtwrobomi Co wo rw Loom F}MMMWfh+l I+ti a6ws 2 A. Vision for the Creation of Sustainable Communities ,To create environmentally healthy, vibrant and sustainable communities where people respect one another and nature, to the benefit of all! Principle 2 Achieve long -term economic and social security. ■ Eco- efficlency InKiatives for small to medium Industries ■ Renew human, financial and natural resources ■ Safe, clean communities ■ Triple Bottom t.lne - Meeting environmental, human, and economic needs. Principle 1 Provide a loag -try vision for communities bascd ox susuaiQabilityy, intexgenerational, social, economic and political equity; 2nd their 40 individu21ity. ■ Our community needs a vision of sustainable development that emphasizes our distinctive nature and characteristics, ensures equity to both human and natural resources and promotes shared responsibility for preserving the value of those resources, Principle 3 Recognize the intrinsic • valuc of biodiversity and natural ecosystems, and protect and restore them. ■ Value of natural ecosystem ■ Shared responsibility to act as custodians of nature for future generations . Public education will increase awareness of how each of us impact our natural ecosystem. 3 Principle 4 A.l_ Enable communities to minimise their ecological footpant. I Vm apk.w Iee 0— ■ Communities have metabolisms; we must make the metabolism more efficient to reduce the footprint, locally Wving the problem rather than shifting them to other geographic locations for future generations to deal with, Principle 6 ReccV: sc and build on the distinctive cha=bozistics of communities, including their human and culturgl values, history and natural systcrns, • While our communitles do share many of the some values and history, they also Oolfese unique and distinctive charsctenstiog whioh sets them apart. • These suniiarfties and differenoes oontib ute to the overall etrenetn and diversity tithe region, and shmid be celebrated 365 P05 Principle 5 Build on the cbarxttlistics of ecosystems in the development and numviag of healthy and sustainable communities. e. ,•, 56 -9 • Any hRure development oouid retkact innovative conoeeft such as preen bulkling design, ernnronmentar landempe design, and green DOwerirenewable energy. • Explore "green" tndustrtac to boost the economy _ these Industries not only foster Improved environmental Conditions, they naqulre them. Principle 7 Empower people and i. J foster participation. ; . A strong foundation of community participation In the region already exists, particularly with the Sevem Sound Environmental Association and the Sevem Sound Public Advisory Committee. n ry I PI nncrple 8 Holland and enable cooperative networks to work towards a sit common sustainable future a Identity both existing and potential community networks that can contribute to the design of a sustainablllty plan by strengthening existing networks and establishing new cooperative networks that will facilitate the transfer of knowledge and support continual environmental Improvement. Principle 10 Enable continual improvement, based on accountability, transparency and good governance. ■ The various mechanisms of the Severn sound Environmental Attsocidtlon and the Severn Sound Public Advisory Committes could provide the tools necessary to design, Implement, and measure progress of a sustainabillty plan. ar„ Principle 9 Promote sustainable production and consumption, through appropriate use of environmentally sound technologies. yr rr �g ■ environmentally- friendly products a adoption of greener technologies ■ Sustainable production can be supported by adopting and using environmentally sound technologies through the SSEA. Key Issues for Implementing a Sustainability Plan in Severn Sound a Short term a A sustainability plan needs to be developed with the municipaildes and public consultation. a Long term • Work with Partner municipalities to include sustalnabillty content In aftictat Plans and other operating policies • Work with local Industries • Foster public involvement -5 Goals & Objectives „ t ■ Triple Bottom Line — decisions to be made based on wcial, economic and environmental impact Sustainable Communities Initiative is Severn Sound will be a Canadian model Sustainable Community, joining a network of global communities of interest such as: o San Jose, Costa Rica a Salvador, Bra¢II o Velperalso -Mna del Mar, Chile v Cordoba, Argentina • Katowice, Poland • Durban, South Africa • Qulndao, China �r 00 100 00:00� /} 5� -D Rewards • This project Is full of potontlal and time involved will got international recognitSon for Weir efforts.. • Municipalities and residents will loam more about each other and the community as a whole. • Success achieved by the Remedial Action Plan will be sustained for future generations • Positive impact on the environment, economy and human resources. Commitment from Municipalities ■ No additional funding will be required to develop the Sustainability Plan — only in -kind and staff time • Participate in the process and add to the Sustainability Plan based on your municipal experience • A Resolution, confirming your commitment to the development of the Sustainability Plan through the Severn Sound Environmental Association l4: Severn Sound Environmental Association. Wye Marsh Wildlife Cerdre P.O. Box 100 Midland, Ontario L4R 4X6 (705)126 -7$09 -FAX (705) 526 -3294 365 P01 00 100 00:00 CO N:Zk� FAX to: Marylin Permycook, Clerk Township of Oro- Medonte FAX #: 705- 487 -0133 FROM: Keith Shorn= DATE: February 13; 2003 PAGES (iaacl..cover): 7 RE: COPY OF PRESENTATION FROM WEDNESDAY Please find attached the slides frornn my pre sentation at yesterday's General Committee Meeting. "Conserving our Healthy Waters" Vision 2003 aga Valley Conservation Authority 4—=� Governance and Organization Full Authority Board Services and Departments • overall Policy Development ■ Land & Water & Approval ■ Engineering and Technical • Setting Level of Service Support • Annual Budget ■ Planning Advisory Board Committees ■ Communications & Education ■ Provides advice & ■ Corporate Administration & recommendations to the Finance Executive and Full Authority Board Nottaawasaaga Valley Conservation Authority (J I 2003 Business Plan Objectives 1. Protect, enhance and restore water a. Protect, enhance and restore land s. Protect life and property from flooding and erosion a. Provide educational and recreational opportunities for the public Nottawasap Valley Coose h0n Authority A s)- Notts —sap Vaaey Conservation Authority Watershed Management r Nottawasap Vaaey Con—bon Authority \— 1 Watershed 1¢� f Notts —sap Vaaey Conservation Authority Watershed Management r Nottawasap Vaaey Con—bon Authority \— 1 Principles • Wise use: balancing socio - economic needs and ecological function within the watershed • Innovation: using best available technologies • Maintaining proactive and adaptive programs • .Maintaining a fair and open decision making process • Maintaining strong stakeholder communication, education and consultation • Streamlined cooperative approach • Consider economic implications in all management actions Nottawasaga Valley Conucvtion Authority 2003 Priorities Restoration & Protection • Land Management & Stewardship • Engineering and Technical Services • Planning Support • Communications & Education • Corporate Services Notmwasaga Engineering & Technical Services Protection • Geographic Information Systems • Environmental Service: Watershed Health Monitoring, Natural Heritage & Special Projects • Flood & Erosion Hazard Management Nonacvasaga Valley Consawtion Authoaty tr- 2002 Watershed Management Accomplishments • Provincial Groundwater Study • Construction of Administration Centre • Pond & Conservation Land Protection Policy • Watershed Health Monitoring • Stream Rehabilitation and Water Quality Projects • Enforcement of Regulations • Low Water Response Team • Fisheries Habitat Management ■ Natural Hazard Management ■ Watershed and Subwatershed Planning Nottawamga Valley Conury U- Authority V Land Management & Stewardship Restoration ■ Reforestation ■ Community River Restoration Notw. —g, Vally Conserv*A.1h.-61ty ■ Healthy Waters ■ Conservation Lands Planning Services 2 M • U Summary of gel • Watershed Protection • Watershed Natural Heritage System • Pilot Projects in Nutrient Management • Groundwater Study • Hazard Land Mapping T Initiatives for 2003 • Implementation of Source Protection Plans • Nutrient Management Act • Subwatershed Plans • Watershed Restoration Nottawasaga Vauq Consecwt- Authority (�)J Implementing Our Healthy Waters Vision The 2003 budget is an investment of $2.2 million, for 150,000 residents ■ 9.72 % increase over 2002 • 5.64% levy increase over 2002 ■ Cost per resident of local levy at $6.00 similar to 2002 ■ $13.5 Billion of Assessment Nolen saga Valley Cone fi— Authority A Partnerships with Municipalities 2003 Budget • Protection 53% • Restoration 24% • Corporate Support 13% • Communication /Education 6% • Capital Repair & Replacement 4% Total $2.2 million Norm wga Vi llq Conserntlon Authority (* I 3 LL= K� Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority 2003 -2005 Business Plan f ~ - JA 7pt n <..03 Our Vision: Our Mission: ,tA p,SAG4 r> "Conserving our healthy waters" "Working together to value, protect, enhance and restore our watershed resources for a healthy, sustainable future" January 2003 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Introduction .................................................................................................................. ............................... 3 1.1. Vision ................................................................................................................... ..............................3 1.2. Mission ................................................................................................................. ..............................3 1.3. Objectives ............................................................................................................. ..............................3 1.4. Principles .............................................................................................................. ..............................3 1.5. Governance and Organization ............................................................................... ..............................3 2. Watershed Management Issues ..................................................................................... ............................... 5 3. 2003 Service Delivery Priorities and Pressures .............................................................. ..............................6 4. Centre for Conservation - Improving Client Services ..................................................... ............................... 8 5. Strategic Program Delivery .......................................................................................... .............................10 6. Financial Forecast Summary ..........................................................:.............................. .............................11 7. Appendix A: Detailed Program Strategies ..................................................................... .............................12 7.1. Land Management and Stewardship ( 100) ............................................................ .............................12 7.1.1. Reforestation (I 10) ...................................................................................... .............................12 7.1.2. Community River Restoration (120) ............................................................ .............................15 7.1.3. Healthy Waters ( 130) ................................................................................... .............................21 7.1.4. Conservation Lands ................................................................................... ............................... 24 7.1.5. Tiffin Property ( 170) .................................................................................... .............................30 7.1.6. New Lowell Conservation (160) ................................................................. .............................32 7.2. Planning (3 10) ................................................................................................... ............................... 32 7.2.1. Purpose ..................................................................................................... ............................... 32 7.2.2. 2003 -2005 Program Strategy ..................................................................... ............................... 33 7.2.3. Personnel ..................................................................................................... .............................33 7.2.4. Financial Forecast ...................................................................................... ............................... 34 7.3. Engineering & Technical Services (400) ............................................................ ............................... 34 7.3.1. Geographic Information System (410) ...................................................... ............................... 35 7.3.2. Environmental Services ( 420) ...................................................................... .............................39 7.3.3. Flood and Erosion Hazard Management (430) ........................................... ............................... 50 7.4 Corporate Services ( 600) ...................................................................................... .............................57 7.4.1 Corporate Communications (610) ...................................................................... ............................... 57 7.4.2 Tiffm Outsource ................................................................................................ ............................... 69 7.4.3 Corporate Fleet ( 650) ......................................................................................... ............................... 71 7.4.4 Corporate Office ( 660) ....................................................................................... ............................... 73 7.4.5 Governance (670) .............................................................................................. ............................... 76 7.4.6 Corporate Administration/Finance Support (680) ............................................... ............................... 77 7.4.7 Corporate Capital Replacement/Reserves ( 600 - 002) ........................................... ............................... 81 8. Appendix B: Glossary ..................................................................................................... ............................... 85 9. List of Tables .................................................................................................................. ............................... 86 10. List of Figures ............................................................................................................... ............................... 88 ra 1. Introduction This document details the 2003 -2005 Business Plan for the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority. We developed this watershed management strategy to address a number of watershed issues (discussed in section 2); it reflects our vision, mission, principles and objectives (discussed in sections 1.1 -1.4), and will be implemented according to our governance and organizational structure (as detailed in section 1.5). As approved by our Full Authority Board, this document sets the program strategy and funding priorities for the next three years. It will be reviewed annually as part of the budget setting process. 1.1. Vision Our vision is: "Conserving our healthy waters" 1.2. Mission Our mission is: "Working together to protect, enhance, restore and value our watershed resources, for a healthy sustainable future " 1.3. Objectives In order to achieve our mission, the NVCA has four broad objective areas: 1. Protect, enhance and restore water 2. Protect, enhance and restore land 3. Protect life and property from flooding and erosion 4. Provide educational and recreational opportunities for the public 1.4. Principles This business plan reflects our management principles. As described in our Watershed Management Plan, these principles include: • Wise use: balancing socio- economic needs and ecological function within the watershed • Innovation and use of the best available technologies • Maintaining proactive, adaptive programs Maintaining a fair, open decision making process that balances individual and societal rights, privileges and responsibilities Maintaining strong stakeholder communication, education and consultation • A streamlined, cooperative approach • Considering economic implications of all management actions 1.5. Governance and Organization Our organizational structure (which illustrates reporting relationships of staff and members) is shown in Figure 1, however our service delivery uses an integrated team approach. The role of the Full Authority board is overall policy development and approval, and setting level of service through the 3 year Business Plan and annual budget. Advisory committees provide advice and recommendations to the Full Authority and Executive in the 3 broad program areas: Communications & Education, Growth & Development, Land & Water. Through the C.A.O. /Secretary- Treasurer, with direction and support from the Executive Committee, staffs role is to efficiently deliver approved programs to a high standard of service. 3 Figure 1: 2003 NVCA organization. z �� Organizational Chart Land Management & Stewardship Director, Byron Wesson Stewardship Services Fred Dobbs Forestry Services Rick Grillmayer Healthy Waters Leo Luong Lands & Operations Gregory Bray New Lowell- Conservation Area Under review * Contract Full Authority (24 Members 18 Municipalities) Executive Committee Chief Administrative Officer /Secretary Treasurer Wayne R. Wilson Engineering & Service Director,Glenn Switzer Environmental Services Chris Jones Water Resources Michael' Dodd GIS Analyst Tina DesRoches *Terrestrial TBA *Conservation Paul Fry Planning Director,Charles Burgess Resource Tim Salkeld *Watershed Bob Law Environmental Barb PPtrpai i It *GrPn MarPk Senior Planner Mike Sullivan Comm. /Education Advisory Committee Growth & Development Advisory Committee Land & Water Advisory Comm. Corporate Communication DirectofBarb MacKenzie•Wynia *Communication Asst.(under revie, Administration Office Manager, Susan Richards Reception /Administration Associe Kim Winder *Administrative Asst. TBA Finance Manager of Susan Whitters Accounts payable clerk Michael Maheu 4 Prepared: Jan 12003 2. Watershed Management Issues As shown in Figure 2, watershed management is like a seesaw. We try to maintain watershed health by balancing resource use and ecosystem function. Excessive emphasize on either end of the seesaw results in a loss of this balance; healthy economies need healthy environments and vice versa. Social and Economic Needs Ecosystem Function, Quality and Quantity of Terrestrial and Aquatic Features Declining Health Declining Health Watershed Management Figure 2: Watershed management: A process of maintaining watershed health by balancing social and economic uses of natural resources with the need to maintain ecosystem function and the quality and quantity of natural features. Too much emphasis either on socio- economics or ecosystem protection will lead to declining watershed health. Maintaining watershed health is a challenging task. We must characterize our resources and measure our performance by answering questions like: How much (water, land, habitat, etc.) is enough? What natural features (if any) are expendable and what needs to be protected or improved? Have we done enough? Have we succeeded? Is the current governance system working? Characterizing our resources allows us to build a suite of programs (as described in later sections) that collectively form a watershed management strategy. Our strategy must address questions like: How can we better understand our watershed resources, their susceptibility, and value? Considering existing human activities and pressures associated with predicted rapid growth, how can we protect our water? Who does what? Who pays for what? How can we use science and technology to help us adapt to changing roles and responsibilities? How can we effectively communicate with all parties involved in watershed management? How do we ensure that our governance model and staff resources allow us to use performance information to adapt our programs as necessary? How can we ensure sufficient funding to implement priority programs and maintain flexibility to adapt to changing mandates, changing funding sources, and changing public expectations? Our strategy must also recognize local priorities and constraints such as: impairment of surface and groundwater, rapid growth, climate change, loss of green space, changing mandates, and deteriorating infrastructure. NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 3. 2003 Service Delivery Priorities and Pressures A number of financial pressures currently affect all program areas, including: • Rising insurance costs (35 -40% increase anticipated in 2003, $15,000 ?) • Rising vehicle fuel, and building energy costs ($10,000 ?) • Salary grid increases (3% for 2003) and the need for compensation review because some job classes are significantly below market comparison (total impact $80,000 ?) • Annual inflation (2.5 -3% per year) ($35,000 ?) The above pressures on fixed operating costs alone will add approximately $140,000? to our current approximately $2 million budget. Our challenge over the next three years is to balance increasing costs between user fees and municipal levy. There is a need to preserve our natural heritage system through a strategic evaluation program. Any new initiatives will be contingent upon finding new funding sources. All of the above pressures are driven by our rapidly growing population (4% /year) and rapidly growing developed lands and assessment (5- 8 % /yr). A priority is to review ways to blend Municipal levy payment increases with assessment growth, ensuring a fair equitable sustained operational funding level for the Authority; i.e., can we set a fixed levy assessment rate? In the following paragraphs, 3 year strategies are summarized by department. Land Management and Stewardship Services • Allocate sufficient staff time for effective land management to ensure initiatives from current, new and future Land Management Plans are undertaken • Complete management plans for conservation lands that identify priority projects and funding opportunities • Continue efforts to minimize vehicular traffic damage, illegal dumping, theft and vandalism on Conservation Lands • Acquire significant lands including in the Minesing Swamp, Oak Ridges Moraine and the Niagara Escarpment through historical and new funding partners • Allocate sufficient resources to ensure safety, educational and recreational opportunities at Tiffin and other conservation lands • Boost uptake of healthy waters best management practices by demonstrating the merits of various technologies at Tiffin • Increase emphasis on planting and maintaining trees on high priority sites (e.g. streamside zones). • Expand implementation of river restoration projects through new partnerships through the Healthy Waters Program. • Increase research on new techniques for river reach restoration, dam decommissioning and improving urban stormwater management. • Boost participation in the Healthy Waters Program by increasing the amount of staff time allocated to project development with landowners • Continue to promote the Healthy Waters Program and educate watershed residents on water - related issues affecting stream health. • Secure government and private sector funding for the Healthy Waters Program NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 6 Engineering and Technical Services • Test and calibrate the ISWMS flood forecasting model • continued program development in conjunction with the LSRCA • Develop a flood damage assessment program • Update our Flood Operation and Maintenance Manuals • Update our flood forecasting and warning standards to meet the minimum requirements of the GTA Conservation Flood Group • Update the technical and legal standards for engineering submissions • Update the hydrologic model for the Nottawasaga River system using digital aerial photographs • Improve the stream flow and environmental monitoring network based on a network analysis in conjunction with the MNR, Conservation Ontario, and Environment Canada • Creating a low flow monitoring and reporting strategy • Initiate the establishment of the generic regulations according to provincial guidelines • Acquire ecological expertise to build a natural heritage strategy for priority sub - watersheds that meets the Provincial state of the practice and the Municipal Planning Act. • Review the monitoring program to ensure that it adequately supports all of our programs and phase -in a permanent monitoring assistant position to deal with increasing work load. • Allocate sufficient staff time to manage special projects of mutual CA, municipal and provincial interest (e.g. source protection planning, sub - watershed based review of Permits To Take Water, low water response) as provincial/CA roles in water management are clarified • Develop a GIS strategic planning committee to guide the GIS program • Acquire and share geospatial data needed for all programs through LINC (Land Information Network Co- operative) and other partners Provide an increased environmental planning service to our municipalities through the provision of new information, analysis, and technical support Become equipped with the appropriate human and financial resources in order to adapt to the increased growth and development pressure imminent in this region Acquire additional senior planning expertise in order to develop and implement strategies, policies, and plans related to a changing role of conservation authorities related to landform conservation and groundwater management Corporate Services • Raise the profile and visibility of the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority and promote our important role in environmental protection and management as the local Healthy Waters Conservation Agency, including a web -based conservation information network • Build positive relationships with target audiences, particularly with our municipal partners to cultivate support. • Increase public awareness of our watershed heritage and our efforts to protect and enhance our natural areas • Build a cost effective fleet of safe, reliable vehicles that uphold a professional image and allow staff to conduct business throughout the watershed • Create an inventory of necessary equipment to undertake NVCA projects in a safe, productive and cost effective manner. • On -going involvement of members in the delivery of Conservation Authority programs and services through Full Authority, Executive Committee and Advisory Committee meetings, by NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan providing administrative, legislative and professional support and preparing agendas, minutes and follow -up action reports to staff. • Consolidate all NVCA programs and staff to one facility at the Tiffin Centre for Conservation in the John Hix Conservation Administration Centre • Continually working toward providing a proficient, energy efficient, save working environment for staff by ensuring proper and timely maintenance through proper budgeting processes and facility needs assessments and safe, ergonomically correct work environment. • Review the storage and retention of all records and documents. The Office Manager is the Coordinator of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Personal Privacy Act. • Establish an internal network to assist with proficiency and to continue to enhance e- business. • To conduct a comprehensive policy procedures review. • To provide timely responsive financial information maximizing available technology within a fully integrated accounting system to meet the needs of all our clients and customers: Executive Members, staff and government agencies. • To complete an in -house payroll system, including direct deposit for method of payment, complete taxable benefit calculations, including integrating OMERS pension, and retroactive payrolls • Establish appropriate reserves to enable NVCA to replace /maintain capital assets (fleet buildings and equipment) and to enable NVCA to manage future financial risks. Requirements will be reviewed annually through the budget process. • To establish appropriate operational reserves to provide for vehicle replacement, capital/infrastructure maintenance and support, legal and operating contingencies, etc. • To provide advise, and consult and recommend a particular course of action with regard to consistency, legislative compliance, fairness of treatment and equity. • Administration of benefits including OMERS • To provide network administration, e- business, staff training and orientation, and health and safety information. • To Update /create Compensation Review (including benefits) to at least match market value 4. Centre for Conservation- Improving Client Services Due to air quality concerns associated with our existing administrative building (in Angus), the need to accommodate future growth of our Authority, and in order to keep pace with emerging pressures on our watershed resources, this business plan strategy includes our move to the new administrative office that is being built at the Tiffin Conservation Area. At the same time as we were designing and building our new office building, we were also in the process of developing this business plan. These parallel processes provided an opportunity to reflect on our programs and services and identify areas of our business where we could improve services to watershed residents. The product was our new Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority Centre for Conservation concept, a strategy for improving our client services. NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 8 Figure 3 highlights the three components of our Centre for Conservation concept. NVCA Centre for Conservation Administrative Building Watershed Conservation Information Programs System Figure 3: The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority Centre for Conservation Concept. The first component is a new administrative centre that will: have state-of-the-art environmental features such as natural lighting, groundwater heating and cooling, and bio- filtration of wastewater, provide sufficient room for all staff to work in the same building so landowners have one - window access to conservation information and project support (such as grants for tree planting and stream rehabilitation and guidance on how to manage private lands in an environmentally responsible manner); and provide a venue for workshops, demonstrations and other educational programs related to wise and healthy use of our natural resources. The second component of the Centre for Conservation concept is a suite of new conservation projects that boost implementation of "Best Management Practices" (management practices that are both cost effective and result in environmental benefits) on private lands— projects such as tree planting and fencing livestock from stream valleys. The third component of the Centre for Conservation Concept is a watershed information system that will give our clients accessible, readily usable information about the watershed. It will be an intemet -based information system that will enable watershed residents, school children, municipalities and businesses to create current, customizable maps of watershed areas of interest (showing such items as healthy and unhealthy streams, roads, towns, wetlands, forests, significant natural areas, and conservation project sites) and download current information on water quality, flood status, weather and other types of watershed information. NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 9 5. Strategic Program Delivery Figure 1 shows linkages between our programs and objectives and the role of governance and corporate services. Corporate Services: Administration, Finance, Corporate Communications, Information Management, Performance Monitoring (Efficient delivery of programs to a high standard of service) Protection of Governance: Full Authority, Executive, Life and Provide Recreational Property from "1 and Educational Flooding and Advisory Committees Erosion Hazards N v' (Policy Development, Establish Annual Level of service) N G en Watershed Management W W 0 (In Cooperation with our Partners) F Wi c Protection, Enhancement & 4-00- Protection, ~ 10 Restoration: Water Enhancement & Restoration: Land 3 � c 00 •� 3 u y _ aoi E as C !" > ` C a' o C G o c F o y 5 a v v m .9 m E s o ° a o awi w o ° a�i S G 3 a = 1 s 3 9 t g - a $ o a N v vi m a w en � � O Corporate Services: Administration, Finance, Corporate Communications, Information Management, Performance Monitoring (Efficient delivery of programs to a high standard of service) Protection of Life and Provide Recreational Property from "1 and Educational Flooding and Opportunities Erosion Hazards N v' N G en W W 0 v F Wi c Figure 4- Stratenic servires related to each of NVCA's 4 obiectives Three year strategies, activities, measures of success, risks and assumptions, personnel and financial forecasts for each program are provided in Appendix 1. NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan mi 6. Financial Forecast Summary 2003 -2005 summary of expense and levy requirements is given in Figure 5. Program 2002 Planning (3 10) $ 374,000.00 Reforestation (I 10) 123,745.72 Tiffm Property (170) 32,451.75 Community River Restoration (120) 37,827 68 0 .' . Engineering (400) 158,771.61 Environmental Services 420 ) 151,973 27 'n("'�,�pp1�1 =R4"F: 541'k =?�1�1.�z.. 4,Rk',�(�VN.i�3y}'E��,'x5 S'JY!'Yw' yand y �k, �.. k?; nR''„'.311aw� Flood Forecasting Warning (UNR) 376,981.00 Corporate Communications (610) 82,024 10 W 122,746 05 Corporate Fleet (650) 11,000 00 Corporate Office Support (660) 115,616 50 OX $898,650.58 �OffWG Corporate Admin. Support (680) 81,756.61 T,,..,l $1.914.788.50 Capital Repair and Replacement 100,000.00 Total 2,014,788.50 Expenses 2003 2004 94,000.00 $ 432,0( 131,620.00 139,4 44,400.00 / 3j�6' ,650.00 Me 144,010.53 145,775.92 376,980.00 93,111.05 10,348.39 117,294.63 59,068.00 38,483.50 , x 151,211.05 159,914.72 1542)}42' 376,980.00 101,712.11 10,411.14 119,298 20 VWYQ 115,642.11 ).00.090.46 2005 2002 50,000.00 $ 32,000.00 146,570.00 37,245.72 60,175.00 23,451.00 41,166.18 4,577.68 0 .' . 158,771.61 165,425.49 57,565.60 376,980.00 127,401.00 110,31t 34.56 74,024.10 11,466.87 10,400.00 122,746 05 121,116.00 ,;287 0; 125,446.45 79,756.61 ).99,308.93 $898,650.58 100,000.00 100,000.00 100,000.00 100,000.00 2,210,538.42 2,300,090.46 2,399,308.93 998,650.58 Levy 2002 -2003% increase % Change Operations 1. $44,000 from Healthy Waters, $24,000 2002 carryover and $20,000 unmatched grants for 2003 2. Special benefitting natural heritage study Essa Township for $10,000, under development 3. $25,000 Contingency removed, specific line items incorporated and additional staff support reduced $7000 to same as 2002 level. 4. Capital Repair & Replacement reduced to $75,000 Revenue (levy 2003 36,400.00 4,806.00 6,000.36 60,276 82 . :.,' 157,338.00 88,011.05 10,400.00 117,294.63 75,000.00 1,054,960.32 5.64 9.72 Figure 5: 2003 -2005 expense and revenue forecasts for each NVCA program. 2002 figures were included for comparison. 41,063.41 25 47,068.00 5,046.89 6,300.38 70,140 66 23;4{ 22 157,338.00 95,612.11 2Q000 00 10,400.00 119,298.20 73,$42 06 113,642.11 1,142,876.51 100,000.00 1,242,876.51 43,116.58 45,175.00 5,299.24 244,001.42 6,615.40 71,162.72 24,619:58 157,338.00 104,234.56 20,000.00 11,500.00 122,746.05 75,387.29 123,446.45 1.216.116.29 100,000.00 1,316,116.29 NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 11 7. Appendix A: Detailed Program Strategies 7.1. Land Management and Stewardship (100) 7.1.1. Reforestation (I 10) 7.1.1.1. Purpose The purpose of the reforestation program is to strategically expand forest cover, recognizing the linkage between forest cover and healthy terrestrial and aquatic habitats. This program is a mechanism by which the NVCA strives to achieve Watershed Management Goals 1 -5 (section 4). 7.1.1.2. 2003 -2005 Program Strategy The Reforestation Program has 3 components; Reforestation (planting and maintaining trees), the Arbour Day Program, and the Managed Forest Program. The goal of the Reforestation Program is to provide the capacity to plant and maintain tree seedlings in strategic areas throughout the watershed. Due to the high cost of implementation, the planting of key riparian areas is made possible only through effective cost- sharing partnerships with municipalities, interest groups, and the Province of Ontario. The maintenance and expansion of these partnerships is key in ensuring that we are able to continue our focus on riparian restoration. The NVCA has joined with other CA's to purchase seedlings in bulk, and works constantly with supplying nurseries to ensure stock meets genetic and quality standards. Expanding technical and practical abilities for pre - planting site preparation, and post - planting maintenance of seedlings will increase survival rates and ensure effective use of limited financial resources. The Arbour Day Program provides the urban watershed resident with access to trees, shrubs, planting information, and most importantly, direct exposure to the NVCA. Sales are held throughout the watershed in partnership with various community groups. The proceeds of each sale are split between the NVCA and the partner through a specific agreement. The Managed Forest Program gives landowners access to the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program (MFTIP). Plans can be written and /or approved on a fee basis. The program provides revenue for the reforestation program, and provides resource management information to the forest landowner. The Reforestation Program (110) is linked with the HWP (130) and the Community River Restoration (120) Programs through the implementation of riparian planting projects, providing technical services that relate to riparian /forest restoration, and seedling stock for community groups. NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 12 Table 1: Targets, strategic actions and measures of success for NVCA's reforestation program, 2003 -2005. Information for 2002 was included for comparative purposes. Program activities 2003 -2005 Target 2002 2003 2004 2005 Measures of Success Reforestation 57,000 65,000 trees 70,000 trees 75,000 trees Increasing To increase the numbers Planted planted and planted and planted and emphasis on of trees planted versus through the NVCA and maintained, in partnership maintained, in partnership maintained, in partnership planting and maintaining rather trees sold, and to increase the number of the Healthy Waters with Simcoe County, New with Simcoe County, New with Simcoe County, New than selling trees. priority riparian sites P Program, Tecumseth Tecumseth "and Tecumseth 75,000 trees planted. 80,000 trees also in and Province and Province Province planted / maintaine planted /sold /maintained partnership of Ontario. of Ontario of Ontario d annually, with annually in our with the New Form new (NEC). Form (NEC). Form 50% planted in watershed through an increasing number of Tecumseth Simcoe partnerships. (NEC). new partnerships. new partnerships. high priority agreements /partnerships County 15,000 trees 10,000 trees Establish riparian areas. with private landowners, Programs and Province sold. Begin discussion sold. Continue new municipally Securing and maintenance of municipal, provincial and federal agencies, and of Ontario regarding discussion based tree sufficient number other stakeholder (NEC). 20,700 trees new municipally regarding new planting program. (and size) of partnerships to groups. sold. based tree municipally Trees no enable this. planting based tree longer sold to program. planting landowners. program. 5000 trees made available to NGO's through the NVCA. Arbour Day Sales held Sales in key Sales in key Sales in key 8000 trees and Annual Arbour Day tree in Angus, watershed watershed watershed shrubs sold sales in partnership with Stayner, communitie communitie communitie annually, in 5 sale various community Wasaga s with a total s with a total s with a total venues. groups within the Beach, of 6000 of 7000 of 8000 watershed to provide Elmvale. trees sold trees sold trees sold urban residents with 5000 trees access to 8000 trees sold. annually, boost awareness of the NVCA and its programs and raise funds for the reforestation program. MFTIP Plans 5 Private 5 CA plan 5 Private 5 Private 5 plans Provide Managed Forest land plans renewals, 5 land plans land plans written /approved Tax Incentive Program Private land annually approval services to plans watershed landowners and generate revenue for reforestation ro ram. NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 13 7.1.1.3. Personnel Personnel required to meet reforestation program targets are detailed in Table 2 Table 2: Reforestation program personnel requirements, 2003 -2005. 2002 figures were inserted for comparison. 7.1.1.4. Financial Forecast Reforestation The 2003 -2005 financial forecast for the Reforestation Program is given in Figure 6. Reforestation Personnel Requirement (months) Position 2002 2003 2004 2005 Director of Land 1.5 1 1 1 Management Levy Non Match (5% /annum) $37,245.72 $39,108.00 and Stewardship $43,116.58 User Fees $86,500.00 $92,512.00 Services $103,453.95 Sub -total $123,745.72 $131,620.00 Manager of .5 1 1 1 Stewardship Wages and Benefits $51,475.72 $56,100.00 Services $65,435.04 Contract Planting $20,000.00 $20,900.00 Conservation 9 10.5 10.5 10.5 Services $38,800.00 Equipment $2,700.00 $2,500.00 Technologist $2,500.00 Transportation $4,500.00 $4,700.00 Forestry 1 1 1 1 Assistant $120.00 Admin Re- allocation $10,000.00 $10,000.00 7.1.1.4. Financial Forecast Reforestation The 2003 -2005 financial forecast for the Reforestation Program is given in Figure 6. Reforestation program 110 2002 2003 2004 2005 Revenue Levy Non Match (5% /annum) $37,245.72 $39,108.00 $41,063.41 $43,116.58 User Fees $86,500.00 $92,512.00 $98,340.26 $103,453.95 Sub -total $123,745.72 $131,620.00 $139,403.67 $146,570.53 Expenses Wages and Benefits $51,475.72 $56,100.00 $60,588.00 $65,435.04 Contract Planting $20,000.00 $20,900.00 $21,945.00 $23,042.25 Materials and Supplies $34,100.00 $35,600.00 $37,800.00 $38,800.00 Equipment $2,700.00 $2,500.00 $2,500.00 $2,500.00 Transportation $4,500.00 $4,700.00 $4,750.67 $4,973.24 Hydro -Tree Cooler $70.00 $120.00 $120.00 $120.00 Admin Re- allocation $10,000.00 $10,000.00 $10,000.00 $10,000.00 GIS /IT $0.00 $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $1,000.00 Corporate Communications $900.00 $700.00 $700.00 $700.00 Sub - totals $123,745.72 $131,620.00 $139,403.67 $146,570.53 * projected 5% contract planting cost increase does not provide for plantin more trees ** anticipated increase in costs of seedlings and other materials **" revenues to be increased by 6% every year, this will be difficult to achi Figure 6: 2003 -2005 financial forecast for the Reforestation Program. NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 14 7.1.2. Community River Restoration (120) 7.1.2.1. Purpose The purpose of the Community River Restoration (CRR) Program is to strategically rehabilitate rivers working in partnership with local community groups. The CRR Program coordinates projects which improve stream health, restore fish and wildlife habitat, and, enhance water quality. This program provides the technical, financial and project management support that local community groups and landowners need in order to implement effective river restoration projects. This program is a mechanism by which the NVCA strives to achieve Watershed Management Goals 1-5 (section 4). 2003 -2005 Program Strategy The CRR Program strategy is to implement river restoration projects /programs by working in partnership with existing community and special interest groups and through helping to support and develop new groups. Through the CRR Program, partners are encouraged to implement long -term focussed river restoration programs (e.g. Boyne River and Beeton Creek Restoration Programs), which emphasize sound watershed management principles and the concept of "best bang for the buck". The CRR Program offers support for • Development of appropriate /achievable river restoration program goals • Collection of background data and new assessment information working in concert with the NVCA's Watershed Health Monitoring Program • Development of river restoration plans which identify high - priority candidate sites and strategies • Establishment of partnerships and negotiation with landowners on high - priority restoration sites • Development of restoration site plans (including design), proposal writing and costing • Acquisition of project- specific funds and financial administration • Acquisition of all required NVCA, Provincial and Federal Permits • Collection of baseline data for the project site prior to restoration work • Implementation of restoration projects including project management and site supervision • Collection of post - construction performance monitoring data and report writing • Implementation of project maintenance works where required Three categories of river restoration projects are implemented through the CRR Program including: River Reach Restoration * Note that these project types are listed in logical order for a restoration site, not in order of importance within the Community River Restoration Program. • Negotiation of land retirement and setbacks on adjacent landuse practises (e.g. urban and rural encroachment) and securing "buffer strips" along watercourses. • Negotiation of livestock exclusion projects to be implemented through the NVCA's Healthy Waters Program • Implementation of strategic river bank stabilization /stream habitat enhancement projects needed to ensure the sustainability of "buffer strips" (e.g. to keep the river away from incompatible adjacent landuse practices, and to protect livestock exclusion fencing) • Coordination of high - priority streamside reforestation projects to be implemented through the NVCA's Reforestation Program (see 8.2) and implementation of community tree plant projects. • Reconstruction of healthy floodplains (where floodplains have been degraded or infilled). • Reconstruction of healthy natural river channels and new channel alignments (where channels have been harmfully altered or moved e.g. Municipal Drains). NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 15 Dam and Pond Removal /Optimization • Dam Removal • Restoration of natural river channels within former pond sites • Construction of bottom discharges on existing dam structures Urban Stormwater Management System Optimization Construction of "end of pipe" treatment facilities for urban runoff The Community River Restoration Program (120) is strategically linked with the Reforestation Programs (110) and the Healthy Waters Program (130) for project implementation. 7.1.2.2. 2003 -2005 Program Strategy The strategic implementation strategy for the reforestation program is summarized in Table 3. NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 16 Table 3: Targets, strategic actions and measures of success for NVCA's Community River Restoration Program, 2003-2005. Information for 2002 was included for comparative purposes. Risks associated with meeting program targets include a decrease in support from community group partners, a decrease in funding support from private, corporate and government sources, development of technical and permit related problems, and the unexpected allocation of program staff onto other projects (e.g. Black Ash Creek Floodway Project). 17 NVCA 2003-2005 Business Plan Program 2003 activities 2004 2006 Measures of Success 2003-2006 Tar et 2002 Securement of Securement of 1 OOM buffer. Securement of 1 OOM of strearnside buffer. Securement of loom of strearnside Document a significant River Reach Restoration loom of strearnside buffer. of strearnside Coordination of 50m Coordination of 50m buffer. long-term improvement (see project type Coordination of of livestock exclusion of livestock exclusion Coordination of 50m livestock in stream health description under 8.3.2) 50m of livestock exclusion fencing. fencing. Implementation of fencing. implementation of of exclusion fencing. (BioMAP scores), summer water The target for this project implementation of 100m of 1 Oom of implementation of loom of temperatures, and fish area is to continue to loom of stream community health. negotiate/coordinate buffer bank stabilization. strip development and Coordination/Imple livestock exclusion fencing, mentation of 5 high and, to coordinate/ priority strearnside implement stream bank stabilization/habitat improvement, streamside reforestation and floodplain construction at the 2002 performance level or higher. 17 NVCA 2003-2005 Business Plan Additional targets include reforestation stream bank stream bank stream bank development of expertise projects. stabilization. stabilization. stabilization. Document an increase in establishing conserv. Coordination/Implem Coordination/Implem Coordination/Imple in community group, easements, the Construction of entation of 5 high entation of 5 high mentation of 5 high landowner and implementation of a natural 30m of floodplain (2X channel width). priority strearnside reforestation projects. priority strearnside reforestation projects. priority strearnside reforestation municipal participation in the Community River stream channel Construction of 60m Construction of 60m projects. Restoration Program. construction and of floodplain (2X of floodplain (2X Construction of realignment project (2003), channel width). channel width), 60m of floodplain and to Restoration/realignm including a municipal ncluding a construct a floodplain ent of 50m of drain project. municipal drain adjacent to a municipal degraded stream project. drain (2004). channel. Restoration/realign ment of 50m of degraded stream channel. Dam and Pond Complete Complete Complete Complete Document a significant Removal/Optimization implementation of implementation of 1 implementation of I implementation of short-term decrease in (see project type 1 high priority high priority dam high priority dam 1 high priority summer stream description under 8.3.2) dam removal/natural removal/natural dam temperatures The target for this project decommissioning channel restoration channel restoration removal/natural downstream and long- area is to continue to /natural channel project. project. channel term improvement in implement dam restoration restoration stream health (BioMAP removal/natural channel project. Note that Complete Complete project. scores) and abundance restoration projects at the several of these implementation of 1 implementation of 1 of coldwater fish 2002 performance level, projects are "in high priority bottom high priority bottom Complete species downstream. continue to develop staff progress" in any draw construction. draw construction. implementation of expertise and program given year. 1 high priority capacity in this new project bottom draw area. construction. Urban Stormwater None None Implementation of I Implementation of Document a significant System Optimization "end of pipe" 1 "end of pipe" short-term decrease in (see project type treatment project treatment project sediment and nutrient description under 8.3.2) (e.g. Urban (e.g. Urban transport into Stormwater Outfall Stormwater watercourse (e.g. . I NVCA 2003-2005 Business Plan 18 The target for this project at Tottenham) Outfall at Tottenham) Beeton Cr.) and long- term improvement in area is to develop staff stream health (BioMAP expertise and program scores) downstream. capacity in this new program area though implementation of an urban stormwater optimization project in 2004 and in 2005. NVCA 2003-2005 Business Plan 19 7.1.2.3. Personnel Personnel required to meet Community River Restoration program targets are detailed in Table 4 Table 4: Community River Restoration program personnel requirements, 2003 - 2005.2002 figures were inserted for comparison. 7.1.2.4. Financial Forecast 2003 -2005 financial forecasts for the Community River Restoration Program are given in Figure 7. Personnel Requirement (months) Position 2002 2003 2004 2005 Director of Land 1.5 .5 .5 .5 Management $5,299.24 Project Funding $33,250.00 $31,844.00 and Stewardship $35,866.94 Sub total $37,827.68 $36,650.00 Services $41,166.18 Expenses Manager of 6 4.5 4.5 4.5 Stewardship $29,466.18 Staff Expenses $500.00 $600.00 Services $600.00 Program Materials and Supplies $800.00 $800.00 Special Projects 0 0 0 0 Biologist $1,000.00 Transportation $2,500.00 $2,700.00 7.1.2.4. Financial Forecast 2003 -2005 financial forecasts for the Community River Restoration Program are given in Figure 7. Figure 7: 2003 -2005 financial forecasts for the Community River Restoration program. 2002 budget values were included for assessment. NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 20 2002 2003 2004 2005 Revenue Levy Non Match (5 °to /annum) $4,577.68 $4,806.00 $5,046.89 $5,299.24 Project Funding $33,250.00 $31,844.00 $33,436.61 $35,866.94 Sub total $37,827.68 $36,650.00 $38,483.50 $41,166.18 Expenses Wages and Benefits $26,327.68 $25,262.50 $27,283.50 $29,466.18 Staff Expenses $500.00 $600.00 $600.00 $600.00 Program Materials and Supplies $800.00 $800.00 $800.00 $800.00 Project Materials and Supplies $2,300.00 $1,637.50 $1,000.00 $1,000.00 Transportation $2,500.00 $2,700.00 $2,900.00 $3,100.00 Admin Re- allocation $5,000.00 $5,250.00 $5,500.00 $5,800.00 GIS/IT $400.00 $400.00 $400.00 $400.00 Sub - totals $37,827.68 $36,650.00 $38,483.50 $41,166.18 Figure 7: 2003 -2005 financial forecasts for the Community River Restoration program. 2002 budget values were included for assessment. NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 20 7.1.3. Healthy Waters (130) 7.1.3.1. Purpose The HWP (130) is linked to the Reforestation (110) and the Community River Restoration (120) programs through the implementation of restoration BMPs, project funding and technical services that help protect water quality and improve stream health. The HWP provides financial and staff support projects such as priority tree planting, bank stabilization, on -line pond decommissioning, habitat restoration and community action projects, while also relying on the Reforestation and Community River Restoration programs to achieve the HWP objectives. 7.1.3.2. 2003 -2005 Program Strategy The Healthy Waters Program consists of two main components; Community Outreach and the Healthy Waters Incentive Program. The Community Outreach component focuses on educating the watershed community on stream health and water quality issues. We will provide the basin residents and municipalities with the necessary information to increase the uptake of BMPs and to build a better understanding of watershed health issues and the importance of land & water conservation. Activities include hosting information seminars and workshops (e.g. Healthy Waters, Healthy Futures), speaking at and attending local events (agricultural fairs and stakeholder group meetings), and implementing stream health awareness programs (e.g. Yellow Fish Road Program). This component of the HWP will also produce brochures and "Conservation" based articles for the local print media to educate the watershed community and to promote the objectives of the NVCA's HWP. The Healthy Waters Incentive Program provides financial incentives and technical services to agricultural and rural landowners and community action groups to implement BMP projects that protect water quality and improve stream health. The intention of providing grants and technical assistance, combined with the Community Outreach component, is to increase the uptake of implementing BMPs. Grant eligible projects are listed in Table 5. Table 5: Best Management Practice projects that are eligible for financial grants under the NVCA's Healthy Waters Incentive Program. Rural NPS Pollution '& Water Source Protection Urban Water Riparian Restoration Management Livestock Access Manure Storage, Milkhouse Community Priority Tree Restriction (Fencing, Wash Water & Nutrient Planting Alternative Watering Management Plans Source, Livestock Stream Crossing) Riparian and Habitat Septic Upgrades Community Action Projects Corridor Tree Plantin Bank Stabilization Well Head Protection / Upgrades and Unused Well Decommissioning Natural Freature Channel Clean Water Diversion Berms Design & On -line Pond Decommissioning Grassed Filter Strips and Barn Building Eavestroughing Waterways Fuel /Chemical Stora a /Handlin NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 21 Table 6: Targets, strategic actions and measures of success for NVCA's reforestation program, 2003-2006. Information for 2002 was included for comparative purposes. Funding for BMP projects in 2003 may receive continued funding from OMAF's Healthy Futures for Ontario Agriculture Program. NVCA 2003-2005 Business Plan 22 P ro gram activities I 2003-2006 Target 2002 2003 2004 2005 Measures of Success Community Outreach Conduct 4 Conduct 4 Conduct 4 Conduct 4 Healthy Waters, # of events attended. Educate watershed Healthy Waters, Healthy Waters, Healthy Waters, Health Future Seminars. # of seminars hosted. residents on the water- Health Future Health Future Health Future Participate in 4 watershed # of "conservation" related issues that Seminars. Seminars. Seminars. community events. based articles picked affect our watershed Participate in 6 Participate in 4 Participate in 4 Continue to implement the up by local media. health. Conduct watershed watershed watershed Yellow Fish Road Program and Healthy Waters community community community water conservation programs. Seminars in all 18- events. Continue events. events. member municipalities. to implement the Continue to Continue to Promote the HWP and Yellow Fish Road implement the implement the its objectives through Program and Yellow Fish Yellow Fish attending community water Road Program Road Program events, printed material conservation and water and water and the media. programs. conservation conservation Facilitate the delivery programs. programs. of special water quality protection programs. Healthy Waters 75 BMP projects 40 BMP 45 BMP 50 BMP projects implemented Kms of impaired, below Incentive Program implemented projects projects throughout the watershed. potential and Increase the throughout the implemented implemented Partnerships with 5 local unimpaired streams implementation of watershed. throughout the throughout the watershed organizations protected. projects that protect Partnerships with watershed. watershed. companies. # and % of projects water quality, stream 5 local watershed Partnerships Partnerships implemented within health and organizations with 5 local with 5 local designated high priority groundwater source protection. Implement companies. watershed organizations watershed organizations areas. # of repeat landowners 135 BMP projects companies. companies. / community groups (>50% within high participating in the priority sites). Monitor incentive program. priority project sites (2- 4 permanent sites & 3- 5 new sites pery ear ). * PKAP nmiar-te in gring mrim nwfialiv funded by OMAF's Haalthv Futures for Ontario Agriculture Program. Funding for BMP projects in 2003 may receive continued funding from OMAF's Healthy Futures for Ontario Agriculture Program. NVCA 2003-2005 Business Plan 22 7.1.3.3. Personnel Personnel required to meet Healthy Waters program targets are detailed in Table 7 Table 7: Healthy Waters Program personnel requirements, 2003 -2005. 2002 figures were inserted for comparison. 7.1.3.4. Financial Forecast 2003 -2005 financial forecasts for the Healthy Waters Program are given in Figure 8. NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 23 Personnel Requirement months Position 2002 2003 2004 2005 Director of Land 0.5 1 1 1 Management and Stewardship Services Manager of 5 5.5 5.5 5.5 Stewardship Services Healthy Waters 12 12 12 12 Program Coordinator Forestry 0.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 Services (Interprogram (Interprogram (Interprogram Technologist Wage and Wage and Wage and Reforestation Reforestation Reforestation Im lementation ) Implementation) Implementation) 7.1.3.4. Financial Forecast 2003 -2005 financial forecasts for the Healthy Waters Program are given in Figure 8. NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 23 * $19,500.00 (2002 carry over) is already associated with $39,000.00 of OMAF revenue (2002 carry-over) and $58,500.00 in project expense for matchable grants (2002 carry -over) 2002 Annual Forecasts Budget 2003 2004 2005 (Total Levy $197,962.87 $159,597.29 $225,949.46 $244,001.42 Figure 8: 2003 -2005 financial forecasts for the Healthy Waters Program. 2002 budget values were included for comparison 7.1.4. Conservation Lands 7.1.4.1. Purpose The purpose of the NVCA's Conservation Lands Program is to assist in the long term protection of the Nottawasaga valley watershed and ensure the integrity of significant land forms including the Niagara Escarpment, Minesing Swamp and the Oak Ridges Moraine. Through financing from provincial ministries and public/private foundations, an ongoing land acquisition and management program allows for the education of the general public on the importance of habitat protection as well as ensuring quality recreational and cultural outings. 7.1.4.2. 2003 -2005 Program Strategy NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 24 2002 Annual Forecasts Revenue Budget 2003 2004 2005 *2002 Levy (Grant Projects, non - matchable) Carried -over $0.00 $19,500.00 $0.00 $0.00 Levy (Grant Projects, non - matchable) $15,000.00 $0.00 $72,500.00 $80,000.00 Levy (Grant Projects, matchable) $70,000.00 $26,050.00 Levy $112,962.87 $133,547.29 $153,449.46 $164,001.42 Partners $5,000.00 $2,500.00 $7,500.00 $10,000.00 * OMAFRA (Landowner grants) (carry over 2002) $39,000.00 OMAFRA (Landowner grants) $140,000.00 $58,500.00 OMAFRA (Project delivery) $8,200.00 $7,000.00 Sub -total $351,162.87 $286,097.29 $233,449.46 $254,001.42 Expenses Wages and Benefits (incl InterPgm) $90,362.87 $96,890.92 $104,462.19 $112,599.17 Corporate Communications $4, 000.00 $5,000.00 $5,000.00 $5,082.21 Outreach Education $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $1,000.00 Materials and Supplies $2,000.00 $2,500.00 $2,500.00 $2,500.00 Staff Expenses $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $1,500.00 $1,500.00 Transportation $7,000.00 $7,000.00 $7,000.00 $7,000.00 *BMP Projects (2002 Carry over) $58,500.00 BMP projects $210,000.00 $84,550.00 $80,000.00 $90,000.00 HWP Reforestation Implementation $2,056.37 $2,163.27 $2,254.12 manure storage projects '$15,000.00 Lease $4,800.00 4,800.00 4,800.00 4,800.00 Administration Re- Allocation $15,000.00 20,000.00 22,000.00 24,000.00 GISIIT $1,000.00 2,800.00 3,024.00 3,265.92 Sub total $351,162.87 $286,097.29 $233,449.46 $254,001.42 * $19,500.00 (2002 carry over) is already associated with $39,000.00 of OMAF revenue (2002 carry-over) and $58,500.00 in project expense for matchable grants (2002 carry -over) 2002 Annual Forecasts Budget 2003 2004 2005 (Total Levy $197,962.87 $159,597.29 $225,949.46 $244,001.42 Figure 8: 2003 -2005 financial forecasts for the Healthy Waters Program. 2002 budget values were included for comparison 7.1.4. Conservation Lands 7.1.4.1. Purpose The purpose of the NVCA's Conservation Lands Program is to assist in the long term protection of the Nottawasaga valley watershed and ensure the integrity of significant land forms including the Niagara Escarpment, Minesing Swamp and the Oak Ridges Moraine. Through financing from provincial ministries and public/private foundations, an ongoing land acquisition and management program allows for the education of the general public on the importance of habitat protection as well as ensuring quality recreational and cultural outings. 7.1.4.2. 2003 -2005 Program Strategy NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 24 The Conservation Lands Program consists of three main components; Land acquisition, Management and Recreational Education. In 2003 increased emphasis needs to be placed on management of conservation lands, in particular improving property standards.The Land Acquisition component focuses on lands that have been deemed significant by local, provincial or international agencies and have demonstrated abilities that offer protection to both ground and surface waters as well as significant flora/fauna habitat. Some examples may include class 1 -7 wetlands, forested valley lands, riparian easements along significant waterways. The Management component captures all aspects of public agency land ownership including hazard identification and education, preventative maintenance, self-funding opportunities and land use(s) monitoring. As most of the NVCA's eleven thousand acres are considered wilderness or natural lands there is a natural attraction to an ever growing numbers of visitors that wish to visit and enjoy. Cliffs, gorges, caves, hazard trees and the like are all natural realities of our lands. Without them the natural attraction(s) would be minimized. Through select educational mediums we inform our land users of the hazards, how to safeguard against them and how they can do their part to protect the area. To ensure the sustainability of our areas and their use by the general public, we monitor their use through a number of ways including guest books, annual pass and/or permits and peak season observation documentation. The Recreational Education component is a valuable tool that assists in the management of our lands by keeping the general public aware of our natural resources and why they need to be protected. As well, through the implementation of interperative hiking trails, canoe launching areas, historical reenactments and audio visual presentations we are able to generate user fees that assist in the funding of this program. The Conservation Lands program has an obvious tie to all other NVCA programs with its distinct ability to protect our natural and cultural values. Our watershed landscape is very diverse as are our conservation areas and the management of each is slightly different but distinctively the same. A description of our lands are listed in table 5. Through a variety of select land acquisition programs including the Federal Governments Eco-Gifts program, the NVCA's Land Planning program and the Provinces "Environmental Land Acquisition Program" (FLAP), significant properties throughout our watershed including woodlands, wetlands, valley lands and Niagara Escarpment lands are made available to us. It is in our best interest to pursue these lands as they not only compliment our current holdings but they ensure a wide assortment of environmental benefits to our future generations. The 2003 -2005 strategy for the Conservation Lands Program is given in Table 8. NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 25 Table 8 Targets, strategic actions and measures of success for NVCA's 'Conservation Lands Program, 2003-2005. Information for 2002 was included for .+-,. --r ^Oaa vviu aiaury -FUAFyaw. 2003-2005 Target Program Activities Measures of Risks and 2002 2003 2004 2005 Success Assumptions Minesing Swamp 300 acres of 100 acres land 30 acres land 100 acres (Arnold Efficiency: Adequate Futher land acquisition String Fens securement securement. property) land Cost per acre manpower through partnerships acquired. (Hammerling (Ladue property). securement. upgrade secured and finances Conduct remedial works Management property). Rehabilitate the the 1975 Mgmt. Cost per Landowner through partnerships Plan updated Plan stewardship townline from Cty Flora/Fauna acre owned willingness to Continue research on MNR "Species at activities and rd. 90 to the Nott. inventory. Effectiveness: enter into flora and fauna Risk" survey forest mgmt. plans River (with Work with Friends of # acres secured securement continues for NVCA through snowmobile club) Minesing Swamp to funds raised agreements MNR planning partnership where Write recreational develop enhanced greater awareness Partner group River Sturgeon possible. guide with wetland educational # annual users participation survey Standard risk Friends of tools. proportion of Planning new maintenance Minesing Swamp Upgrade stewardship management plan sediment trap on Standard risk plans for NCC & recommendations Willow Creek Maintenance NAWMP. implemented Standard risk Standard number of new maintenance maintenance. partnerships created Noftawasaga Bluffs 125 adjoining Submit funding Evaluate applying Implement Further land acquisition acres (Taylor proposals for User fees. management plan New stewardship projects property) natural feature and Pursue additional recommendations and educational programs acquired. recreational land acquisition Establish "Friends of New "Heritage enhancements options Nottawasaga Bluffs" Hiking" trail Write management Management group to assist in completed plan Plan issues to be funding and security stable security Standard risk addressed. issues. gate installed at maintenance Standard risk Standard risk main parking lot. maintenance maintenance Managed Forest Plan updated. Standard risk maintenance. # . NVCA 2003-2005 Business Plan 26 Osprey Wetlands Backcountry Raise funds for Enhance trail Standard risk Manage as a natural area hiking/skiing trail new trails network maintenance and promote low impact marked Pursue Develop recreation and Hatherton Esker opportunities for educational fact educational opportunities designated as securement of sheet Earth Science adjacent lands Standard risk ANSI. Standard risk maintenance Standard risk maintenance maintenance Petun 3 adjacent acres Reduce erosion Survey users as Update mgmt. Plan Encourage recreational secured along Bruce Trail part of mgmt plan Standard risk uses Standard risk Implement update maintenance Continue partnership with maintenance management plan Standard risk GTAA recommendations maintenance Standard risk maintenance Ganaraska Trail Pursue municipal Standard risk Standard risk Glencaim Clean-up property and Club sponsored lease agreement maintenance maintenance institute regular clean-up Standard risk maintenance Security gate maintenance Encourage recreational installed to restrict use vehicular traffic. Pursue municipal lease agreement Standard risk maintenance. Essa's long term Maintain woodlot Maintain woodlot Maintain woodlot and Utopia Finalize leasing lease approved and Dam and Dam Dam agreements with Essa by MNR (50 acre and MNR wood lot/valley Encourage Essa to land retained by restore mill NVCA) Maintain dam 11 1 NVCA 2003-2005 Business Plan 27 Fort Willow Mgmt. Plan Develop user fee Implement and Review mgmt plan Continue historical events completed schedule review mgmt plan Standard risk and reconstruction Interpretive Picnic Promote School recommendations maintenance shelter built Board use Standard risk Educational Implement high maintenance. replica "Bantry priority mgmt. Plan Bay" boat built recommendations Standard risk Standard risk maintenance maintenance Standard risk Standard risk Standard risk Standard risk Elba Wetlands maintenance maintenance maintenance maintenance Maintain as natural area Tottenham Standard risk Standard risk Standard risk Standard risk Maintain dam and uphold maintenance maintenance maintenance maintenance lease agreement (property leased by Town of New Tecumseth and managed as campground) NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 28 7.1.4.3. Personnel Personnel required to deliver the Conservation Lands Program targets are listed in Table 9 Table 9: Conservation Lands program personnel requirements, 2003-2005. 2002 figures were inserted f_ A I Personnel Requirement (months) 2004 2002 2003 2004 2005 -Position Director of Land 2 4.8 6 8 Management $15,000.00 J Staff expenses $1,000.00 $1,000.001 and Stewardship $1,200.00 Transportation expenses $3,000-001 $3,000.00 Services $3,200 Admin re-allocation $7,750.00 $7,750.00 Lands & 5 7 7 7 Operations 8 775.00 Sub -totall $54,299-00 $87,431.001 $95,7281 $104,411.00 -Technician Management 4 4 3 4 Plan Technician Land/Operations 4 6 Maintenance Assistant 7.1.4.4. Financial Forecast 2003-2005 financial forecasts for the Conservation Lands program are given in Figure 9. 2002 Annual Forecasts Revenue Budget ... 2003 2004 2005 Levy Non Match $42,350.00 $75,231.00 $81,728.00 $89,474.00 User Fees $11,949.00 $12,200.00, $14,000.00, $15,000.00 J Sub-total $54,299.00 $87,431.00 $95,728.00 $104,474.00 c.. ---- lMaintenance/Supplies $8,575.001 $12,275.00 $16,075 $20,475.00 IGIVIT pceition 1 $1,400.00 $1,568 $1,693.00 Wagestbenefits $25,224-00 $53,256.00 $57,060.00 $61,168.00 Staff expenses $1,000.00 $1,000.001 $1,200.00 $1,200.00 Transportation expenses $3,000-001 $3,000.00 $3,200.00 $3,200 Admin re-allocation $7,750.00 $7,750.00 $7,850-00 $7,900.00 Taxes $ 8.750.00 $8,750.00 5.001 $8.775 8 775.00 Sub -totall $54,299-00 $87,431.001 $95,7281 $104,411.00 Figure 9: 2003-2005 financial forecasts for the Conservation Lands program. 2002 figures included for comparison. NVCA 2003-2005 Business Plan 29 7.1.5. Tiffin Property (170) 7.1.5.1. Purpose The purpose of the Tiffin Conservation Area consists is varied. In terms of facilities it houses the NVCA Administration Office and the John L. Jose Environmental Learning Centre. The entire 502 acres consisting of significant wetlands, mixed forests and open meadows is also the site for the NVCA's Centre for Conservation. The property has been designed to accommodate and educate large groups of students and adults alike through the development of interperative trails, Maple Syrup operation, picnic pavilion and a Girl Guide Campground. An active educational program takes place on site throughout the year as well as a variety of special events. 7.1.5.2. 2003 -2005 Program Strategy Facilitating a variety of uses, the Tiffin Conservation Area's main objective through the Centre of Conservation is to encourage the wise use of our natural resources through hands on interpretive educational opportunities. The NVCA Administrative Centre serves as the central outlet for all authority staff and members. This building functions with several energy and environmentally innovative components making it a "demonstration site" to the general public. The Learning Centre facilitates an average of 14,000 visitors per year. A "environmental /outdoor" education program is run out of this building. The three year program strategy for Tiffin Conservation Area is given in Table 10 NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 30 Table 10: Targets, strategic actions, measures of success, and risks and assumptions associated with the Tiffin Conservation Area 2003 -2005. Information for 2002 was included for comparative purposes 2003 -2005 Target Personnel Requirement (months) Pro ram Activities 2003 Measures of Success Risks and Assumptions 2002 2003 2004 2005 Manage joint functions as Construct of Instal new Update Master Plan. Begin implementing Efficiency: Administrative Adequate funding and a natural area, educational facility and Administrative office and directional signs on access roads Complete Master Plan centre building and manpower administration centre workshop. Upgrade Centre for recommendations operational costs Effectiveness: Install new driveway and Conservation Standard Risk # recreational and entrance signs. parking lot installations Maintenance. student users General Continue Centre Standard Risk funds raised property for Conservation Maintenance Client Service: maintenance installations Standard Risk Standard Risk Maintenance. Maintenance. 7.1.5.3. Personnel Personnel required to meet Tiffin Property targets are detailed in Table 11. Table 11: Tiffin Property personnel requirements, 2003 - 2005.2002 figures were inserted for comparison. NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 31 T Personnel Requirement (months) Position 2002 2003 2004 2005 Director of Land Management and Stewardship Services 2 2 3 3 Lands & Operations Technician 3 3 3 3 Management Plan Technician 4 Land /Operations Maintenance Assistant 2 2 3 3 NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 31 T 7.1.5.4. Financial Forecast 2003 -2005 financial forecasts for the Tiffin Property are given in Figure 10. 2nn2 Annual Forecasts Revenue Budget 2003 2004 2005 Levy Non Match $23,451.75 $36,400.00 $47,068.00 $45,175.00 User Fees $2,000.00 $8,000.00 $12,000.00 $15,000.00 Sub total $25,451.75 $44,400.00 $59,068.00 $60,175.00 Expenses COSTS BENEFITTING ALL LOCATIONS Maintenance/Supplies $5,000.00 $10,000.00 $18,000 $15,000.00 GIS /IT position $1,400.00 $1,568 $1,693.00 Wages/benefits $20,128.75 $24,000.00 $30,000.00 $29,000.00 Staff expenses $200.00 $250.00 $250.00 $1,300.00 Transportation expenses $2,000.00 $3,200.00 $3,300.00 $3,400 Admin re- allocation $4,000.00 $4,400.00 $4,750.00 $8,532.00 Taxes 1.123.00 JjJ50,00 $1,200.00 jjRfj0,00 $32,451.75 $44,400.00 $59,068 $60,175.00 Figure 10: 2003 -2005 financial forecasts for the Tiffin Property. 2002 budget values were included for comparison 7.1.6. New Lowell Conservation (160) This program is currently under review. 7.2. Planning (310) 7.2.1. Purpose To provide an effective, transparent, and ecosystem -based planning service to our municipalities and watershed stakeholders in a timely and efficient manner To provide leadership and expertise in ecosystem management by promoting watershed planning through cooperation, integration, and partnership building with our municipalities and other clients NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 32 7.2.2.2003-2005 Program Strategy Table 12: Targets, strategic actions and measures of success for NVCA's Planning Program, 2003-2005. 7.2.3. Personnel Program activities Measures of Success Risks & Assumptions 2003-2005 Target 2002 2003 2004 2005 Policy Review >5 Policies >5 Policies >5 Policies >5 Policies Efficiency: cost/policy Development review demand Plan Review >700 >700 >700 >700 Position POR PIR SWP: POR PIR SWP: POR PIR PE SWP: POR applications application application application cost/application meets forecast 3 1 2 s s s cost/file 2 subwatershed plan cosVkm 1.0 0.0 Permitting/Enforceme >300 >300 >300 >300 nt applications application application application Effectiveness: s s s # of files in compliance Client Service: Turn around time, file review Subwatershed Plans 1 Plan 2 Plans 1 Plan 1 Plan request to first NVCA correspondence 7.2.3. Personnel Planning department personnel requirements are given in Table 13. Table 13: Planning program personnel requirements, 2003-2006. Abbreviations used in table Include: POR (policy review), PIR (plan review), PE (permit enforcement), SWP (sub-watershed planning). To Increase our level of planning support, in 2003 the Planning Assistant position will be replaced With the Senior Planner position. Personnel Requirement (months) 2002 2003 2004 2005 Position POR PIR SWP: POR PIR SWP: POR PIR PE SWP: POR PIR PE. SWP Director 4.0 6.0 1.0 _1:.0 2,0 8.0 1.0 1.0 2.0 8.0 1.0 1.0 2.0 8 1 1 Sr 1.0 6.0 Planner 0.0 0.0 8.0 2.0 1.0 1.0 7.0 3.0 1.0 3 1 2 _O.q� Res. I Plan 0.0 2.0 0.0 0.0 10.0 2.0 0.0 0.0 10.0 2.0 0.0 0.0 10.0 2.0 0.0 _10.0 Water. 1 Plan 0.0 1.0 0.0 11.0_J, 0.0 1.0 0.0 11.0 0.0 1.0 0.0 11.0 0.0 1.0 0.0 11.0 Envir. I Tech. 1.0 0.0 11.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 12.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 12.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 12.0 0.0 Plan Asst 1.0 8.0 3.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 NVCA 2003-2005 Business Plan 33 7.2.4. Financial Forecast 2003 -2005 financial forecast that reflects the Planning programs strategy is given in Figure 11 . 2002 2003 2004 2005 BUDGET Forecast Forecast Forecast Legal and General Inquiries 18,000.00 18,000.00 18,000.00 18,000.00 Permitting 40,000.00 40,000.00 40,000.00 40,000.00 Secondary Plans 5,000.00 - - - General Plan Review 37,000.00 37,000.00 37,000.00 37,000.00 SubdivisionlCondiminium Review 241,500.00 267,000.00 272,000.00 277,000.00 General Levy 32,000.00 32,000.00 52,000.00 72,000.00 TOTAL REVENUES 373,500.00 394,000.00 419,000.00 444,000.00 EXPENSES Wages & Benefits 245,000.00 262,000.00 285,000.00 310,000.00 Staff Expenses 4,000.00 4,000.00 4,000.00 4,000.00 Materials & Supplies 5,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 Corporate Communications 10,000.00 10,000.00 10,000.00 10,000.00 GIS Re- Allocation - 3,000.00 4,000.00 4,000.00 Transportation Costs 8,000.00 10,000.00 10,000.00 10,000.00 Legal Matters 10,000.00 7,000.00 10,000.00 10,000.00 Orthophotography 2,000.00 Monitoring Re- Allocation 35,000.00 35,000.00 35,000.00 35,000.00 Administration Re- Allocation 56,000.00 56,000.00 56,000.00 56,000.00 TOTAL EXPENSES 373,000.00 394,000.00 419,000.00 444,000.00 Figure 11: 2003 -2005 financial forecast for the Planning Program. 2002 figures shown for comparison. The increased levy in 2004 reflects anticipated additional enforcement effort 7.3. Engineering & Technical Services (400) The Engineering and Technical Services Department has been formed to provide engineering, environmental and geographic information services in support of the Authority's mandate for the conservation of the environment, prevention of loss of lifetreduction of flood damages and the education of the watershed residents. The Department has been broken into four separate but closely linked program groups to provide comprehensive water resource management, to meet delegated responsibilities and to provide technical support for overall Authority business functions. The MNR Grant Program (430) is the largest centre and represents a work program to: • maintain and operative the Authority's flood control structures • develop and operate a flood forecasting and warning program • prepare watershed plans and planning documents to prevent development on hazardous flood prone areas. The Environmental Services Program (420) is an exciting new program which has been developed to provide both aquatic and terrestrial biological support in three program areas, natural heritage, aquatic health monitoring and special projects. The Geographic Information System (GIS) Program (410) reflects the hiring of a new GIS Analyst to continue the development of the GIS mapping system to support all of the Authority programs. NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 34 The Engineering and Technical Services Program (400) reflects the engineering services provided to the Authority outside of the MNR Grant program to support programs such as administration of the regulations, non- eligible plan review and the healthy waters program. The majority of the engineering work program is related to the MNR flood damage prevention program and the description of the work program is more fully described in cost centre 430. The business plan financial forecasts for the Engineering and Technical Services Program (400) related to the overall program that is not tied into the MNR Grant Program are shown on Figure 12. Each of the other program area strategies, personnel implications and financial forecast is more fully described in the following sections. Interaroaram Cross Charges 410 GIS $ $ 2,172.73 $ 2,281.37 1,000.00 $ . 420 Envif Services equipment _ $ 2,172.73 $ 2,281.37 $ 2,395.44 430 MNR -- _$ _ _ _ _ -_ _54, 631.00 - $ - _ -._ -- 100, 500.00 -. $ 105, 525.00 $ 110, 801 25 430 MNR (Planning) 262.501 $ 275.631 $ _ 10,500 00 $ - 11,025 00 $ 11,576.251 Planning _ - $ 47,323.00 $ 22-,66--4--.-7-0,- $ 23,797.93 $ 24,987 83 Sub -total $ 101,954.00 $ 144,010.53 $ 151,211.05 $ 158,77161 penses _Ex Cross Charge Wages $ - $ - $ _ _ _ $ .Wages _ ._._._ _ ___._. - $ 101,854.00 $ 140,510.53 $ _ 147,536.05 $ 154,912 86 j staff expenses _ . _ _ .$ _ 500.00 $ 525.00 $ 551.25 training and conferences $ 750.00 $ 787.50 : $ 826.88 transportation $ 1,000.00 $ 1,050.001 $ 1,102.50 equipment $ - $ - $ - i reference material ' - -- - _ - -i^ — - 500.00_ $ 525.001 $ 551.25 material 8 supplies - - - -- - - - - - - -- $ 500.00 $ 525.001 $ 551.251 i comauter resources 250.00 $ 262.501 $ 275.631 Sub - total! $ 101,854.00 $ 144,010.53 $ 151,211.05 Figure 12: Financial summary for the Engineering and Technical Services Department. 7.3.1. Geographic Information System (410) 7.3.1.1 Purpose 158,771 61 The Geographic Information System Program is a new initiative for the NVCA. The Authority has been developing a GIS system based on ESRI ArcView and AutoCad Map software over the past few years and has learned the value of this powerful tool in the implementation of all of the Authority projects and programs. At least 10 staff currently query the system on a day to day basis. The NVCA is a partner in a data sharing co- NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 35 operative with the provincial government, and our local and regional municipalities. This further enhances the databases that are available for the participating members to employ. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are specialized computer systems used for the storage, retrieval, analysis, and visualization of large volumes of spatial or map type data. GIS combines layers of data that can be transformed into information about a place, to give you a better understanding of that place which is used in wise management of our resources. One of the main benefits of GIS is improved management of your organization and its resources. A GIS can link data sets together by common locational framework, such as and address, which helps departments and agencies share their data. By creating a shared database, one department and agency can benefit from the work of another —data can be collected once and used many times. The old adage "better information leads to better decisions" is true for GIS. A GIS is not just an automated decision making system but a suite of tools to query, analyze, and visualize data in support of the decision making process. At the NVCA, GIS will be used to support most of the programs and projects, such as forestry, fisheries management, regulations, and many engineering applications such as the development of hydrologic computer models. The GIS Analyst will be responsible for the development of the GIS program and specifically will include: • Development and maintenance of the GIS software platform • Design and develop GIS mapping and spatial databases in support of all the Authority programs • Co- ordinate the development of the GIS system with our municipal and provincial agencies, stakeholders and other partners • Develop and maintain a metadata catalogue in conjunction with our GIS partners • Training of Authority staff in the use of the GIS system • Development and maintenance of the internet web site and information network It is envisioned that as the GIS system develops, additional staff and consultants will be required to assist in the development of the various mapping and databases. This could include field data collection, digitizing of new mapping or the development of spatial databases. Additional contract staffing has been allotted in future years subject to future program directions and budgeting. A new vision the Authority is pursuing is the development of the Tiffin Centre for Conservation. The vision includes enhancing the Authority's ability to communicate information related to conservation to the public. Part of the strategy is the use of the internet as a tool. Software is available through GIS that will allow the Authority to link our databases in the GIS system, interactively to the internet audience. As a secondary role, the GIS analyst will also perform an important function to operate and maintain the Authority's computer systems. This will include maintenance of the new network system, data backups, computer and software upgrades, intemet conductivity and problem solving. Computers systems are important infrastructure for the NVCA and keeping the system operating smoothly and efficiently is a crucial function NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 36 7.3.1.2 2003 -2005 Program Strategy The strategic implementation strategy for the Geographic Information System is summarized in Table 14. Table 14: Targets, strategic actions and measures of success for NVCA's Geographic Information System Program, 2003 -2005. Information for 2002 was included for comparative purposes. *Risks and Assum tions (fnr specific nrogram targets): list all risks and ass um tions... NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 37 Pro ram activities 2003 -2005 Target 2002 2003 2004 2005 Measures of Success Set up and standardize Phase 1 Implement Continued Continued Maintain up- to-date ESRI based GIS system complete development development software standards Develop an staff user group Implement Continue Continue All CA technical staff to co- ordinate internally the have a working level development of the GIS of GIS knowledge system Users can envision increased uses to help meet their mandates Co-ordinate the Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing NVCA becomes development of the NVCA known as a centre for GIS system with the LINC quality, timely and data sharing group shareable information Development of GIS Phase 1 Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing New mapping for use mapping and spatial complete by NVCA staff databases Development of a internet No ability Implement if Continued Continued On -line NVCA /GIS based GIS system in to use the possible development development internet link support of the Tiffm Centre internet to Data sharing for Conservation date agreements and privacy issues must be complied with, this will limit what we can provided Development and Implement Continued Continue Efficiently operating maintenance of the Tiffin network system computer and network Minimal problems system No data loss Assist in the development Provide the Continued Continued Development of of generic regulation mapping development development Generic Regulations tools for the within the time frame development laid out by the of the generic province regulations NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 37 I 7.3.1.3 Personnel Personnel required to meet Information Management Program targets are detailed in Table 15 Table 15: Program personnel requirements, 2003 - 2005.2002 figures were inserted for comparison. 7.3.1.4 Financial Forecast 2003 -2005 financial forecasts for the GIS program are given in Figure 13. NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 38 Personnel Requirement (months) Position 2002 2003 2004 2005 Full Time Staff Complement GIS Analysis 100% 100% 100% Support Staff Director of Engineering 5% 5% 5% Contract staff 100°% 100% 7.3.1.4 Financial Forecast 2003 -2005 financial forecasts for the GIS program are given in Figure 13. NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 38 M (Revenue Levy (Non Mat hic information System (GIST 41_0 Budget Annual Fo re casts 2002 2003 $ 22,330.68 $ --------- - 2004 1 2006 1 23,447.22 1 $ 24,619.58 420 Envir Services I M $ =071.461 $ 8,475 .04 $ 8,898.79 430 MNR $ 6,000.00 1 $ 6,300-00 $ 6,615.00 1, 430 MNR(Planning) $ 4,000.( )01 $ 4,200.00 $ ........ . 4,410.00 Planning $ 3,459.87 $ ....... 6M W $�3,814.51 30 Healthy $ 1,613.96 1,694.66 $ 1,779-39 Reforestation $ 1,613.961 $ 1,694.66 $ 1,779-39 - Community Riper Restoration $ 1,613.96 $ 1,694.66 $ 1,779.39 Tiffen Centre 96 $ 1,694.66 $ 1,779.39 ------ --- -------- - C o n s e —ry at —io n—L'a, n- d- s-- 1,694.661 $ 1,779.39 $ 51,931.83 $ 64,5 67,254.84 Sub-total: Expenses - C bki Cross $ 2,172.73 $ 2,281.37 $ 2,395.44 _Charge Wages $ 47,009.10 $ 49,359.55 51 827.53 - sfzii(e'—xpe--n—s—es--- $ - -- �bdbC—$ 525 00 $ 551.25 training and conferences- $ 500.00 $ 5f5.00 $ 551.25 4-rone r+nhir%n $ 250.00 1 $ 262.50 1 275.63 t-- equipment ,reference material $ 500.00 -- . material & supplies ---t computer-resources -- - -- - ----- $ 500.00 $ 51,931.83 'P - - I Lip $ 525.001 $ 551.25 1 -'--525.00 1 $ 551.25 $ 525.00 $ 551.25 $ 54,528.42 �$�ry 57, -- — ----------- - ---- Figure 13: 2003-2005 financial forecasts for the Geographic Information System Program. 2002 budget values were included for comparison 7.3.2. Environmental Services (420) Environmental Services comprises 3 program areas: Watershed Health Monitoring, Natural Heritage System, and Special Projects. For each of these programs, the purpose, strategy, personnel needs and financial forecast is described in sections 6.3.1.1-6.3.1.3. NVCA 2003-2005 Business Plan 39 7.3.2.1 Watershed Health Monitoring The Watershed Health Monitoring program includes a number of activities related to the collection, storage, analysis, and reporting of data related to watershed health. The program is detailed in sections 6.3.1.1.1- 6.3.1.1.2. 7.3.2.1.1 Purpose Watershed Health Monitoring is directly related to our four objectives. Our watershed health monitoring program classifies aquatic health and supports all other programs by providing two essential things: surveillance data and information on program performance. The "surveillance" information we collect answers the questions: Which streams are healthy? Which are unhealthy? And how is their health changing from stream reach to stream reach and from year to year? This type of information is vital to the authority; it identifies stream health issues and helps to shape our programs. An excellent example of how this process works is the Healthy Waters program which protects streams that our monitoring program indicates as healthy and improves streams that our monitoring program indicates as unhealthy. The "performance" information we collect answers questions like: Are our programs resulting in stream health improvements? Do biological communities actually respond favourably to livestock fencing and dam decommissioning projects? Do our development and planning policies protect streams? 7.3.2.1.2 2003 -2005 Program Strategy The Watershed Health Monitoring Program has been assessing stream health since 1996. We use a multidisciplinary approach to classifying our streams. Our best professional judgement of stream health is made based on a synthesis of all information we have available for a site. Since 1999, we've amassed a large amount of information on biological communities (using BioMAP ), water chemistry (through both our own programs and the 11 sites we monitor 8 times a year through the PWQMN) and stream temperature. Computerized mapping approaches allow us to overlay supplementary habitat information. In 2002, we began a baseflow study, measuring August stream flow at over 100 sites. We also have an extensive photographic record that is a powerful tool for investigating how streams change over time Beginning in 2003, our monitoring program will also track groundwater health through our participation in the Provincial Groundwater Monitoring Network (PGMN). By assessing existing wells and drilling new ones where necessary, we will be finalizing our selection of monitoring wells in fall 2002. This will be the beginning of a long -term, province wide program. It will track water level and water quality in 10 -13 important drinking water supply aquifers within our jurisdiction. Our strategy for 2003 -2005 (see Table 16) addresses a number of issues. We will increase staff resources to meet the demand on our monitoring program. In 2002, Over 40 of the 50 BioMAP sites sampled were related to new development sites. Over the next three years we will be stepping up sampling effort so our development monitoring program keeps pace with growth, so we can revisit and assess change at reference sites that have not been visited in several years, and so we can continue to gain information and classify smaller headwater streams in our watershed. This document establishes three new monitoring requirements: First, we have identified performance indicators to track efficiency, effectiveness, and client service associated with each program; second, we will be expanding annual reports so they give a comprehensive analysis of program performance and watershed health rather than simply showing stream health patterns; and third, we will develop a natural heritage strategy based on information about terrestrial and wetland features. To deal with increasing work load within the monitoring program, we will be phasing -in a permanent, full time monitoring assistant position. It will remain an 8 month position in 2003 with additional manpower NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 40 provided in summer through government funded student employment programs. Beginning in 2004, however, the monitoring assistant position will be solidified as a permanent, full -time position. This will allow expansion of our biological sampling network and establishment of a permanent base flow monitoring system; it will provide capacity for management of our monitoring wells under the Provincial Groundwater Monitoring Network and will allow better information management and reporting. In 2003 we will review the monitoring program to ensure that it provides adequate information to other programs and also meets the minimum monitoring standard being developed by Conservation Ontario; a standard that calls for: monthly water chemistry, E. coli and stream flow sampling at the outlet of each subwatershed, benthic invertebrate assessments at the outlet of each subwatershed, and an exploratory toxic contaminant program at the outlet of each sub - watershed. In doing so, we will ensure that our monitoring program supports CA objectives, including emerging ones related to protecting human health and drinking water. NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 41 7.3.2.2 Natural Heritage System The Natural Heritage System program includes a number of activities related to: acquiring skills in terrestrial ecology/biology; identifying, assessing and classifying natural heritage features; and implementing a natural heritage strategy to protect and enhance these significant habitats. The program is detailed in sections 6.3.1.2.1. - 6.3.1.2.2. 7.3.2.2.1 Purpose Our watershed ecosystem is like a jigsaw puzzle and natural heritage features are the pieces of that puzzle; in our fragmented landscape, they are the habitat pieces that sustain life. The legislative, policy, and regulatory framework, that we work under. in Ontario, defines natural heritage features as: • Wetlands • Habitats for fish, wildlife, and species at risk • Woodlands • Valleylands • Areas of natural and scientific interest In our watershed, there are a number of issues related to management of natural heritage features: meeting watershed growth projections likely means losing natural areas; we have a large number of natural heritage features but little data to evaluate which features are vital and which are expendable; we have a limited understanding of the interrelationships between natural features and their functions; and there is a general lack of understanding of the link between a healthy environment and human social and economic well- being. Ecological function of the natural heritage puzzle pieces is limited by their physical attributes; bigger, better connected, and more compactly shaped pieces provide more functions and are therefore more important than small, isolated pieces with complex shapes. Small habitats are good, but large ones are vital. Planning policy at the provincial, county and local municipal level provides a framework for protecting these pieces of our ecosystem, especially the most important ones. We have a three tiered planning system with the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) on top, county policy (County Greenlands System for example) next in line, and local municipal policy (like municipal official plans) on the lowest tier. This system requires bottom -up conformation such that county policies must be at least as protectivelrestrictive as the PPS and local policies must be at least as protective /restrictive as regional policies. Our planning role is to advise municipalities on such things as OP's, zoning bylaws and subdivision plans to ensure conformity with planning policies and regulations. Our role in the development process is particularly important since expansion of our urban areas is the largest threat to our natural heritage features. Provincial policy protects only SIGNIFICANT natural heritage features. The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources designates which habitats are significant wetlands and which are significant habitats of threatened and endangered species, unfortunately not all of our wetlands are classified and there is no active process for updating records of threatened and endangered species in our watershed. In the case of all other natural heritage features (like forests and valleylands), we are the logical agency to conduct assessments on a sub - watershed basis and classify significance using a municipally supported system that reflects prevailing ecological theories. Nobody else is doing it. While other conservation authorities (like TRCA, CVC and CLOCA) are well into the classification process, and some are at the point of assigning significance, we currently lack the staff and NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 43 expertise to characterize habitats. We don't have a defendable process for ranking habitat units and determining which ones are significant, therefore, requiring protection from incompatible uses. As an Authority, we have 4 objectives: protect and enhance water, protect and enhance land, prevent death and injury from floods and erosion, and provide recreational and educational opportunities. We can't meet any of these objectives if we don't manage our natural heritage features properly. 7.3.2.2.2 2003 -2005 Program Strategy Our natural heritage strategy program represents an inter - departmental team approach in which technical expertise is built within the Engineering and Technical Services Department to support activities of the Planning Department. It depends on support from the GIS and monitoring programs and requires excellent data management. In addition to satisfying its primary role of protecting natural heritage features, the program will also help to measure CA performance by developing landscape indicators of watershed health. Natural Heritage System work will assist in developing a conservation lands securement strategy because ecological significance is one criterion that should be considered in prioritizing lands for conservation easements or purchase. That criterion should also be considered in accepting bequeathed lands. The natural heritage strategy will assist in target setting by helping to answer questions like: how much forest is enough? And where should that forest be located within sub - watersheds and in relation to existing settlement areas? By identifying our most significant habitat features, the strategy will also help us to focus rehabilitation efforts so that ecological significance of a site may be one consideration that the Healthy Waters committee uses when reviewing projects. In this section 6.3.1.2.2, we describe a 3 -step strategy to bring our natural heritage program up to the provincial state of the practice (see Table 17). The first step involves acquiring the ecological expertise and manpower needed for natural heritage work. Through the Natural Heritage Discussion Group (that has 7 CA members from south - central Ontario), we will work closely with neighbouring conservation authorities who are well into the process of developing a natural heritage system. The second step involves identifying, assessing and classifying significance of natural habitat features as part of our sub - watershed study process; our plan is to begin in the Willow /Matheson Creek basin and then move to the Innisfil Creek system. Because of our large area, we propose a relatively coarse level of assessment, using GIS and a provincially recognized land classification system known as Ecological Land Classification (ELC). Once habitats are assessed, ranked according to ecological function, and classified as significant or not, we propose an implementation phase in which our staff will work with municipal planners to build planning policy. Maps of significant features can be incorporated as official plan schedules for example, and the County Greenlands System can be updated. As directed by the Full Authority on 13 December 2002, we will consult with all member municipalities to determine what support exists for an NVCA lead, sub - watershed based Natural Heritage program that is partially funded through general municipal levy. Prior to hiring the Terrestrial Ecologist, a report will be provided to the Full Authority summarizing our member municipalities' support for this program. NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 44 Table 17: 2003-2005 targets, strategic actions, measures of success, and assumptions for NVCA's Natural Heritage Strategy Program. Information for 2002 was included for comparative purposes. NVCA 2003-2005 Business Plan 45 Program activities 2003-2006 Target 2002 2003 2004 2005 Measures of Risks and Success Assumptions Acquire expertise — Terrestrial Terrestrial Terrestrial Efficiency: cost per Adequate GIS and manpower Ecologist Ecologist position Ecologist position habitat patch and position classification, proportion of information management Identify, assess, and ELC ELC Community ELC Community classify significance Community series level, series level, natural heritage support of natural heritage series level, Willow Ck. Innisfil Ck. features classified Municipal features in priority Willow Creek subwatershed subwatershed per year acceptance of sub-watersheds and subwatershed (aerial photo (aerial photo Effectiveness: process for adjacent to primary (aerial photo interpretation and interpretation and Proportion of assessing settlement areas interpretation field checking) field checking) natural heritage significance of and field Provide technical Provide technical features classified. habitat checking) plan review plan review % forest cover, features Provide assistance in assistance in connectivity index, Municipal technical plan relation to natural relation to natural % interior forest implementatio review heritage issues heritage issues habitat, % forest n of updated assistance in cover in natural relation to valleylands, % heritage natural heritage wetland coverage policy (in issues on a subwatershed basis. 2005 and later) Implementation of Update Willow natural heritage Creek Sub- Client Service: strategy and watershed study proportion of incorporation of new natural heritage planning policies into system and begin department or municipal and CA implementation at municipal requests planning documents county and local for which municipal level information was adequately provided NVCA 2003-2005 Business Plan 45 7.3.2.3 Special projects Special Projects includes a number of activities related to delivery of non -core programs of mutual conservation authority, municipal and provincial interest. The program is detailed in sections 6.3.1.3.1 and 6.3.1.3.2. 7.3.2.3.9 Purpose Healthy Futures, CURB, Provincial Water Quality and Groundwater Monitoring Networks are examples of programs that began as special projects. They arose through cost sharing opportunities after annual budgets had been set but fit well within our 4 objectives so staff were directed to take them on within existing program areas. Over time they evolved into core business and (with the exception of the now defunct CURB Program) are described in appropriate sections of this business plan. The South Simcoe Groundwater Study and Water Resources Information Project (WRIP) are examples of two current special projects. They have been assimilated into the Information management program (now Environmental Services) but still retain some fluidity owing to the nature of their joint provincial/CA administration and because MOEICA roles in water management remain unclear Special projects are typically taken on for two reasons: They provide an opportunity for matched funding, thereby allowing us to accomplish more within our existing budget They relate to changing CA roles, political priorities, and public expectations It is quite likely that new projects will arise as CA and provincial roles in groundwater management, protection of drinking water, managing water allocation, and water monitoring are clarified. We need to maintain flexibility to deliver projects that are not immediately seen as core business but are of mutual CA, municipal, and provincial interest and reflect changing CA responsibilities. 7.3.2.3.2 2003 -2005 Program Strategy Several special projects are currently underway and with clarifications on provincial /CA roles in water management imminent, we anticipate additional projects over the next three years. Two likely areas of mutual provincial, CA and municipal areas include: Drinking water source protection planning (guidelines and funding from the Onatario Ministry of Environment are imminent) Enhanced CA role in sub watershed based review of Permits to Take Water Our 2003 -2005 strategy includes provisions to ensure sufficient staff time to manage special projects of mutual CA, provincial and local municipal interest, as shown in Table 18. NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 46 Table 18: 2003-2005 targets, strategic actions, measures of success, and assumptions for NVCA Special Projects. Information for 2002 was included for comparative purposes. Program activities 2002 2003 2004 2006 Measures of Risks and 2003-2006 Target Success Assumptions Complete groundwater Develop planning policies to protect - nning a - Develop planning policies to protect Efficiency: Level of matched Adequate GIS and Complete existing special projects and Complete WRIP project develop new core Administer Simcoe study and begin implementation groundwatwer based on groundwatwer based on funding Mean cost per information management program areas as South Groundwater phase enhanced local enhanced local WHPA study, mean support needed Reserve sufficient Study Reserve knowledge and knowledge and cost per km2 for aquifer Opportunities for matched staff time to manage sufficient staff time to implement study recommendations implement study recommendations characterization funding or new projects of joint provincial, CA and complete (e.g. we., 11 (e.g. well Effectiveness: grants municipal interest additional decommissioning decommissioning Prop. aquifers with special projects: program? program? adequate water Drinking water source Compliance programs?) Compliance programs?) quality Prop. aquifers with protection Reserve staff Reserve staff sustainable use. plans? time for special time for special Prop. municipal Enhanced role projects: projects: OP's with in low water Drinking water Drinking water groundwater response, source protection source protection policies review and plans? plans? Client Service: issuance of Enhanced role in Enhanced role in Frequency of Permits to Take low water low water groundwater study Water? response, review and issuance of response, review and issuance of updates Prop. information Permits to Take Permits to Take requests I Water? I Water? handled adequately hanc - 47 NVCA 2003-2005 Business Plan 7.3.2.4 Personnel 2003-2005 personnel requirements for the Environmental Services Program are given in Table 2. Table 19: Environmental Services personnel requirements, 2003-2005. 2002 figures were inserted for comparison. Personnel Requirement (MOnft) 2002 20M 2004 Watershed 2005 Watershed Natural Information Watershed Natural I Watershed NahsTA rs I Heritage I Meem H~ Spe" It Haahh NabxWH~ SpecMM I Special HeaM H~ Special Maragemert HOMM 1AIlit1dr, System Projects Monitoring system Projectl Engineering aDd I I I It Technical Services ; 0.3 0.3 Director 0.1 .0.3 1 - Manager of Environmental 3.0 3 6.0 3.0 6.0 1' 3.0 3.0 6.0 Services 2.4 0.0. 9.5 -0 _3.0 Monitor* 1 8.0 0.0 0.0 IZO 0,0 0.0 1 IZO 0.0 0.0 As�stent 1 8.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Terrestrial Ecologist t 00 0.0 0.0 1 1 0.0 1 0.0 0.0 0.0 .8.0 0.0 .O IZO 120 0.0 Summer student 1 0.0 - 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.0 0.0 1.0 3.0 0.0 1.0 ! 3.0 0.0 1.0 7.3.2.5 Financial Forecast 2003-2005 financial forecasts for the Environmental Services Program are given in Table 20 Table 20: 2003-2005 financial forecasts for the Environmental Services Program. 2002 figures were included for comparison. Environmental Services Program Expenses !Cross Charge Wages - -- ------- - - $ Budget Annual Forecasts 10,756.41 $ 11,294.23 (Revenue $ 120,004.39 $,-,--118,331.73 2002 1, 124,248.32 2003 127,975.76 2004 t $ 3,900.00 $ 2005 Levy (Matching) $ a iTraining & Conferences —$0.00 1,000.00 F$ $0.00 $ $0.00 ,Levy (Non Matching) $ 57,565.601 $ 60,276.82 $ 70,140.66 1 $ 71,162 .72 !Special Levy $ 220.50 $ 10,000.00- $ 10,500.00 $ 11,025.00 1 Grant isco, $ - $ $ $ User Fees i $ 10,000.00 ---------- $ 10,000.00 $ 10,500.00 $ 11,025.00 i -------- - ------ Interprogram Cross Charge 5,000.00 $ _ 5,250.00 Groundwater Study $ $ 430 MNR $ $ 3,500. 00 i $ 31675.00 - --------- $ 3,858.75 430 MNR (Planning) $ $ 2,000.001 $ 2,100.001 $ 2,205.00 Planning $ 35,000-001 $ 54,999. 10 $ 57,749.06 $ 60,636.51 130 Healthy Water's $ 5,000.00 il 5,000.00 $ 5,250.01 i $ 5,512.51 other $ 44,407.67 Sub total: $ 161,973.27 45,77 1 59, 11�4 165,425.49 Expenses !Cross Charge Wages - -- ------- - - $ 10, 244.20 i $ 10,756.41 $ 11,294.23 lWages $ 120,004.39 $,-,--118,331.73 $ 124,248.32 $ 127,975.76 Staff Expenses t $ 3,900.00 $ 3,000.001 $ 3,150.001 $ 3,307.50 1 iTraining & Conferences $ 1,000.00 F$ 1,050.001 $ 1,102.50 Tmne mnrtnfinn 700000 S 5.000.001 $ 5.250.00 1 $ 5,512.50 1 Equipment i $ 1,500.00 i $ 1,500.00 $ 1,_575.00 1! $ 1,653.75 1, Reference Material $ $ 1,000.00: I $ 1, 050.00 $ 1,102.50 i Materials and -Supplies $ 4,500.00 1 $ 2,500.001 $ 2,625.0011 $ 2,756.25 1; Computer Resources 5,368.0 0 i $ 200.00 $ 210.001 $ 220.50 Administration $ 9,700.001 isco, $ - $ - $ 5,000.00 $ 5,250.00 lab costs (water chemistry) $ $ 3,000.00 $ 5,000.00 $ _ 5,250.00 Groundwater Study $ $ $ $ - i 4 Sub total $ 151,972.39 $ 145,775.92 $ 159,914,72 $ 165,425.49 NVCA 2003-2005 Business Plan 49 7.3.3. Flood and Erosion Hazard Management (430) 7.3.3.1 Purpose The primary objects of the program are to prevent loss of life, to minimize social disruption and to minimize property damage within the watershed caused by natural hazards such as flooding, erosion and unstable slopes. We are one of the key players in a broader provincial and national framework that is attempting to develop communities that are much more resilient to disaster and disruption. This program has been designed to meet those broad objects and to meet our delegated responsibilities through the Province of Ontario. This includes: • The operation, minor maintenance and preventative maintenance of flood control structures; • Operation, minor maintenance and preventative maintenance of erosion control structures; • Operation of a flood forecasting and warning system; • Operation of an ice management program; • Watershed and floodplain management related to the provincial hazards policy including plan input, watershed & subwatershed studies, regulatory permitting, technical studies; and • Administration related to the above tasks. The strategy for this program is to be developed by Planning and Engineering staff with direction from the "Growth and Development Advisory Committee ". External expert consultation will be employed by staff in a cost effective advisory role to assist with planning and implementation. To successfully implement the strategy for this program, the following general tasks have been identified as high priorities for this program. Each task has been listed and is more fully described in the subsequent text. • Updating of "Operation and Maintenance" manuals and documentation for each of the NVCA water control structures; • Expansion and optimization of our existing network of stream and weather recording systems and the integration of that network with other issues such as low flow, fisheries, water supply, water quality, design and dam operations; • Continued development and subsequent testing of the ISWMS flood forecasting program; • Phase 3 of the Innisfil Creek Subwatershed Study; • Nottawasaga Valley Watershed Plan 5 year Update including preparation of an updated watershed hydrologic model; • Development and implementation of comprehensive watershed engineering standards. The Authority operates a number of water control structures and erosion control works and has a delegated responsibility and legal liability to maintain the function of the various works. In addition, we must comply with changing legislation and regulations concerning their operation and are under a high duty of care to quickly follow up and implement relevant public inquiry recommendations and provincial or national guidelines for dam safety, signage, operation and such. There is an increasing need and soon to be legislated requirement for highly organized, defensible operations and documentation concerning these types of structures. This is a high risk area for the Authority and as such it will receive high priority for staff time and efforts in the coming years. The Authority maintains equipment and co-operative access to our federal- provincial- municipal surface water monitoring network, that permits the long term archiving and analysis of stream flow and climate variables such as rainfall and air temperature and provides us with flood forecasting and warning capability. Surface water networks have also been identified as a critical information source relating other types of environmental indicators and recent studies identified up to 2000 uses such as navigation, hydro-power and fisheries investigation. Our focus will be on capitalizing any new provincial initiatives related to this network for our watershed and on the NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 50 optimization of the Authority's own network of equipment and resources. We will maintain high quality data input to existing programs such as the "snow survey" and the "low flow" monitoring & response programs. The NVCA has a delegated responsibility to operate a flood forecasting and warning program. We are expected to meet provincial standards for its operation and will take steps to ensure compatibility with adjacent Conservation Authorities through a GTA specific standards document. Watershed specific coding required for our flood forecasting model will soon be complete. Once complete, we will undertake testing and verification of the model's predictive capability on our watershed. As confidence in the modelled results vs. observed results builds, further and more detailed forecast and watershed response information and will be available to our stakeholders. Please refer to the planning program for information related to the completion of existing subwatershed planning and for further strategy related to those particular studies. In particular, we propose to expand the current scope of work for the Innisfil Creek subwatershed plan to bring erosion control indicators and target thresholds into the strategy for the watershed. We will employ external consultation to prepare defensible and scientific based analysis to that process. The need for an expanded role in source protection and water resource management has been highlighted and is legislated through the Oak Ridge Moraine Protection Act and will be a high priority for our staff resources in the coming years. In 1986, the NVCA in partnership with the MNR and Environment Canada initiated a comprehensive hydrology study of the basins within our jurisdiction for the primary purpose of providing flood magnitude on all watercourses for a range of design events and for our Regional or Regulatory Storm (event). The final document was entitled "Watershed Hydrology Study for Nottawasaga, Pretty and Batteaux Rivers, Black Ash, Silver and Sturgeon Creeks" and was prepared by MacLaren Plansearch Inc. Both current and future urban land use conditions were investigated and the routing effects of Minesing Swamp and the impacts of agricultural drainage within Innisfil were investigated. This document and its associated technical appendices and models is "key" to all floodplain management decisions the Authority and others make. It is used daily to make risk based decisions such as bridge & road design, permitting, environmental assessment and stormwater management. As 17 years have passed since this document was prepared, the future land use horizons have significantly changed, official plans and zoning by -laws have been updated, the resource management issues have changed and the data upon which the analysis was based has improved and lengthened. We are proposing to initiate plans to expand and update this study to bring in not only targets and design flow from a flood plain perspective, but also environmental flow targets and thresholds for a host of other issues that include permit to take water, erosion, water balance and stormwater management. Many of these issues were identified in the NVCA's watershed Plan and as such an updated hydrology study will prepared and coordinated through an update to that plan. Concurrently or shortly after the hydrology study is prepared, we also propose to prepare an updated set of engineering standards related to preparation of hydraulic models, floodplain mapping, methodology and maintenance to our "master" level hydrology model, erosion thresholds and stormwater management. Once in place, the Authority will be in a position to evaluate all types of proposals based on watershed, subwatershed and possibly reach level targets and thresholds for peak flow, volume, erosion, water balance and environmental impact in a highly defensible position. 7.3.3.2 2003 -2005 Program Strategy The strategic implementation strategy for the Flood and Erosion Hazard Management Program is summarized in Table 21. NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 51 Table 21: Targets, strategic actions and measures of success for NVCA's Flood and Erosion hazard management Program, 2003 -2005. Information for 2002 was included for comparative purposes. *T3:..i -- --A A --+;— ffnr qv%a. -iitr nrnornm tnrae..kl- list all risks and assumptions... 1�.1J11a1 Ctllll lSJJYtll uviiJ �av �— /' - - -' - -- Pro ram activities 2003 -2005 Target 2002 2003 2004 2005 Measures of Success 2.1 Flood Control structures DAMS (Tottenham, New Lowell, Utopia) Maintain structural integrity Maintain Maintain Maintain . Maintain No failures Prevent major maintenance High risk and liability area for the CA Implement operations plans Maintain Maintain Maintain Maintain High standard documentation Ecosystem protection Maintain/enhance staff Maintain Maintain Implement Implement Certification of competency with safety and competency (may not emergency operations be available yet) No accidents Tottenham dam requires a Maintain Maintain Complete Implement Low cost plan full - scale risk assessment developed to minimize our risk Fulfill provincial Maintain Develop Complete High standard requirements: full -scale risk Terms of documentation assessments every 5 years I Reference DYAES AND DRAM (Pretty River, Hamilton, Black Ash Creek, Mad River, King St. 2002 2003 2004 2005 Develop Operation and Draft Finalize Implement Implement High Standard maintenance plans for these O &M Plans documentation structures Plans Major inspections and Complete Complete Complete High standard reporting (yearly) documentation Recommendations able to be followed u quickly Maintain structural and Maintain Maintain Maintain Maintain No failures design integrity Prevent major maintenance Develop a strategy for DRAFT Implement capital spending: e.g. major Process repairs &/or replacements And ideas Erosion Control Structures Inspect structures as per Completed Inspect Design integrity O &M plan (with municipal intact NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 52 Maintain office site as Maintain Maintain Maintain Maintain Design integrity demonstration project intact Inspect Hockley Valley Completed Complete No failures gabion structure with Prevent major county every 2 years maintenance Flood Forecasting and warning DATA COLLECTION Maintain and expand Added 1 Expand Expand Maintain Multiple needs served current automated stream full network 1 network 1 by gauging gauge network streamflow new station new station High standard data station (MNR (LVNR Minimal data loss 1 new level Initiative) Initiative) High use of station 1 new level information by CA almost sensor for staff for management ready for CA specific decisions launch functions installed Expand system for manual Evaluation & Complete Maintain Municipal partners stations (e.g. staff gauges) Part using on a regular implement basis, reports come back to the CA Create low flow monitoring Develop Implement Implement CA able to quickly and reporting strategy respond to queries for low water information Enhance weather 2 new Add 1 station Add 1 station Maintain Minimal data loss monitoring network stations in Training Move to higher data operation Maintenance standard Implement Increased requests for web -based our data reporting Create volunteer network Develop Implement Maintain 1 -2 Long term strategy and partnerships evolves process Maintain snow course Maintain Maintain Maintain Maintain High quality network reporting Efficient use in flood forecast Ice: Develop ice monitoring Develop Implement Implement Minimal ice damage program for key area program streams FLOOD FORECASTING Implement ISWMS model Preliminary Implement Maintain Maintain Model results match use well with observed conditions Confidence in use Evaluateldevelop upgrades Review Maintain common database Maintain Maintain Maintain Maintain Quick response to for gauge data ($500/ problems Develop GIS capabilities Preliminary Implement I Implement Implement Lead time for for information I I I I warnings increased, NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 53 management and increased ability for forecasting speed specific flood information 2000 2001 2002 2003 Hardware and software needs: Replace laptop Implement Next GIS package Implement Develop photo & flood Implement Consultants and report database NVCA able to use on a daily basis Purchase backup equipment Implement No data loss COMMUMCATIONS Replace cell phones(every Completed 3'd ) Review need for radio Complete Implement Implement system Host flood seminar yearly Completed Implement Implement Update annual response Implement Implement Implement plan Assist with municipal Initiate Implement Implement specific flood emergency plans, including floodplain mapping as necessary Continue to Liase with Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing provincial initiatives and committees, and local GTA group OPERATIONS CENTRE Annual rental rate Completed Maintain Maintain Potential new office Complete construction SYSTEMS PLAN Maintain current process Maintain Maintain Maintain Maintain FLOOD RESPONSE Maintain vehicle rental Maintain Maintain Maintain Maintain costs Maintain contingency for Maintain Maintain Maintain Maintain events Ice Management Maintain funding levels Maintain Maintain Maintain Maintain Legal Costs Long -term eliminate outstanding & minimize future claims Assist with legal reserve if Evaluation Implement if Implement if possible possible possible Information Watershed Planning See planning for strategy on watershed plans, etc. NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 54 Technical Studies Flood Implement Implement Able to evaluate Vulnerable proposals and future area specific scenarios in a information defensible and comprehensive Watershed watershed, Engineering subwatershed and Standards reach level basis Watershed Plan Update 5 -year (Hydrology Model) 2000 2001 2002 2003 Hazard land mapping to be Draft Terms Implement Implement Highly unkown costs re -done (must be done of Reference and timeframes at within 2 yrs of legislation present accepted) New abilities for wetland protection realized Develop methods for Develop Implement surfacelgroundwater Terms of interaction reference Plan Input Timely and defensible input to the plan review process Clear understanding and implementation of standards within development community Continued support to Restored Maintain Maintain Planning ADMINISTRATION Maintain program support Maintain Maintain Maintain Maintain NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 55 7.3.3.3 Personnel Personnel required to meet Flood and Erosion Hazard Management Program targets are detailed in Table 22 Table 22: Flood and Erosion Hazard Management Program personnel requirements, 2003 - 2005.2002 figures were inserted for comparison. v Personnel R Position 2002 2003 2005 Director of 70% 84% 84% Engineering & Technical 73% Water Resource 25°% 70% 70% Technologist G1S Analyst 0% 27% 27% Manger of 0% 3% 3% Environmental Services Terrestrial 0% 20% 20% 20% Biologist Director of Land 23% 15% 15% 15% Management and Stewardship Services Director of 5 °l0 5% 5% 5% Communications Watershed Planner 66% 66% 66% Office Manager 5% 5% 5% 5% Director of 20% 15% 15% 15% Planning Contract Staff 4- 6months 12 month 12month 12month 7.3.3.4 Financial Forecast The 2003 -2005 financial forecast for the flood and erosion management program is given in Figure 14 NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 56 Budget Annual Forecasts :Revenue 2002 2003_ Levy (Matchng) $ - 127,401.00 $ 157,334.41 1$ Special Leyr $ 61, 090.00 ; $ _ 31,152.00 $ Grant $ 188,490.00 j $ 188,490.00 $ 1_57,334.41 -$ 157,334.41 _31,152.00 1 $ 31,152.00 188.490.00 1 $ 188.490.00 Sub- total', $_ 376,981.00 $ 376,976.41 I $ 376,976.41 1 $ 376,976.41 'Expenses Utilities $ 4,300.00: $ 4,600.00 ! $ 4,600.00 $ 4,600.00 Insurance $ 8,000.00 i $ 5,000.00 $ --^ - - -- -- - - - - - - -- — - — — -- - -- - - — - -- - -- ..__ . - - Cross Charge Wages $ 92,121.00 $ 193,200.00 ; $ 193,200.00 I $ 193,20-0.—.00 Wages $ 54, 531.00 $ - i$ - Transportation -_ -- - $ 4,800.00 $ 6,000.001$ 6,000.00 $ 6,000 00 Equipment $ 10,300.00 Materials &Supplies $ 50, 064.00 $ 37,152.00 = $ 37,152.00 $ 37,152.00 Utilities $ 4,300.00: $ 4,600.00 ! $ 4,600.00 $ 4,600.00 Insurance $ 8,000.00 i $ 5,000.00 $ 5,000.00' $ 5,000.00 !. 56,853.41 ! $ 56,853.41 expenses $ 16, 868.00 $ Taxes $ 11,171.00 $ 11,171.00 $ 11;171.00: $ 11,171.00 !Plan Expen - - - - - -- ------------- - - -__— _ -$ -- : - - � ---- $ - - - - -- _ -- ; - - - -- - - - - -- _ _ Consulting - -- - - - -- $ 117,140.00 $ - - - -_ -- 63,000.00 $ - -- - - - .. - -- -- -- 63,000.00 ' $ 63,000.00 Administration _ $ 3,600.00 $ 56,853.41 $ 56,853.41 ! $ 56,853.41 expenses $ 16, 868.00 - $376,981.00 _$376-_--_ , -_ 976—.-.41 _ ___- -__376,9 76__. ._4. _ _ -- - -$376_, _-976. ___ .4 _ $1 1 !.Sub -total Figure 14: 2003 -2005 financial forecast for the flood and erosion hazard management (MNR Grant) program. 7.4 Corporate Services (600) Corporate services comprises: Administration, Finance & Reserve Management, Communications & Education, Governance, Fleet and Office Management. Program strategies for each of these program areas are detailed in the following sections. 7.4.1 Corporate Communications (610) 7.4.1.1 Purpose Credibility... Expertise... Efficiency To provide the expertise and services required effectively and efficiently communicating and advocating the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority's values, resources, goals and objectives to watershed residents and influencing decision makers. 7.4.1.2 2003 -2005 Program Strategy Sharing knowledge... Listening... Responding To effectively communicate the need for, and benefits of comprehensive watershed planning and management and the conservation of our natural resources to all Watershed stakeholders. To hear, understand and to provide a mechanism for responding to stakeholders and concerns. NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 57 Desired Results: To raise the profile and visibility of the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority and promote the important role it plays in environmental protection and management as the local Healthy Waters Conservation Agency. To build positive relationships with target audiences, particularly with our municipal partners to cultivate support. To increase public awareness of the significant natural heritage of the watershed and the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority's effort to protect and enhance it. Objectives: To increase and enhance the identity of the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority through recognition of its accomplishments and environmental expertise. . To position the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority, as a lead watershed Healthy Waters Conservation Agency that speaks for environmental issues and concerns. To build a professional and positive relationship with the media for increased exposure of our role and achievements. To integrate effective corporate communications and education within each Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority program. To create a greater awareness of the watershed management programs and conservation services provided by the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority. To implement a focussed marketing program for the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority as the watershed's Healthy Waters Conservation Agency. The 2003 -2005 program strategy for Corporate Comunications is given in Table 23. NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 58 Table 23: Targets, strategic actions and measures of success for NVCA's Corporate Communications Program, 2003 -2005. Information for 2002 was included for comparative purposes. Program activities 2003 -2005 Target: To raise the profile and visibility of the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority and promote Measures of the important role It plays in environmental protection and management as the local Healthy Waters Conservation Success Agency 2002 2003 2004 2005 Initiate the Redesign corporate logo Maintain and promote Conduct a client survey on Increased profile and development of a new on materials, uniforms, corporate logo on materials, corporate logo visibility of NVCA logo vehicle decals, letterhead uniforms, vehicle decals, programs and business cards letterhead and business cards Create a presence in Maintain a presence in Conduct a survey on the Revamp and review NVCA Increased # of calls, the watershed with the watershed with presence that our exhibits have presence in the watershed with requests for new exhibits at exhibits at community at events, trade shows, farm exhibits at community events, information from the community events, events, trade shows, farm shows, mall displays and trade shows, farm shows, mall public trade shows, farm shows, mall displays and municipalities displays and municipalities (Needs a shows, mall displays municipalities mechanism to record this information) and municipalities Re- establish Establish consistent Maintain consistent Maintain consistent conservation Increased use of the need for a conservation area conservation area entrance area entrance signage to include a visitors to sites — consistent entrance signage to signage to include a highly highly visible and recognizable however is difficult messaging include a highly visible visible and recognizable corporate NVCA logo because we do not and recognizable corporate NVCA logo have gated facilities corporate NVCA logo that record use. i.e. Highway signage Conservation area signage Healthy waters Place a framed Maintain the framed Maintain the framed corporate Maintain the framed corporate corporate logo with corporate logo with NVCA logo with NVCA mission logo with NVCA mission statement NVCA mission mission statement and statement and corporate and corporate values in new statement and corporate values in new values in new administration administration centre corporate values in administration centre centre new administration centre 2003-2006 Target: To raise the profile and visibillty of the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority and promote sores of Success the important role it plays in environmental protection and management as the local Healthy Waters Conservation I zuuA Upgrade NVCA Continue to upgrade and Conduct a review and survey of the NVCA website to establish, Continue to upgrade and enhance the NVCA website to website to establish, preserve and increase enhance the NVCA website to establish, preserve and increase corporate establish, preserve and increase corporate profile on corporate profile on the preserve and increase profile on the internet the internet internet corporate profile on the for information internet Research designs and Design and install new trail sign companies heads signs Re- establish a pro- Implement an pro-active Maintain and enhance a pro- active effective media effective media relations active effective media relations relations program Droqram program e-establish a media Maintain a media Maintain a media monitoring monitoring program monitoring program program Produce and distribu the NVCA Highlights Place a framed corporate logo with NVCA mission statement and corporate values in new administration centre Produce and distribute corporate NVCA brochure Produce and increase distribution the NVCA Highlights M—aintain the framed corporate logo with NVCA mission statement and corporate values in new administration centre Distribute corporate brochure -Review and conduct a survey on the NVCA Highlights Maintain the framed corporate logo with NVCA mission statement and corporate values in new administration centre Record the # of hits on the website Add an opportunity for the public to leave their address to promote 2 way communications Maintain trail heads signs Maintain and enhance a # of Media clips pro-active effective media # of Media contacts relations prog ram Maintain a media monitoring # of Media clips program # of Media contacts Reprint and distribute corporate Increased # of calls NVCA brochure for information Increased Hits to website -Produce and �increase Increased awareness distribution the NVCA Highlights of program Increased requests for information Maintain the framed corporate logo with NVCA mission statement and corporate values in new administration centre 1 60 NVCA 2003-2005 Business Plan I I 2003 -2005 Target: To build positive relationships with target audiences, particularly with our municipal partners Measures of to cultivate support. 2002 2003 2004 2005 Place a framed Maintain the framed Maintain the framed corporate logo Maintain the framed corporate corporate logo with corporate logo with NVCA with NVCA mission statement and logo with NVCA mission NVCA mission mission statement and corporate values in new statement and corporate values statement and corporate values in new administration centre in new administration centre corporate values in administration centre new administration centre Implement a pro- active Increase pro- active speaking Maintain pro- active speaking # of presentations to Re- activate a proactive speaking speaking program engagement programs engagement programs targeted groups prro o rams Conduct a annual Conduct a annual Member's Conduct a annual Member's Watershed Bus Tour Increased awareness of NVCA activate Member's Watershed Member's Watershed Bus Watershed Bus Tour Bus Tour Tour programs # of members attending Research the need for an Develop an "Ambassador Maintain an "Ambassador Increased use of "Ambassador Program" Program" for members and staff to Program" for members and staff program for members and staff to promote our conservation efforts to promote our conservation promote our conservation efforts Develop partnerships efforts Enhance and maintain Maintain partnerships with to Maintain and enhance with watershed # of seminars for targeted programs with watershed municipalities to existing partnerships with watershed municipalities watershed municipalities distribute information and host partnerships municipalities to distribute Record attendance distribute information to distribute information seminars on conservation information and host seminars and host seminars on and host seminars on programs on conservation programs conservation conservation programs programs Investigate re- Prepare and implement a Continue and maintain Increased use of establishing conservation marketing plan for the NVCA marketing plans for the NVCA conservation area area marketing conservation areas conservation areas through data collection Continue the promotion of Increased visitors Promotion of new NVCA administration the new office location centre 61 NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan Attendance of Develop Official implementation of the Official Opening Opening of new Official Opening of the Media attention admin centre new building on Earth Advocacy attention Day, April 24, 2003 62 NVCA 2003-2005 Business Plan 2003 -2005 Target: To build positive relationships with target audiences, particularly with our Measures of municipal partners to cultivate support Success 2002 2003 2004 2005 Develop an effective Maintain an effective Maintain an effective internal Maintain an effective internal Increased internal internal communications communications program to keep communications program to members and staff communications program to keep staff staff and members informed keep staff and members involvement program to keep staff and members informed informed and members informed Place a framed group Maintain a framed group Place a framed group photograph Maintain a framed group Increased photograph of staff photograph of staff and of staff and newly elected members photograph of staff and commitment and members to show members to show a members to show a strong a strong personal strong personal personal commitment commitment commitment Establish a NVCA Maintain the NVCA Conservation Maintain the NVCA # of recipients Conservation Awards Awards Program to recognize Conservation Awards Program Increased Program to recognize achievements to recognize achievements awareness achievements Participate in Continue to participate Continue to participate in Continue to participate in Increased cooperative in cooperative cooperative communications and cooperative communications Advocacy with communications and communications and marketing programs with and marketing programs with Provincial and marketing programs marketing programs with Conservation Ontario and other Conservation Ontario and Federal with Conservation Conservation Ontario conservation authorities and other conservation authorities Governments Ontario and other and other conservation watershed organizations where and watershed organizations Increased conservation authorities and activities contribute to our collective where activities contribute to awareness of the authorities and watershed organizations conservation efforts and our collective conservation larger role of watershed where activities complement NVCA programs efforts and complement NVCA conservation in the organizations where contribute to our programs province by activities contribute to collective conservation members and staff our collective efforts and complement conservation efforts NVCA programs and complement NVCA programs NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 63 Enhance the new toyer (public space) in the new office to visually convey the work of the NVCA as a premiere Centre for Conservation Maintain the new foyer (public Maintain the new foyer (public Increased visits to space) in the new office to visually convey the work of the NVCA as a space) in the new office to visually convey the work of the the Centre for Conservation premiere Centre for Conservation NVCA as a premiere Centre for Conservation 64 NVCA 2003-2005 Business Plan I I 2003-2006 Target: To increase public awareness of the significant of the natural heritage of the watershed and Measures of the Nottawasaga, Valley Conservation Authority's effort to protect and enhance it Success 2002 --- Produce an Annual 2003 Produce an Annual 2004 Produce an Annual Report 2005 Produce an Annual Report Card on # of Report Report Card on the Report Card on the Card on the Watershed's the Watershed's significant natural Cards in Watershed's Watershed's significant significant natural environment environment as a way to bring Circulation significant natural natural environment as as a way to bring attention to attention to issues and environment as a way a way to bring attention issues and accomplishments of accomplishments of the NVCA to bring attention to to issues and the NVCA issues and accomplishments of the accomplishments of NVCA the NVCA Enhance the Healthy Design and create a perm anent Review and revamp all existing Increased of Develop a portable Planning and Waters Display corporate display for the John NVCA displays awareness Development Display L. Jose Environmental Learning program Data collection— Centre Produce and distribute Develop Healthy Waters Continue the Development of Reprint Healthy Waters Brochure and # of brochures in Healthy Waters Publications including Healthy Waters Publications other publications to highlight the circulation Brochure, to highlight Fact Sheets, project including Fact Sheets, project grant program and to provide general the grant program and summaries etc summaries etc information about to provide general information about the program Develop Planning and Continue to Develop Continue to Develop additional Continue to Develop additional # of publications Development additional Planning and Planning and Development Planning and Development in circulation Publications including Development Publications Publications Fact Sheets, Policies, Publications Bulletins Develop a Healthy Maintain a Healthy Waters Maintain a Healthy Waters # of visitors Investigate display opportunities for the Waters Conservation Conservation Kiosk in a Conservation Kiosk in a dedicated new administration Kiosk in a dedicated dedicated space in the new space in the new administration office space in the new administration centre centre administration centre Enhance and produce Continue to enhance Continue to enhance power Continue to enhance power point new corporate power power point point presentations on presentations on conservation issues point presentations on presentations on conservation issues NVCA 2003-2005 Business Plan 65 Vision 2002 1 conservation issues 66 NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 7.4.1.3 Personnel Personnel required to meet Corporate Communications Program targets are detailed in Table 24. Table 24: Corporate Communications Program personnel requirements, 2003 - 2005.2002 figures were inserted for coin arison. 7.4.1.4 Financial Forecast 2003 -2005 financial forecast for Corporate Communications is given in Figure 15. Personnel Requirement (months} Position 2002 2003 2004 2005 Director of Communications 12 12 12 12 Communications Technician $104,234.56 12 part time contract 12 part time contract 12 part time contract Summer Student 5 5 5 5 7.4.1.4 Financial Forecast 2003 -2005 financial forecast for Corporate Communications is given in Figure 15. TOTAL EXPENSES $82,024.10 $93,111.05 $101,712.11 $110,334.56 Figure 15: 2003 -2005 financial forecasts for the Corporate Communications Program. 2002 budget values were included for comparison 2002 2003 2004 2005 REVENUE: Levy Non Match (610) $74,024.10 $88,011.05 $95,612.11 $104,234.56 Provincial Grant (610) SEP $1,000.00 $1,000.00 User Fees(610) Canoe Route Maps $100.00 $100.00 $100.00 User Fees(610) Latomell $8,000.00 $5,000.00 $5,000.00 $5,000.00 TOTAL REVENUE $82,024.10 $93,111.05 $101,712.11 $110,334.56 EXPENSES: Wages -Corp Communications $53,948.42 $58,264.29 $62,925.44 $67,959.47 Payroll Costs and Benefits (610) $10,789.68 $11,652.85 $12,818.14 $14,099.95 Interprogram Wages (610) - $13,014.00 - $9,014.00 - $9,014.00 - $9,014.00 -from flood 3014 and outsource6000 Staff -Exp -Corp Communications $1,200.00 $1,200.00 $1,200.00 Mbrshp. Prof Dues, Training -610 $965.00 $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $1,000.00 Materials & Supplies Corp Communic. $18,300.00 - Brochures and Publications $4,000.00 $4,000.00 $5,000.00 - Special Programs $2,200.00 $2,200.00 $2,800.00 - Marketing Surveys and Studies $1,500.00 $1,500.00 $1,500.00 - Program Assistance and Promotion $1,000.00 $1,250.00 $1,300.00 - Display and Exhibits $2,000.00 $3,500.00 $2,500.00 - Educational Seminars $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $1,300.00 - Advocacy $500.00 $500.00 $750.00 Materials & Supplies Web Page $5,500.00 $10,000.00 $10,000.00 $10,000.00 Transp.Exp(610) $6,600.00 $10,000.00 $10,000.00 $10,000.00 Interprogram Material(610) - $12,300.00 -from planning - $10,000.00 - $10,000.00 - $10,000.00 -from healthy waters - $5,000.00 - $5,000.00 - $5,000.00 Admin Cross Charges (610) $11,235.00 $12,807.90 $13,832.53 $14,939.13 TOTAL EXPENSES $82,024.10 $93,111.05 $101,712.11 $110,334.56 Figure 15: 2003 -2005 financial forecasts for the Corporate Communications Program. 2002 budget values were included for comparison 7.4.2 Tiffin Outsource 7.4.2.1 Purpose To provide the expertise and services required effectively and efficiently communicating and advocating the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority's values, resources, goals and objectives to watershed residents and influencing decision makers. 7.4.2.2 2003 -2005 Program Strategy The strategic implementation strategy for the Outsource Education Program is summarized in Table 25.: NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 69 Table 25:Targets, strategic actions and measures of success for NVCA's Tiffin Education Program, 2003-2006. Information for 2002 was included for comparative purposes. Program activities 2003-2005 Target: Provide high quality environmental education services Measures of Success Utilize theses services as a vehicle to promote the NVCA goals and objectives Provide effective cost effective and efficient ro ram delivery of these ro rams 2004 2005 Continually review and Continually review and users of program #of us 2002 2003 Establishment of a Review existing contract conservation education contract and negotiate a new Conservation Education maintain a maintain a conservation conservation education education contract with a with BTH contract with a suitable contract with a suitable suitable provider provider provider Maintain the contract Maintain the contract with # of users of program increased demand Re-establish the Maintain the contract contract with the Simcoe County and with the Simcoe County and District School Board with the Simcoe the Simcoe County and County and District District School Board District School School Board Board Investigate new contracts Distribution of a Distribution of a Healthy # of guides in circulation increased demand Development of a Distribution of a Healthy Healthy Waters Waters Teachers Guide Healthy Waters Waters Teachers Guide to Teachers Guide to watershed schools Teachers Guide to To watershed schools Watershed schools Development of an in- Development of an in- # of users of in-service Development of an in- service education service education service education program program increased demand Continuation and enhancement of an Continuation and enhancement of an # of users increased demand program. Establishment of an Continuation of an adult/family programming adult/family programming during shoulder seasons adult/family adult/family programming during shoulder programming during during shoulder seasons seasons shoulder seasons — Continuation of Camp Continuation of Camp # of users increased demand Re-establishment Continuation of Camp of Camp Tiffin Tiffin Tiffin Tiffin Summer program Summer program Summer program Summer program 7.4 2.3 Financial Forecast The financial forecast for the Tiffin Outsorce program is given in Figure 16 Division Personnel Re uirement months 630 Tiffin Education- Outsource 2002 2003 REVENUE: 2005 2002 2003 2004 2006 4010.630 LevyNonMatch(630)Outsource Ed $20, 000.00 $20,000.00 $20,000.00 $20,000.00 4030 -630 Prov.Grant(630)Employment $5,000.00 the education contractor 4100 -630 UserFee(630) Outsource $25,000.00 $18,000-00 $19,000.00 $20,000.00 TOTAL REVENUE $50, 000.00 $38,000.00 $39,000.00 $40,000.00 EXPENSES: Wages and Interprogram Charges 5000.630 Wages (630) 5100-630 InterprogramWage(630) Other Expenses 5050 -630 Mari &Supply 5105 -630 Interprogram Material(630) 5150 -630 Admin Cross Charge (630) 5260 -630 Cleaning (630) Outsource TOTAL EXPENSES SURPLUS(DEFICIT) $10,000.00 $10,000.00 $6,000.00 $20,000.00 $20,000.00 $7,650.00 $8,721.00 $2,500.00 $3,000.00 $6,000.00 $6,000.00 $20,000.00 $20,000.00 $9,418.68 $10,172.17 $3,000.00 $3,000.00 $50, 150.00 $37,721.00 $38,418.68 $39,172.17 -$150.00 $279.00 $581.32 $827.83 Figure 16: 2003 -2005 Financial forecast for the Tiffin Outsource Program 7.4.2.4 Personnel Personnel required to meet Tiffin Education Program targets are detailed in Table 26. Table 26: Outsource Education Program personnel requirements, 2003 -2005. 2002 figures were inserted for comparison. 7.4.3 Corporate Fleet (650) 7.4.3.1 Purpose To create and maintain a vehicle motor pool which will adequately address the needs of the Authority. To develop a vehicle maintenance and purchase reserve. 7.4.3.2 2003 -2005 Program Strategy To develop a regular maintenance schedule for all vehicles. To develop a policy for safe operation and reporting of vehicle damage. To maintain a professional fleet of safe vehicles. The strategic implementation strategy for the Corporate Fleet is summarized in Table 27. Personnel Re uirement months Position 2002 2003 2004 2005 NO NVCA Dedicated Staff Staff is provided through the education contractor 7.4.3 Corporate Fleet (650) 7.4.3.1 Purpose To create and maintain a vehicle motor pool which will adequately address the needs of the Authority. To develop a vehicle maintenance and purchase reserve. 7.4.3.2 2003 -2005 Program Strategy To develop a regular maintenance schedule for all vehicles. To develop a policy for safe operation and reporting of vehicle damage. To maintain a professional fleet of safe vehicles. The strategic implementation strategy for the Corporate Fleet is summarized in Table 27. Table 27: Targets, strategic actions and measures of success for NVCA's Corporate Fleet, 2003 -2005. Information for 2002 was included for comparative purposes. 2003 -2005 Target 2002 2003 2004 2005 Measures of Success Develop vehicle Purchase 1 5 vehicles Purchase 4 vehicles Efficiency: replacement new vehicle leased/2 vehicle leased/3 $ /vehicle"year strategy. every 2"d owned. 4 vehicles owned. 2. Obtain year Prepare leased /3 owned Maint/Enhanc Effectiveness: appropriate 5 vehicles lease vs Maint/Enhance e # hrs. lost staff time due vehicle leased /two purchase Obtain new or Standard to vehicle break down requirements. owned. strategy dispose of old maintenance # km's personal vehicle 3.Maintenance update equip. as per use logged schedule Enhance needs list. # collisions 4.Maintain NVCA Maintain maintenance equipment. status quo schedule Maintain Inventory all Client Service: current equipment/ equipment develop needs list 7.4.3.3 Personnel Personnel required to meet Corporate Fleet targets are detailed in Table 28. Table 28: Corporate Fleet personnel requirements, 2003 -2005. 2002 figures were inserted for comparison. 7.4.3.4 Financial Forecast The financial forecast for the corporate fleet is given in Figure 17. NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 72 Personnel Requirement (months) Position 2002 2003 2004 2005 Director Land 1 3 wks 3 wks 3 wks Mgmt/Stewardship Services Lands /Operations 1 1 1 Technician. 7.4.3.4 Financial Forecast The financial forecast for the corporate fleet is given in Figure 17. NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 72 REVENUE: 40104650 Levy Non Match(650) 4070650 -620 Inse Claim Reimbursement(650) TOTAL REVENUE EXPENSES: Wages and Interprogram Charges 5100850 1 nterprogram Wages(650) Other Expenses 5050- 650.620 Material & Supplies Vehicle 5110 - 650.620 Insurance - Corp - Vehicle- Vehide 5110650621 Insurance-Corp-Vehicle- Equipme 5150 -650 Admin Cross Charges(650) 5280650 Maintenance Supplies- Wkshp/Ott 5270650 Propane Workshop 5280 - 650.620 Maintenance(650)Vehicle 5280 650 -621 Maint.Supplies(650)Equipment 5290 -650 Uniform Exp(650) 5310-650 -620 Vehicle & Equip Cross Chg -Corp 5310650-621 Vehicle & Equip Cross Chg•Corp 5330- 650 -620 Ucence(650)Vehide 5340- 650 -620 Gas & 01(650)Vehide 5340 - 650.621 Gas & 04(650)Equipment 5350 - 650 -604 Vehicle Purch(650y1sset Replan 5350 - 650 -620 Vehicle Purch(650)Vehide Reserve 5360650 Vehicle Lease(650) TOTAL EXPENSES SURPLUS (DEFICIT) Blue Truck ACTUAL BUDGET YTD 2002 2003 2004 2005 10,400.00 10,400.00 10400 10400 11500 2.198.79 - 12, 598.79 - 10,400.00 10,400.00 10,400.00 11, 500.00 13,093.00 13 093.00 6A34.39 6409.14 6921.87 13,093.00 13,093.00 5,934.39 6,409.14 6.921.87 27,95 100 100 100 100 2,310.29 2,200.00 3,100.00 3400 3700 509.4 850 700 800 800 2,050.00 2,050.00 2,337.00 2600 2725 4,257.50 5,000.00 5,000.00 5000 5000 2,500.00 3000 3,000.00 6,040.10 3,300.00 6,000.00 6000 6300 4,663.41 3,400.00 4,000.00 4000 4000 61.61 500 500 500 500 - 50,500.00 - 50,500.00 - 58000 -62000 -63000 - 5,200.00 -5,200.00 - 5,200.00 -5350 -5400 69.35 200 420 420 420 7,072.76 7,900.00 9,000.00 10500 11000 109.49 250 300 375 400 5,857.00 5,867.00 5857 5857 0 10,000.00 10,000.00 14800 15300 17000 9,676.21 12,000-100 13000 13500 18000 - 2,994.93 - 2,093.00 4,414.00 4,002.00 4,545.00 10,098.07 11,000.00 10,348.39 10,411.14 11,466.87 2,500.72 - 600.00 51.61 - 11.14 33.13 -3166 Asset Replenishment 2003 = year 3 red tuck 15000.00 = 1 vehicle replacement reserve and purchase of blue Truck 19 monthly cast = 393.99 10000 = replacement every 3 years Figure 17: 2003 -2005 financial forecasts for the Corporate Fleet. 2002 budget values were included for comparison 7.4.4 Corporate Office (660) 7.4.4.1 Purpose To provide an efficient and effective working environment for staff, board members, partners and the public. 7.4.4.2 2003 -2005 Program Strategy To continually work towards providing an excellent working environment for staff by utilizing cost- effective methods and strategies to provide energy efficient utilities and equipment, and quality office supplies and furniture. We will ensure proper and timely maintenance through proper budgeting processes. NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 73 Table 29: Targets, strategic actions and measures of success for NVCA's Corporate Office, 2003 -2005. Information for 2002 was included for comparative purposes. Program activities Targets 2002 2003 2004 2005 Measures of Success Build new Admin Construct admin. office. Official Open House, Facility needs Facility needs Successful transition to new Office Anticipated completion April; On -going assessments, assessments, including, office November building maintenance including: walkway, walkway, parking, signage, Satisfied staff, members parking, signage, lighting, security, and public Review maintenance lighting, security Well maintained and services Safe facility Computer Replace up to 3 stations per Replace up to 3 stations Replace up to 3 stations Replace up to 3 stations per Functional Workstations Purchases year or as required per year or as required per year or as required year or as required (throughout NVCA) Client Information NVCA Web Site; develop Finalize the Maintain and upgrade Maintain and upgrade as Efficient internal Network a Client Friendly development; as required; continue required; continue client communication; Information Network Link to partner client satisfaction satisfaction surveys Staff /Client Satisfaction System; Establish agencies; i.e., surveys surveys; increased number partnerships for the municipalities, of people accessing NVCA system development libraries, schools, etc. information; Office Review office furniture Replace old and non- Review office /staff Review office /staff Develop /review Policies & equipment/furnitu ergonomic furniture requirements to work requirements to work Procedures re Ensure cost Replace telephone /voice effectively and effectively and efficiently effective, efficient mail system Re -new copy efficiently Staff /client surveys and safe Ensure cost - effective machine leases Ongoing cost analysis of purchases by maintaining Replace fax machine supplies membership with GBAPP if required (purchasing group) Ongoing membership of GBAPP 7.4.4.3 Personnel For personnel required to meet Corporate Office targets, refer to section 680 Corporate Admin. Support. 7.4.4.4 Financial Forecast 2003 -2005 financial forecasts for the corporate office are given in Figure 18 REVENUE Levy Requirement EXPENSE Photocopier Lease Postage & Courier Equipment Purchase Office Equipment Maintenance Snow Removal Computer Repairs& Supplies Computer Purchases Stationery & Office Supplies Security Services Telephone Internet Dialup Hydro Office Cleaning Taxes Advertising (yellow book, Tods) Admin. Cross Charge Full Authority Bookings Maintenance Supplies Insurance Interprogram Material Temp Office Trailer Rental 2002 2003 116,116.00 117,294.63 2004 2 119,298.20 122,746.05 4,900.00 5,000 11 5,000.00 5,500.00 7,000.00 7,000.00 7,000-00 7,000.00 2,000.00 5,000-00 4,000.00 4,000.00 2,000 .00 2,500.00 2,500.00 2,500.00 100.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 8,047.00 10,000-00 10,000.00 10,000.00 10,800.00 111 1/ 13,000.00 13,000.00 700 .00 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 23,250.00 23,250.00 23,250.00 23,250.00 1,120.00 1,300.00 1,500.00 1,500.00 16,300.00 21,000-00 22,000.00 23,000.00 6,600.00 :111 /1 8,000-00 8,000-00 2,200.00 2,200.00 2,200.00 2,200.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000 /1 2,000.00 19,750.00 . 24,348.20 26,296.0 (5,000 -00) (5,000-00) (5,000 .00) (5,000.00) 2,700.00 3,500.00 3,500.00 3,500.00 21,016.00 27,000-00 27,000.00 27,000.00 (34,866.50) _ 20,000.00 - - - 110,616.50 117,294.63 119,298.20 122,746.05 Figure 18: 2003 -2005 financial forecasts for the Corporate Office. 2002 budget values were included for comparison. Other than recognized future purchases we have forecast a 3% increase. 7.4.5 Governance (670) 7.4.5.1 Purpose To ensure the business of the NVCA is conducted effectively and efficiently through the active participation of our member municipalities as Full Authority, Executive Committee and Advisory Committees. 7.4.5.2 2003 -2005 Program Strategy To involve members in the delivery of conservation authority programs and services by providing professional support information in a timely manner enabling them to wisely guide the NVCA into the future (see Table 30). Table 30: Targets, strategic actions and measures of success for NVCA governance, 2002 -2005. Information for 2002 was included for comparative purposes. 7.4.5.3 Financial Forecast Figure 19: 2003 -2005 financial forecasts for NVCA Governance. Program activities 2003 Targets 2002 2003 2004 2005 Measures of Levy Requirement 70,800.00 72,772.32 73,842.06 Success On -going com- Monthly Monthly Monthly Monthly Successful munications with meetings with meetings with meetings with meetings with business municipalities & Full Authority, Full Authority, Full Authority, Full Authority, outcomes members through Executive and Executive and Executive and Executive and 1,000.00 monthly meetings Advisory Advisory Advisory Advisory Informed Transportation Expense Comm. Comm. Comm. Comm. members Effective Advisory Established 3 Maintain /asse Maintain /asse Maintain /asse Member Committees Committees ss ss ss satisfaction 5,000.00 5,000.00 effectiveness effectiveness effectiveness participation Timely concise staff Continuous Continuous Continuous Continuous Member reports improvement improve ent improvement im rovement utilization 7.4.5.3 Financial Forecast Figure 19: 2003 -2005 financial forecasts for NVCA Governance. NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 76 2002 2003 2004 2005 REVENUE Levy Requirement 70,800.00 72,772.32 73,842.06 75,387.29 EXPENSE PerDiem 25,000.00 25,000.00 25,000.00 25,000.00 Interprogram Wage (3,000.00) (3,000.00) (3,000.00) (3,000.00) Memberships 13,500.00 13,500.00 13,500.00 13,500.00 Material & Supply 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 Material & Supply - Chair Expense 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 Transportation Expense 12,000.00 12,000.00 12,000.00 12,000.00 Insurance - Director Liability 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 Admin Cross Charge 10,300.00 11,272.32 12,342.06 13,887.29 Tiffin Centre Rental 5,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 Office Stationary 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 Postage& Courier 3,500.00 3,500.00 3,500.00 3,500.00 Photocopier Expense 1,500.00 1,500.00 1,500.00 1,500.00 70,800.00 72,772.32 73,842.06 75,387.29 NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 76 7.4.6 Corporate /administration /Finance Support (680) 7.4.6.1 Purpose To provide administrative /financial support to staff and clients in a cost- effective and efficient manner. 7.4.6.2 2003 -2005 Program Strategy Continue to enhance electronic business, and ensure an equitable, professional working environment. Continue to update and create policies & procedures for all NVCA business. To provide Human Resources and financial expertise, including pay equity, network administration, electronic business, staff training and orientation, and health and safety information. To establish appropriate operational reserves to provide for vehicle replacement, capitalrnfrastructure maintenance and support, legal and operating contingencies, etc. Detailed strategy is given in Table 31. NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 77 Table 31: Targets, strategic actions and measures of success for NVCA's corporate admin. support, 2003-2005. Information for 2002 was included for comparative purposes. Pro gram activities 2003-2005 Target 2002 2003 2004 2006 Measures of Success Continued internal Implement quarterly Quarterly staff Quarterly staff mtgs., Quarterly staff mtgs. Actions met thru meetings communication staff meetings mtgs., Bi-weekly Directors' Bi-weekly Directors' Informed staff Bi-weekly Directors' Bi-weekly meetings meetings meetings Directors' meetings All staff use of network Initiate Outlook use Full on-going training on-going training Efficient use of time, Enhanced staff communications including Outlook implementation of in-house software thru training Human Resource Newly created Continually Continually update Continually update HRIS Ability to access HR information Information System database on-going update HRIS HRIS quickly Ability to produce HR reports (HRIS) update Update/Establish Update/Create Comprehensive Update/create Update/Create Efficiency thru continuity of business procedures and staff Policies & Procedures policy review awareness of responsibility Update/create Job Descriptions Create/revise Create/revise Create/revise as Create/revise as required T ensure all jobs are properly required as required required evaluated by Job Evaluation Committee Performance Mgmt. conduct Revise PA Annual PA's Annual PA's Productive motivated staff. Opportunity for staff feedback. Appraisals & target Annual PA's system. Annual Avenue to approve step setting to achieve PA's increments excellent staff program delivery NVCA Compensation Maintain grid Compensation On-going assessment On-going assessment Ability to keep qualified review including Review professional staff and match Market Value (including market value Assessments benefits) of grid to match market value Implement adjustment if necessary I 79 NVCA 2003-2005 Business Plan Conduct On-going activity On-going High morale. Personnel retention. FIR administration Conduct surveys of Review, including CA's surveys of CA's benefits, FIPPA, Pay and like Equity, recruitment & OMERS Payment agencies. retention, OMERS, holiday corporate record Complete retention and filing On-going activity review of review Benefit package OMERS integrate payroll deductions Review corporate filing system(s) and create a retention p2li9L - e-banVing staff payroll -self Maintain Maintain Develop Full manaaed bv NVCA implementation I 79 NVCA 2003-2005 Business Plan 7.4.6.3 Personnel Requirement Personnel requirement for all corporate finance and administration (except communications) is given in Table 32. Table 32: Personnel requirement for corporate finance and administration (exclusive of communications). 7.4.6.4 Financial Forecast 2003 -2005 financial forecast for the Corporate Admin. Support Program is given in Figure 20 2002 2003 2004 2005 Revenue: LEVY REQUIREMENT 79,756.61 78,394.46 96,752.11 108,446.45 Interest 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 Wages & Expenses: Wages Corp Admin Support Personnel Requirement (months) Position 2002 2003 2004 2005 CAO 12 12 12 12 Mgr. of Acct's 12 12 12 12 Office Manager 12 12 12 12 Rec.Admin Assoc. 12 12 12 12 Accts Payable Clk. 12 12 12 12 Lands Operation Tech. 0 1 1 1 Admin. Assistant 3 3 6 12 Student 1 1 1 1 1 7.4.6.4 Financial Forecast 2003 -2005 financial forecast for the Corporate Admin. Support Program is given in Figure 20 2002 2003 2004 2005 Revenue: LEVY REQUIREMENT 79,756.61 78,394.46 96,752.11 108,446.45 Interest 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 Wages & Expenses: Wages Corp Admin Support 248,460.61 268,337.46 289,804.46 312,988.81 Additional Staff Support 5,000.00 5,000.00 5,400.00 27,993.00 Interprogram Wages (41,994.00) (39,349.00) (39,349.00) (39,349.00) Staff Support 8,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 Training /Orientation 2,500.00 2,500.00 2,500.00 2,500.00 Mat. & Supplies 800.00 800.00 800.00 800.00 Transportation 4,000.00 8,000.00 8,000.00 8,000.00 Consulting Fee Acct System - 3,000.00 3,000.00 3,000.00 Software Upgrades -Acct System - 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 Insurance- Errors & Ommisions 5,000.00 6,000.00 6,000.00 6,000.00 Admin Cross - charges (189,510.00) (207,394.00) (221,403.34) (255,736.36) Contingency 25,000.00 - 10,000.00 10,000.00 Interest & Bank Charges 5,000.00 7,000.00 7,000.00 7,000.00 Advertising HR - 6,000.00 6,500.00 6,750.00 Compensation Review 4,000.00 4,000.00 4,000.00 Auditor and Auditor Service 9,500.00 9,500.00 9,500.00 9,500.00 Health and Safety - 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 Total Expense: 81,756.61 80,394.46 98,752.11 110,446.45 *admin cross charge developed porportionately on current wage /cross charge ratio *additional staff support includes 8% Land Ops tech Figure 20: 2003 -2005 financial forecasts for the Corporate Admin. Support Program. 2002 budget values were included for comparison 7.4.7 Corporate Capital Replacement/Reserves (600 -002) 7.4.7.1 Purpose Provide capital for capital projects and maintenance of capital assets, recognizing capital asset value depletion overtime. 7.4.7.2 2003 -2005 Program Strategy Establish appropriate reserves to enable NVCA to replacelmaintain capital assets (fleet buildings and equipment) and to enable NVCA to manage future financial risks. Requirements will be reviewed annually through the budget process. Detailed strategy given in Table 33.. NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 81 Table 33: Targets, strategic actions and measures of success for NVCA's corporate capital replacement/reserves, 2003 -2005. Information for 2002 was included for comparative purposes. Program activities Targets 2002 2003 2004 2005 Measures of Success Provide Construct admin. Official Open Facility needs Facility needs Successful transition to new office finance for office. Anticipated House, April; assessments, assessments, including, Capital Project completion including, walkway, parking, signage, Satisfied staff, members and public Building of November Facility needs walkway, parking, lighting, security, New assessments, signage, lighting, Well maintained and safe facility Administration including: security, Office walkway, parking, signage, lighting, security Provide finance Establish NVCA Upgrade system upgrade system upgrade system Effective functioning network; staff satisfaction for Capital internal network Maintenance in Maintenance in operations surveys; staff usage surveys Project in -house operations computer network Provide Finance NVCA Web Site; Finalize the Maintenance in Maintenance in operations Efficient internal communication; for Capital develop a Client development; operations Staff /Client Satisfaction surveys; increased Project Client Friendly Link to partner number of people accessing NVCA Information Information agencies; i.e., information; Network Network System; municipalities, Establish libraries, schools, partnerships for the etc. system development To provide Anticipate replacing Anticipate Anticipate Anticipate replacing vehicle, Safe Fleet which meets the needs of the appropriate vehicle, one every replacing vehicle, replacing vehicle, every two years. program reserve for two years.$15K/yr one every two one every two $15K/yr vehicle years.$15K/yr years.$15K/yr replacement Target: $35,000 Mono Cliffs Depleted, Funds Reserve allocated to New Administration Building Capital Project Legal Reserve legal costs legal costs legal costs legal costs associated with associated with associated with associated with historic past work or Target: $50,000 historic past work historic Dast work historic past work qnnmvals. staffing matters or approvals, staffing matters and lawsuitsAitigation Target met ,r,-. —I — D.,+---A;nc or approvals, staffing matters and lawsuits/litigation ni-mi-.1nn or approvals, staffing matters and lawsuit*t!ti ation Develot) and lawsuits/litigatic matters. Target met Develop Partnerships Reserve 83 NVCA 2003-2005 Business Plan I I 7.4.7.3 Financial Forecast Financial forecast for the capital reserve is shown in Figure 21 Reserve Target Balance Levy Requirement 2002 2003 2004 2005 2002 2003 2004 2005 Vehicle 35,000 0 10,000 20,000 10,000 15,000 15,000 15,000 Capital Repair Replacement 300,000 0 15,000 75,000 145,000 100,000 75,000 100,000 100,000 Human Resources Legal/Planning Special Reserves Donations John Hix Others to be developed 30,000 30,000 15,000 20,000 25,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 150,000 75,000 75,000 0 4,000 4,000 4,000 0 0 0 0 Figure 21: 2003 -2005 financial forecasts for Corporate Capital Reserves Budget requirements. 2002 budget values were included for comparison The capital repair and replacement schedule is given in Figure 22. 2002 2003 2004 2005 New Admin. Finalize admim Office New Roof, Jose Building Conservation Area update Facility 1.2 project ($10,000- $20,000) ($10,000 ?) Conservation Area Conservation Area Network system e-mail upgrade ($10,000 ?) upgrade ($20,000 ?) upgrade ($20,000 ?) Connect admin and Jose buildings ($50,000 ?) To Reserve $15,000 $60,000 $70,000 Figure 22: 2003 -2005 capital repair and replacement schedule. 8. Appendix B: Glossary Annual Budget: Full Authority approved NVCA revenue and expenditure budget for one calendar year. The NVCA annual budget should reflect the direction of the business plan and its financial forecast. Staff are directed to implement programs consistent with the approved budget, subject to monthly review by the Executive and reviewed by the Full Authority. The financial transactions of the Authority are audited annually by an external auditor (BDO Dunwoody). Business Plan: A document that explains the implementation of our watershed management strategy on a 3 year basis. The document details targets, measures of success, staffing requirements and financial forecasts for each program area. Department: A department is a functional and organizational grouping of programs, e.g. Engineering and Technical Services Department implements a number of programs including Flood Forecasting and Warning, Engineering, Information Management, etc. Financial Forecast: The best estimate of revenues and expenditures associated with the implementation of programs according to targets and activities recommended in the business plan. Measures of success: A means of measuring success of individual programs in terms of how well targets were met, taking into account, efficiency (unit cost), effectiveness (relation to watershed management objectives), client satisfaction (how well were clients satisfied with services provided). Performance measures are an important means of ensuring that programs are resulting in progress toward objectives and give information needed for continuous program improvement. Mission Statement A short statement that summarizes our reason for being based on key words from our business objectives. Our mission statement is: "Working together to value, protect, enhance and restore our watershed resources, for a healthy sustainable future" Program Activities: Specific actions taken within a program to meet program targets, for example: all trees will be planted through contractor, all subdivision plans will be reviewed as per requirements under the Planning _Act. Program, Risks and Assumptions: There are strategic risks and assumptions associated with all programs, for example: we assume that a supply of trees will be available for tree planting programs, landowners will sign up to complete Healthy Waters projects on their properties, flooding will occur in the future, and we will have the organizational capacity to deliver programs and services described in the business plan. Program: Services are delivered through programs, e.g. tree planting through the reforestation program. Programs are organizational and functional groupings of strategic activities (e.g. Healthy Waters, Flood Forecasting) Program Target: A quantitative statement about the level of service associated with a given program. Program targets define the level and type of service approved by the Full Authority. Program targets are the critical link between programs and our watershed management objectives. Program targets describe what we actually do. • Protect Life And Property From Flooding And Erosion • Protect, enhance, and restore land • Protect, enhance, and restore water • Provide educational and recreational opportunities for the public Vision Statement: A very short statement (used primarily for corporate branding) based on our business objectives. Our vision is "Conserving our healthy waters ". NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 85 Watershed Management Objectives: We have 4 broad objective areas. They state our business and the results we are trying to achieve: Watershed Management Strategy: A description of how our integrated programs, assumptions, targets, activities, and measures of success are aligned to meet our business objectives Watershed Plan: Our strategic document that describes our business objectives, articulates our mission and vision, identifies watershed management issues and principles and describes our watershed management strategy 9. List of Tables Table 1: Targets, strategic actions and measures of success for NVCA's reforestation program, 2003- 2005. Information for 2002 was included for comparative purposes .................... .............................13 Table 2: Reforestation program personnel requirements, 2003 -2005. 2002 figures were inserted for comparison..................................................................................:.............................. .............................14 Table 3: Targets, strategic actions and measures of success for NVCA's Community River Restoration Program, 2003 -2005. Information for 2002 was included for comparative purposes. Risks associated with meeting program targets include a decrease in support from community group partners, a decrease in funding support from private, corporate and government sources, development of technical and permit related problems, and the unexpected allocation of program staff onto other projects (e.g. Black Ash Creek Floodway Project) ....................... .............................17 Table 4: Community River Restoration program personnel requirements, 2003 - 2005.2002 figures were inserted for comparison .......................................................................................... ............................... 20 Table 5: Best Management Practice projects that are eligible for financial grants under the NVCA's Healthy Waters Incentive Program ........................................................................ ............................... 21 Table 6: Targets, strategic actions and measures of success for NVCA's reforestation program, 2003- 2005. Information for 2002 was included for comparative purposes .................. ............................... 22 Table 7: Healthy Waters Program personnel requirements, 2003 -2005. 2002 figures were inserted for comparison............................................................................................................... ............................... 23 Table 8 Targets, strategic actions and measures of success for NVCA's `Conservation Lands Program, 2003- 2005. Information for 2002 was included for comparative purposes ............................ ............................... 26 Table 9: Conservation Lands program personnel requirements, 2003 -2005. 2002 figures were inserted forcomparison ....................................:.................................................................... ............................... 29 Table 10: Targets, strategic actions, measures of success, and risks and assumptions associated with the Tiffin Conservation Area 2003 -2005. Information for 2002 was included for comparative purposes................................................................................................................... ............................... 31 Table 11: Tiffin Property personnel requirements, 2003 -2005. 2002 figures were inserted for comparison............................................................................................................... ............................... 31 Table 12: Targets, strategic actions and measures of success for NVCA's Planning Program, 2003 - 2005 ......................................................................................................................................................... 33 Table 13: Planning program personnel requirements, 2003 -2005. Abbreviations used in table include: POR (policy review), PIR (plan review), PE (permit enforcement), SWP (sub - watershed planning). To increase our level of planning support, in 2003 the Planning Assistant position will be replaced with the Senior Planner position ............................................................................. ............................... 33 Table 14: Targets, strategic actions and measures of success for NVCA's Geographic Information System Program, 2003 -2005. Information for 2002 was included for comparative purposes .... ............................... 37 Table 15: Program personnel requirements, 2003 - 2005.2002 figures were inserted for comparison ................... 38 Table 16: 2003 -2005 targets, strategic actions, measures of success, and assumptions for NVCA's Watershed Health Monitoring Program. Information for 2002 was included for comparative purposes................................................................................................................... ............................... 42 Table 17: 2003 -2005 targets, strategic actions, measures of success, and assumptions for NVCA's Natural Heritage Strategy Program. Information for 2002 was included for comparative purposes. .................................................................................................................................. ............................... 45 NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 86 Table 18: 2003-2005 targets, strategic actions, measures of success, and assumptions for NVCA Special Projects. Information for 2002 was included for comparative purposes .............................. 47 Table 19: Environmental Services personnel requirements, 2003-2005. 2002 figures were inserted for comparison.............................................................................................................................................. 48 Table 20: 2003-2005 financial forecasts for the Environmental Services Program. 2002 figures were includedfor comparison ......................................................................................................................... 49 Table 21: Targets, strategic actions and measures of success for NVCA's Flood and Erosion hazard management Program, 2003-2005. Information for 2002 was included for comparative purposes .... ............................... 52 Table 22: Flood and Erosion Hazard Management Program personnel requirements, 2003 - 2005.2002 figures wereinserted for comparison ..................................................................................................................... 56 Table 23: Targets, strategic actions and measures of success for NVCA's Corporate Communications Program, 2003-2005. Information for 2002 was included for comparative purposes ................... ............................... 59 Table 24: Corporate Communications Program personnel requirements, 2003 - 2005.2002 figures were insertedfor comparison . ................................ ....................................................................................... 68 Table 25:Targets, strategic actions and measures of success for NVCA's Tiffin Education Program, 2003-2005. Information for 2002 was included for comparative purposes ........................................ 70 Table 26: Outsource Education Program personnel requirements, 2003-2005. 2002 figures were insertedfor comparison . ........................................................................................................................ 71 Table 27: Targets, strategic actions and measures of success for NVCA's Corporate Fleet, 2003-2005. Information for 2002 was included for comparative purposes ..................................................................... 72 Table 28: Corporate Fleet personnel requirements; 2003-2005. 2002 figures were inserted for comparison.............................................................................................................................................. 72 Table 29: Targets, strategic actions and measures of success for NVCA's Corporate Office, 2003-2005. Information for 2002 was included for comparative purposes ............................................................ 74 Table 30: Targets, strategic actions and measures of success for NVCA governance, 2002-2005. Information for 2002 was included for comparative purposes ............................. ............................... 76 Table 31: Targets, strategic actions and measures of success for NVCA's corporate admin. support, 2003-2005. Information for 2002 was included for comparative purposes ..................................................................... 78 Table 32: Personnel requirement for corporate finance and administration (exclusive of communications)......... 80 Table 33: Targets, strategic actions and measures of success for NVCA's corporate capital replacement/reserves, 2003-2005. Information for 2002 was included for comparative purposes ................... ............................... 82 NVCA 2003-2005 Business Plan 87 10. List of Figures Figure 1: 2003 -2005 NVCA organization ......................................................................... ............................... 4 Figure 2: Watershed management: A process of maintaining watershed health by balancing social and economic uses of natural resources with the need to maintain ecosystem function and the quality and quantity of natural features. Too much emphasis either on socio- economics or ecosystem protection will lead to declining watershed health .................................................. ............................... 5 Figure 3: The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority Centre for Conservation Concept .................. 9 Figure 4: Strategic services related to each of NVCA's 4 objectives ............................ .............................10 Figure 5: 2003 -2005 expense and revenue forecasts for each NVCA program. 2002 figures were included for comparison................................................................................................................. ............................... 11 Figure 6: 2003 -2005 financial forecast for the Reforestation Program ................................. ............................... 14 Figure 7: 2003 -2005 financial forecasts for the Community River Restoration program. 2002 budget values were included for assessment .................................................................... ............................... 20 Figure 8: 2003 -2005 financial forecasts for the Healthy Waters Program. 2002 budget values were includedfor comparison .......................................................................................... ............................... 24 Figure 9: 2003 -2005 financial forecasts for the Conservation Lands program. 2002 figures included for comparison. .................. ............................... 29 Figure 10: 2003 -2005 financial forecasts for the Tiffin Property. 2002 budget values were included for comparison............................................................................................................... ............................... 32 Figure 11: 2003 -2005 financial forecast for the Planning Program. 2002 figures shown for comparison. The increased levy in 2004 reflects anticipated additional enforcement effort .. ............................... 34 Figure 12: Financial summary for the Engineering and Technical Services Department ....... ............................... 35 Figure 13: 2003 -2005 financial forecasts for the Geographic Information System Program. 2002 budget values were included for comparison .................................................................... ............................... 39 Figure 14: 2003 -2005 financial forecast for the flood and erosion hazard management (MNR Grant) program.. 57 Figure 15: 2003 -2005 financial forecasts for the Corporate Communications Program. 2002 budget values were included for comparison .................................................................... ............................... 68 Figure 16: 2003 -2005 Financial forecast for the Tiffin Outsource Program ................ ............................... 71 Figure 17: 2003 -2005 financial forecasts for the Corporate Fleet. 2002 budget values were included for comparison............................................................................................................... ............................... 73 Figure 18: 2003 -2005 financial forecasts for the Corporate Office. 2002 budget values were included for comparison. Other than recognized future purchases we have forecast a 3% increase ............ ............................... 75 Figure 19: 2003 -2005 financial forecasts for NVCA Governance ................................ ............................... 76 Figure 20: 2003 -2005 financial forecasts for the Corporate Admin. Support Program. 2002 budget ..... 80 Figure 21: 2003 -2005 financial forecasts for Corporate Capital Reserves Budget requirements. 2002 budget values were included for comparison ........................................................ ............................... 84 Figure 22: 2003 -2005 capital repair and replacement schedule ................................. ............................... 84 NVCA 2003 -2005 Business Plan 88 Monday, January 20, 2003 Mr. Garfield Dunlop MPP Simcoe North Mr. Dunlop, I am writing you today to bring to your attention the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation,s interpretation of the value of golf courses in Ontario. Trehaven Golf Club has received the 2001 assessment with the Total Current Value being increased 49 %. I fmd this totally unfair. I am asking you to review the way MPAC has valued golf properties in Ontario because this does not seem like a fair system. In the interim I am forced to join my colleagues at the National Golf Course Owners Association to engage MPAC in a costly and unnecessary court battle to win our point. I am asking you today to return fairness to the Current Value Assessment procedures by considering the following: 1. Restore the original property assessments methodology for the year 2003. 2. Provide capping relief of Property Tax increases as afforded all other small businesses in Ontario. 3. Establish a "Recreational Properties" tax classification to ensure distribution of the tax burden is equal and fair among all recreational constituents. 4. Question MPAC s authority to change assessment methodology for golf courses without legislation. We provide employment to more than 15 people from this area and recreational activity for residents and tourists alike. The increases in property taxes resulting from this Current Value Assessment without the relief afforded other small businesses in our area will have a negative effect on our business resulting in reduced employment opportunities and increased fees. I look forward to your immediate assistance. Respectfully, Richard Cvik, Manager Trehaven Golf Club RR 2 Hawkestone, ON LOL 1T0 cc. Honourable Ernie Eves Honourable Janet Ecker Neil Craig, Mayor Oro- Medonte township Vince Kishimoto NGCOA (Canada) 15 January 2003 Ms. Marilyn Pennycook, Clerk Township of Oro - Medonte P.O. Box 100 Oro, Ontario LOL 2X0 Dear Ms. Pennycook: q0D tz-r-t . TOWNSHIP OF SEVERN 66- 1 THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF SEVERN P.O. Box 159, Orillia, Ontario, L3V Q3 JAM 2 2 173 Re: Capital Contributions to the Coldwater & District Community Centre Council for the Township of Severn is formally requesting your Township's reconsideration of the funding support for the upgrades to the Coldwater & District Community Centre through our Superbuild Program. This program is now complete and will ensure the usage and accessibility of the community centre arena for many years to come. The Township of Severn through our formal application process to Superbuild indicated that funding has been approved in the form of 1/3 equal contributions from the Federal Government, the Provincial Government and the Municipality, the Corporation of the Township of Severn. These contributions each represent an amount of $263,500. With our municipal share totaling $263,500, we would like to thankfully acknowledge confirmation to date of $10,000 from the Township of Oro - Medonte to offset these costs. Staff have prepared a Facility User Profile for the Coldwater & District Community Centre (attached) and this profile shows that access to the facility for registered sport organizations indicate Oro - Medonte accounts for 23.3% of facility users. Based on these percentage figures and our total municipal portion of $263,500.00, we would like to formally request your Council's consideration for payment of the percentage related to your residents facility usage numbers. In this case, the Township of Oro - Medonte is requested to contribute $61,396 towards this facility infrastructure improvement. -1- Municipal Office: 1024 Hurlwood Lane Telephone: (705) 325 -2315 Fax: (705) 327 -5818 We have included for your information a Facility User Profile and the corresponding breakdown of dollars related. to the facility usage percentages. Would you please confirm with our municipality any future financial contribution to the Township of Severn regarding this community project in order to ensure the continued access and reliability of programming for all residents. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this information please contact the Township of Severn, Recreation & Facilities Department, at 325 -2315. Yours trul W. my S rider Director of Corporate Services /es cc - Scott Rose, Manager Recreation & Facilities - Sharon Goerke, Deputy Clerk -2- USER PROFILE CDCC COLDWATER AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE FACILITY USER PROFILE ICE GROUP SEVERN ORILLIA ORO- TAY BARRIE GEORGIAN MIDLAND RAMARA TINY SWT MEDONTE BAY PENETAN MINOR HOCKEY 107 0 110 73 0 13 2 0 3 1 GIRLS HOCKEY 34 9 4 15 0 1 20 1 0 0 FIGURE SKATING 44 2 16 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 WNRL 37 23 18 24 1 3 37 2 0 0 TMHL 46 32 25 16 14 0 5 2 0 0 TOTALS 268 66 173 129 15 19 64 5 3 1 = PERCENTAGE 36.1% 8.9% 23.3% 17.4% 2% 2.6% 8.6% 0.7% 0.4% 0.1% $95,124 $23,451 $61,396 $45,849 $5,270 $6,851 $22,661 $1,844 $1,054 $263. MUNICIPAL SHARE $263,500.00 TOTALS 309 84 65 145 140 743 0 Ministry Ministers Ontario the Environment 1'Environne ment 135 St. Clair Avenue West 135 avenue St. Clair ouest Toronto, ON M4V 1P5 Toronto, ON M4V 1P5� A' —Al January 14, 2003 1 ? 2 ?,303 C),f--� MEMORANDUM TO: Municipal Heads of Council and Chief Administrative Officers Municipal Water Treatment Plant Operators Ontario Clean Water Agency Private Residential Waterworks Owners Seasonal /Transient/Institutional Waterworks Owners Designated Facilities Waterworks Owners /Operators FROM: Doug Barnes Assistant Deputy Minister RE: Proposed New Drinking Water Regulation cz CZ I am writing today to provide you with an update on proposed new requirements for water systems in Ontario. The Ontario government is proposing a new drinking water regulation under the Safe Drinking Water Act. The regulation incorporates current requirements related to drinking water systems that are now found in the Drinking Water Protection Regulation (O. Reg. 459 /00), and the Drinking Water Protection Regulation for Designated Facilities (O. Reg. 505 /01) and integrates them with new requirements from the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002 (SDWA). The government will consult on the draft regulation for 60 days. The regulation will ensure that the requirements for protecting drinking water match the relative risks of contamination. It is comprehensive so that the rules and requirements related to municipal and non - municipal drinking water systems are gathered together in one place. The proposed regulation is based on Commissioner Dennis O'Connor's recommendations contained in Part IL Report of the Walkerton Inquiry (including recommendations 67, 81, 82 and 85) that flowed from his meetings with hundreds of Ontarians during the inquiry. It is also based on extensive government consultations on O. Reg. 459/00 and 505 /01 and the Safe Drinking Water Act, as well as two years of monitoring and testing experience by waterworks. Commissioner O'Connor's report provides a road map to water safety that focuses on protecting sources of water, the delivery of safe water from source to tap, tough regulations and sustainable infrastructure. The government has accepted all of his recommendations and is fully committed to their implementation. uc-a Tough standards for the protection of drinking water will continue to apply with regular sampling and testing of water, microbiological and chemical testing to be done by accredited laboratories, the same clear requirements for the immediate notification of any adverse water quality, public reporting and tough penalties for non - compliance. The regulation proposes: • limited changes for municipal systems from the original requirements in O. Reg. 459/00; • an additional group of small commercial and institutional waterworks be included in the regulation, as recommended by Commissioner O'Connor; • sampling and testing requirements for other categories (private residential systems and seasonal /transient/institutional systems) that are similar to those currently required under O. Reg. 505/01; • to allow all owners of drinking water systems with high quality groundwater to apply to the ministry for relief (as recommended by Commissioner O'Connor) from the requirements for disinfection treatment providing they prepare a risk analysis and management plan to prove that the source water is of high quality (the variance would be reviewed every five years); • to allow owners to choose the treatment technology that meets the regulation's standards; • extending the deadline to meet minimum treatment requirements (the deadline for municipal systems will not change); and • to allow smaller commercial and institutional systems to post signs warning users that the water has not been tested or treated in accordance with the regulation (as recommended by Commissioner O'Connor). Enclosed is a backgrounder. The draft regulation is available on the ministry's Web site at www.ene.gov.on.ca by clicking on EBR, then Environmental Registry or by calling the Public Information Centre at (416) 325 -4000 or 1- 800 -565 -4923. You are invited to mail or fax your comments by March 15, 2003 to Yousry Hamdy, Senior Industrial Specialist, Water Policy Branch, Ministry of the Environment, 135 St. Clair Avenue West, 6t' Floor, Toronto, ON M4V 1P5. The fax number is (416) 314 -3918. If you have questions about the proposed requirements, call Mr. Hamdy at (416) 314 -4188. Doug Barnes Assistant Deputy Minister Encls. On peut obtenir la pr6sente lettre et sa piece jointe en frangais en appelant le Centre d'information du ministere au 1- 800 -565 -4923 ou au (416) 325 -4000. 2 L� Ministry of Ministere de The Environment I'Environnement January 14, 2003 NEW DRINKING WATER REGULATION The Ontario government is proposing a new drinking water regulation under the Safe Drinking Water Act to replace the Drinking Water Protection Regulation (O. Reg. 459/00) and the Drinking Water Protection Regulation for- Designated Facilities (O. Reg. 505/01). Some amendments to the current requirements for drinking water systems are being proposed. Tough standards for the protection of drinking water will continue to apply with regular sampling and testing of water, microbiological and chemical testing to be done by accredited laboratories, the same clear requirements for the immediate notification of any adverse water quality, public reporting and tough penalties for non - compliance. The proposed new regulation is based on Commissioner Dennis O'Connor's recommendations contained in Part H. Report of the Walkerton Inquiry, on what the government heard during more than a year of lengthy and thorough government consultations, and on two years of monitoring and testing analysis. The new regulation defines seven categories of waterworks that include the following (all currently regulated by O. Reg. 459/00): • Municipal systems • Private residential waterworks not on municipal systems serving six or more residences for 10 or more months of the year (e.g., rural developments) • Seasonal, commercial and institutional waterworks serving drinking water to the public (campgrounds, hotels, motels and restaurants capable of supplying 250,000 litres of drinking water per day) • Designated Facilities serving vulnerable populations (schools, daycare centres, retirement and nursing homes). A new group of waterworks is being added as recommended by Commissioner O'Connor: small commercial and institutional waterworks serving drinking water to the public such as small roadside restaurants and service garages. These smaller systems were originally not included in O. Reg. 459/00 because they did not have the capability of supplying 250,000 litres of drinking water per day. laC'—LA The following requirements are included in the proposed regulation: Drinking Water Quality Standards The new Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) requires potable water to meet prescribed drinking water standards. Two schedules in the proposed regulation taken from the Ontario Drinking Water Standards will apply to all regulated drinking water systems that are required to sample and test drinking water are Schedule 2 -1: Chemical/physical Standards; and Schedule 10 -1: Indicators of Adverse Water Quality. Approval Status Under the SDWA, all municipal drinking water systems are required to obtain an approval unless a regulation states otherwise. Under this regulation, municipal drinking water systems that serve six or more private residences would be required to obtain an approval. All other regulated drinking water systems would be required to have a professional engineer certify that the system is in compliance with the regulatory requirements. This certification would have to be renewed every five years for surface water systems and every 10 years for groundwater systems. The regulation will require that an owner of a non - municipal system or a municipal system that does not service residential users submit a written notice to the ministry on how it intends to meet the minimum treatment requirements or if the owner intends to seek relief from minimum treatment requirements. Minimum Level of Treatment Minimum treatment requirements established in the current regulatory framework (O. Reg. 459/00 and 505/01) would continue in the regulation. This would mean that minimum treatment for groundwater sources is disinfection, and for surface water sources, filtration and disinfection. However, the proposed regulation would clarify that owners of drinking water systems have the flexibility to select any treatment technology that meets the performance -based criteria established in the regulation. Only very small commercial and institutional businesses are eligible to be exempt from meeting treatment requirements provided they post a warning notice at every tap indicating that the water has not been tested and treated in accordance with the regulation. Schedules for meeting minimum treatment requirements are as follows (these deadlines apply unless another date is specified in a certificate of approval or an order from the ministry): 4 Class of Drinking Water System MUNICIPAL — RESIDENTIAL MUNICIPAL — NON - RESIDENTIAL — LARGE NON - MUNICIPAL — RESIDENTIAL NON - MUNICIPAL — INDUSTRIAL, COMMERCIAL AND INSTITUTIONAL — LARGE MUNICIPAL— NON - RESIDENTIAL— SMALL NON - MUNICIPAL — COMMERCIAL AND INSTITUTIONAL — SMALL NON - MUNICIPAL — SEASONAL RESIDENTIAL (_0 C -5 Proposed Deadline • All: July 1, 2003 • Surface Water Systems: July 1, 2004 • Groundwater Systems: December 31, 2005 • Designated Facilities served by these systems: July 1, 2003 • Children's Camps: July 1, 2004 • All other drinking water systems: O surface water systems: July 1, 2005 O Groundwater systems: Dec. 31, 2006 Application for Relief from Treatment Requirements As recommended by Commissioner O'Connor, g hemtof the requirement topp�ovide minimumy which owners could obtain an approval relieving treatment where the owner is able to demonstrate that the safety of the drinking water provided by their system meets acceptable risk -based standards. This process is not available to owners of drinking water systems that obtain their water from a surface water source, including groundwater systems under the influence of surface water. Those who wish to go through this process would have to make an application that would provide a comprehensive range of information based on a risk analysis and management plan. The owner would be required to undertake a risk analysis and management plan that includes: • a report from an engineer that includes all required documents and information; • information on the drinking water system or its raw water supply collected from the local health unit and the municipality; • a statement that the Engineer has consulted with the Medical Officer of Health about potential health risks that might be associated with the system or its raw water supply; • 24 -month microbiological sample history of the raw water supply, as well as additional records of microbiological tests that may be relevant; • a physical characterization of the raw water supply; • assessment of the risks of microbiological contamination related to well construction and well -head protection; • assessment of the risks of microbiological contamination related to the distribution system and plumbing; • survey of the risks of microbiological contamination related to the well -head vicinity and recharge zone; • basic operational plan, including written procedures and logs; 3 • corrective action upon adverse microbiological test results according to the ministry procedure entitled Procedure Related to Corrective Action for Systems Not Currently Providing Minimum Treatment; and • public consultations to ensure that users are informed of the application. Owners of a municipal system serving six or more residences would have to: • have municipatcouncil support and consent of the appropriate medical officer of health; • 24 months of specific water sampling and analysis results; • a hydrogeologist report, assessing the aquifer, well, well -head protection and the impact of existing and anticipated land uses; • public consultations in order to ensure that users are informed of the application and a summary of comments received and the owner's responses; and • confirmation that standby disinfection equipment and a supply of appropriate chemicals are available for immediate use in case disinfection is required. Operational Checks, Sampling and Testing The current drinking water regulations provide for tough monitoring standards and these are continued in the proposed regulation. A feature of this new regulation is sampling and testing requirements which have been designed to reflect the needs of each of the seven classes of drinking water systems: • all regulated drinking water systems will continue to be subject to microbiological sampling (E. Coli, coliforms) according to their size and population served; • sampling for chemical parameters reflects the best available information and over two years of testing and sampling. This regulation continues to require mandatory reporting of test results to both the medical officer of health and the ministry. The laboratory and the owner must immediately inform — speaking in person or over the telephone — the medical officer of health and the Ministry of the Environment. This must be followed up with a written notice within 24 hours. There are two corrective action schedules detailed in the proposed regulation that cover all of the regulated drinking water systems that are currently providing minimum treatment. These schedules provide details of the appropriate corrective action to be taken when there is an adverse water result. The ministry's Procedure Related to Corrective Action for Systems Not Currently Providing Minimum Treatment provides detailed and appropriate corrective action for microbiological indicators for systems that are not yet in compliance with minimum treatment requirements. 2 6C'-� Warning Notices Owners will be required to post a warning notice if they are not complying with the microbiological testing regime required by this regulation or if they did not carry out the necessary corrective actions. These warning notices would have to be posted in prominent locations to alert users of the system. It is very important to understand that posting a warning notice does not provide an exemption from the requirements of the regulation. All it means is that the regulation would require this step to be taken to protect public health, the fundamental objective of this regulation. Where owners fail to take this step, the regulation would provide authority for other persons such as a public health inspector to post the warning notice instead. Other Requirements Other requirements of the proposed regulation include: • In order that the public has access to testing results and details on the status of drinking water, annual reports will have to be prepared and submitted to the ministry on or before September 1 of each year. • School, private schools and day nurseries would be required to flush the plumbing on the first day that they are open each week. • Owners of regulated drinking water systems must continue to use accredited laboratories to test their water samples, unless the regulation allows for continuous monitoring equipment to in place or if the testing is for fluoride, turbidity or residual chlorine. ft1rqA I !j 3TrfT..T1.0T,.0T1-- �,b wo ft-3 ENTS .. . cad —� THE FOLLOWING PETITION MAY BE OF INTEREST TO YOU. If you would like to see a community park and playground built on township land in Sugarbush, please tape +I,- +;-- +„ , nw,,,ia +P ana c;cyn the nPt;t;nn helow_ I have already started the ball rolling with the attached SUGARBUSH COMMUNITY PARK AND PLAYGROUND PETITION SEPTEMBER 2002 PAGE, & I SUGARBUSH RESIDENTS THE FOLLOWING PETITION MAY BE OF INTEREST TO YOU. If you would like to see a community park and playground built on township land in Sugarbush, please take the time to complete and sign the petition below. I have already started the ball rolling with the attached letter (last page), sent to council in early May 2002. SUGARBUSH COMMUNITY PARK AND PLAYGROUND PETITION 1 OC4 � SUGARBUSH RESIDENTS .. . THE FOLLOWING PETITION MAY BE OF INTEREST TO YOU. If you would like to see a community park and playground built on township land in Sugarbush, please take the time to complete ands t e p on below. I have already started the ball rolling with the attached letter sent to council in e ly May 2002. SUGARBUSH COMMUNITY PARK AND PLAYGROUND PETITION SEPTEMBER 2002 PAGE 67 PL SUGARBUSH RESIDENTS � THE FOLLOWING PETITION MAY BE OF INTEREST TO YOU. If you would like to see a community park and playground built on township land in Sugarbush, please lane the time to complete and sign the petition below. I have already started the ball rolling with the attached letter sent to council in early May 2002. ADDRESS SIGNATURE NUMBER OF RESIDENTS IN HOME t. SUGARBUSH COMMUNITY PARK AND PLAYGROUND PETITION SEPTEMBER 2002 PAGE 0-4L. M' THE CORPORATION OF THE COUNTY OF SIMCOE NOTICE OF DECISION REGARDING AN APPLICATION FOR A SITE SPECIFIC EXCEPTION TO BY -LAW NO. 2840 TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Corporation of the County of Simcoe did not approve passage of a By -law on the 28"' day of January, 2003 under Section 34 of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.P.13, as amended for property municipally known as Lot 154, Plan 51 M -689, 30 Hewitt Place, City of Barrie. AND TAKE NOTICE that any person or agency may appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board the decision by filing with the Clerk of the Corporation of the County of Simcoe not later than the 24 "' day of February, 2003 a notice of appeal setting out the objections to the decision and the reasons in support of the objections, accompanied by the fee prescribed under the Ontario Municipal Board Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chap. 0.28, s.100. The fee for an appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board is $125.00. Kindly make your cheque payable to the "Minister of Finance ". Only individuals, corporations and public bodies may appeal the decision to the Ontario Municipal Board. A notice of appeal may not be filed by an unincorporated association or group. However, a notice of appeal may be filed in the name of an individual who is a member of the association or the group on its behalf. If a person or public body who files an appeal of a decision of the Corporation of the County of Simcoe in respect of the decision does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or written submissions to the Corporation of the County of Simcoe before the decision is made, the Ontario Municipal board may dismiss all or part of the appeal. PURPOSE AND EFFECT THE PURPOSE of the requested amendment to By -law No. 2840 of the County of Simcoe was to provide a site specific exemption to Section 3 (a) of the "Setback" By -law No. 2840 to permit the construction of a residence adjacent to County Road 93, located at Lot 154, Plan 51 M -689, municipally known as 30 Hewitt Place in the City of Barrie with a reduced setback requirement. DATED AT THE COUNTY OF SIMCOE THIS V DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2003. Glen R. Knox, Clerk County of Simcoe Administration Centre 1110 Highway 26 Midhurst, Ontario LOL 1X0 (705) 726 -9300 Ext 246 Fax (705) 726 -3991 GEORGIAN DRIVE HEWI-rT PLACE TOWNSHIP OF SPRINGWATER TOWNSHIP OF ORO-MEDONTE CITY OF BARRIE Ue -� O ui z LU X CIO ui ui M rn 0 0 0 0 30 Hewitt Place Lot 154, Registered Plan 51M-689. City of Barrie CM-sk C--Y -tsi- L--d hfb—i- N,--k C--,-W- 0 UMC Z= W Ik .. ft— th, Orksofi—i, A 0 ;Ii. 4-Y w2i, THE CORPORATION OF THE COUNTY OF SIMCOE NOTICE OF DECISION REGARDING AN APPLICATION FOR A SITE SPECIFIC EXCEPTION TO BY -LAW NO. 2840 TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Corporation of the County of Simcoe did not approve passage of a By -law on the 28"' day of January, 2003 under Section 34 of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.P.13, as amended for property municipally known as 382, 384, 386, 388, 390 and 392 Dunsmore Lane, Block 340, Registered Plan 51 M -689, City of Barrie. AND TAKE NOTICE that any person or agency may appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board the decision by filing with the Clerk of the Corporation of the County of Simcoe not later than the 24"' day of February, 2003 a notice of appeal setting out the objections to the decision and the reasons in support of the objections, accompanied by the fee prescribed under the Ontario Municipal Board Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chap. 0.28, s.100. The fee for an appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board is $125.00. Kindly make your cheque payable to the "Minister of Finance ". Only individuals, corporations and public bodies may appeal the decision to the Ontario Municipal Board. A notice of appeal may not be filed by an unincorporated association or group. However, a notice of appeal may be filed in the name of an individual who is a member of the association or the group on its behalf. If a person or public body who files an appeal of a decision of the Corporation of the County of Simcoe in respect of the decision does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or written submissions to the Corporation of the County of Simcoe before the decision is made, the Ontario Municipal board may dismiss all or part of the appeal. PURPOSE AND EFFECT THE PURPOSE of the requested amendment to By -law No. 2840 of the County of Simcoe was to provide a site specific exemption to Section 3 (a) of the "Setback" By -law No. 2840 to permit the construction of a 6 unit townhouse complex adjacent to County Road 93 located at Block 340, Plan 51 M -689, municipally known as 382, 384, 386, 388, 390 and 392 Dunsmore Lane in the City of Barrie with a reduced setback requirement. DATED AT THE COUNTY OF SIMCOE THIS 3`d DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2003. Glen R. Knox, C46rk County of Simcoe Administration Centre 1110 Highway 26 Midhurst, Ontario LOL 1X0 (705) 726 -9300 Ext 246 Fax (705) 726 -3991 I CpGNrr y,��4. THE CORPORATION OF THE COUNTY OF SIMCOE NOTICE OF DECISION REGARDING AN APPLICATION FOR A SITE SPECIFIC EXCEPTION TO BY -LAW NO. 2840 TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Corporation of the County of Simcoe did not approve passage of a By -law on the 28"' day of January, 2003 under Section 34 of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.P.13, as amended for property municipally known as 382, 384, 386, 388, 390 and 392 Dunsmore Lane, Block 340, Registered Plan 51 M -689, City of Barrie. AND TAKE NOTICE that any person or agency may appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board the decision by filing with the Clerk of the Corporation of the County of Simcoe not later than the 24"' day of February, 2003 a notice of appeal setting out the objections to the decision and the reasons in support of the objections, accompanied by the fee prescribed under the Ontario Municipal Board Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chap. 0.28, s.100. The fee for an appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board is $125.00. Kindly make your cheque payable to the "Minister of Finance ". Only individuals, corporations and public bodies may appeal the decision to the Ontario Municipal Board. A notice of appeal may not be filed by an unincorporated association or group. However, a notice of appeal may be filed in the name of an individual who is a member of the association or the group on its behalf. If a person or public body who files an appeal of a decision of the Corporation of the County of Simcoe in respect of the decision does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or written submissions to the Corporation of the County of Simcoe before the decision is made, the Ontario Municipal board may dismiss all or part of the appeal. PURPOSE AND EFFECT THE PURPOSE of the requested amendment to By -law No. 2840 of the County of Simcoe was to provide a site specific exemption to Section 3 (a) of the "Setback" By -law No. 2840 to permit the construction of a 6 unit townhouse complex adjacent to County Road 93 located at Block 340, Plan 51 M -689, municipally known as 382, 384, 386, 388, 390 and 392 Dunsmore Lane in the City of Barrie with a reduced setback requirement. DATED AT THE COUNTY OF SIMCOE THIS 3`d DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2003. Glen R. Knox, C46rk County of Simcoe Administration Centre 1110 Highway 26 Midhurst, Ontario LOL 1X0 (705) 726 -9300 Ext 246 Fax (705) 726 -3991 I SUBJECT PROPERTY L DUNSMORE LANE TOWNSHIP OF SPRINGWATER CITY OF BARRIE TOWNSHIP OF ORO- MEDONTE O 2 W I co O 2 ti W W M O� a Z O U 382 to 392 Dunsmore Lane Block 340 Registered Plan 51 M -689 City of Barrie A j1j�`• , %.+arP.e�ie.M.�Aah- 4,an :a�oraw bteryronc�M gY,,.'1s- ' a+ntlw��w,h,., y,�Co�wry aJSiaeve. r. _.._. Lamd c iv C*vPffwiw F, oereidtkpsn )nde.�nekn•Oq/sorirsn g and din OwrioMi�ipry afNawrnl Rwwrcer, Cagridltt0 ow— Prierwno !1f—p l'Aw0/CfwAVY F-- 4I- -.ma im)7,&.9"a01 S/RTn- YiWMwtptlVpiNtatani. FROM : Yvonne Klima PHONE NO. : 705 7343788 Feb. 10 2003 08:27AM P1 Yvonne Klima 239 Bay Street, Comp. 502 Shanty Bay, Ontario LOL 21,0 by facsimile to: 4870$3' OP,O- MF...DONTE TOWNSHIP OFFICES att: Neil Craig -Mayor Paul Marshall - Councilor Walter Dickie - Deputy Mayor Jerry .Ball - Public Works Superintendent Jennifer Zieleniewsai - CAO �s �, Monday February 10th, 2003. RE "ENHANCEMENT" OF SHANTY B 4,Y VILLAGE PUBLIC BOAT LAUNCH Dear Sirs and Madame, I have been informed that the T ownship of Oro-N,' don= intends to ap,Yr: :'c s ti %,::,::zrcial utility landing clock at the bottom of the 2nd concession! This is a highly undesirable and uccacctptable location for this tyke of enterprise. As you all well know, Shanty Bay is a quiet residential community. The location in question always has children, dogs, boaters, villagers out walking, or perhaps someone from town just looking at the splendid view off the end of the dock. Have you considered the dangers involved of having triple axe] or flatbed transport trucks unloading racks and gavel or backhoes and bulldozers in the middle of our village ?? (and roaring past the church!) This heavy construction equipment enterprise 4.QSgnot belong in our village. And what of the ecological impact of "redesigning" the shoreline? Does the Ministry of Natural Resources lmow about this ?? I vebemently object , and ask that Council make a common sense decision based upon the majority wishes of the residents of this lovely community. very sincerely, Vow Yvo e Klima. Barbara Adamson R.R. # 4, 4114 Line Nine North, Coldwater, ON LOK IEO Mayor Neil Craig and Members of Council Oro Medonte Township P.O. Box 100 Oro, Ontario LOL 2X0 Dear Mayor Craig and all Council Members: (705) 835 -2323 - Fax(705)835 -2572 Email: barbs.typing @encode.com . F4) ti �{ February 3, 2003 .`_3 Re my letters of August 23 and August 28, 2002 regarding the changing of the township policy to allow me the severance as requested in my August 28, 2002 letter. I have not received any reply from you and would like to know if I am able to apply and be granted a severance of the property in question from the main property. The property in question has a 424.66' frontage by a depth to the creek/river of approximately 260' more or less, running along the creek/river bed. Note: This is not a workable piece of land, mainly covered in mature trees. All building considerations would be adhered to. I have previously sent you copies of the survey and an aerial picture of the property. I would appreciate hearing from you. Yours very truly, C.C. Mr. Allison, Architect Garfield Dunlop, MPP Andrea Lee, Planner 6 �—;�' I E- 0 z W I PIN.a522 wl rn z U ni N 3' N6042'50'E 1106.4X * Z z art � F W txx 1..t I E c6 � � N pi- Cot (.,Coal % I med�nn�C n� ¢ hduK. I H p � R � amn ar I\TS,p Ana I 4 :C ` .\ o k- 1 E+Ir e A ,ok� � � �•�rya R o � I I P \N. 58522 — . 07. J z SCE PLM OF 9JM 0002 .��-ji °• .�' a^�' j o-;�,� R r� I .- sw alDA7EO JUNE 2�97i 4,� N ba) (Far. We -31J2) aP ll)��q a ry., Nezoa'YO'E N00'DY6o'E 12 W racm wo 7)a Moo 717.W(PI) NW01'30'E 794.1V ORIGINAL ROAD ALLOWANCE d�4 NavaooOEcrl) L • — — -_ i -- 2n BV — -1, F RR 1, Comp. 311 Oro Station, ON LOL 2E0 February 6, 2003 Mayor and Council Corporation of the Township of Oro- Medonte Box 100 Oro, Ontario LOL 2X0 F OR -!nn 0�� Re: Deputation pertaining: to sale of park land in Plan 709 at Council meeting February 5, 2003 To his Worship and members of Council On Wednesday evening, I attended the council meeting at which a deputation was presented to council by the sisters Wailacechuk (spelling ?). The two sisters were very well spoken and presented quite a serene picture or image of the waterfront property which council has decided to sell to adjoining property owners. I was concerned, however, that many of the statements made by the sisters were in fact misleading. Although I spoke at the end of the meeting regarding these issues, I felt it would be beneficial to put my thoughts into writing. A major point stressed repeatedly was that the community of plan 709 has always welcomed the public to the park in block A and that the community would rather have the parklands made public as opposed to the proposal council has voted upon. There are many points of fact which dispute this position. During that fall meeting with council when both rooms were completely packed with the residents of Plan 709, it was put to us if we wanted to make the parklands public. A resounding negative response was the answer and this should be on record from that council meeting. I was secretary of the Oro Lea Beach Ratepayers Association for many years. The association discussed the public using the waterfront and decided to put up a gate to prevent access to the waterfront. I was then directed to seek approval from council in a letter once the township became aware of the gate. There is a sign posted on the community notice board which reads "Keep Out". When the township erected a sign at the entrance to the waterfront access, the association inquired as to the possibility of having the words "Private or Restricted Use" added to the sign. This inquiry was met with a negative response. I also understand that the sign announcing this township park was cut down and another one had to be erected. Clearly, the members of this community do not wish the parkland to be made public. �D I \ - /� The deputation also accused council of being secretive about the process and of withholding certain information to advance its purposes. The association was clearly informed that the law had changed which allowed council to remove the restricted use designation. This, in and of itself, makes the parklands public since they are owned by the township. We all realized it although it was never articulated in this manner. The association also held numerous meetings which are outlined in the minutes taken by myself which dealt solely with the issue in question. The association hired a law firm, Oatley- Purser, to seek legal counsel regarding the issue in question. Numerous meetings were held with the CAO, the vice president of the association representing the back lot residents, and myself representing the waterview residents. Information was disclosed to the members of the community and there was no deception. Jennifer Zieleniewski was extremely professional in her handling of the situation giving equal attention and information to both factions of the community. She was extremely transparent with whatever information she was capable of disclosing. Issues and suggested solutions pertaining to insurance and taxation for the back lot residents were discussed. I find it difficult to believe that people feel that they have not been informed at every step of the way. The deputation alluded that it was council's decision which has caused a rift in the community and that the community has always been friendly. Letters complaining to council of certain activities within the community clearly predate council's decision pertaining to the parklands in Plan 709. There are many long term ratepayers in the community who discuss the cyclical nature of unrest that has been ongoing for decades. The division within the community is not council's doing. The sisters portrayed the waterfront property as "prime real estate" and suggested that it would make a wonderful public waterfront park. Certain members of Council and the CAO walked the property in question prior to Council making its decision and observed its state. A slide show was prepared and presented to all members of Council which clearly showed that the waterfront in question is not suitable as a public waterfront. The shoreline is far to steep for most of the park with the exception of about 200 feet at the middle point or the new Part A. There are wells and septic beds that extend into the parkland and in some instances the property line of the parkland is within inches of the foundation of private residences. It is very clear that this stretch of waterfront is not "public friendly" and the township would face serious liability issues if it were made public. The logical decision to be made is to sell the adjoining property owners the land in front of their private residences. This prime real estate spoken of was also compared to other waterfront in the area which sells for around $2600 a front foot. The analogy falls short, however, since this strip of land cannot be developed for a number of reasons and therefore its value is not equivalent to a waterfront building lot. To suggest that an independent, certified land appraiser did not do his job properly and used questionable techniques is simply ludicrous. I am a registered real estate representative and I understand the issues which decrease the value of this particular piece of waterfront. I wonder what training either speaker possesses to have come to their conclusions? (31 —'� Within the deputation was the suggestion that the taxpayers in the township were picking up a $22,000 tab so that a few private property owners could benefit from the disposition of this property. Again, this is not true. It is my understanding that the only group that would not have to pay for surveys and other such fees would be the back lot owners. It is interesting that they did not point out that the taxpayers in the township would be picking up the tab for the surveys and deeds of the properties being transferred to them, with no purchase price, including a 100 foot stretch of waterfront that could have been sold as a building lot. These two presenters spoke to Council and left council with the impression that they are actively involved in their community and the impact on them is tremendous. I have been a resident of Plan 709 since 1992. I have no recollection of ever having seen either of these two women before the information meetings held in mid January when I first spoke with them about the situation in the community. They were unaware of a number of items I mentioned. The fact that they are ratepayers is the extent of their involvement within this community, until recently. They were chosen as the spokespeople for a specific reason. For this group to have invited the media to report on a story which was presented with such bias and part truths borders on the irresponsible. It is my hope that council will not reconsider its decision based on this deputation. There are people within this community who have put their lives on hold over this issue for over 2 1/Z years. Property has been offered for sale and acceptance has been provided by those concerned. It is time to proceed and conclude this matter. Again, I thank you for having permitted me to speak to Council last Wednesday evening and I appreciate the time you have taken to read my letter. Lot 41, Plan 709 (705) 487 -1269 simcoel@bigfoot.com cc Jennifer Zieleniewski, CAO �d From: Pat and Roy Hastings patan roy. as Sent: Monday, February 10, 2003 12:50 PM To: clerk @oro- medonte.ca Subject: request to waive procedure Dear Marilyn Pennycook, I hereby request that Oro - Medonte Township Council waive their procedure requiring four business days notice for a request for a deputation to appear at Council. I have requested a deputation to attend Council's Committee of the Whole Meeting on Wednesday, Feb., 12, 2003. My deputation is very short and will not take long. Thank you, Pat Hastings - C Dear Mayor Craig and Members of Council: Periodically Roy and I take in Council Meetings as a way of keeping in touch with what is happening. We are always impressed to hear the opening where it is stated that "Council is here to do the will of the people" and to "leave the township a better place for having been here ". When the new chain of office was presented it was pleasing to hear the names of some of the former members of council mentioned for their contributions towards "making this township a better place ". As- meeting progressed, however, a deputation brought information forward that at first surprised, and then appalled me! I began to wonder if all members of council listened to, thought about, or even considered these words when making decisions. The information seemed unbelievable - especially when one can read on page 9 of Oro- Medonte's Secondary Parkland Study, "it is the philosophy and policy of the current council that municipally owned waterfront property will not be sold' : After the meeting however when I saw the documentation that accompanied the deputation I realized that what was being said appears to be only too true. In short, this council is not only selling waterfront parkland owned by the citizens of Oro Township but it is actually agreeing that we, the taxpayers of Oro- Medonte will pay the legal and drainage costs incurred in order to put this waterfront parkland into private hands. Although presented as "restricted lands" in notices for the public and when the mayor speaks to newspaper reporters, the people of the township have actually owned these properties outright since 1997. This township hardly has any lake front property for the people to use now. How could anyone believe that Oro - Medonte is made a better place by giving away more lakefront than Oro- Memorial Park has. Not only is this municipally owned waterfront propertybeing sold by a council whose " philosophy and policy is that municipally owned waterfront property will not be sold" but the manner in which Council appears to have taken to get rid of this valuable property forever is just as hard to comprehend as the manner in which they have conducted their dealings with the local concerned residents and the sale of the waterfront parkland to private interests. Equally as hard to understand is how a majority of council would vote to change its by -law which required public lands to be sold "at arm's length ", publically advertised or tendered for sale, specifically so that this property projected to be worth two million dollars could be sold directly to a few selected landowners. And then they proceeded to sell at a price that is said to be much, much lower than its appraised market value. Upon hearing the parkland presentation and reading their documentation it has become evident that the two women who presented are the ones that are actually living up to the words that opened the council meeting. They were adamently opposed to council giving them parkland that belongs to the people of Oro- Medonte. They did not feel that it was just to personally profit at the expense of taxpayers and future generations. They and the majority of the front and back lot landowners asked that the property be kept open to the public for the enjoyment of all. It is these two ladies who are putting the interests and the will of the public first, even when they could otherwise financially benefit. After leaving the meeting and having read the documentation I am horrified by the actions of council in this matter. However, I have learned that sometimes additional information can shed more light on a situation. There are a large number of residents who feel that we need to hear directly from this council whom we elected and whom we entrusted to manage the township's resources wisely. I am certain that council must be just as eager to be able to provide additional information and to personally answer the questions of taxpayers concerning the parklands . Consequently, I am asking that council hold a public meeting to make this possible. I would also ask that the timing of the meeting be such that it can be publicized in the North Simcoe News and that council delay all actions relating to the disposal of all parklands until after this public meeting takes place. Sincerely lq-4111�711-j Pat Hastings ISSUE DATE: Feb. 5, 2003 DECISION/ORDER NO: 0174 R ORU- Ux: Ontario Municipal Board , Commission des affaires municipales de ('Ontario PLO11017 The Corporation of the County of Simcoe has appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board under subsection 34(19) of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.13, as amended, against Zoning By- law 2001-81 of the Township of Oro-Medonte OMB File No. R010213 APPEARANCES: Parties Counsel County of Simcoe (County) Marshall Green MEMORANDUM OF ORAL DECISION DELIVERED BY RONALD J. EMO ON 'JANUARY 20, 2003 AND ORDER OF THE BOARD As noted in the most recent Decision/Procedural Order #1429 (issued October 23, 2002) over the past year, the Board has been very responsive to the changing positions of the Parties, particularly Ms Gates, in an attempt to avoid an estimated five day hearing involving extraneous, yet related, matters such as the extent of the leachate plume" extending from the County's Landfill #11 under the lands of the Harwood Hills (HH) outdoor recreation area. Decision /Procedural Order #1429 set today for the commencement of an estimated five day hearing on the merits of the County's appeal of Oro-Medonte Zoning By-law 2001-81. The Procedural Order also provided that, because of the "on again-off again" nature of this case, any party wishing to withdraw would do so prior to November 30th, after which, the hearing date would be peremptory. By letter of November 29th, Mr. Tang, counsel to Janet Gates, advised that his client would not be participating in the hearing. With Ciro-Medonte already having opted to not defend its own by-law, the County was the only party present at today's sifting. As noted previously, in the Procedural Order #0449 (issued March 12, 2002), Ms Gates had been desirous of building a 26 room dormitory residence on lands leased from the HH. To accommodate Ms Gate's proposal, the Township of Oro-Medonte (Township) enacted Zoning By-law 2001-81, which has been appealed by the County. The HH resort surrounds an active County land-fill site (#11). - 2 - PLO11017 s In today's sitting, the only evidence heard by the Board was that of June Little, a senior (staff) County land -use planner. Ms Little noted that because the original application seeking a zone change to permit the proposed dormitory had been made in 1997, prior to the new Oro - Medonte and County Official Plans, the planning regime against which Zoning By -law 2001 -81 should be 'tested' would be the Provincial Policy Statements (PPS).and the old (1988) Oro Official Plan. From this perspective, Ms Little directed the Board to PPS 1.1:3 (g), which I paraphrase to read: Long term economic prosperity will be supported r by planning so that major facilities such as waste management systems and sensitive land uses are . appropriately designed, buffered and /or separated from each other to prevent adverse effects from odour, noise and other contaminants. The Board understood from Ms Little's response to its query, that sensitive land uses included residences such as the proposed "Inn at Hardwood ". Ms Little related the various environmental studies submitted in support of the proposed "Inn at Hardwood ", together with the subsequent (separate) peer reviews conducted on behalf of Oro - Medonte and the County (tab 10, exhibit 2) and her evidence that in relation to the issues of hydrogeology, noise, odour and general nuisance', the proponent had not responded to requests for more information. In particular, the Board was directed to a letter (tab 11, exhibit 2), outlining the deficiencies in the proponent's material, which letter was written on July 10"', 2001. just two months prior to the municipality's enactment of By -law 2001 -81. The Board accepts Ms Little's expert evidence and finds that Zoning By -law 2001 -81 has not 'had appropriate regard' to PPS 1.1.3 (g), is thus premature and does not represent appropriate land -use planning. On the basis of this finding, the Board allows the County appeal and hereby repeals Zoning By -law 2001 -81. COSTS Mr. Green asked for costs in the amount of $1500 against HH ( Viney family) to "send a message" as to unacceptable behaviour. The Board pointed out that neither the Viney family nor their corporate entity had been a party to these proceedings as the proponent had been Ms Gates, who had been successful in having Oro - Medonte enact the zoning change. The Board questioned the action of the municipality, an active player in the preliminary environmental analysis of potential conflict between the to k -3 - 3 - PL01 1017 (County) land-fill operation and the proposed "Inn at Hardwood", as well as the County's vigorous opposition, proceeding with the zone change and then opting to not defend the by-law. Mr. Green was given sixty days, from today's date, to file any cost motion(s). The Board so Orders. "Ronald J. Emo," RONALD J. EMO MEMBER r op TOWNSH IP OF ORO-MEDONTE. REPORT Dept. Report No. ADM2003 -013 To: Council Prepared By: Jennifer Zieleniewski, CAO Subject: Department: Council Recreation Advisory Administration C. of W. X Committee Composition Date: February 12, 2003 . Motion # R.M. File No. Date: F GROUND: eceipt of the resignation from Recreation Advisory members Ms. Nadeen Morano and Mr. Wiese, staff have reviewed the By -law in terms of the quorum. No. 2001 -29 appointed eight (8) members to the Recreation Advisory Committee. The ittee consisted of two (2) Councillors, the Mayor as ex- officio, and five (5) members of the unity. ANALYSIS: Consideration was given to the composition.of the Committee including the costing for advertisement to reappoint members and the time frame with respect to Council's term of office. After discussion with the Clerk's office, it is the opinion that the three (3) members of the Committee with Council representatives can continue to function adequately for the remainder of the term. .r RECOMMENDATION (S): 1. THAT this report be received and adopted. 2. That the composition of the Recreation Advisory Committee for the remainder of the term of Council be three (3) public appointments, two (2) Council and the Mayor as ex- officio. Respectfully submitted, Jennifer Zieleniewski CAO I C.A.O. Comments: C.A.O. Date: Dept. Head 2 lb-1 I on] :3 1 Dept. Report No. To: Prepared By: ADM 2003 -12 Committee of the Whole Jennifer Zieleniewski /Andria Leigh Subject: Department: Council Proposed Expansion of Administration C. of W. Conservation Authority Jurisdiction within the Township of Oro - Medonte Date: Motion # FebruarV 5 2003 H.M. File No. Date: The Township of Oro - Medonte is currently serviced by two Conservation Authorities and one Environmental Association in regards to environmental matters in the Municipality. The Conservation Authorities and the Environmental Association complete programs and services within their individual watersheds, which comprise Oro - Medonte. The NVCA has been providing services to the Municipality since its inception in the 1960's for approximately 20% of the Township. In late 2001, the Township became a member of Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority which began providing services within their watershed area that comprises approximately 27% of the Township. The remainder of the Township (approximately 53 %) is currently receiving services from the Severn Sound Environmental Association in accordance with an existing agreement adopted by Council. A map identifying the three watershed areas is attached for Council's reference (Attachment #1). ANALYSIS: In May 2001 subsequent to discussions with Council, staff began to initiate a review of the potential expansion of a Conservation Authority within the remaining 53% of the Township. A report prepared by the Township Planning Consultant dated June 20, 2001 is attached (Attachment #2). This report explains the role of a Conservation Authority and the options for potential expansion. It is evident from the report that there are legislative and enforcement benefits to expanding the jurisdiction of a Conservation Authority within the remainder of the Township. The Township has maintained an "Environment First" philosophy with the initiation of an Environmental Task Force, the establishment of working groups to review policies related to the Oro Moraine and Aggregate Management, the adoption of a no fill by-law for environmental protection zoned areas in the Township, and more recently membership in the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority in late 2001. Discussion occurred in August 2001 with the LSRCA and NVCA about the potential expansion. Letters were received from both (Attachment #3) which identified the services provided by each. The NVCA also identified the additional levy cost for the expansion at approximately $ 50,000.00. During the discussion between LSRCA, NVCA, and the Township the parties agreed that the expansion would be more appropriately completed by NVCA because of their close proximity to residents of the Township and their long-standing expertise within the Municipality. Additional discussions occurred with the LSRCA, NVCA, and SSEA in January 2003 to discuss the direction being recommended by staff and to receive additional input from the parties. Letters were received from NVCA and SSEA and are attached for Council's reference. (Attachment #4). The Township in completing the review process of the potential jurisdiction expansion and the meetings with the three parties have determined that there are a number of opportunities provided with the expansion which are discussed below: Conservation Authority Regulations and Permitting — The NVCA has the authority under the Conservation Authorities Act to enforce the regulations of that Act and to issue subsequent notices and charges for non- compliance. The Conservation Authority also has the ability to enforce the Municipalities By-law, which prohibits and regulates the placing or dumping of fill in Environmentally Sensitive Area and was adopted in 1998. The NVCA also has a Level 11 Fish Habitat Agreement with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, which would allow them to assist the Municipality in obtaining approvals for road/construction works which the Municipality is undertaking. The NVCA through the Act and subsequent regulations has the ability to issue permits for works in the flood plain, fill plain, and is association with a watercourse or water body. The issuance of these permits would supplement the current Official Plan policies and Zoning By-law Provisions that only regulate the building construction and the requirement for defined setbacks from these areas but does not address the physical works being completed on site. Plan Review — The NVCA would review and provide input on applications received under the Planning Act as well as reviewing and approval the various studies related to a planning application. Council adopted a report in 1998 to retain the services of Azimuth Environmental to provide the Township with Environmental and Hydrogeological Plan Review support as the Provincial Ministries were no longer providing the local municipalities this expertise. At that time requests for proposals were received from both private companies and the public authorities. While the applicant on each application is responsible for the additional costs of the Township review, there is a perceived benefit in having the review completed by a public authority for a Municipality rather than a private business. Although the NVCA does not have a hydrogeologist on staff they do have the ability to utilize the LSRCA hydrogeologist or in particular instances have obtained an independent assessment. The role of Conservation Authorities has increased substantially as a result of Justice O'Connor's report that clearly stated that Conservation Authorities should develop source protection plans in co- operation with the local municipalities. As a result, the role of many conservation authorities including the NVCA in relation to ground water management in Ontario has developed and will continue to increase in the future. The Province is currently working with the Conservation Authorities of Ontario to ensure a continued role in the future. While the programs currently operated by the SSEA have provided benefits to the Township and its residents; additional benefits can be provided through under the jurisdiction of a Conservation Authority. The proposed expansion is intended to bring the Township to another level ensuring legal remedies for environmental infractions and ensuring consistency amongst all residents of the Township on environmental matters. The Township has always been pro- active in regard to environmental matters and have always maintained an open process with the residents of the Township. On this basis, it is recommended that the Municipality obtain public input with respect to the proposed expansion of a Conservation Authority into the remaining 53% of the Municipality. • � �*I It is recommended to Council that: 1. The Township support, in principle, the expansion by the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority into the remaining 53 % of the Township; 2. That the Township proceed with a public meeting to obtain comments with regard to the proposed expansion; 3. That the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority, the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority and the Severn Sound Environmental Association be advised, in writing, of Council's decision; and 4. That this report be received and adopted. Respectfully Submitted, Je nifer le . wski, C.A.O. C.A.O. Comments: C.A.O. Andria Leigh, Senior Planner Date: Dept. Head �/. N ..46. �9TUcw t2, 5 ail a I Z 1 :4 zm ; rM Page 1 of 6 To: Jennifer Zieleniewski From: Chris Jones Date: June 20, 2001 Subject: The Role of Conservation Authorities and an Assessment of Potential Expansion into Non- Jursidictional Areas Jab Number: 9460 1.0 BACKGROUND The south -west corner of the Township of Oro - Medonte is located in the Nottawasaga Valley watershed and therefore has been Integrated with the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) has included since its inception in 1960. By the end of 2001, it is anticipated that all of the shoreline of Lake Simcoe comprising about 27°x6 of the Township will be subject to the jurisdiction of the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA). A reference map is attached as Appendix 1 that illustrates the present jurisdiction of the NVCA, the proposed jurisdiction of. the LSRCA, and the remaining area of the Township that will fail outside of any Conservation Authority (CA) jurisdiction. It is evident, based on a review of Appendix 1 that about 53% of the Township will remain outside the jurisdiction a Conservation Authority. Given this apparent shortcoming, this report has been prepared to review whether it is in the municipal interest to extend Conservation Authority jurisdiction over the remaining portion of the municipality. 2.0 WHAT CAN A CONSERVATION AUTHORITY DO? The original intent of a Conservation Authority was to protect people and property from flooding. Today, Conservation Authorities have become much more involved in watershed planning and the management of natural resources. Specifically, the NVCA has historically provided the following services to the Township of Oro - Medonte through their regular membership agreement: • ofriiciai Plan and Comprehensive Zoning By -law review and comments; • Plan review on applications circulated under the Planning Act; • Land stewardship initiatives including tree planting and bioengineering; • Water quality monitoring on various watercourses; • Floodplain management including flood forecasting; and, • Regulatory compliance (permitting) through the Conservation Authorities Act. The following sub - sections summarize the applicable legislative powers of the Conservation Authorities Act: the Role of Conservation Authorities and an Assessment of Potential Expansion Into Non- Jursidictional Areas Prepared by The Planning Partnership 1 nann ,ca cnI aN,T vua ATugNqN1NHri ?1NTHWIri X1.11 WV 8:11 AHS 100 — 2—Nnf . " . . I "� b - ('0 4CO* Under the Conservation Authorities Act, a Conservation Authority may: • Study and investigate the watershed and to determine a program whereby the natural resources of the watershed may be conserved, restored, developed or managed. + Enter Into and upon any lend to conduct tests undertaken or under consideration by the Authority. + Acquire or expropriate land that it may require. • Lease land for a term of one year or less. • Purchase or acquire personal property. • Enter into agreements as may be necessary for the carrying out of any project. + Enter into agreements with owners of private land to facilitate a project. Determine the proportion of the total benefit afforded to each participating municipality. • Erect works and structures and create reservoirs by the construction of dams. • Control the flow of surface waters to prevent floods or pollution. • Alter the course of any river or watercourse in order to divert flow past any structure built by the authority. • Use lands owned by the Authority in a manner deemed proper. • Use lands owned by the Authority for park and recreation purposes. Collaborate and enter into agreements with govemment agencies and municipalities. Plant and produce trees. • Cause research to be done. • Enter into an agreement with a municipality for the construction or maintenance of a road necessary for the function of the Authority. • Capital projects that require debenturing require the approval of the OMS. A Conservation Authority may also pass regulations that • Restrict or regulate the use of water in or from rivers, streams, inland lakes, ponds, swamps and natural or artificial constructed depressions in rivers or streams. • Prohibit, regulate or require the permission of the authority for the straightening, changf »g, dfverftng or interfering in any way with an existing watercourse. • Regulate the location of ponds used for irrigation. • Appoint enforcement officers. • Prohibit or regulating the location of structures built in areas susceptible to flooding. • Prohibit or regulating the placing or dumping of fill. A Conservation Authority may not establish regulations that: • Limit the use of water for domestic or livestock purposes; • Interfere with the rights conferred upon municipalities in respect to the use of water for municipal purposes; • Interfere with the rights conferred upon Ontario Hydro; • Interfere with rights conferred by the Public Utilities Act. 3.0 WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A CONSERVATION AUTHORITY? Planning on a Watershed Basis The intent of a GA is to review issues on a watershed basis, meaning that there is a consistent approach to development in municipalities that share a watershed. Without a CA, it is sometimes difficult to assess the impacts of development on a watershed since a CA typically has the required technical expertise that a municipality does not. Improved Land Stewardship Conservation Authorities have the ability to require a higher degree of land stewardship. In many municipalities, the Conservation Authority issues land use permits or participates in the review of The Rote of Conservation Authorities and an Assessment of Potential rtrpansron rnro non- ✓urmurf.410rim por.ma Prepared by The Planning Partnership m 'A R1(lq j_Fj. q0L 'ON xv. MSHNZNHd ONINNV1d Hi WV 8b e I I M IOH -2 —NAf development applications as well as applications for consent and minor variance. As part o hi process, landowners are educated on matters related to the natural environment that can create a greater awareness of the impact of development on the environment. Monitoring of Site Plan and Development Agreements A CA can also play a role in the monitoring of site plan agreements to ensure landowners abide by the terms of an agreement. Using a golf course as an example, if an agreement specifies that a golf course operation will control stormwater run -off through the establishment of an established management plan, a Conservation Authority could monitor the operation of the course and conduct tests to ensure the plan achieves its desired stormwater management objective. Control Over the Construction of Ponds Conservation Authorities also have regulatory power over the construction of ponds for irrigation purposes_ This.could include ponds used for golf courses, landscaping businesses or agricultural operations. With this regulation, the primary role of the CA is to ensure that the creation of a pond does not adversely impact downstream aquatic habitat. This level of control exceeds that which could be provided under zoning. Association with a Provincially Mandated Agency The Township of Oro- Medonte, like most municipalities, has experienced a rapid decrease in the level of service and technical assistance previously provided by Provincial agencies. As a result, many municipalities now function without the benefit of Provincial expertise and feedback. To some degree, a Conservation Authority would assist in building a bridge back to some of the previous resources provided by the Province, including access to grants and other sources of funding. 4.0 WHAT ARE THE COSTS OF A CONSERVATION AUTHORITY? User Fees and Added Costs For the year 2001, the Township of Oro - Medonte has budgeted the amount of $14,347 to have the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority maintain jurisdiction over about 20% of the Township located within the south -west portion of the municipality. It is noted that the NVCA membership fee has risen from about $7,500 in 1998. Preliminary estimates by the NVCA indicate that membership for the balance of the municipality would cost about $60,000 in total. In 2001, the municipality has also budgeted $14,102 to have the take Simcoe Region Conservation Authority maintain jurisdiction over a further 23% of the Township's land area located in the south end of the municipality. The cost to a municipality to join the membership of a Conservation Authority does not include administrative costs relating to the review of development applications and conducting field inspections. These costs are borne by the applicant through additional fees, which are presently only applied in the Township of Oro - Medonte when development is proposed in or adjacent to an environmental feature. The present fee system used by the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority is attached as Appendix 2. Fines for Contravening Regulations The maximum prescribed fine that may be levied against a landowner for contravening a Conservation Authority regulation is $1000, which must be levied by a provincial court_ Compared to the prescribed fine for the contravention of a zoning by -law, which is $25,000, the deterrent relating to a Conservation Authority regulation is not overly punitive. Perhaps a greater deterrent The Role of conservation Authorities and an Assessment of Potential Expansion Into Non•Jursldlodonaf Areas Prepared by The Planning Partnership 3 �n • , o a nc a c) cn) 'nnt u14 a A t WgXgN i NHr1 nN i NNUIrl �11­11 WV W11 nH1 102 -2—Nnf '1*1 4d is the requirement that any landowner convicted of a charge is required to remedy or reme the affected area. Impacts Upon the Severn Sound Remedial Action Plan The residual portion of the Township that is isolated from CA jurisdiction falls within the -Severn Sound Watershed. The Severn Sound Watershed comprises about 1,000 square kilometers in the north end of Simcoe County including portions of Springwater, Tiny and Severn Townships as well as all of Tay Township and the Towns of Midland and Penetanguishene. The Severn Sound Remedial Action Plan (SSRAP) was initiated in 1993 as part of an inter- governmental effort to 'delist" Severn Sound as an area of environmental concern in the Great Lakes basin. Since its inception, the SSRAP, which became the Severn Sound Environmental Association (SSEA) in 1997, has secured millions of dollars in funding in an effort to address environmental problems in the Severn Sound. it is also understood that the formal "delisting" of Severn Sound is anticipated to occur by 2004. it is unlikely the incorporation of a Conservation Authority would adversely Impact the work and progress of the SSEA. However, discussions should be held with both groups to ensure each could be supported in their respective roles. 5.0 OPTIONS and ANALYSIS Do Nothing The primary issue to resolve with the "do nothing" option is whether there is a compelling reason for 47% of a municipality to be subject to the control of a Conservation Authority and 53% of the municipality to fall outside of any jurisdiction. To assist in this assessment, the following table identifies significant natural heritage features from Schedule 113' of the Official Plan and identifies the jurisdiction where these features fall, NVCA.,Jjjrlsd Oro Moraine (portion) Pilkey Swamp Daiston Lake Complex Shanty Say Swamp Oro Moraine (portion) Hawkestone Swamp Allingham Swamp Shelswell Creek Swamp Bluffs Creek Lake Simcoe Shoreline No Jurisdiction Oro Moraine (portion) Copeland Forest Complex Medonte Bog Vasey Swamp Moonstone Northeast ANSI Purbrook Creek Swamp Fast Coulson Swamp Marchmont Swamp Bass Lake Langman Marsh Based on the above table it is apparent that a variety of wetland and natural heritage features are located within the portion of the Township that will potentially not be subject to a Conservation Authority. Given the number of important natural heritage features, it would appear to be in the public interest to ensure a consistent approach to watershed planning is applied to the residual area of the Township. The 0do nothing" approach would also theoretically save the municipality an initial annual membership fee of about $46,000, which includes the estimated $60,000 fee for 73% of the Township less the existing commitment of about $14,000 for the area that has always been subject to NVCA jurisdiction. the Role of Conservation Authorffles and an Assessment of Potential Expansion into Non-Jursidictional Areas Prepared by The Planning Partnership 4 q0 Id 8L05 LEL SOL 'ON Xvd dIHSENIM ONINNVId 3K WV 66 :11 flHI 1OOz_,2_NAr ,h -9 A#% Extend Jurisdiction of the Remainder of the Township to the NVCA or the LSRCA W Extending the jurisdiction of the NVCA or the LSRCA over the balance of the Township would 40pill, provide a consistent approach to watershed management and would also provide a more equitable degree of implementation and enforcement across the Township. In other words, a golf -course developing in the north part of the municipality would be subject to the same water quality rules as a golf course developing in the south end of the municipality. Extending the jurisdiction would also allow for greater consistency across the Township in undertaking resource based studies in water management and natural heritage as well as activities such as digital mapping and data collection. It is noted that the potential expansion of a Conservation Authority into the balance of the Township would be somewhat inconsistent with the prescribed method of establishing the boundaries of a Conservation Authority. This is because a CA is typically defined by the limits of a regional watershed. However, Section 3 (2) of the Conservation Authorities Act does allow the "inclusion of a municipality that is only partially within a watershed." An example of this occurred recently in the Township of Springwater, which incorporated a Severn Sound watershed portion of the Township (Orr Lake) within the jurisdiction of the NVCA. According to staff in Springwater Township, the inclusion of this previous non jurisdictional area has balanced the implementation efforts of watershed planning and enforcement across the entire Township. Attached to this report as Appendix 3 is a summary of the critical steps that were followed to incorporate a portion the southern shoreline of Oro-Medonte with the LSRCA during 2000 and 2001. Relationship to the Severn Sound Environmental Association This report does not discount or negate the role of the existing Severn Sound Environmental Association nor does it discount the value the Township of Oro-Medonte as a partner in this Association. However, the essenti! ,%Ieestion posed by this paper is whether it is reasonable and in the public interest for _�� o e Township to be subject to the powers of a Conservation A, I v Authority and the remainder to be excluded. Although the Severn Sound Association should be considered a stakeholder in this decision because the lands subject to this assessment lie within the Severn Sound Watershed, it is apparent that one of the objectives of the Township should be to ensure some degree of consistency in regulation and enforcement. Given the remediation and non-regulatory focus of the SSLA, it would not appear that this objective could be achieved solely by the SSEA. 6.0 CONCLUSIONS The Conservation Authorities Act contains a number of regulatory powers that could improve the municipality's efforts to protect and maintain water and natural heritage resources. 2- It is anticipated that by the end of 2001, about 47% of the Township of Oro-Medonte will be subject to the joint jurisdiction of the NVCA or LSRCA, while the remainder of the Township will continue not to be subject to any CA jurisdiction. 3. It would be in the public interest to provide a consistent approach to watershed management across the entire Township. rho Rote of conservation Authorities and an Assessment of Potential Expansion Into Non-Jursidictional Areas Prepared by The Planning Partnership qn 'd 91-05 LEL SOL 'ON XV. 81HSnMAV8 ONINNVId 3HI WV Oq:11 AHI 100E'18_Nnp 4 IWO&A 7.0 RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that: 1. Proposals be requested from the NVCA and the LSRCA that detail the levels of service, expertise and costs that would be associated with incorporating the balance of the Township with either Conservation Authority. As part of this process, decisions would need to be made on the level of service to be provided by each, it selected. Chris D. Jones BES Planner The Role of Conservation Authoddes and an Assessment of Potential Expansion into Non-jursidictfonal Areas prepared by The Planning Partnership 6 ) n *A 8L05 LEL SOL 'ON XVA d1HSN3N18Vd ONINNvid 3HI WV 19:11 FIHI 10H 1Z -Nnr 15 1) _, &gA[JA Est. 1960 Harold M. Parker, Chair Neil Craig, Vice -Chair Wayne Wilson, C.A.O. Our Member Municipalities Adjala- Tosorontio Township Amaranth Township City of Barrie Town of Bradford - West Gwillimbury Town of Collingwood Town of The Blue Mountains Clearview Township Essa Township Town of Innisfil Melancthon Township Town of Mono Mulmur Township Town of New Tecumseth Oro- Medonte Township Municipality of Grey Highlands Town of Shelburne Springwater Township Town of Wasaga Beach Watershed Counties County of Simcoe ounty of Dufferin County of Grey A71AL4 *3 Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority 366 Mill Street, R R # 1, Angus, Ontario LOM IBO TEL (705) 424 -1479, FAX (705) 424 -2115 Website Address: www.nvca.on ca September 7, 2001 The Corporation of the Township of Oro - Medonte 148 Line 7 South, Box 100 ORO, Ontario LOL 2X0 Attention: Andria Leigh, MCIP, RPP Township Planner Dear Ms Leigh, Subject: Proposed Jurisdictional Expansion by the Conservation Authority Township of Oro - Medonte County of Simcoe Thank you for your letter of August 29, 2001 with regard to the option of expanding the jurisdiction of the conservation authority into the area within the Township not currently under the jurisdiction of the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) or Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority. We appreciated the opportunity to meet with you, Jennifer Zieleniewski, and Nick McDonald to discuss the option of expanding the NVCA's jurisdiction and the associated provision of environmental services. In response to your request for additional information, we have provided below: • Current program areas (4) covered under general benefiting levy; • Calculation of the total levy including the expansion area; and, • Projected program areas or projects under special benefiting levy. PROGRAMS UNDER GENERAL BENEFITTING LEVY — BRIEF SUMMARY Land Management and Stewardship Forest Management b Tree planting and general forestry services including forest plan approvals Fisheries Management b Fish habitat protection and enhancement b Level II Fish Habitat Agreement ratified with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (FOC) Building Partnerships With Our Community, for a Healthy Watershed Help us achieve our goals by becoming a member of the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Foundation Andria Leigh, MCIP, RPP September 7, 2001 - _.- Healthy Waters b Urban and rural water quality enhancement projects in association with the watershed landowners and OMAFRA, such as streamside tree planting, livestock management, stream bank stabilization, and urban community action projects Conservation Land Management b Management of over 11,000 acres of conservation land b Acquisition of environmentally significant lands in partnership with landowners and the Nature Conservancy of Canada Planning and Technical Services Watershed and Subwatershed Planning b Preparation and implementation of Watershed and Subwatershed Plans Land Use Plannin b Input and review of over 500 applications per year under the Planning Act, including Official Plans and Secondary Plans, Comprehensive Zoning By -Laws and amendments, plans of subdivision and condominium, site plans, and consents and minor variances b Review and approval of various studies related to planning applications, such as Master Plans (Servicing, Parks), Environmental Impact Studies, Storm Water Management Reports, and Slope Stability Assessments Flood Plain Management C:> Flood forecasting and monitoring Conservation Authority (CA) Regulations and Permitting b Issuance of over 200 permits per year related to works in the flood plain, fill plain, and in association with a watercourse or water body Lever II Fish Habitat Agreement ratified with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (FOC) Enforcement of the CA regulations and subsequent issuance of Notices of Non - Compliance and charges under the Conservation Authorities Act Information Management Provision of watershed information and analysis including GIS .../3 l6-19 Andria Leigh, MCIP, RPP September 7, 2001 Watershed Health Monitoring b Ground water monitoring in partnership with the Ministry of Environment b Comprehensive surface water quality monitoring Corporate Communications Page 3 b Promotion, marketing, education to facilitate the implementation of the NVCA programs Administration and Finance b Efficient and professional administration and financial services For a detailed description of each program area, we will provide you with a copy of the NVCA Business Plan. It is anticipated that this Plan will be approved by the NVCA full membership (24 municipal representatives) within the next 30 days. It should be noted that the delivery of services and programs is determined by the municipal representatives of the NVCA. LEVY APPORTIONMENT Currently, the levy apportionment for the Township of Oro - Medonte is approximately $14,000. With an increase of jurisdiction within the Township from 17% to 75 %, the total levy would increase by about $50,000 to a total of $64,000. PROGRAMS UNDER SPECIAL BENEFITTING LEVY As you are aware, the Township of Oro- Medonte in association with the Township of Springwater and City of Barrie is currently involved in the Willow Creek Subwatershed Plan process. Subwatershed Plans are primary examples of special benefiting projects funded by provincial grant and matching municipal levy above and beyond the general benefiting levy. Other special projects that could be provincial grant eligible include: -► Flood Plain and Remediation Studies; -+ Erosion and Slope Stability Studies; and -► Hazard Land Mapping (e.g. implementation of CA regulations and permitting). As you know, the NVCA can assist in the development of other studies that may not be provincial grant eligible including groundwater studies, landform studies (e.g. Oro and Oak Ridges Moraine), natural heritage plans, natural resource management plans, and lake management plans. We also provide mapping and GIS services. ...14 16-15 Andria Leigh, MCIP, RPP September 7, 2001 Page 4 In addition, it should be noted that staff of the NVCA would be recommending that the increase in levy be used to acquire additional technical staff. We believe that the addition of an engineering or environmental technologist would help assist in the delivery of a technical, efficient, and expeditious environmental service. If you have any questions or comments with regard to the above or should you wish to meet with us, please contact Charles Burgess or the undersigned at extension 229 or 225 respectively. We would also be willing to appear before Council to further discuss this option with you. Sincerely, Wayne R. ilson Chief Administrative Officer cfb /wrw:cfb PC: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, Ms. G. Wood, CAO Township of Oro - Medonte, Mr. N. Craig, NVCA Vice - Chairman and Member NVCA Chairman, Mr. H. Parker SFP710- 01;110N 0401 PH � FAX N0. ►.. SENT VIA FACSIMILE - (705)487 -0133 r" September 10",20011 905•R95.1281 12 SM-465.0437 905.853.5881 L tanaoldirect.com WW .JRrCt.on.Ca Ms Andrea Leigh, Hons. B.A., MC1P, RPP Township Planner WMCW ParkW2Y Z82 Township of Oro Mcdonte market, Ontario Box 100 1XI Oro, ON LOL 2X0 Fear Ms. Leigh 1h fu MM Our File: PTMUN- 0 -1(a) (i) Re: Membership in the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority We are in rncipt of your letter dated August 29', 2001 requesting detailed information regarding the Luke Simcoe Region Conservation Authority. We are pleased to offer the following information: 1. Background Thel-ake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) was formed on September6' ,1951, and we have just celebrated our 50' anniversary. Our watershed surrounds Lake Simcoe and is 2825 square kilometres in size. The Lake, proper, is 725 square kilometres. The importance of Lake Simcoe and its watershed cannot be under emphasized. The lake is the drinking source for five (5) communities and a source for industrial assimilation. Further, the lake produces an annual economy of $200 million from touri sm, recreation and fishing. As such, the LSRCA has produced a Corporate Strategy, Business Plan and Performance "our Land. Measurements which permit us to achieve our Mission: To provide leadership in the restoration and protection of the environmental health and duality of Take Simcoe and its watershed with our community, municipal and other government partners. bur Water Years of Conservation >ur 1441ure 1951 - 2001 SEP -10 -01 �QN 04:02 PM FAX N0. P. 03 W. Amnia tt A.. MCIJ'. RVV Township Hamm - Tovvllship Of ofo- Medonle r' SQInCuit•'n. Itr'', �dtil 2. Proms m Areas: To achieve our Mission, the Conservation Authority delivers a comprehensive watershed based program which includes the following sub components: • Watershed Planning /SubWatershed Planning • Watershed Monitoring • Groundwater Management • Aquatic /Fisheries Management • Natural Haiard Mapping • Natural Heritage Mapping • Watershed Specific Projects/Studies • Stewardship • Flood Forecasting/Warning • Open Space Conservation Areas and Land Acquisition • Conservation Land Management • Plan Review, Regulations, and Enforcement • Education (Scanlon Creek Conservation Area) • information Management Systems /G1S • Fund- raising, Communications and Marketing. 3, general Le «T for Oro Medonte When a municipality joins the LSRCA, they are requested to pay a levy, based upon a Current Vfllue Assessment Formula. Currently, the Authority has 7 member municipalities who paid $1.18 million in General Levy in 2001. The Region of York pays the greatest share as our biggest municipality. Under our current formula, we calculated that your General Levy payment would he $14,102 (based on 2000 figures) for the expansion area. In 2001, the Authority received a substantial budget increase (around 35 %) from its membermunicipalities. This would equate to a general levy figure of $18,242 for Oro - Medonte in 2001. For 2002, we are budgeting for a 10% increase. SEP -10 -01 MON U4 :Ui' rn � rHA NU. � � V. U4 )Wr,.. B.A.. MC111, KIT 'i'uunshi�� 1'lautncr 1 oww—hih of Oro -Medm ite SchtcnwbLr l0 "'.2001 1';u -%: i of 4 A. Current Pro; ram A reas Covered by (General Levy The following program areas are covered by General Levy: Plan Review: We will provide the municipality with comments on municipal planning documents and long range and current plans. We have an inter disciplinary team of resource managers, planner (MC1P, RPP), environmental planners, engineer (P.Eng), engineering technologists, forester (RPF), forestry technician, acquatic biologist, terrestrial biologist, GiS specialists, and an enforcinent person. Monitoring: Through the Lake Simcoc Environmental Management Strategy (LSEMS), some lake and watershed surface and groundwater monitoring is offered at no cost to the municipalities. Fisheries Management Information: On behalf of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, the LSRCA has a lxvel 2 Agreement to monitor and regulate fisheries issues and construction which may impact on fishclies management. We would complete this work for your municipality. Groundwater Management: The Authority has considerable expertise with groundwater management, serving on both the York and Durham Region Groundwater Management Study Teams. We are available to provide technical advise in this area as necessary. Strong technical advise is also available regarding stormwater management and water quality and quantity. Flood Forecasting and Warning: Authorities are provided with the lead role in Ontario for advising ourmunicipalities of impeding floods and the impacts that those floods may have on your river systems. SEP- 10 -01, M©N 04.03 PM FAX N0. P. 05 I�1,. �n�iii :t t e•ij,h. I low, ti A.. MCIV, RIT 'rowtiship I'l ,tmer :WD 1'uw11-.hits of 01ti- mmonte SePICu,l'er 10"' 2001 4'a_c 4 cif a Regulations and Enforcement: Currently, the Authority has not completed flood plain and fill line mapping (natural hazard trapping) for any of your watcrcoutses within our jurisdiction. We would do this for you on a fee for service basis. Once the mapping and regulations are in place, the Authority would regulate development and enforce construction in flood prone areas, shorelines and wetlands for your municipality as part of the General Levy. Information Management and Communications: The Authority has a highly developed GIS system and a comprehensive communications program. We strive to ensure that our municipalities are highlighted in all of our special events and press releases. 5. Special Projects Not Covered By General Luca Projects not covered by General Levy would include Watershed Planning, Groundwater Management, Fisheries Management Plan, Natural Hazard Mapping, Natural Heritage Mapping, Watershed Specific Projects, such as the Lake Simcoe Environmental Management Strategy, Stewardship, Open Space and Conservation Land Management. I have attached information sheets on these programs for your reference. I trust that the above information is of assistance. Please feel free to contact me if you need further infOrmation. Y D. Gayle Wood Chief Administrative Officer/ Secretary- Treasurer cc Wayne Wilson, NVCA Attach. .}_'... ,.. f .,I-jr ..E,'• .n.'S' ....._ .r. :If.; ','.` ,.., __ {. '..k� /)j.s : {� .f } �r_ '� t �: � } ��`jj `�: 7; r�i. s � (� y•_ r ��;, ! i i r„ S/ $. � c r. i t`� - .%' !i- '� L• is t �'1 *:. '` .�: :� 't .7 :� [ __ r. � ( ;• . P a j A � . i . T �. i A� i. 2 =. � ''T? ��" i ! r. ,2 ;a . � . ��� • j , .'.,� �rf 9, 'L^ .. E �l. •.t•. •`�Y' i' — �$.�, "F•1 .• • e,t .t `• Jle ' * ?'�� -�- `4�i• `t i i ..t •'��, ` "6!`}'`-' ti �. '� i.i.:,x 1F l.��� ,'i (}r• t,t�,'lri', jj �! .fir •. ^lit }:� Cialkf�:,tGr: f�Yi�t {ri: M14. '.If! §► .d•! ;7f #'�i � .i,. .. ' ,� �:;` � l+ ,tyrg'. ;�. '�r.'..j��s,.� .. ��f' r���' }'' 1� • � � � r X1.1' � � � � � i }} � � ��f �E Ali • 'r p/ �F ij' f.' :i * �e`s ; r •`.t' )/ � t' ,. t .'i V L �. � tt •S � t'r� r• F•'�= • ;• •i .�f?i .�= : ri.��d l �! r ,t.}�`�� � }�il �i .a t� / i � t a�, �,,,�{t . ^•,. ;� r,t �• •.i�. •l• c, i'.• .i t • Watershed has an area of 2825 km 2 Lake Simcoe has an area of 725 km2 • Land is drained by 35 tributaries with five tributaries accounting for 60% of the total area The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority Watershed N f, Em NOW ..•..• A .icy Peel Region � 1 6 of Makes ..+ i pre,abt�,flc�1- tl�0Of�7 — Tcmar'[X.reeli� Boatdc.'p tf "C C ( C -Z C .P C T 3 T a C Q 7 IFAI 1, INV I q­il 41 pj , A 'T IV 'A Nil t I TA D j '2- jr J/1 4P r-lid j, t is x ZZ., A rri .V j O C> C:) x2• _10 =9 Information collected is used for: • Planning and policy development • Targeting Remedial and Preventative Programs • Evaluating Program Effectiveness (Performance Measurements) and Ib adapting program activities to ensure targets are being achieved CD if OV, Ilk ti eyj� 1V Wit 1 r j F ,..,ATERaUDG' �, ? r 00' % r r jr t j­ C. c V. JY i5N • RU lot IN W. The East Holland River Subwatershed Study ----------- — Figure 8.* Areas of Groundwater winerabilit y Le end i al b U. - IM Area of Groun&mter Vulnerabillb 4, Ar (a.ea recommmded to be adopt9d as HydM900109101 EGA) MHydrogeological ESA "t Le 4 krrj MOE.LSRCA n m q ��; a trm r� 9 tTl O C:) O _T1 11 I 0 M VJ: jr fit J 4 37 Si Involves floodplain, fill line and erosion mapping. Z OT7 1111' :Z01 U"J J j j J 4 O iV rri V .j C=1 I C:) _ C:) C:) E Il E I 9 CC) . � � . � ; �, j r , . A � (i vb tN' �•t'�� • ^� '�A �r 4 � l f,.'1'i' •�k( • ♦�, i ys � i! •f {ti'!f � ��y'.A � •'F AST f 'n, �+° x,�ei. ,krTi! '�► e.�l �i`�e� 7 64 r �k ►^� gy. i w � � �.7' +t �`"�k1•' 4e� M t A. i'. �' •� '�3 "t�y3', �� �'••�. v �' .,,.A • i y ..� ye• µSty' •t �..y ' �+'� s �Y`1C • . o ',,.r -;�•� tt � � y - E. .�,t�ylh' -�'• :tr.;..• 4, 1� ��''%��� _! Syr. �y � -+y�+ I ' .,�� �r •• ��.��31 'rrr- .fin i�Ai' 1 S • �y��-!r " �y"'y ''id'Fi����11�1 :'� � i "fit • � '. �� ;i it�F` ,:..,•n; �10' +n •, .,ti:t r �l+r Ay •;. ry,�,•. � ,.tc'r ` •ff .. s •r '� `iq A?'2 J+w'S j�' yi, • -'�a 1� •r t x'. �.. d'4n °�0• fA.iT.} ��h _ _ MM ` �y�'y' r ♦ ,� • '9' . 7R. t .rr �, Y!! w !�iT t f R� "R . *t i�� �?,(�!��*{•'7Al;i » � ' +,�1 }'~" x.•47( ��'.��$A N'ty."*•"� ~�' ".��r u-. R',�t�: j • i,yi i14�1'd 7i T .'iii t .' • •' ' 'kr � . ♦ hl t ♦ 'Rf�d4 .. . {A • + -v'!" 31. _ art t ,7v!"*'t•� Z a r r • Fs!`` r 4� . w w ,iY', �I ��Y I� ,: G,'j• 1� �n �j• tt� j �✓M1; � e , rt t rs•e _ •r-n - .r. ", - -i'f3. - ?' VI S- . ..i It Involves special projects completed at the request of our municipal partners, such as: ?r ITT a Lake Simcoe Environmental Management r�'.. Figure 8.10 1. Strategy Subwatershed Plans & Stormwater * Strategies Environmental opportunities neap molnagon Costs • Tolor Ere: 3n 0051 = 6 746,615 -TO SlornrwalerCosl = 6 317,090 Total Farm Cost = so Total Pond Cod = It 42,100 F arMwbMAl!bJ1 To1a1 Slraan 0trstnrton Cos = 6 35,000 VNntw Spreading ° 1 Total RtrerBuTerCASt- 6 619,947 Total Re9:reslatnn Cost= 6 1,25!2,970 ° 113,019,062 S Na A s:0 r � •m f • 40,nnflri �•� Mr ve. Nf �r dr1 44 / my ® Forest A La3Jam +.1 0 Pa.3nflatPtaKn7Area ( 03m r�+ 6 Erasion SWURvet I Patenlial a S!arrrwa':e! Ereson9 :elwel2 R3!rd" a Eroson 5- 9- Level 3 R Surveyed Pori 9 —�'. f cr is Olt J�l� i. —.Jj jler Control manure runoff Fence livestock Control soil erosion Create buffer strips Increase forest cover Control streambank erosion .cn O O 0 I- E M N. fi f ,Z f it it t t 2 tf A •.; :.r. _;. .�el.!.�.., s >�.+..:,- ,<•s�;xi. :i: ;';:yo- �: -_ -- - _ - _ - - - _ - :Yy.. N, . _ T ^ 'T' 4 laa" ' e}7.�T r-Pr.� �:s= •�i:{1.�9. �t` <tt_ 3N'R •� = -'` r• -=•.:. ,•.J �'d wi. /�•, .-i :: r, �� J.'IJ1 .1.�I.�'�...��_ J.�..�..�.,J"j...�.�__`.� -f'J .li. u. ..?•TSB' Sc9g'z- �s.�.� - ^- i.?':_sj'.: ",z> 'sr: a'• -:x' �i:[ .;i' _ _ l+ .a.;'�;z .'�Y• e!`l. x1A t. f< {1(j,i�.x �.! - :r,..': .ni �:.�. • ice. .1> :i•;;, - - ab• °� *: "• k a `�S>'': .u':••iae f� ": -as — t _ 1 �.• -�• r 't�>o.3i'as:s ''+".'t� a ��' ✓:: •,ay` ` .'` n �. • 1,• i. •L (- t i• ♦ �, _ r� • ,,, i., • _ _!_ _ •sue.: I'^ 1 s tP � �•r. • Faulty Septic System Replacement • Nutrient Management Plans • Private Well Protection f�. w Vie- TF 3, l' e5- 0, *fj V -P a -N, J- D. M I �72 r.j \ V 1000 hect of open space are ares currently owned by Lake Simm; a Region Conservation Authority 4 1 r A�- Vt In A�- Est. 1960 Chris Carrier, Chair Fred Nix, Vice -Chair Wayne R Wilson, C.A.O. Our Member Municipalities Adjala- Tosorontio Township Amaranth Township City of Barrie Town of Bradford - West Gwillimbury Town of Collingwood Town of The Blue Mountains Clearview Township Essa Township Town of Innisfil Melancthon Township Town of Mono Mulmur Township Town of New Tecumseth Oro - Medonte Township Municipality of Grey Highlands Town of Shelburne Springwater Township Town of Wasaga Beach Watershed Counties County of Simcoe County of Dufferin County of Grey Member Conservation Ontario C A TZ A" If W Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority John Hix Conservation Administration Centre Tiffin Centre for Conservation 8195 Concession 8, Utopia, Ontario LOM ITO / TEL (705) 424 -1479, FAX (705) 424 -2115 www.nvca.on.ca January 31, 2003 Andria Leigh, Township Planner The Corporation of the Township of Oro- Medonte 148 Line 7 South, Box 100 ORO, Ontario LOL 2X0 Dear, Ms Leigh, 14-60 Subject: Proposed Jurisdictional Expansion by the Conservation Authority Township of Oro - Medonte. County of Simcoe This letter is further to our meeting on Monday with regard to the proposed jurisdictional expansion of the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) into the remaining part of the Township. Currently, 47% of the Township is serviced by both the NVCA and Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority while the remaining 53% is serviced by the Severn Sound Environmental Association (SSEA). The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the Staff Report that essentially recommends that the NVCA jurisdiction be expanded for the area not currently covered by a conservation authority. The NVCA has reviewed the Report and determined that we concur and support its findings. In this regard, we are not suggesting any changes or revisions to the Report It should be noted, however, that the SSEA may recommend (based on discussions with Keith Sherman) that the Report refer to the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding between the NVCA and the Association. The NVCA would support this inclusion, which would help clarify the roles and responsibilities of each agency in order to reduce any duplication of services. We understand that this Report may be discussed at the Council or Committee - of- the -Whole meeting on February 12, 2003. Since we would like to be in attendance for that meeting, please advise us of the time. Talley Conservation Authority, Mr. W. Wilson, CAO Township of Oro - Medonte, Ms. J. Zieleniewski, CAO Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, Ms. G. Wood, CAO Severn Sound Environmental Association, Mr. K. Sherman Meridian Planning Consultants Inc., Mr. C. Jones Building Partnerships With Our Community to Conserve our Healthy Waters Help us achieve our goals by becoming a member of the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Foundation Severn Sound Environments SsociattOn- Wye Marsh Wildlife Cenva ?,0. Box 100 Midland; Ontario L4R 4K6 (905) 526 -7809 : FAX (905) 5263294 J�rnuary 31, 2003 Jew fer Zieleniewski, C.A.O. )oration of the Townshiip of Oro- Medonte 100 ON ,2X0' Ms. Zieleniewski, E: IMPLICATIONS OF THE PROPOSED EXPANSION. OF THE CONSERVATION AUTHORITY WITHIN THE TOWNSHIP TO' SSEA AND THE TOWNSHIP requested; the fallowing comments are in response to the draft report.dated'June 6, 2002 kerning the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) and received January 23, Le Severn Sound Environmental Association (SSEA).was.founded in 1997 to support the work the Severn Sound Remedial Action Plan (RAP) and to provide environmental services in the aershed draining to Severn Sound. Oro- Medonte has been a valued signator and project rtner-to the SSEA and has :support ed the implementation of the Severn Sound RAP since the m.was developed and released.. The Township contnbuted $12,050 to support the SSEA Thx 2002 with the same amount requested for 2003. SSEA has since been recognized internationally as 'a unique. model of cooperation amongst aers for delivery of exceptional environmental programs= The. Association is currently lved in a number of activities in the Severn Sound area that directly benefit the municipality. We are developing a Sustainability Plan framework for Severn Sound, based on the Melbourne Principles, and will become a Canadian model Sustainable Community. We were.chosen'for this program by Environment Canada because of the unique strength of partnership an angst municipalities, the. federal and. provincial governments and the local conzn"nit:3'' i n the Severn Sound area, We are continuing to work' with the agricultural community � . implementing on -farm projects that u Trove the envizorunent including more than 36 projects in Oro- Medonte, four of which have been approved during. 200212003. We are funded through federal, provincial and .municipal funds as well as significant landowner and agricultural organization contributions. Most recently, we received a funding `l b -31 I allocation from the Ontario Healthy Futures Program for the North Simcoe area, which includes the Severn Sound portion of Oro- Medonte Township. Our database on land use includes sufficient information to support area landowners in developing nutrient management plans for their farm properties. We are continuing to assist landowners by planting trees and stabilizing banks along stream valleys, shoreline areas and wetlands. Funding to continue this work has been proposed for the entire Severn Sound/North Simcoe area and will benefit all i municipalities. To date, 25 tributary rehabilitation projects, 7 wetland enhancement and protection projects, and 4 shoreline naturalization projects have been completed in Oro - Medonte alone. •� We are working to complete the North Simcoe Municipal Groundwater Study in the area which will help to enhance the Township's information on aquifers in the northern portion of the municipality and provide wellhead protection areas for the Moonstone area. i Follow -up to the study Anil involve continued analysis of well head protection areas and contributing to planning policies to protect groundwater. We will be monitoring private wells on a cost recovery basis and we are participating in the Provincial Groundwater Monitoring Network. •I We are monitoring stream flow and a wide range of indicators of water quality throughout the area. We have a comprehensive database and we know how to use it to answer environmental questions and concerns. •I We have completed the Water and Sediment Survey of Bass Lake and are following through with landowners who wish to naturalize their shoreline to enhance the habitat. We are working with the Simcoe County District Health Unit to monitor the quality of swimming areas in the Severn Sound watershed including Bass Lake. • We provide continents on planning matters to many of the North Simcoe Municipalities as well as federal and provincial agencies. We have had a strong public involvement program from the beginning of the RAP development which continues. The creation of a Public Advisory Committee (PAC) in i February of 1989 marked a focal point for public consultation where ideas could be exchanged between scientists, environmental managers and stakeholders in the area. Membership on the PAC includes a diversity of private citizens and representatives of local organizations. Residents of Oro - Medonte have been an integral part of this process since 1989. The PAC has been and remains a solid voice for stakeholders and a champion Ifor the environment e above list of activities is meant as a reminder to Council that would be active ffered by NVCA.n tht is already providing many of the environmental programs have developed an ur experience with the area has great value to our partner municipalities. We Pe excellent rapport with the community. Our focus is on the Severn Sound watershed and the North Simcoe area. Oro - Medonte is one of our priority areas for SSEA rural landowner project funding. It is not blear to me what priority the Severn Sound. portion of the Municipality would have for landowner �Inding, under the NVCA programs in view of their obvious focus on the Nottawasaga River (watershed. Ae success of our cooperative projects and funding proposals to date has been that the area has a ` 1 al watershed focus; several contiguous Municipal partners (including Oro- Medonte) with c mmon issues, and solid community support. The proposal to have the NVCA represent the evern Sound portion of the Township would jeopardize our ability to compete for funds on an 4ea basis. Committing to the proposal would disadvantage SSEA projects for Oro- Medonte Township as well as for the surrounding Municipalities in presenting a simple and meaningful +mmunity of partners. Needless and destructive competition would result from two o ganizations with so much overlap and yet so much potential for cooperation between our ive areas. I strongly reconunend that Council defer decision on this proposal until the full implications can lie considered. ours truly, :eith Sherman, Coordinator evern Sound Environmental Association R. Hough, Councillor, Oro - Medonte and Chair of SSEA Ic- IN • 11 Being a By -law Respecting Smoking in Workplaces in the Township of Oro - Medonte WHEREAS the Municipal Act, S.O. 2001. c. 25, Section 115 authorizes a municipality to pass a by -law to regulate or prohibit the smoking of tobacco in workplaces in the municipality; AND WHEREAS it has been determined that second hand tobacco smoke (exhaled smoke and the smoke from idling cigarettes, cigars and pipes) is a health hazard or discomfort for many inhabitants and employees in the Township of Oro - Medonte; NOW THEREFORE the Council of the Township of Oro - Medonte enacts as follows: In this by -law, (a) Municipality: means the Township of Oro - Medonte; (b) Council: means the Council of the township of Oro- Medonte; (c) Employee: includes a person who: (i) performs any work for or supplies any services to an employer; or (ii) receives any instructions or training in the activity, business, work, trade, occupation or profession of the employer; (d) Employer: includes any person who, as the owner, proprietor, manager, superintendent or overseer of any activity, business, work, trade, occupation or profession, has control over or direction of, or is directly or indirectly responsible for the employment of a person therein; (e) Inspector: means a person appointed or contracted by Council to enforce this by -law; (f) Non-Smoking Policy: means a written policy that prohibits smoking in the workplace in accordance with this by-law; (g) Smoke or Smoking: includes the carrying of a lighted cigar, cigarette, pipe or any other lighted smoking instrument; (h) Workplace: means any indoor area of a building or structure in which an employee works and includes any indoor area of such building or structure utilized by an employee as well as a public transportation vehicle and a taxicab. 2. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE EMPLOYER: 2.1 Every employer shall adopt and implement a non-smoking policy that prohibits smoking in respect of each workplace in the City under the control, supervision or ownership of the employer. 2.2 Where, after the effective date of this by-law, a workplace is created or comes into existence, the employer of such workplace shall within seven (7) days after such workplace is created or comes into existence, adopt and implement a non-smoking policy that prohibits smoking in respect of each such workplace under the control, supervision or ownership of the employer. 2.2 Every employer required by the by-law to adopt and implement a non- smoking policy shall: (a) thereafter maintain the non-smoking policy in the workplace for which it was adopted; (b) provide a copy of the non-smoking policy to each employee in the workplace within seven (7) days after the day upon which the non- smoking policy in respect of that workplace was adopted; (c) post and keep continuously displayed a copy of the non-smoking policy in a prominent place accessible to all employees in the workplace; (d) shall ensure that no ashtrays are placed or allowed to remain in any workplace where smoking is prohibited pursuant to this by-law, and (e) erect signs in accordance with Section 4 at every entrance to the workplace indicating that smoking is prohibited in the workplace. _�C_- 3 3.1 When the non - smoking policy has been adopted for a workplace, no person shall smoke in the workplace. 3.2 When the non - smoking policy has been adopted for a workplace, no employer shall permit smoking in the workplace. 4. SIGNS 4.1 The employer or other person in charge of any workplace designated or regulated under this by -law shall ensure that a sufficient number of signs as prescribed by Section 4.2 are conspicuously posted so as to clearly identify that smoking is prohibited and shall ensure that: (a) signs are posted at every entrance to a workplace, which are visible and in sufficient numbers, clearly indicating that smoking is prohibited in the workplace,and (b) signs referred to in clauses (a) are in accordance with Section 4.2. 4.2 (1) The signs referred to in this by -law shall consist of graphic symbols that comply with the provisions of this section. (2) The following graphic symbol shall be used to indicate the areas where smoking is prohibited pursuant to this by -law: on a white background with the circle and the interdictory stroke in red. (3) The graphic symbol referred to in subsection (2) shall include the text "Township of Oro - Medonte By -law" in letters and figures at least five (5 %) percent of the diameter of the circle in the symbol. (4) To the symbols referred to in subsection (2) there may be added additional appropriate symbols such as directional arrows. ic'y (5) Despite the fact that the symbol referred to in subsection (2) is a cigarette, it shall include a lighted cigar, cigarette, pipe or any other lighted smoking instrument. (6) With respect to size of the graphic symbol, the diameter of the circle of the symbol referred to in subsection (2) shall be not less than ten centimeters (10cm). (7) Deviations from the colour or content of the signs prescribed by this section that do not affect the substance or that are not calculated to mislead do not vitiate the signs. (8) Any sign prohibiting smoking that refers to a by-law of an old municipality is deemed to be referring to this by-law. 5.1 Council-approved non-smoking policies with respect to the Township's buildings are deemed to be specified within this by-law. 5.2 No person shall smoke in any area designated as an area where smoking is prohibited by any Council-approved policy referred to in Section 5.1. 6. DUTIES No employer or other person in charge of a workplace shall permit smoking where smoking is prohibited under this by-law. 7. OFFENCES 7.1 Any person who contravenes any of the provisions of this by-law is guilty of an offence. 7.2 Any person who hinders or obstructs an inspector lawfully carrying out the enforcement of this by-law is guilty of an offence. 8. FINES Every person who is convicted of an offence pursuant to this by-law is liable to a fine of not more than FiveThousand Dollars ($5,000.00) as provided for in the Provincial Offences Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chap. P.33. lc,-,5 U 9.1 The provisions of this by-law respecting the designation of non-smoking areas, the posting of signs and the duties imposed on the employer or other person in charge of a workplace shall be enforced by inspectors. 9.2 An inspector may, at any reasonable time, enter any designated workplace for the purposes of determining compliance with this by-law. 9.3 No inspector may enter a workplace that is also a dwelling without the consent of the occupant or without first obtaining and producing a warrant. 10. CONFLICTS If a provision of this by-law conflicts with an Act or a regulation or another by-law, the provision that is the most restrictive of smoking shall prevail. 11. SEVERABILITY If any section or sections of this by-law or parts thereof are found in any court of law to be illegal or beyond the power of Council to enact, such section or sections or parts thereof shall be deemed to be severable and all other sections or parts of this by-law shall be deemed to be separate and independent therefrom and to be enacted as such. 12. EFFECTIVE DATE This by -law shall come into force and effect on 13. SHORT TITLE This by -law may be cited as the "Workplaces By -law ". By -Law read a first and second time the day of By -Law read a third time and finally passed this day of Mayor, J Neil Craig Clerk, Marilyn Pennycook Mi U February 12, 2003 Historic Documents Members of the History Committee contacted me directly regal =dam bursting of a water pipe at the township hall causing flooding an d water damage to historic documents. This was the second time that e documents had experienced flood damage in this location. Upon hearing concerns regarding the need for immediate action and relating to health and safety I contacted the mayor. Both the mayor and I went to the township hall later that evening. The issues that became apparent from this first hand visit and speaking with volunteer members of the History Committee are as follows: ♦ Health and Safety ♦ Culling and proper disposal of documents in relation to municipal law and historic value ♦ Cataloging of the documents retained ♦ Taking steps to better protect these historical documents including accessing the County Archives Immediate Measures Have Included: ♦ Consulting the Simcoe County Archives who issued a report ♦ Health and Safety Precautions during the preliminary sorting and drying process. ♦ Installation of a sump pump ♦ Disposal of some materials Long Term Measures: Is there a report to Council pending and what are the time lines? Is there additional information that could be shared? Please provide and update on the status of the World War II guns that were removed from display at the Township Hall by the OPP. Councillor Hughes SIMCOE COUNTY DISTRICT HEALTH UNIT West Nile Virus Report 2002 SIMCOE COUNTY DISTRICT HEALTH UNIT irus Report 2002 West Me V @ Simcoe County District Health Unit 15 Sperling Drive, Barrie, ON Phone 705-721-7330 • Fax 705-721-1495 v^vw.simcoehealth.org I I i I I 0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ii BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON THE WEST NILE VIRUS I Historical Perspective 1 Clinical Perspective 2 Prevalence of Infection 2 Transmission 3 Mosquito Life Cycle 5 Mosquitoes Habitats 5 Ontario Mosquito Species 5 SURVEILLANCE STRATEGIES 6 Host (Bird) Surveillance 6 Vector (Mosquito) 6 Larval Surveillance 6 Adult Mosquito Surveillance 8 Human Surveillance 9 SURVEILLANCE FINDINGS FROM OTHER JURISDICTIONS Canada 11 Avian, Animal and Mosquito Surveillance 2001- 2002 11 Human Surveillance 11 United States 11 Avian, Animal and Mosquito Surveillance 1999- 2002 11 Human Surveillance 12 2002 SIMCOE COUNTY SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM 14 Bird Surveillance 14 Mosquito Surveillance 17 Larval Surveillance 17 Adult Surveillance 19 Equine Surveillance 23 Human Surveillance 23 PUBLIC EDUCATION 25 Print Materials 26 Media 26 Website 27 Public Information Services 28 Key Stakeholder Contact 28 Municipalities 28 Health Care 29 Other 29 Evaluation of Current Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviours 30 Awareness of WNV 30 Self-Reported Mosquito Protection Behaviour 31 Amplification Vectors 32 Bridge Vectors 33 West Nile Virus (%NV) is a mosquito -borne arbovirus that is transmitted in nature through a bird - mosquito -bird cycle. Mosquitoes that bite an infected bird can thereafter transmit the virus in future bites to other birds, or to other mammals such as humans. Most of the people who contract WNV will be asymptomatic or will experience only mild flu —like symptoms. However, in the elderly and the immunocompromised, WNV infection can cause severe illness, and sometimes death. In recent years, the number of human cases of WNV has grown substantially in both the United States and Canada.. Surveillance strategies focussing on birds, mosquitoes, and humans are used to identify the presence or extent of WNV in a geographic area. The detection of WNV positive dead birds (crows) generally precedes the detection of human cases. Mosquito surveillance strategies, focusing on the larval and adult phases of the mosquito life cycle, provide information on the presence and abundance of mosquito populations and can identify geographic areas of high risk. They can also be used to assess the need for and timing of interventions, and can provide information related to the use and effectiveness of control measures. Human surveillance programs provide information on the impact and trends of WNV. Human surveillance is not used as a method of detection of WNV activity. It does, however, assist in the identification of risk factors for population groups or geographic areas, and provides valuable insight into the need for public health intervention. All three types of surveillance programs (bird, mosquito, or human) require well developed infrastructure, human and fiscal resources, and substantial public education. Recent surveillance activities in Canada and the United States reveal increased detection and spread of WNV in avian (bird), mosquito and human populations. By the end of 2002, WNV was detected in crows submitted from 36 of the 37 health units in Ontario. In addition, WNV was detected in Nova Scotia, Quebec, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. In the United States, WNV positive birds were identified in 42 States plus the District of Columbia in 2002. Similarly, 305 positive mosquito pools were identified in Ontario, Quebec, and Manitoba. With respect to human surveillance, there have been 174 probable and 121 confirmed cases of human WNV infection in Ontario as of December 20, 2002. In the United States the number of States reporting human cases has increased yearly since 1999. The most recent data available (December 3, 2002) indicates that 3775 people from 42 states have been identified with WNV in 2002. Of concern, several states with reasonable geographic similarity to Southern Ontario (Illinois, Michigan and Ohio) experienced substantial WNV infection. The reasons for this higher level of human disease were unknown. 7 Ffl n J Surveillance activities in Simcoe County consisted of several components in an effort to determine the level of WNV activity in the reservoir (birds), vector (mosquitoes), and in incidental hosts (humans and horses). Simcoe County District Health Unit had primary responsibility for surveillance activities involving birds, mosquitoes and humans. (Equine surveillance is the responsibility of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency). The bird surveillance program ran from May to October, consistent with previous years. In 2002, health unit staff received over 600 calls regarding dead birds and recorded 421 dead crow sightings, collected 85 dead crows and submitted 72 for lab analysis. Overall, twenty -one crows in Simcoe County tested positive for WNV and reflected activity across Simcoe County with 12 municipalities having at least one positive bird result. The mosquito larval surveillance program was introduced in 2002 and operated briefly from August to October. Seventy -five dipping sites (including storm water catch basins, ditches, puddles, and rain barrels) were located within the municipalities of Bradford, Barrie, Oro - Medonte, Collingwood and Essa. Larval activity (or density) within these sites was rated high 9 times out of 491 dipping times, with larval counts peaking in September. Adult mosquito surveillance activities involved the use of light traps in fixed sites with the addition of Hot spot traps in areas correlating with the detection of positive crows. Results of the mosquito surveillance reflect significant variability in the number and species found at each site. Human surveillance activities involved significant contact with health care professionals in Simcoe County. Communication with hospitals and Infection Control Practitioners occurred in an effort to provide advice, establish protocols, and encourage prompt diagnosis and reporting of WNV activity. In Simcoe County, the health unit is aware of four individuals who underwent one or more tests for WNV in the summer of 2002. There were no probable or confirmed human cases with exposure linked to Simcoe County. Public education activities were initiated by the health unit to inform and educate the public about WNV. The public education campaign involved print materials, mass media, and web site information. Key messages emphasized background information about WNV, source reduction strategies for reducing mosquito breeding, personal protective measures, and information about the importance of dead bird sightings. Recent telephone survey data indicates that awareness of WNV is rising amongst the general public, as is the percentage of people employing source reduction and personal protective strategies. Nevertheless a substantial proportion of the population has not adopted the recommended strategies. U WEST N I L E V I R U S REPORT 2 0 0 2 Aackground Information on the West Mile Virus This section provides an introduction to Kest Nile Virus, an overview of this report, and historical and clinical perspective. est Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito -borne arbovirus that is transmitted in nature through a bird - mosquito -bird cycle, occasionally spilling over into other species. Although recognized for many decades in Africa and Europe, it has only recently been introduced to North America. Since 1999, the WNV has expanded from the original site of introduction in New York City, and is now found across most of continental United States. The virus was first recognized in Canada in 2001, and in 2002 was detected from Nova Scotia to Saskatchewan. Most of the people who contract WNV will experience no symptoms, or only mild flu- like symptoms. However, in the elderly and the immunocompromised, WNV infection can cause severe illness, and sometimes death. The number of human cases ` of WNV has grown substantially in both the United States and Canada. The purpose of this report is to provide the Board of Health, the 19 municipalities across Simcoe County, and other partners and stakeholders with background information on VtINV, and a summary of the 2002 WNV activity in order to inform decision- making for the 2003 season. This document is an adjunct to the 2003 WNV Contingency Plan. Historical Perspective WNV is a member of the Flaviviridae family of viruses, which also includes Japanese encephalitis, St Louis encephalitis, Kunjin and Murray Valley encephalitis. It was first isolated in the West Nile province of Uganda in 1937, and has been recognized to cause outbreaks in Israel, South Africa., France, Romania and Russia since the 1950s. The WNV was first introduced to North America in 1999. During the original outbreak in New York City, and thereafter, WNV activity has been associated with ■ J IWEST NILE VIRUS REPORT 2002 mortality in a wide variety of avian species, particularly birds from the Corvidae family (crows and jays). This finding has been characteristic of the WNV experience in North America, but was not previously reported in the outbreaks in Europe, Africa, Asia or 1 the Middle East. Clinical Perspective WNV can infect a wide range of vertebrate species. In humans, it produces asymptomatic infection (infection with no symptoms) in the majority of persons infected. Approximately 20% of persons infected will experience mild disease with fever, sometimes accompanied by a rash. This symptom complex is known as West Nile Fever. In a small proportion of patients, WNV can cause severe and sometimes fatal infection, with symptoms characteristic of encephalitis or inflammation of the brain. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has estimated the risk of WNV encephalitis to be 1:150 persons infected. The case fatality rate for WNV encephalitis is between 10 -15 %. After the infection is introduced through the bite of an infected mosquito, the incubation period prior to symptoms developing (if symptoms appear), is between 3 to 15 days. Symptoms tend to last 3 to 6 days. The clinical spectrum for those infected is fever with sudden onset, malaise, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, eye pain, headache, muscle pain, rash and lymphadenopathy. In severe cases, findings of muscle weakness, change in mental status, flaccid paralysis, and neurological signs are also noted. It has been recognized that patients recovering from WNV Encephalitis often suffer serious sequellae. In the United States experience, it has been noted that one half of hospitalized patients did not retum to their pre - illness level of function by hospital discharge. One third were not ambulatory at discharge. Longer term follow -up studies have found persistent symptoms including fatigue; memory loss, difficulty walking, muscle weakness, and depression. It is currently presumed that immunity after infection is life long. There is currently no vaccine licensed to prevent WNV infection in humans, although active research is underway. Prevalence of Infection The degree to which a population is exposed to and becomes infected with WNV can only be determined by a random serosurvey of the population. This type of serosurvey measures specific antibodies in blood, and is able to identify both individuals with symptoms and also those infected without symptoms. Two serosurvey results have been published (Queens 1999, Staten Island 2000).+ These surveys indicate that only a small proportion of the population becomes infected with WNV. In the Queens serosurvey, it was estimated that 2.6% of the population aged 5 or older in the surveyed area had been infected with WNV. The Staten Island results estimated that WEST NILE VIRUS REPORT 2002 approximately 0.5% of the population aged 12 or older (342,152 persons) had been infected with WNV. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has estimated that among those that are infected, approximately 1 case of WNV encephalitis will occur for every 150 infections. This is represented in Figure Liii CNS • <t % --10% fatal CNS (<0.1 % of total infections) disease ei -80?6 Asymptomatic Figure 9 — Spectrum of Illness Among Infected Cares Transmission VINV is an arboviral infection, which means that it is transmitted by an arthropod vector (mosquito). As shown in Figure 2, the reservoir of the virus is in birds. Mosquitoes that bite an infected bird can thereafter transmit the virus in future bites to other birds, or to other mammals. An understanding of the life history and natural ecology of mosquitoes is therefore important to the understanding the potential options for WNV surveillance, prevention and control. Mosquito species differ in their host preference so some species are predominantly responsible for bird -to -bird transmission. These species are known as amplification vectors. Other species described as bridge vectors are responsible for transmission to other hosts. Although transmission to many types of vertebrate hosts is possible, illness has generally been recognized only in horses and humans. 3 WEST NILE VIRUS REPORT 2002 Figure 2: W V Transmission Cycle' Infection of domestic pets has been demonstrated since 1999 in North America. However, it is currently presumed that pets are susceptible to short-lived VINV infection, but are unlikely to become clinically ill. After human infection, whether the result is an asymptomatic infection, West Nile Fever or West Nile Encephalitis, there is a short period of time during which the virus circulates in the bloodstream. In 2002, it was first recognized that blood or organs donated during this period could potentially transmit the virus to the blood /organ recipient However, other than these rare exceptions, horses and humans serve as "dead -end" hosts, which means that they are not capable of transmitting the virus to others. In 2002, it was also recognized for the first time that WNV could potentially be transmitted through breastmilk after an infant with limited opportunity for mosquito exposure tested positive for WNV and tests also confirmed the presence of WNV in breastmilk. Nonetheless, the health benefits of breastfeeding are well established, and the risk of transmission of WNV is unknown. There are no changes to current breastfeeding recommendations. The first documented case of transplacental WNV transmission was reported from a New York City hospital in October of 2002. The mother (a previously healthy young woman in her 27`h week of pregnancy) was admitted to hospital the end of August 2002 with symptoms suggestive of WNV infection. Upon readmission in September for other reasons, her blood tested positive for WNV. Five weeks later she delivered and the cord blood and heel -stick blood samples from the infant were positive for WNV- specific IgM and neutralizing antibodies. This has led the Centers for Disease 1 4 WEST NILE VIRUS REPORT 2002 Control and Prevention to suggest that pregnant women take precautions to reduce their risk for WNV and other arboviral infections. o Mosquito Life Cycle Mosquitoes pass through 4 stages of development (egg, larva, pupa and adult). All the stages except eggs are motile. Eggs are laid on moist soil or on the water surface. The larval and pupal stages are water dependent. Larva swim with a wriggling motion, and most species can also be found resting at the water surface hanging by their respiratory siphon. Adult mosquitoes emerge into the air. Mating usually takes place within 3 to 5 days after adults emerge, with females mating once and remaining fertile for life. Mosquitoes are relatively fragile insects with an adult life span that lasts about 2 weeks. Most mosquitoes serve as food for birds, dragonflies and spiders or are killed by the effects of wind, rain or drought. Mosquitoes Habitats The typical mosquito habitat is a snowmelt pool or summer rain pool, which accumulates in either a natural or man -made location. Any location, which can hold water for about a week or more, can serve as a mosquito-breeding site. There are an estimated 40 species of mosquitoes in Ontario: i Some species have only one generation while others have several generations per season. The amount and timing of precipitation, and the temperature will influence mosquito populations. Large amounts of snowfall followed by a quick spring thaw will favour large populations of spring mosquitoes. These have generally not been implicated in WNV transmission. Rainfall in summer will favour summer mosquito species. However, WNV activity in North America has not correlated exclusively with "wet" summers. Adult mosquitoes usually are found close to their breeding site. Most species are more active at twilight, with its moderate temperatures, low winds and high relative humidity. During the day, mosquitoes are generally at rest in cool, moist locations including areas of heavy vegetation, culverts and catch- basins. Both male and female mosquitoes feed on plant nectar. Female mosquitoes require a blood meal to derive the proteins needed to produce eggs, and will bite warm- blooded birds and mammals, with some species also feeding on reptiles and amphibians. Ontario Mosquito Species Entomologists have advised that, in Ontario, several species of mosquitoes are relevant to V'NV transmission dynamics. The primary amplification vectors for bird -to -bird transmission include Culex pipiens and Culex restuans. The primary bridge vectors for transmission to humans and other mammals include Aedes vexans, Coquilletidia perturbans, Culex salinarus, Ochlerotatus /Aedes triseriatus, Ochlerotatus /Aedes trivittatus and Anopheles quadrimaculatus. A brief description of the major amplification and bridge vectors in Ontario is found in Appendix A. 5 WEST NILE VIRUS REPORT 2002 This section describes the strategies used to identify the presence or extent of WINV in a geographic area. Surveillance includes the collection, analysis, interpretation and dissemination of information to support prevention and control programs Host (Bird) Surveillance The occurrence of avian mortality, particularly among certain species (corvids) has heralded the introduction of WNV activity in a geographic area. The American crow has emerged as the most sensitive specie for WNV related mortality, and the Ontario surveillance program now focuses on crows as the primary bird of interest. The detection of WNV positive dead birds has generally preceded the detection of human cases. As there is often a delay associated with examination and laboratory testing of submitted specimens, the intensity of dead bird sightings is often more valuable in determining human health risk. A bird surveillance program requires substantial public education, and an infrastructure to collect, interpret and analyze dead bird sighting data. Submission of specimens for viral testing is labour intensive, and requires specialized expertise for pathological examination, organ /tissue extraction, and laboratory testing. Vector (Mosquito) Mosquitoes are the vector in the virus transmission cycle. An understanding of the vector population is important to any WNV prevention and control program. Two mosquito life stages lend themselves to surveillance activities: larva and adult. Larval Surveillance A larval mosquito surveillance program provides information on the presence and abundance of mosquito populations, and can identify geographic areas of high risk. It can be used to assess the need for and timing of interventions, including identification of larval habitats that might require control. Finally it can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of control measures. 6 WEST NILE VIRUS REPORT 2002 The first step in a larval mosquito surveillance program is identification and mapping of breeding sites. This requires a systematic survey to map all potential breeding sites. Municipal mosquito control programs normally develop databases over time which reflect the density of larvae within that site, and summarize control provisions which are specific to that site. Determination of any factor which would impact on a control strategy is also important, including, whether or not these sites are located in environmentally sensitive areas. All sites capable of holding water for more than one week are considered potential breeding sites. Some important larval habitats include: shallow, grass filled depressions in pastures along roadsides, bog pools, permanent marshes, rock pools, tree holes, and potholes left in stream beds. In urban areas it is important to consider roadside ditches, storm water retention basins, catch basins, waste water lagoons, and a broad range of artificial containers found in residential, commercial and industrial yards. Catch basins may require particular attention since they provide an excellent breeding environment for Culex pipiens and Culex resmans mosquitoes, which serve as the primary enzootic, or bird amplification vector. Surveillance of mosquito larvae is undertaken using a mosquito dipper. Visual observation will determine the presence of larvae. Standardized sampling methods are applied in order to allow the density of larvae to be quantified. Larval dipping results can be used to rank the breeding potential of sites from nil to high. Knowledge of the local weather events is also important to the interpretation of mosquito dipping results. Figure 3 shows larval dipping in a ditch source in Barrie. Each site is given a code, "site code ", and is categorized as natural or artificial. The total number of larvae is a cumulative count of 10 dips at each site. The sites are ranked as high, moderate or low depending on larval presence. For example, if the total larvae for 10 dips at each site is less than 25, it is ranked low, if 26 -50 it is ranked moderate, and if greater than 51 would be considered high. A larval mosquito surveillance program is labour intensive, and requires specialized expertise for larva identification. 0 WEST N I L E V I R U S REPORT 2 0 0 2 Figure 3 - Headth Unit rtaff coldecting larva from a ditch in the Barrie area. Adult Mosquito Surveillance An adult mosquito surveillance program provides information on the type, number and distribution of adult mosquito populations, and allows for the identification of geographic high -risk areas. In jurisdictions that have active vector control programs, mosquito surveillance can also identify the need for and tithing of intervention programs. Finally it can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of control measures. Specie analysis is important to the understanding of WNV transmission, as some species serve to amplify bird - mosquito -bird transmission, and others serve to bridge the infection to mammals. Gender analysis is also important, as only female mosquitoes seek a blood meal. In addition, specimens of female mosquitoes can be grouped by specie, and these pools can be tested for the presence of the VUNV. An adult mosquito surveillance program generally operates from June to October. Fixed trap sites allow for the development of a database over tune, which could compare population data to prior years, and allow for spatial analysis. Flexible mosquito trap sites, (also referred to as hot - spots) allow for response to natural events, e.g., finding of WNV infected crow. A photograph of a trap site is shown in Figure 4. a WEST NILE VIRUS REPORT 2002 Figum 4 - CDC ligbt trap for mosquito trapping u An adult mosquito surveillance program is labour intensive, and requires specialized expertise for mosquito identification. WNV testing of mosquito pools is also labour intensive, and the results are not generally available on a timely basis in Canada. Human Surveillance A human surveillance program for V/TV provides information on the impact and trend of WNV disease, may provide insights related to the need for public health intervention, and identify risk factors for population groups or geographic areas. It is not used as a method of detection of WNV activity. The North American experience since 1999 has identified that the peak for human cases occurs in late August or early September. Health providers are advised to consider WNV in the differential diagnosis of cases of encephalitis, aseptic meningitis, Guillain - Barre syndrome and fever with rash -like illness. In Ontario, clinical specimens (acute and convalescent sera or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)) are submitted to the provincial public health laboratory. Sera are tested using hemagglutination inhibition, and CSF is tested by a method known as ELISA. The detection of a rise in the antibody titer between the acute and convalescent samples indicates a recent WNV infection, and is labeled a probable case. Specimens from probable cases are forwarded to the National Reference Laboratory in Winnipeg, 9 WEST NILE VIRUS REPORT 2002 which undertakes confirmatory testing using the plaque reduction neutralization test. Specimens have been prioritized within the Public Health Laboratory depending on the degree of severity of the underlying illness. Human surveillance is generally passive, i.e., relying on a health provider to report to their local public health unit. Active surveillance involves staff of the local public health unit actively seeking any possible cases from health agencies in their jurisdiction, and generally yields more complete results. It is important to note that treatment for WNV is supportive, and is not dependent upon laboratory test results. Nevertheless, timely results will often suspend the search for the cause of symptoms, and prevent the ordering of unnecessary tests or treatment. J 10 F�� WEST NILE VIRUS REPORT 2002 Surveillance Findings from Other Jurisdictions This section summarkes the 2002 surveillance results, from other jurisdictions Canada Avian, Animal and Mosquito Surveillance 2001 -2002 The first Canadian detection of WNV occurred in Ontario in 2001 in a crow submission from Windsor - Essex. Over the course of 2001, WNV was detected in 12 health units located in Central and Southwestern Ontario. There were no confirmed human cases of WNV in 2001. During 2002, there was extensive geographic spread of WNV across Ontario. By the end of the season, WNV was detected in crows submitted from 36 of the 37 health units in Ontario. In addition, WNV was detected in Nova Scotia, Quebec, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. As of November 27h,2002, the total number of WNV positive birds in Canada was 555. %u There have also been a total of 305 WNV positive mosquito pools identified in Quebec, Ontario and Manitoba. Equine cases have totaled 336. Human Surveillance As of December 20'', there have been 174 probable and 121 confirmed cases of human WNV infection in Ontario. In addition, there have been 7 confirmed and one probable case in Quebec, and one confirmed case in Alberta linked to travel. The Ontario cases are equally divided by gender, and the mean age is in the mid -50s for both groups with an age range of 14 to 86. The number of deaths from WNV cannot be readily determined from current Ontario website information. United States Avian, Animal and Mosquito Surveillance 1999 -2002 The previously undocumented association with avian mortality was first recognized in the 1999 outbreak in New York City. It is estimated that at least 5,000 native wild 11 J 1 WEST NILE VIRUS REPORT 2002 birds died as a result of WNV infection during that outbreak. L, Although the deaths occurred mainly in the American Crow, at least 17 other species were affected. In the intervening years, avian surveillance was implemented across most of the States in the U.S. Figure 5 displays in graphical form the spread of WNV activity from 1999 to 2002. In 2002, WNV positive birds were identified in 42 States plus the District of Columbia. A total of 4,782 WNV positive mosquito pools were detected in 26 States. Over 14,000 equine cases were also documented. West Nile Virus in the United States, 1999 - 2002 1♦ 2001 2002 West Nile Virus in Humans 1999 - 2002 11nItnA Ctntac Figure 5 - WNVAdivity in the US, 9999 to 2002 M 2001 0 2002 Human Surveillance Between 1999 and 2001, a small number of human cases were reported yearly. The number of States reporting human cases increased yearly, consistent with the detection of avian WNV infection. During 2002, there was marked geographic extension of WNV activity in the United States, as shown in Table 1. As a result, the population at -risk for WNV infection increased substantially from the original at -risk population in the North Eastern States. However, there appears to have been a disproportionate increase in the number of human cases relative to the population at -risk. The most recent data available (Dec. 3, 2002) indicates that 3775 people from 42 states have been identified with VINV in 2002. A total of 216 people from 24 states have since died, which yields a case fatality rate of 5.7 %. WEST N I L E V I R U S REPORT 2 0 0 2 Year Positive Birds Positive Mosquito Pools Positive Veterinary Positive or Suspect Human Number of Deaths Number of States Reporting Activity 1999 61 7 4" 2000" 4139 470 65 horses 18 1 12 (12 states) (5 states) 26 other mammals 2001'6' 4,517 crows 753 176 horses 45 3 26 1,474 other (15 states) (14 states) and District of Columbia 2002 7,093 crows" 4,782"' 14,458 3775 216 42 '°" 5,343 other (26 states) (horses)` and District of (42 states and Columbia District of Columbia) Table 9 — WINV activity in the United States ( *as of Dec 3, 2002; * *as of October 30, 2002; * ** as of October 30, 2002). Of concern, there were several States with reasonable geographic similarity to Southern Ontario that experienced substantial WNV activity: Illinois (778 cases and 52 deaths), Michigan (453 cases and 47 deaths) and Ohio (431 cases and 24 deaths). The reasons for this higher level of human disease are unknown. Figure 6 depicts the geographic distribution of human cases in Illinois. Of note, the WNV activity is not uniform across the State, with many counties experiencing little to no human WT TV illness. 13 WEST NILE VIRUS REPORT 2002 0 Surveillance Program The Simcoe County WNV surveillance program consisted of several components which attempted to determine the level of WNV activity in the reservoir (birds), vector (mosquito larvae and adult mosquitoes) and in incidental hosts (humans and horses). The health unit had primary responsibility for the bird, mosquito and human surveillance activities. Equine surveillance was a responsibility of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. The components of the surveillance program operated at different periods in the season: ■ The bird surveillance program ran from May to October, consistent with previous years. The mosquito larval surveillance program was introduced in 2002, and operated from August to October. Samples were collected weekly and sent to a private laboratory under contract to Pestalto Environmental Products Inc. for speciation. ■ The adult mosquito surveillance program was also introduced in 2002, and operated from June to October. Samples were collected weekly and sent to Dr. Fiona Hunter, Entomologist at Brock University for analysis. Bird Surveillance In 2002, health unit staff received over 600 calls regarding dead birds and recorded 421 dead crow sightings, collected 85 dead crows and submitted 72 for lab analysis. Table 2 illustrates the dates and locations of the 21 WNV positive crows detected in Simcoe County. 1 R! WEST NILE VIRUS REPORT 2002 Date Date Area Municipality Reported Confirmed Aug -02 Aug -26 Shanty Bay Oro - Medonte Aug -06 Aug -26 East end Barrie Aug -08 Aug -26 South end Barrie Aug -08 Aug -26 Hamilton St. Collingwood Aug -20 Sept -3 Horseshoe Valley Oro - Medonte Aug -20 Sept -3 Horseshoe Valley Oro - Medonte Sep -03 Nov -21 Mansfield Adjala Tosorontio Sep -09 Nov -21 North Tiny Tiny Township Sep -09 Oct -30 Orillia Orillia Sep -10 Oct -28 County Road Bradford Sep -13 Sept -27 Baxter Essa Township Sep -30 Oct -18 Tottenham New Tecumseth Oct -02 Oct -18 Hugel Midland Oct -02 Oct -18 Country Club Oro - Medonte Oct -02 Oct -18 Hickory St. Collingwood Oct -04 Oct -28 Elmvale Springwater Oct -07 Oct -28 Hillsdale Springwater Oct -15 Oct -28 Tottenham New Tecumseth Oct -16 Oct -28 East Tiny Tiny Township Oct -16 Oct -28 Alcona Innisfil Oct -29 Nov -21 Alcona Innisfil Table 2 - Confirmed WNV Infected Crows in Simcoe County 2002 Figure 7 illustrates the location of WNV positive crows in Simcoe County. As expected, it depicts activity across Simcoe County with 12 municipalities having at least one positive bird result. The earliest report date for which a positive WNV resulted was August 2nd and the latest report date was October 29h which is after the date of the first frost for most areas of the County. The time lag between submission and laboratory report was an average of 23.5 days. With the time lag between submission of a specimen, and the receipt of the laboratory report, the interpretation of trends in dead bird sightings emerges as a more important, and possibly more sensitive measure of VINV activity. Halton Region experienced a substantial increase in the number of dead bird sightings, to a peak of 198 calls per week, in the period preceding the first human case reports. In Simcoe County, the number of dead bird sightings per week ranged from three to 47. As expected, a greater density of sightings was observed in populated centres. 15 i i i i i i i WEST NILE VIRUS REPORT 2002 West Nile Virus Positive Birds Simcoe County, 2002 PENETANGU CHRISTIAN ISLAND - �-- - - - - -� MIDLA "33.. 'nNY SEVERN TAY ORO- RAMARA • EDONTE WASAGA BEACH • COWNGWOOD ORILLIA RINGWATE BARRIE 0 Positive Birds CLEAR VIEW B R INVISFI N ESSA BRAD ORD W E WES GWILLIMBURY A LA- TOSORO IO NEW CUMS S 00 30 0 30 60 101ometers Source: Simcoe County District Health Unit Figure 7 - Map of WNTV Positive Birds, Simcoe County, 2002 16 WEST NILE VIRUS REPORT 2002 Bird Surveillance for West Nile Virus Simj�coe County, 2002 0 Y PEN ETANGV CHRISTIAN ISLAND r — Q f MIDLA TINY 0 SEVERN ° tAY o 0 ORO- ° ° RAMARA • • EDONTE ° ° °6 ° RLNGWoT ORILLIA ° %P BARRIE CLEAR VIEW t ° e 0 R � ESSA a o �R RD A LA- WE GWILLIMBURY TOSORO to TV �S N 0• W E 40 0 40 80 Mlometers S Source: Simcoe County District Health Unit Bird Surveillance • Submitted: Positive Result Submitted: Negative Result m Submitted: Pending Result Not Submitted Indeterminate Figure 8 -Map of Dead Crow Sighting , Simcoe County, 2002 Mosquito Surveillance Larval Surveillance Table 3 identifies the 75 Larval dipping sites located within the municipalities of Bradford, Barrie, Oro - Medonte, Collingwood and Essa. Larval dipping sites included storm water catch basins and natural sites such as ditches, puddles, and rain barrels. In reviewing these results, it is important to recognize that the program operated for only a portion of the season, and was implemented in order to allow staff to develop the experience required in the event of future control strategies. Thus the data are not representative of an entire summer, nor are they representative of the entire county. Site Code Site Type Municipality Site Code Site Type Municipality ' BAIA Artificial Barrie BR8A Artificial Bradford BA2A Artificial Barrie BR9A Artificial Bradford BA3A Artificial Barrie BR10A Artificial Bradford BA4A Artificial Barrie BR18A Artificial Bradford BA5A Artificial Barrie BR13N Natural Bradford BA6A Artificial Barrie BR14N Natural Bradford ' BATA Artificial Barrie BR15N Natural Bradford BA8A Artificial Barrie BR16N Natural Bradford I 17 WEST NILE VIRUS REPORT 2002 BA9A Artificial Barrie BR17N Natural Bradford BA10A Artificial Barrie C04N Natural Collingwood BA11A Artificial Barrie C05N Natural Collingwood BA13A Artificial Barrie C06N Natural Collingwood BA14A Artificial Barrie C07N Natural Collingwood BA15A Artificial Barrie ES1N Natural Essa BA116A Artificial Barrie ES2N Natural Essa BA17A Artificial Barrie ES3N Natural Essa BA18A Artificial Barrie ES4N Natural Essa BA1 N Natural Barrie ES5N Natural Essa BA2N Natural Barrie OR1N Natural Oro - Medonte BAM Natural Barrie OR2N Natural Oro - Medonte BA4N Natural Barrie OR3N Natural Oro - Medonte BA5N Natural Barrie OR4N Natural Oro - Medonte BA6N Natural Barrie OR5N Natural Oro - Medonte BAM Natural Barrie OR6N Natural Oro-Medonte BR1A Artificial Bradford OWN Natural Oro - Medonte BR2A Artificial Bradford OR8N Natural Oro - Medonte BR3A Artificial Bradford OR9N Natural Oro - Medonte BR4A Artificial Bradford ORION Natural Oro - Medonte BR5A Artificial Bradford OR11 N Natural Oro - Medonte BR6A Artificial Bradford OR12N Natural Oro - Medonte BR7A Artificial Bradford OR13N Natural Oro - Medonte Table 3 - Larval Dipping Sites, Simcoe County, 2002 There are several factors to consider in reviewing the results of larval surveillance: the number of times the rating was high; the tithing and trend results for high ratings; the type of sites rated high; and the presence of the species of concern (bridge vector mosquitoes). The following results were observed: ■ Larval samples were rated high nine times out of 491 dipping times. In five of the nine events, this was observed in catch basins. The other four site types included a rain barrel and ditches. ' ■ Four of the high counts were observed in Collingwood, which corresponded to the catch basin sampling described above. ■ Within the period of study, larval counts peaked in September. Culex pipiens counts increased in September, at levels greater than other Culex species. ■ Of note (in comparison to adult mosquito surveillance results), one species that ' was not identified in larval surveillance is Coquilletidia perturbans. This mosquito is an aggressive mammal biter that feeds during the day and evenings. One of the ' reasons for not detecting the C. perturbans in larval surveillance may be related to maturation for this specie. C. perturbans matures from the plant -bound process 18 WEST NILE VIRUS REPORT 2002 larva to adult mosquito bound to the roots of the aquatic vegetation making it difficult to detect the species in larval form through dipping studies. Figure 9 illustrates the locations of larval dipping for the 2002 surveillance year. Larval Surveillance Sites Simcoe County, 2002 CHRISTIAN ISLAND lb PENETANGU c tJJ 50RO- TINY SEVERN RAMARA ESSA OWILLIMBURY E Larval Sites TOSORO 10 "'�`'° t/ N CU W E 40 0 40 80 W10meters S Source: Simcoe County District Health Unit Figure 9 - Lamal Surveillance Sites, Simcoe County, 2002 Adult Surveillance During the 2002 season, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) provided Southern Ontario health units with a limited number of CDC light traps and training for staff on mosquito surveillance. Fixed mosquito surveillance sites were established in consultation with the MOHLTC consultants. Weekly trapping commenced in June, and continued throughout the summer months. Simcoe County was provided with five traps for fixed sites. In addition to the fixed sites, hot spot traps were introduced in the surveillance program within a 5km radius where positive crows for WNV were first detected. Up to four hot spot sites were set UP in areas surrounding the location of the positive crow for a two -week period. The number of mosquitoes in each trap ranged from zero to 5121. Figure 10 illustrates the location of traps and the positive and negative test results by site. 19 WEST NILE VIRUS REPORT 2002 Mosquito Surveillance Sites and Results Simcoe County, 2002 C PENETANGUI CHRISTIAN ISLAN o IDLA nNY SEVERN TAY ORO- RAMARA BARRIE Mosquito Surveillance Sites ® g Negative Hot spot FB . Positive Hot spot OR INNISI ® Negative Permanent spot ESSA N BRAD RD 4LA WE GWILLIMBURY W E RIB NEW rll' 'MMS S 6 60 120 KM Source: Simcoe County District Health Unit Figure 10 — Adult Mosquito Surveillance Sites, Simcoe County, 2002 in reviewing the results of adult mosquito surveillance, it is important to consider the following issues: ■ The predominant mosquito species in a location, and whether the specie(s) are those that feed predominantly on birds (amplifier) or on humans and other mammals (bridge) ■ The number of mosquitoes and trends over the season for fixed sites ■ The result of WNV testing for both fixed and hot spot sites. Table 4 summarizes the results of the adult mosquito surveillance program. Five fixed sites, and an additional 14 hot spots were sampled during the season. The trapping at the fixed sites demonstrated significant variability in the number of mosquitoes found on a weekly basis. The predominant species also differed between sites, and for some sites, within the site over the season. The table also summarizes the related positive crow findings. J 20 C WEST NILE VIRUS REPORT 2002 Site Site Date Start to Municipality Findings Positive Test code Type Date End Results Al Fixed August 1 - Bradford Trap located behind mechanics garage. October 16 Area slightly damp surrounded by alders and raspberry bushes. Total number of mosquitoes collected was 2586 (range two to 800). Highest numbers collected on Jul.04. Positive mosquito pool collected on Sept. 04 with Aedes Vexans. B1 Fixed August 01 — Barrie Trap located behind a mechanics garage, October 16 slightly damp surrounded by low lying bush. Total number of mosquitoes collected was 8102 (range one to 5121). Highest numbers collected on July 18. 11.5% of mosquitoes collected were bridge vectors. C1 Fixed June 27 — Barrie Trap located in backyard of residence October 09 surrounded by deciduous forest and cut grass. Total number of mosquitoes collected was 2236, ranging from zero to 1104. Highest number collected on July 04. 49% of mosquitoes collected were bridge vectors. D1 Fixed June 27 — Barrie Site located in backyard of residential October 16 property surrounded by cut lawn grass and small creek flowing through property. Total number of mosquitoes collected were 797(range zero to 446). Highest numbers collected on July 04. 24.2% of mosquitoes collected were bridge vectors. E1 Fixed August 07— Midland Trapped set up in backyard of residential October 09 property surrounded by low -lying bush. Total number of mosquitoes collected were 1283, (range zero to 400). 40.1 % of mosquitoes bridge vectors. F1 Hot Spot August 30 — Barrie Site located on residential property. 65.9% Crow confirmed September 13 of mosquitoes collected were bridge in area on August vectors. 26 G1 Hot Spot August 30 — Collingwood Residential property. Total number of Crow confirmed September 05 mosquitoes, 30. in area on August 26 H1 Hot Spot August 29 — Collingwood Hot spot site. Total number of mosquitoes Crow confirmed September 05 collected was 66. Positive pool collected on in area on August Sept 05 with Aedes vexans. 26 11 Hot Spot August 29 — Oro - Medonte Trap environment consisted of deciduous Crow confirmed September 10 trees. Total mosquitoes collected was 651. in area on August 48.9% of mosquitoes trapped were bridge 26 vectors. J1 Hot Spot September 06 Oro - Medonte Cedar bush environment. Total Crow confirmed mosquitoes, 450. Positive pool collected on in area on September 10 Sept. 05, with Aedes vexans September 03 K1 Hot Spot September 11 Barrie Trap located in backyard of residential Crow confirmed property. Total number of mosquitoes in area on August September 18 trapped was two. 26 L1 Hot Spot September 12 Oro- Medonte Mosquitoes trapped were low with totals of Crow confirmed 21 mosquitoes. in area on September 17 September 03 M1 Hot Spot September 12 Oro - Medonte Mosquitoes trapped were low. Total Crow confirmed number of mosquitoes four. in area on September 17 September 03 N1 Hot Spot September 12 Collingwood Trap located in backyard of residential Crow confirmed property surrounded by clear -cut field and in area on August few maple trees. Total number of 26 WEST NILE VIRUS REPORT 2002 01 Hot Spot September 12 Collingwood P1 Hot Spot October 01 — Essa October 10 01 Hot Spot October 01 — Essa October 10 R1 Hot Spot October 03 — Creemore October 16 S1 Hot Spot October 04 — Creemore October 16 Table 4 - Mosquito Tray Sites, Simcoe County, 2002 mosquitoes trapped was one Trap located on rental property with low- Crow confirmed lying bush. Total number of mosquitoes in area on August trapped was 10. 26 Site locations P1 and 01 were chosen Crow confirmed because of a reported illness of a toddler in area on August presenting with neurological symptoms. 26 Blood work was negative for WNV. Property had three large ponds, and three dead crows. One crow confirmed positive for WNV was reported on Sept 13. Total number of mosquitoes trapped was three. Site locations R1 and S1 were chosen because six horses were reported ill and tested for WNV. One horse was confirmed with WNV as reported by a veterinarian. A Vainer working with the horses also complained of symptoms depicting WNV fever. Total number of mosquitoes trapped in sites R1 and S1 was zero and two respectively. For example, site Al demonstrated an early season peak for bridge vectors, and a late season peak for amplification vectors, as is shown in Figure 11. 150 U1100 Cr ss ° Z 50 101 Site Al Adult M— osquito Results y ♦ ♦4r t i� - - - -- Amplification Vectors Bridge hectors 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 week Figure 11 - Mosquito Trap Results, Site a1, Simcoe County, 2002. YT i WEST NILE VIRUS REPORT 2002 Equine Surveillance WNV is not a reportable disease under the Health of Animals Act. However other reportable diseases in horses (rabies, Western and Eastern Equine Encephalomyelities) and poultry (Newcastle Disease) must be ruled out in situations where these domestic species demonstrate neurological symptoms. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has primary jurisdiction over animal health issues. The CFIA implemented a limited surveillance program for WNV, generally testing specimens after other reportable neurological conditions had been excluded. However, the system operated only for the first detection of WNV in horses in Ontario, and was thereafter terminated. Consequently, it did not provide insights into the distribution of WNV activity within a jurisdiction. Anecdotal reports were received from Simcoe County residents regarding possible equine cases of XVNV. Callers often reported challenges in confirming the diagnosis. In the absence of an organized surveillance program, the owner was often faced with significant veterinary and laboratory test costs required for WNV confirmation. The MOHLTC website reports 52 confirmed and 37 probable equine cases in Ontario, but this number should be interpreted with caution for the reasons mentioned above. There were no reports of equine WNV recorded for Simcoe County. Human Surveillance To stimulate passive reporting, the MOHLTC carried out a direct mailing in April 2002 to all specialty physicians in Ontario in infectious disease, neurology, emergency medicine and intensive care, as well as to all hospital CEOs and infection control practitioners about the need to consider West Nile Virus encephalitis in differential diagnosis of menmoencephalitis, and the appropriate diagnostic specimens to collect. Local health departments were requested to contact approximately 60 hospitals in southern Ontario to provide advice, protocols as required, and establish prompt diagnostic efforts and reporting of suspect cases to local medical officer of health as required under Regulation 559/91 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act. In preparation for WNV human surveillance in Simcoe County, public health nurses from Simcoe County District Health Unit reviewed the "Health Canada Guidelines for Human Surveillance for West Nile Virus (Health Canada) " - with the Infection Control Practitioners for each hospital. In Ontario, cases of encephalitis or meningitis are reportable to the Medical Officer of Health. This would include cases of WNV encephalitis. It is important to note that cases of WNV Fever, or asymptomatic infection diagnosed by blood test are not reportable in Ontario. Therefore, the health unit is not necessarily aware of all clinical diagnostic testing performed for WNV in the County. KE WEST NILE VIRUS REPORT 2002 In Simcoe County, the health unit is aware of four individuals who underwent one or more tests for WNV this summer. Of the four, one case had negative acute serology, one case had negative acute and convalescent serology, and two cases in non - residents were referred to other health units for follow up. One of these referred cases was diagnosed as a probable WNV case based on specimens submitted from a Simcoe County hospital. Although it is impossible to determine where infection occurred, the case resided in Peel Region, an area of confirmed human WNV infections, but spent equal time at a cottage north of Orillia. Given the localized focus of human cases in Peel, and the absence of human cases in Simcoe, it is more likely that infection occurred in Peel Region. However, infection within Simcoe County cannot be ruled out. 24 WEST NILE VIRUS REPORT 2002 3 This section reviews the activities required to inform and educate the public about WNV. Public education is a critical component of a prevention and control program for vector borne disease. The public needs information about the diseases, how they are transmitted, and how to prevent or reduce their exposure. A public education campaign regarding WNV was initiated in Simcoe County in the summer of 2001 with the production and distribution of print materials. The materials described the origins of WNV, the method of transmission and the risk to human health. The public was introduced to the concepts of surveillance, and encouraged to report the sightings of a variety of species of dead birds. The public was encouraged to take personal protective measures to reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes and to take action to reduce mosquito breeding grounds. Public education was accomplished through dissemination of print materials, mass media, website information and the provision of information to key stakeholders. In 2002, the health unit's public education campaign reinforced the need for Simcoe County residents to take personal protective measures against mosquito bites and to eliminate mosquito - breeding sites around their homes. Efforts were made to coordinate public education and awareness messages with health units across Ontario. PutMosquitoes Out of Touch was the theme of public education in most jurisdictions across Ontario including Simcoe County. Key messages included: ■ The origins of West Nile Virus, method of transmission and risk to human health. Source reduction strategies for reducing mosquito breeding by eliminating standing water sites (tires, buckets, and other water - holding ob)ects); changing the water in bird baths once each week; cleaning and chlorinating swimming pools or draining and covering if not in use; preventing water from accumulating in pool - covers; unclogging gutters and down spouts and cutting back brush and growth from around the house. 25 WEST NILE VIRUS REPORT 2002 Proper personal protective measures that can be taken to avoid mosquito bites such as ensuring that screens fit tightly in doors and windows, wearing protective clothing (long pants, long- sleeved shirts, and socks) and appropriate use of insect repellents. ■ Public awareness about the nature of mosquito -borne diseases and the signs and symptoms of WNV (headache, high fever, muscle pain, weakness and disorientation). ■ The rationale behind dead bird and mosquito surveillance activities, the importance of reporting dead birds to the health unit for surveillance purposes and how to properly dispose of birds not being retrieved by the health unit. Print Materials Print materials included 200,000 mail inserts, 2000 posters and 1000 fact sheets. Mail inserts were distributed with the assistance of municipalities via property tax and utility bill inserts. Municipalities were also provided a supply of fact sheets, posters and inserts to hand out at offices throughout the County. Inserts and posters were distributed to sites associated with outdoor living, including garden centres, outdoor stores, provincial and private camp grounds, recreational areas including conservation sites and municipal recreation areas. In addition, the same products were provided to facilities and agencies that cater to individuals in high risk groups, including long -term care facilities, rest and retirement homes, and adult retirement communities. A copy of the WNV print materials is included in Appendix B. Media Media interest in WNV was high and continued throughout 2002. There were 51 calls to the health unit from various print, radio and television media, beginning in February with a call from the Toronto Sun. There were 54 articles about WNV published in local print media subscribed to by the health unit. This is probably an underestimate of the print media volume related to WNV locally. A combination of both proactive and reactive strategies were undertaken to raise awareness of the issue, reinforce key messages, respond to public concern, correct misunderstandings or misinformation and maintain perspective on the issue. Components included interviews, editorials, a Medical Officer of Health (MOH) column and the direct printing of media releases. In addition to the MOH column, the health unit sent out five media releases. They began in May with an announcement that monitoring for WNV would be carried out on a county -wide, coordinated approach with municipalities and concluded in October with the notification that another bird had tested positive. I WEST NILE VIRUS REPORT 2002 A media session was held in August to showcase the adult mosquito surveillance program using the CDC Light Trap. This attracted six media representatives, cable and print, from Barrie, Midland and Innisfil. Website During the late spring, summer and early fall seasons WNV was given a prominent place on the health unit web site, accessible by clicking on the photo of a mosquito (Put Mosquitoes Out of Touch) on the front page. Figure 12 — Health Unit WNV [Ylebsite Grapbic The website included a local overview of WNV, including monitoring and surveillance activities , a summary of the WNV positive birds by municipality, fact sheets (Q & A, Personal Protection, Reducing Mosquito Breeding Grounds) and a link to the MOHLTC web site for the provincial perspective. 27 i� WEST NILE VIRUS REPORT 2002 Public Information Services Figure 13 - Health Connection WNV- Related Calls by Month, 2002 Health Connection, the health unit's telephone information line, is staffed with public health professionals weekdays from 8:30 to 6:00. In the summer of 2002, public health nurses responded to 440 requests for information or resources in relation to WNV. Health Connection staff also fielded reports of dead bird sightings during office hours. From May to October, an automated system was established to facilitate calls related to dead bird sightings after hours, holidays and weekends. Calls began in April and peaked in August with a gradual decline in numbers throughout the fall. Figure 13 illustrates the numbers of call received by Health Connection Public Health Nurses throughout 2002. Key Stakeholder Contact A variety of stakeholders are important partners in the distribution of information about WNV to various target groups and/or in the support of surveillance activities. These include municipalities, health care professionals, long -term care facilities, veterinarians, animal control agencies, and recreational camps. Municipalities In March 2002, all municipalities were contacted offering the attendance of the Medical Officer of Health (MOH) to meet with key municipal officials (CAO, Director of Public Works and Director of Parks and Recreation, or equivalent positions within the organization) to review planning for the 2002 West Nile Virus season. A second letter was sent out in June to municipalities that did not reply to the first invitation. Meetings were held with the 10 municipalities who responded. The agenda for the meetings included a brief overview of WNV, the surveillance plan for 2002, and plans for public 28 WEST NILE VIRUS REPORT 2002 education for 2002. Specific municipal issues were highlighted including surveillance protocols, standing water bylaws and the Ministry of the Environment regulatory requirements for larviciding permits. In response to several requests, VINV workshops were also provided to staff of public works and parks and recreation departments. Healthfax (the health unit fax bulletin) was used throughout the summer as a means of communicating WNV activity to various stakeholders (CAO's, physicians, emergency department staff, Infection Control Practitioners, after hours clinics, long -term care facilities, hospital laboratories). An initial health fax was sent on August 08 to update all CAO's in Simcoe County on the WNV activities surrounding Simcoe County. In total, eight health faxes were distributed from August to October. Pertinent information on the health faxes included announcements of positive crows and positive mosquito pools in Simcoe County, updates on human surveillance protocols, and updates on WNV activity surrounding Simcoe County. Health Care As previously stated, public health nurses met with the infection control practitioners from the five hospitals in the county to review the guidelines for human surveillance. A fact sheet for health care professionals was also developed to assist with the recognition and diagnosis of WNW human infections. The fact sheet was provided to the infection control practitioners of each hospital. Health unit staff responded to requests for workshops and presentations from hospital and long term care facilities. Communication of WNV activity in and surrounding Simcoe County was circulated through Healthfax. Various health care professionals (emergency department staff, Simcoe County Physicians, Infection Control Practitioners, after hour clinics, long- term care facilities) were updated with information on human surveillance protocols, and WNV activity. An initial health fax was sent on August 19`h to inform health care professionals about the probable human cases in Peel Region. Included with the initial bulletin was a reminder of the suspect case definition for humans with WNV. In total four Healthfax were sent to various health care professionals from August to September. Other With heightened media attention over the summer, presentations were made in response to requests received from several conservation authorities and interested naturalist organizations. Issues of concern from interested organizations included the plans for the use of larvicidal agents and it's effect on the natural habitat and the ecological system. Following the confirmation of WNV infected birds within specific locations in Simcoe County, information was redistributed to key stakeholders in the area and in surrounding areas as well. 1 29 1 0 WEST NILE VIRUS REPORT 2002 Evaluation of Current Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviours A survey was undertaken in Ottawa in July 2002 to gather information on people's awareness, attitudes, and practices relating to WNV. Four hundred and ninety one residents of Ottawa participated in the survey. Results of the survey demonstrated that the awareness of the WNV is high in Ottawa (77% of the respondents had heard of WNV) and that more than half of the respondents perceived WNV as an important health issue. Sixty three percent of the respondents spent time outdoors nearly everyday. The survey also included questions on the use of larvicide. Less than half of Ottawa residents would support the use of pesticides before the detection of a WNV human case in Ottawa. The knowledge base of residents in terms of the effects, uses, risks and benefits of pesticides is limited, to the extent that the more than half of the respondents requested additional information about these products. The survey demonstrated that with limited knowledge, it is important that public health messages contain sufficient information so that the public can make educated choices about controversial topics such as the use of pesticides. -- The health unit participates with most other Southern Ontario health units in an assessment of current knowledge, attitudes and behaviours relevant to public health practice through the Rapid Risk Factor Surveillance System, RRFSS. Within Simcoe County, one hundred residents are surveyed each month through a random -digit telephone sample. A household is considered to be eligible if it is a private residence and is located within the health unit's jurisdiction. One adult 18 years of age or older living in the household is then randomly selected to be interviewed. Between May and September 2002, two sections of the RRFSS survey focused on WNV. These sections addressed the awareness level related to WNV and the protective measures which were adopted. The results are based on self - reported behaviours and knowledge. Awareness of WNV Eighty -eight percent (88 9/6) of Simcoe County adults reported having heard about WNV. Awareness of West Nile virus rose significantly over the summer months from 78% in May /June to 981/6 in September /October. This trend was to be expected with the identification of a human case in Peel Region in late summer and the related media coverage. Eighty -six percent (86 %) of those aware of WNV correctly identified that WNV was transmitted by infected mosquitoes. -- Among adults who reported having heard of WNV, 35% reported that they have always tried to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Thirty -two per cent reported making more of an effort to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes since hearing about WNV. Of concern, 28% of adults report that awareness of WNV has made no difference to their behaviour. Figure 14 shows the increase in awareness of WNV by month between May and September in Simcoe County adults. 30 WEST NILE VIRUS REPORT 2002 Figure 14 — Awareness of WiVV, Simme County, 2002 Self- Reported Mosquito Protection Behaviour Public education efforts in 2002 encouraged individuals to adopt personal protection behaviours and to take action to reduce mosquito breeding grounds. According to RRFSS, 52% of adults 18+ years of age reported that they avoided areas where mosquitoes rest and breed such as shaded and wooded areas. Thirty percent limited outdoor activities during times when mosquitoes were likely to bite and 34% reported that they wore protective clothing all of the time or most of the time during outdoor activities. Only thirteen percent (13 9/6) reported that they used insect repellent all of the time or most of the time during outdoor activities. Twelve percent (12 9/6) reported having screens in need of repair so that there were holes or tears that mosquitoes could get through and 29 % allowed water to collect outside their home providing a potential source for mosquitoes to breed. Public education activities undertaken over the period 1999 to 2002 appear to have resulted in substantial awareness of W`NV and the personal protection and source reduction strategies required to protect health. Nevertheless, a substantial proportion of the population has not adopted the recommended strategies. This will be an important consideration for future prevention and control efforts. 31 Percent of adults (18 +) reported having heard about the West Nile virus by survey month, RRFSS 2002 (May-Sept) 100% 90% 93 °l` 80%-- $T ;� 70%-- T8 8't' 60°i° m a 40% z 30% 20% 10% z 0% May /June June /July July /Aug Aug /Sept Sept/Oct Heard about the West Nile Virus by survey month Figure 14 — Awareness of WiVV, Simme County, 2002 Self- Reported Mosquito Protection Behaviour Public education efforts in 2002 encouraged individuals to adopt personal protection behaviours and to take action to reduce mosquito breeding grounds. According to RRFSS, 52% of adults 18+ years of age reported that they avoided areas where mosquitoes rest and breed such as shaded and wooded areas. Thirty percent limited outdoor activities during times when mosquitoes were likely to bite and 34% reported that they wore protective clothing all of the time or most of the time during outdoor activities. Only thirteen percent (13 9/6) reported that they used insect repellent all of the time or most of the time during outdoor activities. Twelve percent (12 9/6) reported having screens in need of repair so that there were holes or tears that mosquitoes could get through and 29 % allowed water to collect outside their home providing a potential source for mosquitoes to breed. Public education activities undertaken over the period 1999 to 2002 appear to have resulted in substantial awareness of W`NV and the personal protection and source reduction strategies required to protect health. Nevertheless, a substantial proportion of the population has not adopted the recommended strategies. This will be an important consideration for future prevention and control efforts. 31 1 0 WEST NILE VIRUS REPORT 2002 ate:. t. Amplification Vectors Culex pipiens can be found in a fairly wide range of larval habitats but are generally associated with water that has a high organic content. It breeds in stagnant pools of ground water, artificial containers, catch basins, and sewage seepage; tolerates water that ranges from high in organic content to grossly polluted. Females emerge from hibernation during May and begin depositing egg rafts in suitable habitat. Populations of this mosquito usually peak during August but breeding continues well into September. —,,; The species also deposits its eggs in artificial containers including tin cans, tires and any refuse that allows stagnant water to puddle. The species is decidedly urban and reaches greatest numbers in large urban centers. Catch basins and storm drains provide ideal habitat for Culex pipiens. It can be collected in the effluent from sewage treatment plants. _i. Culex pipiens is recognized as the primary vector of St. Louis encephalitis in the northern United States. It is primarily a bird feeder and does not appear to be a major biting pest. It is the most widely distributed mosquito in the world. Culex pipiens is a serious pest, called the "house mosquito" because it commonly develops in small containers around the home.: Culex restuans breeds in a variety of water conditions from nearly clear to grossly polluted. A partial list of larval habitats includes: temporary ground water, the edge of grassy swampland, sphagnum bogs, road side ditches, tire ruts, hoof prints, discarded buckets, tires, catch basins, sewage effluent and septic seepage.:ro Culex restuans is also the first species to utilize water that collects in discarded tires. Females that survive the winter emerge from hibernation and begin depositing egg 32 WEST NILE VIRUS REPORT 2002 rafts during the months of April or May. Populations of this mosquito usually peak by July. A second peak is often evident in the fall to produce the adults for the overwintering generation. Culex restuans can develop from egg to adult in about 10 days. Most authors consider the mosquito to be a bird feeder that rarely, if ever, bites humans. -4 Bridge Vectors Aedes vexans may breed in virtually any transient water but rainpools in unshaded areas produce the largest broods. Seasonal distribution depends upon rainfall patterns as is typical with species that depend upon rain to restore their breeding habitat. It is a pest mosquito due to its abundance, widespread distribution and breeding potential in floodwater habitats. This species has been implicated as a secondary vector of Eastern Equine Encephalitis and dog heartworm. -iii Coquilletidia perturbans is always found associated with the roots and stems of emergent vegetation surrounding bogs, ponds, lakes, etc. This species breeds in marshes, ponds, and lakes having a thick growth of aquatic vegetation. Larval development is usually slow, lasting several months. Females will bite during the daytime in shady, humid places, but are most active in the evening. They readily enter houses and bite viciously. These strong fliers are frequently taken in light trap collections, and have been implicated in transmission of encephalitides. Historically, Coquilletidia perturbans larvae are hard to sample for because they attach themselves by means of a modified air tube to the roots and stems of emergent vegetation, where they remain throughout development. They do not have to come to the surface like other mosquito larvae and are also very quick to remove themselves from the host plant when disturbed. t -a Culex salinarus breeds in roadside ditches, moderately polluted groundwater and artificial containers provide secondary larval habitat, particularly at inland foci where the species is less abundant. This is a permanent water breeder that reaches greatest abundance in habitats that have remained flooded all summer long. Larval populations are usually highest late in the summer. Culex salinarius is a mosquito species that feeds on birds as well as mammals. As a result, it has been incriminated as a potential bridge vector of the encephalitis viruses. Culex tarsalis breeds in nearly every freshwater source such as canals, ditches, ground pools, effluent from cesspools, cans, barrels, catch basins, and ponds except tree holes. Larvae are found in all but the most polluted ground pools. This mosquito develops rapidly and produces multiple generations. In the hot summer season, egg to adult development occurs in as few as four to ten days. A female can lay six or seven times, with some 300 eggs in a batch. Eggs are laid in rafts and usually hatch within 2 days. Larval and pupal states develop rapidly and breeding is continuous during warm weather. Adults usually stay within a mile of the breeding site. Without control efforts, local populations can reach huge numbers in a short time. They feed equally on birds and mammals including man, depending on availability. -� WEST NILE VIRUS REPORT 2002 Ochlerotatus /Aedes triseriatus is a container breeding specie that remains in the egg stage over the winter. The number of generations in a given area depends on the frequency of flooding during the breeding season. The specie lays its eggs above the water line inside tree holes and artificial containers. The overwintering eggs of Aedes triseriatus do not normally hatch until May but containers in direct sun may contain Larvae much earlier in the season. Aedes triseriatus has an irritating bite and can be a significant pest. The mosquito can be locally abundant around homes where artificial containers provide plentiful breeding habitat. The mosquito can be a pest of children s playlots where stands of mature trees provide abundant treehole habitat. —ii Aedes trivittatus larvae can be found in a variety of freshwater habitats. Flooded woodlands, marshes, open pools and woodland pools. Aedes trivittatus develop very fast in the hot summer sun. When daytime temperatures of 80's and 90's are accompanied by warm nights, the larvae can proceed from hatching to adulthood in as little as 5 days. —ii Adult Ochlerotatus /Aedes trivittatus can cause severe nuisance problems wherever they occur in close proximity to human populations. Three reasons account for their nuisance potential: Aedes trivittatus are persistent aggressive biters often attacking the victim in a swarm -like manner; to most people who encounter Aedes trivittatus, the bite is much more painful and irritating than other mosquitoes encountered; and they do not hesitate to bite in bright sun or open areas when their haunts are invaded. Anopheles quadrimaculatus.generally breeds in large bodies of water such as rice fields, reservoirs, lakes and canals that have established surface vegetation or emergent vegetation. Anopheles quadrimaculatus are active during the warm summer months and overwinters as an adult female. Females deposit eggs 3-4 days post feed. Eggs are then hatched within 36-48 hours after being deposited on the surface of the water. — Anopheles quadrimaculatus associate themselves with aquatic vegetation or floatage to avoid predation and changing color to mimic that of their breeding habitat. Hosts include cattle, horses, pigs, deer and, and human.— WEST NILE VIRUS REPORT 2002 35 PPNEAS 'x yFa<,. SIMCOE COUNTY ■ ■ ;DISTRICT HEALTH UNIT West ' virus Health Protection Service Nrr osta° •- - • • I • 2002 Questions & Answers WHAT IS WEST NILE VIRUS? West Nile Virus is a mosquito -borne virus that was first isolated in the West Nile District of Uganda in 1937. West Nile Virus outbreaks have occurred in Egypt, Asia, Israel, South Africa, and parts of Europe. Recently, the virus has emerged in more temperate regions such as Romania (1996 -97), Russia (1999) and North America (1999). The virus was first discovered in North America in New York City, during the summer of 1999. The outbreak was responsible for 62 human cases of encephalitis, including seven deaths. Last year the virus spread to birds in Southern Ontario, but human cases were reported. WHAT IS THE RISK? Illnesses related to mosquito bites are rare and West Nile Virus itself is very rare. Health Canada states that in exposed areas less than 1 % of the mosquito population are likely to carry the virus. WHO IS AT RISK? Anyone who lives in an area where there are mosquitoes that are infected with the West Nile Virus J may be at risk of acquiring this illness. However, people over the age of 50 are at the greatest risk of developing a more serious illness. HOW IS WEST NILE VIRUS SPREAD? Mosquitoes become infected with West Nile Virus when they feed on infected birds. After a period of 10 days to two weeks, the virus can be spread by the bite of the infected mosquito to humans and some other animals. The virus does not pass from person to person through touch or saliva. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? Most people infected by West Nile Virus do not get sick. A small number of people may experience mild fever, headaches, muscle weakness and a stiff neck. In rare cases, the symptoms may progress to serious illness involving inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis). WHAT CAN 1 DO TO PROTECT MYSELF? The risk of getting West Nile Virus is extremely low. By taking some steps to reduce the nuisance of mosqui- toes, you can reduce the risk even further (see over for tips to put mosquitoes out of touch). WHAT IS THE LINK TO BIRDS? Birds, in particular jays and crows can carry the West Nile Virus. Clusters of deaths among these types of birds may be an early warning sign of West Nile Virus. The federal government is coordin- ating a surveillance program to monitor any movement of the West Nile Virus within Canada. Beginning May 15, the Health Unit will be asking the public to report sightings of dead crows. Health unit staff will follow up and determine whether the bird should be sent for testing. For your protection be sure to follow these three steps: ► do NOT handle the dead bird(s) ► report dead birds to the health unit but do not bring dead birds to health unit office. ► birds that are not collected for testing should be buried under at least two feet of earth or placed in a double bag for garbage disposal. OVER (0' 5 { ! f dh'ut Mosquitoes Out of Touch Although illnesses related to mosquito bites are rare, and the West Nile Virus itself is rare, it makes sense to reduce your risk. There are steps you can take to protect yourself from mosquito bites and to eliminate mosquito- breeding sites. During mosquito season: ► Stay indoors when mosquitoes are most active (dusk to dawn) ► Wear light - colored, long- sleeved shirts and long pants whenever you are outdoors ► If you choose to use insect repellant be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations and know that: - DEET should be no greater than 30% for adults -for children 2 -12 years old, DEET should be no greater than 10% and applied no more than 3 times per day -for children under two and for pregnant women consider using the non - chemical methods to reduce mosquito bites For more information visit http: / /nile.healthcanada.net ► Prevent mosquitoes from entering your home by sealing holes and putting screens on all windows and doors Mosquitoes prefer to breed in permanent stagnant water so to eliminate breeding sites: ► Keep grass cut and trim shrubs and bushes ► Fill fish ponds with Koi or other mosquito - eating fish ► Keep swimming pools, spas and hot tubs chlorinated and covered tightly when not in use ► Change the birdbath water at least once a week ► Avoid water accumulation in tires and tire swings ► Empty buckets, wheel barrows and pots ► Store small boats and canoes upside down ► Be sure boat covers do not accumulate water ► Drain or fill tree holes ► Screen or eliminate water in sump pumps ► Keep eaves troughs and rain gutters clean ► Drain plastic covers on lawn chairs and other outdoor equipment weekly ► Drain shaded, flat roof top 721 -7520 1- 877 -721 -7520 EALTHCONNNECTIO' � WWW.simcoehealth.org YOUR LINK TO HEALTH INFORMATION 7 7 C MOSQL'•ITOES BREED IN STANDING WATER. You can help reduce the mosquito breeding areas around your home by. • recyli.ng!disposing of unwanted containers • draining water regularly from rain barrels; flower Eats, window boxes, planters and -swimming pool covers • making sure your eavestrou +ghs drain properly • changing the water in bird. Baths at least once a. week • drilling holes in the bottom of recycling and trash containers, and children's tire swings removing and I'ecycling old tires, 131astic containers and paint cans • turning over wheelbarrows, canoes and plastic; Evading potkls to drain standing water. You can help reduce your chance of being bitten by a mosquito by- • - wearing lon - sleeved shirts and lung pants when outdoors • spraying clothing; with repellents containing DEEET to ward off mosquitoes that may bite through thin clothin- • applying repellent sparingly to exposed skin — lie sure to follow manufacturers instructions • nnaking sure all windows and doers in our home have screens that are in good condition. SMACCE COUNTY MSTR1CT PUTMOSQUITOES OUT OF `. Itloscliaitoes are a nuisance, especially when they bite. But another reason to reduce their numbers is to pre - vent the bossiisle spread of West ?Vile virus. The virus is spread by mosquitoes. In a very snuA 11LI 3 be.r of cases, the virus causes encephalitis, which is swelling and infla€ oration of the brain. Mosquitoes become infected bye biting; birds Infected with the virus. Dead crows are a good indicator of the presence of the virus in Ontario. If you find a dead. crow call. the Health, unit, but do not bring the dead crow to health unit office. For more information on mosquito control, personal protectico fron-3 mosquito bites, Tfest.Nile virus, and dead bird surveillance, +:all It ii,r31' .c'N.4 i 3 0l" at or 1-877-721-T'20. or Visit www.simeochealtli.org 1 SIMCOE COUNTY `1STRI CT €EALTH UNIT WEST NILE VIRUS REPORT 2002 i Buck Peter. (2002, November 07). General overview- 2002 season, Alpha Conference: West Nile Virus 2003 Planning Workshop. ii New York City, Department of Health. (2001, January). West Nile VirusQuestions & Answers on Semsurvey 2000- [On- line]. Available: http:/ /w myc.gov /html /doh /html /wnv /wnvs2OOO.htmL iii Buck, Peter. (2002, November 07). General overview- 2002 season, Alpha Conference: West Nile Virus 2003 Planning Workshop. iv Whitney, Hugh.. (2001). West Nile Surveillance. [On- line]. Available: http://www.gov.nf.ca/agric/pubfact/wmv .htm. v Centre for Disease Control.. (2002, December 20). Intrauterine Nest Nile vims infection- New York, 2002 MNPVR Weekly, 51(50); pp. 1135 -1136. [On- line]. Available: http: / /www.cdc.gov /mmwr/ preview /mnmrhtml /mm5l5Ga3.htm. vi Hunter, Fiona. (2002, November 07). General overview - 2002 season, Alpha Conference: West Nile Virus 2003 Planning Workshop. vi Simcoe County District Health Unit, West Nile Vims Program. (2002). Digital photo of CDC Light trap. viii Health Canada (2002, December 04). Results of surveillance program. [On- line]. Available: http: / /wildlife.0 wLca /mglish /frame \V tNile.htrn. rc New York City, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. (2002, July). Birds. [On- line]. Available: http://www.ci.nyc.ny.us /htrni/doh/hmi/wnv/wnvfaql4.hmi.. x Centres for Disease Control. (2000). Update: West Nile Virus Activity - -- Eastern United Stares, 2000. MM\VR Weekly, 49(46); pp. 1044 -1037. [On- line]. Available: http: / /www.cdc.gov /mmwr /preview /mm wrhtn ! /mm4946a2,htrn. xi Centres for Disease Control. (2000). Update: West Nile Virus Activity - -- Etstem United States, 2000. MMWR Weekly, 49(46); pp. 1044 -1047. [On- line]. Available: http: / /www.cdc.gov /mrmvr /preview /mmwrhtmi /mm4946a2him. an Health Canada, Infectious Diseases News Brief. (2001, November 30). West Nile Virus (WNV) encephalitis /meningitis in the United States. [On- line]. Available: http : / /www.hc- sc.gc.ca /pphb- dgspsp /bid - brat /dsd -dsm /nb-ab /2001 /nb4801_g.htmi. xii Centres for Disease Control. (2003, January 08). West Nile Vims updatecurreat case count'. [On- line]. Available: http://www.cdc.gov/od/oc /media/wncount.htrn. xiv Health Canada, Public Health Branch. (2002, September 20). Health Canada guidelines for human surveillance for WNV. xv Wilson, S., for Health Canada. (2002). West Nile Vino: A survey about awareness, attitudes, and practices of city of Ottawa residents. xvi. Wilson, S., for Health Canada. (2002). West Nile Virus: A survey about awareness, attitudes, and practices of city of Ottawa residents xvii Simcoe County District Health Unit. (2002). Rapid risk factor surveillance system (RSFSS). sviii. Crams, Wayne, Rutgers University. (n.d). Culex pipiens Linnaeus. [On- line]. Available: http: / /www- mi.mtgem.edu /- insects /pip2.htm. x Ceans, Wayne, Rutgers University. (n.d). Culex pipiens Linnaeus. [On -line]. Available: http: / /www- mi.mWm.edu /- insects /pip2,htrn. xx x Crams, Wayne. Rutgers University. (n.d). Culex pipiens Linnaeus. [On- line]. Available: http: / /www- mi.ruwm.edu /- insects /pip2him. xxi Crams, Wayne, Rutgers University. (n.d).. Culex restuans Theobald. On- line]. Available: http: / /vnvw- mi.mtgen.edu /-insects /rest.htrn. nii Crays, Wayne, Rutgers University. (n.d).. Culex restuans Theobald. On- line]. Available: http: / /www- rci.mtgen.edu /- insects /rest.htm. x ni Crams, Wayne, Rutgers University. (n.d).. Aedes vexans (Meigen). On- line]. Available: http: / /www- rci.mtgen.edu /- insects /vex.htm _iv Roman_ ski. M., & Candeletti, T. M. (1984). Identification and surveillance of Coquillettidia perturbans breeding habitat, with observations on lerviciding techniques, in Ocean County. N.J. Proc. N. J. Mosquito Control Assoc. pp. 54-58. [On- line]. Available: http: / /www- mi.mwm.edu /-insects /spl6.htm. xxv Crans, Wayne, Rutgers University. (n.d). Cal- salinarius Coquillett. On- line]. Available: http: / /www- mi.mtgm.edu /-insects /spl la.htm. sxvi Crams, W. J, & McCuiston, L.J. (1987). Rare New Jersey mosquito species collected in 1986. Prot. N. J. Mosquito Control :Assoc. pp. 89 -94. [On- line]. available: http: / /-- rci.-tgem.edu /- insects /spl5.h= -vii Crams, Wayne, Rutgers University. (n.d). Aedes trisenatus (Say). [On- line]. Available: http: / /www- mi.mtgem.edu /-insects /sp28.htm -vin Crams, Wayne, Rutgers University. (n.d). Aedes triseriatus (Say). [On- line]. Available: http: / /www- mi.mtgen.edu /-insects /spZS.htm .- Duryea, R D. (1990). Aedes trivittatus. New Jersey. Proc. N. J. Mosquito Control Assoc. pp. 73 -78. [On -line]. Available: hup: //w rci.rutgers.edu/ - insects / sp 12 h tm xxx Kaiser, P. (1994). The "Quads," Anopheles quadrimaculatus Say. Wing Beats, Vol. 5(3): p. 8-9. 36 1 Nel L Clqfil6 SIMCOE COUNTY DISTRICT HEALTH UNIT REPORT 2 West Nile Virus Prevention and Control 2003 DRAFT 2003-01-16 Control of Infectious Disease Program �6 qr * III II .0 lytany ways! J 1� L� G SIMCOE COUNTY DISTRICT HEALTH UNIT West Nile Virus Prevention and Control 2003 (DRAFr 2003- 01 -16) Control of Infectious Disease Program f, e--- t Nfle V'rus Prevention and Control I 20M DRAFT 2003-01-16 I I Simcoe County District Health Unit 15 Sperling Drive, Barrie, ON Phone 701-721-7110 -Fax 705-721-1411 www.simcoehealth.org I I I I -I I i U n 1-1 L' n G Table of Contents WEST NILE VIRUS CONTROL 1 Integrated Pest Management 2 Habitat Reduction 2 3 Private Property 3 Public Property Factors to Consider in Larval or Adult Mosquito Control 5 Larval Mosquito Control 5 6 Biological Larvicides 6 Chemical Larvicides Adult Mosquito Control 7 License and Application Requirements 8 Other Legislation 10 Monitoring Potential Effects of Pesticides 11 Community Acceptance 12 DETERMINING THE LEVEL OF RISK 13 Risk Categories 13 SIMCOE COUNTY CONTINGENCY PLAN 16 Objectives 16 18 General Provisions 19 Dead Bird Surveillance 20 Mosquito Surveillance 21 Mosquito Control Activities 23 Human Surveillance PUBLIC EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH 24 Public Communications 25 Communication Strategies 26 �6 Media 26 Print Materials 26 Health Unit Website �� Health Connection Health Care Provider Communication 27 Communications with Municipal Politicians and Staff 27 Contingency Communications 28 '-s Cluster of bird deaths and/or positive mosquito pools, or animal deaths Decision to apply larvicide or adulticide ?g 29 Probable human case of West Nile virus within Simcoe County REFERENCES 31 WEST NILE VIRUS PREVENTION AND CONTROL 2003 Section DRAFT - 2003 -01 -16 >� s i7his sa-timproacla xi oZL'rUG w of West Nde Vin a camel StYa , m&& 7g natal pestmwwWnmt crxpis*habibt rmuciion, brwl mosquito cora� and ' adult m nuito mntrd est Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito -borne arbovirus that is transmitted in ' nature through a bird - mosquito -bird cycle. Mosquitoes that bite an infected bird can thereafter transmit the virus in future bites to other birds, or to other mammals such as humans. Most of the people who contract ' WNV will be asymptomatic or will experience only mild flu -like symptoms. However, in the elderly and the immunocompromised, WNV infection can cause severe illness, and sometimes death. In recent years, the number of human cases of WNV has grown substantially in both the United States and Canada. Surveillance strategies focussing on birds, mosquitoes, and humans are used to identify ' the presence or extent of WNV in a geographic area. The detection of WNV positive dead birds (crows) generally precedes the detection of human cases. Mosquito surveillance strategies, focusing on the larval and adult phases of the mosquito life ' cycle, provide information on the presence and abundance of mosquito populations and can identify geographic areas of high risk. They can also be used to assess the need for and timing of interventions, and can provide information related to the use ' and effectiveness of control measures. Human surveillance programs provide information on the impact and trends of INNV. Human surveillance is not used as a method of detection of WNV activity. It does, however, assist in the identification of ' risk factors for population groups or geographic areas, and provides valuable insight into the need for public health intervention. All three types of surveillance programs (bird, mosquito, or human) require well developed infrastructure, human and fiscal ' resources, and substantial public education. Recent surveillance activities in Canada and the United States reveal increased ' detection and spread of WNV in avian (bird), mosquito and human populations. WNV was first detected in Simcoe County in 2002, and by the end of the season was confirmed in 21 birds and 3 mosquito pools. There were no probable or confirmed ' cases with exposure linked to Simcoe County. J WEST N I L E V I R U S P R E V E N T I O N AND CONTROL 2 0 0 3 DRAFT - 2003 -01 -16 Public education activities were initiated by the health unit to inform and educate the public about WNV. The public education campaign involved print materials, mass media, and web site information. Key messages emphasized background information about WNV, source reduction strategies for reducing mosquito breeding, personal protective measures, and information about the importance of dead bird sightings. Recent telephone survey data indicates that awareness of WNV is rising amongst the general public, as is the percentage of people employing source reduction and personal protective strategies. Nevertheless a substantial proportion of the population has not adopted the recommended strategies. In a companion report entitled WNV Surveillance Report, 2002, the Simcoe County District Health Unit has provided the relevant background, and details of the surveillance findings in North America, and for Simcoe County. This document, entitled West Nile Virus Prevention and Control, 2003, establishes the prevention and control priorities for 2003. Integrated Pest Management "Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a decision - making process that anticipates and tprevents pest activity and infestation by combining several strategies to achieve long- term solutions. Components of an IPM program may include education, proper waste management, structural repair, maintenance, biological and mechanical control ' techniques, and pesticide application. Integrated pest management provides a framework for making rational pest control ' decisions. IPM considers a complete range of available control measures to reduce pests effectively and economically. An essential component of the IPM decision - making framework is to use control measures that provide the least possible risk to ' human health and the environment. The process considers control measures that change the environment of a pest, making it unsuitable for that pest to live and breed. The measures that could be introduced change essential conditions for the pest to ' thrive. This may involve both changes to the habitat or the introduction of a biological or chemical pesticide. In considering an IPM approach to the prevention and control of WNV, the following components are necessary: habitat reduction (private property, public property), public education, larval mosquito control and adult mosquito control. ' Habitat Reduction Mosquitoes are the vector in the WNV transmission cycle. Certain species which preferentially feed on birds serve as amplifying vectors, while others serve as bridge vectors to introduce the infection to humans and other marnmals. Therefore, it is important to understand the options available for natural mosquito habitat reduction ' that would substantially reduce mosquito populations, and the risk of infection with WNV. ' z 0 ' WEST N I L E V I R U S PREVENTION AND CONTROL 2003 DRAFT - 2003 -01 -16 The elimination of mosquito - breeding habitat is the most effective method for the long -term control of mosquito populations. Mosquito habitats should be considered ' in the context of the private properties (commercial and home) and municipal and other publicly owned properties that comprise a community. It is recognized that mosquitoes tend to have a limited flight zone, thus local control of mosquito breeding habitats is important to reduce personal exposure to WNV. Private Property ' The following recommendations for private property owners have the objective of reducing the number of mosquito habitats around the home or industrial setting. ' • keep grass cut and trim shrubs and bushes ■ fill ponds with koi or other mosquito - eating fish ' • keep swinuning pools, spas and hot tubs chlorinated and covered tightly when not In use • change the birdbath water at least twice a week • avoid water accumulation in tires and tire swings, empty buckets, wheel barrows and pots • store small boats and canoes upside down • ensure boat covers do not accumulate water ■ drain or fill tree holes • screen or eliminate water in sump pumps • keep eaves troughs and rain gutters clean • drain plastic covers on lawn chairs and other outdoor equipment weekly • drain shaded, flat roof tops. Public Property The municipal interest in mosquito habitat reduction derives from the local government ownership or use of property, and also the ability to regulate property standards under the Municipal Act. Clearly, the habitat reduction recommendations that apply for private property should also be practiced at owned or occupied municipal properties. It has also been recognized that certain components of municipal infrastructure require special attention. These include storm water catch basins, storm water ponds, sewage treatment lagoons, waste tire disposal sites, abandoned lots, standing water and areas requiring grading. Specific habitat reduction issues relevant to municipal properties are described below- Catch basins provide an ideal breeding environment for mosquitoes, particularly Culex species that are important in the virus amplification cycle. Mosquito 7 .I n n J J WEST N I L E V I R U S P R E V E N T I O N AND C O N T R O L 2 0 0 3 DRAFT - 2003 -01 -16 surveillance findings from across North America have identified catch basins as important mosquito breeding sites in urban environments. Further, over wintering WNV infected female mosquitoes have been recovered from catch basins and sewers in New York City and Windsor. A phone survey of Simcoe County municipalities was undertaken to estimate the number of catch basins across the County. Thirteen of the eighteen municipalities report the use of catch basins within their municipality. In total, there are approximately 17,000 catch basins with the City of Barrie having the largest number (approximately 10,000). Routine maintenance of catch basins which includes frequent flushing will assist in disrupting the life cycle of the mosquito. ■ Storm water retention management has emerged as an important issue. A variety of different designs are currently in use for storm water retention ponds across the County. In general, designs with steep slopes and rock banks and the presence of any wave action will prevent accumulation of standing water for mosquito breeding. ■ Waste tire disposal sites are an issue as the design of tires makes them an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes, particularly favoured by Qkx reswans. Tire disposal sites are often located at municipal or county landfill sites. Ideally, tires should be shredded as soon as possible to avoid the accumulation of standing water. ■ Abandoned or vacant lots also pose a potential problem as these lots can be conducive to accumulations of debris that may provide mosquito breeding habitats. ■ Mosquito control in natural settings including conservation areas and parks becomes challenging. However, basic mosquito control measures such as ensuring regular changing of water in pools and ponds, and keeping brush cut back from playground or high public use areas should be considered. ■ An inventory of areas of mosquito habitat on municipally owned lands could aid in developing priorities for capital projects. This may include grading along roadways, clearing waterways, eliminating artificial sources of stagnant water or fencing vacant lots to discourage illegal dumping. ■ Municipal by -laws can be passed in order to facilitate habitat reduction on private lands. While Simcoe County municipalities have not enacted specific by-laws to deal with stagnant or standing water on either public or private lands, most municipalities have by -laws for weed control, maintenance of lands, drainage, garbage and debris. These property standards by -laws can be used to ensure that lands are kept free of conditions that can serve as habitats for mosquito breeding. Municipalities already have clear processes for receiving complaints, often requiring receipt of a written complaint for investigations. Municipalities may need to consider reviewing the content of their property by -laws, and internal processes in the context of standing water complaints. 4 WEST N I L E V I R U S P R E V E N T I O N A N D C O N T R O L 2 0 0 3 DRAFT - 2003 -01 -16 Factors to Consider in Larval or Adult Mosquito Control Implementing a mosquito control program that makes use of strategies other than ' habitat reduction is not a simple process. Many factors contribute to the decision to attempt to control mosquitoes in larval form, or as adults. Even once the decision to control is reached there are a number of factors that need to be considered when deciding the extent and timing of the control program. Factors that need to be considered prior to implementing a larval or adult mos q uito control program include: ' ■ Surveillance results from larval dipping and mosquito trapping ' ■ Reported human illness that can be attributable to WNV ■ Weather events, including amount of rainfall, humidity, high winds and low temperatures ' ■ Water surface area, depth and temperature ■ Mosquito /larval stage and density ' ■ Presence /absence of naturally occurring mosquito predators ■ Seasonality, based on species identification ■ Time of year (after August 15, mosquitoes are entering a winter preparation phase and no longer are seeking a blood meal). ' Larval Mosquito Control Larviciding is the application of a biological or chemical agent into the habitat of mosquito larvae. A larviciding program may be necessary when surveillance data indicate that the mosquito population could pose a risk to human health. Controlling the larval population will reduce the numbers of adult mosquitoes and thereby the potential exposure of humans to WNV. The larval stage is the most vulnerable stage in the mosquito life cycle. Larvicides are applied in identified mosquito breeding sites. Larviciding programs can be initiated in the spring and summer in catch basins and other stagnant water bodies to prevent C. pipiens larvae from developing into adults. This may reduce the number of adult mosquitoes that would otherwise amplify WNV in the bird population. Larviciding programs initiated in late spring to early fall in temporary pools created by rainfall have the objective of preventing A. vexans larvae from developing into adult mosquitoes. A. wxans is an aggressive summer biter of humans, birds and other animals and could act as "bridge" mosquito transmitting WNV from birds to humans. Larviciding may reduce the number of adult mosquitoes and lower the risk of humans developing WNV from biting mosquitoes. WEST N I L E V I R U S P R E V E N T I O N A N D C O N T R O L 2 0 0 3 DRAFT - 2003 -01 -16 Biological Larvicides Microbial and chemical larvicidal agents are both available. Table 1 summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of larvicides classified for use in Ontario. The only microbial agent used in Canada is Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti). Bd is a naturally occurring bacterium in spore form that contains a crystallized toxin. The toxin is released into the stomach of the larvae causing its death. Bti is practically non- toxic to humans and animals. As the toxin is most effective at specific times in the larvae life stage, the timing of Bti application is critical. Bti has no residual activity and has only a 40% kill rate for Culex species.ii The Bti is coated onto the surface of granules. The granules, in the appropriate volume and concentration, are then applied to mosquito breeding sites. There are ' several methods of apply granules. The granules can be broadcast by hand or spread using a hand held grass seeder. A crank - operated granule dispenser can also be carried on the shoulders of an operator. This is useful if the operator can access the breeding habitat to dispense the BE Special truck- mounted granular blowers and backpack blowers mounted on ATVs can be used to treat large areas and wide, roadside ditches ii In the event that hundreds or thousands of hectares of breeding sites need to be ' treated quickly, aircraft are used to apply the granules. Although, helicopters or fixed - wing applications are available, helicopters are the preferred choice as they are more ' maneuverable: Chemical Larvicides Several chemical products are licensed for mosquito control purposes. Chlorpyrifos, tfenthion and malathion are licensed but issues related to their residual activity, toxicity or ease of use are limiting factors when considering them as larviciding agents. Biorational compounds minimize the impact on the environment by using natural products or chemicals that are similar to the natural product. Methoprene is a biorational larvicide, as it is similar to a naturally occurring hormone that acts to prevent the larvae from maturing into adult mosquitoes. The larvae remain in the food chain, which reduces the impact to other organisms. The toxicity of methoprene to birds and fish is low. It is non -toxic to bees. However, expertise in application is required, and it can be toxic to some invertebrates, such as crayfish, if misused. Methoprene is highly effective against Culex and other mosquito species. It is available ' in a pellet form that has a 3 -week residual activity and a granule that has a 2 week residual activity., Methoprene was not shown to have any significant toxicological effects in the standard regime of toxicity studies used to assess human health effects. This pesticide has very low acute toxicity potential and is not an eye or skin irritant: 6 0 WEST N I L E V I R U S P R E V E N T I O N AND C O N T R O L 2 0 0 3 DRAFT - 2003 -01 -16 Pesticide /Mode of Advantages Disadvantages Action Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis - Non -toxic to wildlife/ no adverse • Effective at highest label rate and may israelensis) - A bacterium that effects to humans or non - target require frequent applications for Culex releases five different protein organisms (costly) delta - endotoxins that rupture gut cells when ingested by • Kills larvae within hours of ingestion Shelf life < 1 year to be effective mosquito larvae Biodegrades rapidly Narrow window of efficacy - ideal time • Does not harm other beneficial insects is beginning of 2nd or 3rd instar because the toxins are released solely • Some formulations may settle out of in an alkaline environment, and only feeding zone becoming ineffective mosquitoes, black flies and midges have alkaline midguts. • May impact other non - target aquatic fly larvae at high label rates • Toxin is destroyed by sunlight and needs frequent applications Methoprene - A growth • Low toxicity to birds and wildlife Moderately toxic to fish regulator that mimics the juvenile hormone creating Biodegrades readily Monthly applications increases cost An imbalance preventing the • Slow release for 30 days Narrow application window for larval pupal stage from developing instars into an adult • Slow acting: efficacy monitoring is difficult Diflubenzuron - A chitin- • Cost effective for larvae control in high synthesis inhibitor that organic waterbodies (i.e., usually where disrupts moulting processes non - target organisms are absent) • Kills rapidly within one molting cycle providing easier efficacy monitoring • Toxic to crustaceans and other non - target organisms that moult • Treated water bodies cannot be used as potable water sources Chlorpyrifos - an Cost effective • Toxic to non - target organisms organophosphate insecticide that inhibits cholinesterase • Low odour, quick control • Binds to organic material, may require enzymes at the synapse repeated applications for efficacy nerve cell junction Table 1- Larvicides contained in products classified for use in Ontario, (Source - Mosgrruo Lanrriduzglsares - Dr. Roy Ellis - for Health C-inada - July 2001 and product labels) Adult Mosquito Control Adulticiding is the application of chemicals to control adult mosquitoes. The application of adulticide is used as the option of last resort in the control of any vector - borne disease. It is never considered as the primary means of mosquito control. Adulticides can be applied either through ground -level or aerial spraying. In 'determining the most appropriate mosquito control option a number of factors are considered- the risk of exposure to humans from infected mosquitoes, the size of the affected area, the proximity to populated areas and whether it is early or late in the ' mosquito season. Table 2 summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of adulticides classified for use in Ontario. The application of adulticides requires specialized expertise. Applicators need to be knowledgeable and trained in the use of the products and specialized equipment is required. It is essential to contract the services of a trained and certified applicator to ' ensure a safe and efficacious application. 1 7 WEST N I L E V I R U S P R E V E N T I O N AND C O N T R O L 2 0 0 3 DRAFT - 2003 -01 -16 Pesticide Advantages Disadvantages Chlorpyrifos : An organophosphate insecticide : Non corrosive : Toxic to non - target organisms. that inhibits cholinesterase : Fog - - only effective when adult enzymes at the synapse nerve mosquitoes are in flight. cell junction Malathion Cost effective Strong odour An organophosphate insecticide that upon conversion to : Low toxicity to mammals : Large droplets corrosive to malaoxon inhibits cholinesterase painted surfaces enzymes at the synapse nerve : Rapidly degraded ' ULV /fog - - effective when adult cell junction. mosquitoes are in flight Slow knockdown NOTE: the PMRA has advised provinces that the re- evaluation of Poor efficacy in cool I malathion is expected to be completed temperatures- - need ideal by Dec.31, 2002 weather conditions. : Moderately toxic to birds and highly toxic to bees. Resmethrin A first generation synthetic : Rapid knockdown Toxic to fish if fog or ULV residues are allowed to settle in ' pyrethoid that impacts axon nerve cell impulses. Low mammalian toxicity water bodies Non -toxic to birds, low toxicity Poor efficacy to bees ULV /fog- - only effective when NOTE: Canadian registered products Degrades rapidly in sunlight adult mosquitoes are in flight ' do not contain piperonyl butoxide as a Costly synergist. Propoxur A carbamate insecticide that : Effective in cool and warm Toxic to birds and crustaceans (if water is contaminated) inhibits cholinesterase enzymes temperatures at the synapse nerve cell junction Cost effective Can damage vegetation ULV /fog - - only effective when ' adult mosquitoes are in flight. Downwind human exposure restriction on label (100m buffer) ' Table 2 - Adultiades contained m pesticide products classified for use m Ontario Source - Municipal Mosquito Control Guidelines - Dr. Roy M and product labels License and Application Requirements The Pest Management Regulatory Agency, Health Canada registers pesticides that do not pose unacceptable health or environmental risks. The Ontario Ministry of the Environment {MOE) administers the Provincial Pesticides Act and Regulation 914. The responsibili ty of classifying pesticide products for use in Ontario falls under this statute. The MOE issues operator, exterminat or and vendor licenses. MOE is also responsible for training and certification of pesticide users and vendors, reviewing and ' and enforcing regulation. The application approving permits, monitoring compliance and permits are outlined in the `Permit Applicant Guide: Controlling Mosquito process Larvae for Prevention and/or Control of West Nile Virus', Ontario Ministry of the Environment, November 2002. 8 WEST N I L E V I R U S P R E V E N T I O N A N D C O N T R O L 2 0 0 3 DRAFT - 2003 -01 -16 ' A larviciding program must be conducted by an appropriately trained licensed pesticide applicator who holds a Mosquito /Biting Flies license or Water Class 2 license or Class ' 3 license endorsed for mosquito /biting fly larvae. A licensed exterminator must obtain a permit to perform a water extermination before any pesticide can be legally applied to water bodies. One of the conditions for the permit is for notification of the public in the vicinity of the extermination. The acquisition of a permit does not divest any person or licensed exterminator of the responsibility for any undesirable consequence arising from a treatment. An exterminator license is obtained by completing a self- study program and certification exam available from Ridgetown College and the University of Guelph. Proof of certification and a fee ($90) is then sent to the Ministry of the Environment to obtain the license. ' A municipality has the authority to initiate a larviciding program only on municipal - owned lands. To expand the larviciding program onto private land, the municipality must obtain written permission of the private land owner or a health hazard must be issued covering private land by the Medical Officer of Health under Section 13 of the Health Proa -am and Pmn oon Act. A permit application that is supported by a health ' hazard order issued by the MOH will be considered a high priority. A permit application may be submitted by an agency (municipality, Conservation Authority), a landowner or a licensed exterminator. Monitoring the effectiveness of larviciding is done by sampling the pools before and after treatment to determine the number of larvae per dip. Typically, a larvicide will give more than 95% control within 24 hours of treatment. Mosquito control regulatory considerations are summarized in Table 3. ' Larviciding Adulticiding What license or Mosquito /biting Flies Mosquito /Biting Flies certificate is . Water Class 2 • Land Class 2 required? • Water Class 3 endorsed for larvicides Land Class 4 Aerial . Land Class 10 endorsed for adulticides Land Class 7 + Water endorsed Class 3 for Aerial aircraft Land Class? • Trainee under direct supervision Structural (in the vicinity of a structure) • Technician under indirect supervision Trainee under direct supervision • Certified Agriculturist or Trained Assistant (on • Technician under direct supervision for own farmland) suspension in air • Certified Agriculturist or Trained Assistant (on own farm land) What support A letter of support from the Local Medical N/A documents must Officer of Health or a HPPA order accompany a . Letters of support from private land owners if completed permit application area includes private land application form? Site map (1:10,000 for S. Ontario and 1:20,000 for N. Ontario indicating: All water body locations for larvicide placement • Location of Sensitive Areas • Measures needed to protect Sensitive areas When must the As soon as possible — permit applications and the N/A permit application supporting documents will be given priority and support consideration (incomplete applications and documents be supporting documentation will be evaluated on a submitted to case by case basis and approval will be contingent MOE? on the information being provided prior to treatment) 9 d n 0 r WEST N I L E V I R U S P R E V E N T I O N AND CONTROL 2 0 0 3 DRAFT - 2003 -01 -16 What information A summary report that includes: NIA must be provided A map to scale specified above, showing to MOE after the where the larvicide was actually used application of a Number of treatments and dates of each larvicide or treatment adulticide? Monitoring data (provided on the Mosquito before each use of the larvicide (i.e. repeated Larvae Survey Form) to indicate target weekly if necessary) mosquito species and population density in A flyer distributed to adjacent residents at the water body comparing larval sample to least 48 hours before but not more than 7 pre and post treatment days before each use of the larvicide (i.e. • Copies of actual public notification notices repeated weekly if necessary) (newspaper and flyer) Pesticide used, PCP No. rate of application, and total quantity used Details of any incidents and remedial action taken with respect to pesticide use Summary statement as to the effectiveness of the larvicide program What public Approval to use alternative method of public Approval to use alternative method of public notification is notification (in lieu of signage is pre approved, if notification (in lieu of signage) is pre required? the larviciding program is authorized by the Local approved, if the adulticiding program is MOH, for one of the following: authorized by the local MOH, for 2 of the A local newspaper notice published at least following; 48 hours before but not more than 7 days A local newspaper notice published at before each use of the larvicide (i.e. repeated least 48 hours before but not more than weekly if necessary) 7 days before each used of the larvicide A flyer distributed to adjacent residents at (i.e., repeated weekly if necessary) least 48 hours before but not more than 7 A flyer distributed to residents who are days before each use of the larvicide (i.e. contiguous to or within the application repeated weekly if necessary) area at least 48 hours before but not more that 7 days before each use of the adulticide (i.e. repeated weekly if necessary) Airing of a radio and /or television broadcast on a major listening or viewing stations that broadcast in the vicinity of the proposed land extermination beginning at least 48 hours before but not more that 7 days before each use of the adulticide and repeated at least three times per day (i.e. once in the morning, and repeated in the afternoon and evening) throuahout the use of the adulticide. Table 3 - Regulatory Considerations Other Legislation A variety of other pieces of legislation must also be considered in relation to vector - borne disease control strategies: Under the Health Pratction and Panotion Act (HPPA), R. S.O. 1990, c.H -7, Section 13 the Medical Officer of Health, Associate Medical Officer of Health and Public Health Inspectors may issue written orders, where they have reasonable and probable grounds to believe that a health hazard exists in the health unit jurisdiction and that the requirements specified in the order are necessary to decrease or eliminate the health hazard.,iii Under the EmeVxy Plans Act, RS.O. 1990, c.E -9, the Head of Council may declare that an emergency exists in the municipality, or any part thereof, and may take such action and make such orders as he /she considers necessary- and not contrary to the law to protect the property and the health, safety and welfare of the citizens. An emergency is defined as a situation or impending situation caused by 10 WEST N I L E V I R U S P R E V E N T I O N AND C O N T R O L 2 0 0 3 DRAFT - 2003 -01 -16 the force of nature, an accident, an intentional act or otherwise that constitutes a danger of major proportions to life or health.i- ■ Under section 210 of the Mural Act, RS.O. 1990. c.M. 45 councils of area municipalities may pass by -laws: ■ Paragraph 80: For requiring and regulating the filling up, draining, cleaning and clearing, of any grounds, yards and vacant lots and the altering, relaying or repairing of private drains. ■ Paragraph 86: For requiring owners, lessees and occupants of land in the municipality or any defined area of it, to close or fill up water closets, privies, privy vaults, wells or cesspools, the continuance of which may, in the opinion of the council or the Medical Health Officer, be dangerous to health. ■ Under section 102 of the Mirrzic* Act KS.O. 1990, c. M.45 councils of area municipalities may pass such by -laws or make such regulations for the health, safety, morality and welfare of the inhabitants of the municipality in matters not specifically provided for in the Act., Monitoring Potential Effects of Pesticides In the event that larviciding or adulticiding is undertaken in any jurisdiction, regulatory requirements and best practices require the development of a monitoring program for the potential adverse effects of pesticide use. The opportunities for human exposure to larvicides is limited. If adulticides are used, either by land or aerial application, people may be exposed to them. Due to the low application rates and if properly applied, it is unlikely that many people would experience significant health effects. However, some people may be particularly sensitive to certain pesticides and could experience short-term effects such as eye, skin, nose or throat irritation. Many signs or symptoms that might be related to pesticide exposure are non - specific and could be confused with other conditions or caused by other exposures. Also, individuals with symptoms may not seek medical care, and the provider may not associate symptoms or conditions with pesticide exposure. Thus, surveillance of possible health effects cannot provide a comprehensive accounting of all outcomes. However it is prudent to monitor the nature and extent of concerns and common outcomes to verify that no severe, unanticipated health effects are occurring. A standard data collection procedure for all calls received concerning possible human health problems associated with mosquito control pesticides should be developed. Data to be collected should include name of caller, municipality caller resides within, gender, age, location of exposure, mode of exposure, summary of symptoms or complaints, involvement with health care provider, and other information requested. nr WEST N I L E V I R U S P R E V E N T I O N A N D C O N T R O L 2 0 0 3 DRAFT - 2003 -01 -16 All health care providers and municipal employees, by -law officers, police, fire and ambulance attendants should be encouraged to report any confirmed or suspected pesticide poisonings to the health unit. Information fact sheets regarding signs, symptoms, case definition and possible testing recommended should be provided to the aforementioned. It is recommended that the health unit take an active approach in maintaining the data base by contacting hospital infection control practitioners, emergency departments, walk- in/after hour clinics and long term care facilities on a regular basis. C' 11 C u M Data collected should be reviewed periodically to determine any serious, unusual or repeated health effects that show a pattern of association with local or aerial application. At the end of the season data should be summarized to provide information on the volume of calls, nature of complaints, concordance of reported symptoms with known application schedules and pesticides used, differences between outcomes reported by affected individuals and health care providers and other ' summary analysis X; Concurrent to monitoring human health effects from exposure to pesticides, ' environmental monitoring should commence. It should be conducted in conjunction with MOE, NINR, OMAFRA, Conservation Authorities, County of Simcoe and local municipalities. All concerns and complaints should be recorded, information provided ' where possible and referrals given when appropriate. Community Acceptance Many municipalities are being approached by some of their residents regarding the non - essential use of pesticides. The health unit's position on this issue, considering the lack of conclusive evidence on the adverse human health effects of non - essential ' pesticide exposure, continues to be to increase public awareness regarding possible risks, to increase public knowledge regarding alternatives to pesticides and to avoid the unnecessary use of pesticides. However, these initiatives have been targeted around the `cosmetic use of pesticides' to control weeds and insects on lawns and public areas. Several of the concerned citizen's groups and municipal reports have acknowledged that the use of pesticides may be warranted in efforts to control West Nile Virus. It would be important to consider the perspectives and interests of environmental groups in the development of plans for WNV control. C' 11 C u M WEST N I L E V I R U S P R E V E N T I O N AND C O N T R O L 2 0 0 3 DRAFT - 2003 -01 -16 a �' ,�� Section ' In response to the initial identification of WNV in the United States in 1999, federal, state, and provincial governments have produced reports which provide means to determine the level of risk posed by WNV. These reports also itemize the strategies ' which could be considered by local agencies faced with the introduction of WNV. In Ontario, the Ministry of Health and Long -Term Care in conjunction with other provincial agencies, local health departments, and Health Canada has produced a West Nile Virus Response Template, which has been updated annually. Health Canada and the National Steering Committee has produced the "National Response Guidelines for West Nile virus in Canada, 2001." a;; The guidelines contain the surveillance, prevention and public education, and mosquito control measures recommended in response to the detection of the virus in Canadian jurisdiction or in a neighbouring ' jurisdiction. A Canadian jurisdiction - whether province, region, health unit, or municipality - may categorize itself according to the "Risk Category" as defined in the West Nile Virus: Surveillance and Prevention in Ontario, 2002: " -ii rAt the time of the writing of this report, 2003 planning documents have not been released by the Ontario Ministry of Health or Health Canada. The remainder of this document is based current planning guidelines. Risk Categories Risk Category L• no WNV has been detected in any Canadian jurisdiction, or in any of its adjacent Jurisdictions. Risk Category H a: the virus has been detected and confirmed in an adjacent jurisdiction, but not in one's own. Risk Category H b: presence of the virus has been confirmed in one or more non- ' huunan hosts (birds, mosquitoes or mammals). Risk Category III: human infection with V/NV has been confirmed in one's own ' jurisdiction. 13 i i i i i i i i i i WEST N I L E V I R U S P R E V E N T I O N AND C O N T R O L 2 0 0 3 DRAFT - 2003 -01 -16 Table 4 outlines the actives recommended at each risk category for West Nile Virus Surveillance and Control. The information in the table is from the Response Plan August 24, 2001, National Guidelines for Response. This plan provides the basis for the Ontario and local response plan. Activities to be considered when implementing National Guidelines for Risk Categories response to West Nile Virus O I Ila Ilb III 'll tcomes from other regions within Canada and X X X X X 1. Monitor survei ance ou from the United States 2. Establish an outbreak investigation and control committee (with a clearly X X defined mandate, inter - jurisdictional funding, decision- making authority and an effective communication system). 3. Develop a local response plan X X 4. Develop a communications plan. (Section 1) X X 5. Prepare an inventory of provincial and federal regulations concerning X potential mosquito control measures. 6. Develop guidelines for the number, species type, priority of handling and X testing of dead bird surveillance samples. 7. Conduct surveillance of dead birds. (Section 2) X 8. Inform physicians about the need to consider WNV encephalitis in the X differential diagnosis of meningo - encephalitis and the appropriate collection of diagnostic specimens. (Section 3) 9. Establish enhanced passive surveillance and testing of rabies - negative X animals (including horses and bats). 10. Train staff in the collection, shipping, taxonomic identification and storage X of mosquito specimens. 11. Conduct an entomological survey to evaluate the relative abundance of X mosquito species and the population characteristics of key species of interest. (Section 4) 12. Inform the public and the media about:: the finding that WNV activity has been detected in a neighbouring jurisdiction, the risks of WNV, personal protective measures for avoiding mosquito bites, measures to reduce breeding habitats on public and private property, and the need to report, and possibly collect and submit dead birds. (Section 5) 13. Notify appropriate local physicians about the finding of WNV activity, the possibility of human illness, the clinical spectrum of illness and appropriate diagnostic specimen collection. 14. Conduct enhanced surveillance for dead wild birds, particularly crows and other corvids, over an area of 20 -50 km radius from the initial point of detection of virus activity. 15. Conduct surveillance for mosquitoes within 1 km of the site of initial virus detection, as well as at sites located near or in populated areas within 2- 10 km from this site. (Section 6) 14 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X i WEST N I L E V I R U S P R E V E N T I O N AND C O N T R O L 2 0 0 3 DRAFT - 2003 -01 -16 16. Implement source reduction activities (improve drainage, remove containers, etc.). 17. Contact local abatement specialists to assess their capacity and availability to reduce mosquito population through larviciding or adulticiding operations. 18. Consult with the public about planned mosquito abatement programmes. 19. Conduct a thorough review of the potential need for ground and /or aerial application of adulticides, based on up -to -date epidemiology of WNV in the affected region(s) and an assessment of the environmental impacts. 20. Develop detailed plans for larviciding and /or adulticiding measures, if any, based on an assessment of the human and environmental risk and the specific requirements of each jurisdiction. 21. Prepare and submit applications for permits needed to implement anticipated mosquito control measures to meet provincial and federal regulations (including, if required, the temporary registration of any active ingredients). 22. Inform the public and the media about the detection of the laboratory- confirmed identification of West Nile Virus in a bird, animal or mosquito pool, and repeat information about the potential risks and protective measures. (Section 5) 23. Test and isolate arboviruses from pools of mosquitoes (within the constraints of lab testing capacity) if there is objective evidence of viral activity. (Section 7) 24. Obtain approval or clearance from the Provincial WNV Working Group, other provincial authorities as required, local Medical Officers of Health, other local authorities as required, the spray operations director (to be named when an outbreak has occurred), and any other individuals /groups /organizations as required, before insecticide application begins. 25. Inform the public about planned mosquito abatement measures. 26. Conduct larviciding and /or adulticiding according to the previously established plan, taking into account the risk of human illness and potential environmental impacts. 27. Monitor the effects of insecticide exposure. (Section 8) 28. Evaluate the efficacy of mosquito control measures. (Section 9) 29. Implement adverse events surveillance (human, environmental) 30. Inform the public and the media about the detection of a single laboratory- confirmed human case, or where applicable, of multiple laboratory — confirmed human cases of West Nile Virus and repeat information about the potential risks and protective measures. (Section 5) 31. Conduct active hospital -based surveillance by calling hospitals for possible human cases. Table 4 - Aa viries by Risk Category, Health Canada, AunasE 24, 2001 15 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X WEST N I L E V I R U S P R E V E N T I O N AND C O N T R O L 2 0 0 3 DRAFT - 2003 -01 -16 `� ie Plan .. � � `� I- ' Objectives The objectives of the Simcoe County WNV Contingency Plan are: ■ To update the WNV Contingency Plan based on the evolution of the WNV experience in North America in 2002. ■ To provide public information and education regarding VNNV surveillance and personal protective measures. ' ■ To implement dead bird, larval mosquito and adult mosquito surveillance program components in order to determine the possible level of risk to human health. ' ■ To implement human health surveillance programs. ■ To implement health provider education egarding WNV surveillance, prevention ' and control. ■ To encourage private, commercial and municipal property owners to consider and implement mosquito habitat reduction strategies. ■ To develop and implement as required, a contingency plan for larval mosquito ' vector control as part of an integrated pest management strategy which minimizes unintended adverse effects on human health and non - target organisms. ■ To develop and implement as required, a contingency plan for adult mosquito ' vector control as part of an integrated pest management strategy which minimizes unintended adverse effects on human health and non - target organisms. At the end of 2002, Simcoe County was at Risk Level II b with the confirmation of WIW in bird and mosquito populations. However, prior year activity is not necessarily a strong predictor of future activity. ' The followin g tables outline the Simcoe County Response Plan. The plan utilizes the national recommendations summarized in Section 2 of this report. The plan is divided ' 16 C l WEST N I L E V I R U S ' P R E V E N T I O N AND C O N T R O L 2 0 0 3 DRAFT - 2003 -01 -16 into six sections. Each section identifies areas of action or tasks that need further ' planning and development. The plan will be amended as further information is received from provincial and national planning bodies regarding surveillance and control measures for 2003. 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WEST N I L E V I R U S P R E V E N T I O N A N D CONTROL 2 0 0 3 DRAFT - 2003 -01 -16 Dead Bird Surveillance Risk Category Activities to be considered when implementing National Simcoe County Response Plan Guidelines for response to West Nile Virus X X X Develop guidelines for the number, species type, priority of Provided provincially, completed protocols locally, May 2002. To handling and testing of dead bird surveillance samples. be updated when the 2003 Provincial Surveillance document is X X X Conduct surveillance of dead birds. X X X Inform physicians about the need to consider WNV encephalitis in the differential diagnosis of meningo- encephalitis and the appropriate collection of diagnostic specimens. X X X Establish enhanced passive surveillance and testing of rabies - negative animals (including horses and bats). 19 received. Implement Dead Bird Surveillance May 15, 2003 Implement via Healthfax, by end of May, 2003. Liaise with local CFIA office to determine local liaison E O O N .j 0 z 0 0 U) 0 Z > z LL, 0 z z W I- > L6 U) w W rg ?. CL >1 X 0 rn c 0) (D x x x X 15 X > W N CL 2 0 @° c CC: c x c 0 CL .2 0 -E x Z, o g co = 0 tcg: !C9, 0 CL 0 .2 M- IZ6 � 2 2 w 0 . cu 5: S 0 '0 2 > , 0 E -c co O@ W-8 EL ~ M C m 2: E .5 o 0 a) 0 0 FE co a) CL Zi u a) �b 0 . c L C'4 =2,: -. C: co m u C: a) CL co 04 U) m CL C U- E 2 .2 c E o m o 0— 2 -M, = m m 0 5 �Y- m 0 C,: C: 4 c 1, 0 E E E a) E — 76 E 0 - E 0 0 E (D a) ' E-6 E E E c, E E CL Q - > > E Z 2 > i>> Cc: ~N 0) .2 o 'c U CR, Q Z C: i.5 5, 7,6 0 1p, 15 Q) CD Q) 0 0, cc m 2 t='s ac, cc '0 G .!= m .9" a T 2 E P 16 C. = 'a) 0 0 E) ;g 0 m 0 E o. 0 -Fo U) .G 0 .25 0.0 C,3 (D :E • E = Z — 0 ;, Q) c: -0 0 L. E o c > FF o a) -C, W. - o a) Q) c o E B m c M ID cL 0 E 0 .2 aW ID ID -(D E 95 CL — �? C) -M '5 c2,, . C', --o T,= = -0 a E c 0 o M C. o O. 0 c M ci 0 0. d ou o o— Q, u E m (D & — a a) w U 3: W E E 0 CD CL CO Co m 'E. o 0 E a) a) 2 c co L) a- z :a 5 (D (D 0 CL= tn w t5 Cc U .2 C c i E.j N .7, = a c CL -0 Um 0 E 0 z 0 0 m I s a >1 X 0 rn x x x X x X x x x M x x x WEST N I L E V I R U S P R E V E N T I O N A N D CONTROL 2 0 0 3 DRAFT - 2003 -01 -16 Mosquito Control Activities Risk Category Activities to be considered when implementing National Simcoe County Response Plan Guidelines for response to West Nile Virus X X X Implement source reduction activities (improve drainage, Implement as part of the communication strategy. Work with key remove containers, etc.). stakeholders in the implementation of source reduction strategies. See Section 1 for additional details on issues relating to standing water. X X X Contact local abatement specialists to assess their capacity Implement as required. Local specialists are available — 3 and availability to reduce mosquito population through companies currently offering service in Ontario. See Section 1 larviciding or adulticiding operations. for additional information. X X X Consult with the public about planned mosquito abatement Implement when decision to initiate abatement programs. See programs. Section 4 for communication strategy. X X X Conduct a thorough review of the potential need for ground Implement based on epidemiological evidence. Surveillance of and /or aerial application of adulticides, based on up -to -date dead birds and mosquito population, presence of human illness, epidemiology of WNV in the affected region(s) and an time of year, current weather conditions will be key evidence in assessment of the environmental impacts. the decision- making processes. X X X Develop detailed plans for larviciding and /or adulticiding Develop plans for a variety of contingencies utilizing the best measures, if any, based on an assessment of the human and practice and recommendations available at the time. Will be environmental risk and the specific requirements of each integrated into the emergency response plan. For additional jurisdiction. details see section 1. Retain the services of an licensed pest control operator to assist in: larval surveillance activities i.e. identification of larvae types: the purchase and storage of an approved larviciding agent: in an emergency situation where aerial application of an adulticide mosquito control chemicals is indicated based of human illness and other surveillance data, suitable weather conditions and time of year. X X X Prepare and submit applications for permits needed to Prepare application forms and ensure process for application implement anticipated mosquito control measures to meet determined and available. Integrate into the contract with local provincial and federal regulations (including, if required, the licensed pest control operator as part of their service to assist or temporary registration of any active ingredients). complete the application process. 21 O O J 0 Z 0 z > z ,00 .j Z Z W > LL W W Ix S a o IF, 0 0 a @a It L) (1) 0.0 C: 0 0 C, U) ca N 12 c 0 0 t? -0 CL .0 COO E c_ Q) 0 co 76 c ca O 0 C14 ' 12D E rn M' . ;> 2 .0 E E (D — cc: 1 co OD 00 u a) a) 0 11 c 0 a U) a) 03 c @ ; C z CL 0 c a) m ca 0 u 0 . a 0 m a) C � 0 -= Q7 E F- E E a) a) -a -2 a) a) CL 0 a) m a) t '5 CL E E E 0 E a) 0 I >) a < < 1 --.0 L) 0.2 cc C :) .0 C-5 N > T o Q) 5 Q (D a) 0 z o c coo, M Co O.M CO 0 > .5 0 cr 2 w c 0: c E c co 0 (D a) 0 O E 0 2-8 m i, a CL =.E 0 co Q) E 2 -a o) u — @@ 7� J=-- 2. ig o 10 cu m E CL 0 aU uo 0 w 0 E — •m 2 x a) 0 Q D .0 r - 'D m cL (ED E co E m — a o — o ca 'a 5 (3) _0 co 2 c- 20 a) QUI 2 -6 a) cc: -0 •.L) E 10, >0 15 zt: 0 E (D Cc -- 00 2 :ff 1 0 2 L,5 -L- ,a) CO a — ar-) -E 0� 0 - a) -0 c 70 T- W M =0 .0 0 E co co =d) Z,5.= -0 2 c m Ln -o E a '5 0 =01- CM 0� -N m — . 0 -�6 M,2 CT 'S 2 '0 9 a) E a) 0 ca- E 'a U ILo 2 0' = (D M6 — CL o CL a) a, a) a) (D room amo C C: c c 2 'o 's Z5 7i6 E E@ -E C OL) :o .7 -0 > E o c 0 > _6 c o .: C @@ a) 5 �- a) 0 E w X x x x x x x X x x x x X x IF, WEST N I L E V I R U S P R E V E N T I O N A N D C O N T R O L 2 0 0 3 DRAFT - 2003 -01 -16 Human Surveillance Risk Category Activities to be considered when implementing National Simcoe County Response Plan Guidelines for response to West Nile Virus X X Implement adverse events surveillance (human, Ongoing active surveillance with local emergency departments environmental) and after hour clinics will be initiated for the areas with insecticide control measures are instituted. X Inform the public and the media about the detection of a Implement as part of the communication strategy. See section single laboratory- confirmed human case, or where applicable, 4. Media releases and interviews will be conducted. Paid media of multiple laboratory — confirmed human cases of West Nile advertising incorporating key messages will be utilized. Virus and repeat information about the potential risks and protective measures. (Section 5) X Conduct active hospital -based surveillance by calling Implement when suspect human case is reported. hospitals for possible human cases. Communicable Disease team will be responsible for this activity. 23 WEST NILE VIRUS PREVENTION AND CONTROL 2003 Section DRAFT - 2003 -01 -16 Public education is a critical component of a prevention and control program for vector -borne disease. The public needs information about the diseases, how they are transmitted, and how to prevent or reduce their exposure. They are also a key partner in surveillance activities. In 2002, the health unit's WNV public education campaign reinforced the need for Simcoe County residents to take personal protective measures against mosquito bites and to eliminate mosquito - breeding sites around their homes. Efforts were made to coordinate public education and awareness messages with health units across Ontario. Put Mosquitoes Out of Touch was the theme of public education in most jurisdictions across Ontario including Simcoe County. Key messages included: ' The origins of West Nile Virus, method of transmission and risk to human health ■ Source reduction strategies for reducing mosquito breeding by eliminating standing water sites (tires, buckets, and other water - holding objects); changing the water in bird baths once each week; cleaning and chlorinating swimming pools or draining and covering if not in use; preventing water from accumulating in pool- covers; ' unclogging gutters and down spouts; and cutting back brush and growth from around the house. 7 L -7 G ■ Proper personal protective measures that can be taken to avoid mosquito bites such as ensuring that screens fit tightly in doors and windows, wearing protective clothing (long pants, long- sleeved shirts, and socks) and appropriate use of insect repellents. ■ Public awareness about the nature of mosgiuto -borne diseases and the signs and symptoms of WNV (headache, high fever, muscle pain, weakness and disorientation). 24 WEST N I L E V I R U S ! P R E V E N T I O N A N D C O N T R O L 2 0 0 3 DRAFT - 2003 -01 -16 ! The rationale behind dead bird and mosquito surveillance activities, the importance of reporting dead birds to the health unit for surveillance purposes and how to properly dispose of birds not being retrieved by the health unit. ! Results of a survey of adults 18+ in Simcoe County covering the period of May 2002 to October 2002 indicate that awareness of WNV and the mode of transmission is very high. The majority of those surveyed reported taking action to protect themselves ! against mosquito bites and /or to reduce mosquito breeding grounds. Of concern, are the 28 per cent of the respondents who had not adopted personal protective measures nor taken action to reduce mosquito breeding grounds despite knowledge of the ! importance of these measures. Public education and communications planned for 2003 will build upon the key ! messages and strategies of the 2002 campaign. Communications will reinforce key messages from 2002 with the goal of encouraging all adults to adopt behaviours that would reduce their risk of infection from West Nile virus. In addition, communications ! will be designed to: • raise awareness of surveillance activities and to encourage public support and ! participation • position and promote prudent planning in response to the virus ■ keep the public and key stakeholders abreast of issues and events as they unfold over the course of the year and to help people understand the real risks associated with the virus ■ inform the public of action being taken to mitigate the risk to human health ! Communications plans for 2003 are based upon current WNV knowledge and incorporate projections regarding events that may unfold over the course of 2003. ! Public education and outreach activities will be influenced by local events as well as the experiences and actions taken in jurisdictions across Ontario. Continued collaboration at the provincial level and through the Central East Region Task Force will ensure that messages are consistent across jurisdictions. Public Communications County residents and visitors will continue to be a key target audience for WNV information. Communications will be designed to reinforce the key messages that were utilized in the 2002 public education campaign, described earlier in this section. 25 WEST N I L E V I R U S P R E V E N T I O N A N D C O N T R O L 2 0 0 3 DRAFT - 2003 -01 -16 Communication Strategies Media The media will continue to be a critical partner in our efforts to share information with the general public. The proactive approach used in 2002 to ensure that the public was kept abreast of issues will continue in 2003. A media release will be sent at the beginning of the surveillance season asking the community to report sightings of dead crows and emphasizing protection and prevention measures. As new information becomes available (i.e. first bird of season confirmed; mosquito surveillance begins) updates will be released to the media to ensure that the public receives timely information on the current status of WNV in the community. Public service announcements (PSAs) will be used as required to reinforce key messages. i u Web communications will include the following: 26 Media monitoring activities will be increased in order to ensure key messages and information are reported accurately coupled with prompt follow up to correct ' misinformation. Print Materials The following materials will be utilized to support the overall communication ' strategies: ■ Posters, flyers and handbills/bag stuffers with personal protection and source ' reduction messages will be delivered to the general public via tax bill inserts, municipal offices, schools, garden centers, conservation areas, campgrounds, outdoor stores, outdoor recreation groups, day nurseries, and other venues as ' appropriate. ' ■ Health Matters, a health unit newsletter distributed to the general public via health and social service will community agencies, care providers, providers, include articles with key messages for distribution in early spring ' Specific fact sheets developed in 2002 to provide additional detail on personal protective and source reduction methods and to provide answers to commonly asked questions will be modified based on events of 2003 and distributed. In addition, fact sheets will be developed to address the risks and concerns for sectors of the population including pregnant and lactating women, older adults, chronically ill, people with pets etc. Fact sheets will be available in all health unit offices, ' posted to the health unit website and distributed on request ■ French language materials will be created to address general public information ' needs for this population. Information will be distributed and additional materials created on request. Health Unit Website i u Web communications will include the following: 26 WEST N I L E V I R U S P R E V E N T I O N A N D C O N T R O L 2 0 0 3 DRAFT - 2003 -01 -16 • Background information on WNV • Copies of all fact sheets • Postings of all press releases ■ Reports on local surveillance activities ■ A link to the MOHLTC website for provincial surveillance reports and information ■ Consideration will be given to on -line reporting of dead birds ' Health Connection Access to health care providers for information and resources is critical to reinforcing key messages and maintaining risk in perspective. Public health nurses will be available weekdays from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm to respond to the public. An automated messaging ' system will be created to facilitate reporting of dead bird sightings. Automated messages will also be considered as a strategy to address commonly asked questions and public concerns regarding West Nile Virus. ' Health Care Provider Communication Physicians and other health care providers play a valuable role in communicating with the public and supporting human surveillance activities. In previous years, the MOHLTC has undertaken a provincial mail out to selected specialty physicians and hospital administrators to address human surveillance guidelines. Health unit staff will ' supplement this information with local contact through meetings, and presentations at hospital rounds. HealthFax, an agency tool designed to communicate critical information with local health care professionals and institutions will be used as required throughout the season to describe symptoms of the infection, appropriate tests, reporting requirements, and preventive measures. Health care providers will also require up -to- date information on surveillance activities and results. Print materials will be provided for distribution to their clients. ■ Communications with Municipal Politicians and Staff This group of stakeholders are critical to the dissemination of information to the ' public. They are also key partners in surveillance activities. A meeting of muunicipal representatives is scheduled for late January 2003 to provide a comprehensive overview of WNV events in 2002 and to discuss plans for 2003. Additional meetings ' with municipal representatives will be scheduled as required. HealthFax will be used as required to convey key information and events to municipal ' stakeholder in order to keep them up -to -date. 27 i ■ WEST N I L E V I R U S P R E V E N T I O N A N D C O N T R O L 2 0 0 3 DRAFT - 2003 -01 -16 Print materials will also be provided to municipalities for distribution to their stakeholders. Consideration will be given to creating or supporting the development of materials that would aid individual municipalities in promoting source reduction. One example might be door tags identifying source reduction strategies that could be left at residences in response to complaints regarding standing water. Contingency Communications Cluster of bird deaths and /or positive mosquito pools, or animal deaths If surveillance activities demonstrate evidence of increased risk of VUNV transmission to humans, additional communications will be required such as: ■ A countywide media release highlighting surveillance activity results, increased risk of WNV transmission, and reinforcement of the need for personal protective and source control measures. ■ ■ Web communications updated with the new information. ' Strategies specific to the population at risk would be undertaken and may include the following communication activities: ' • A localized media release specifying the details of the surveillance activity results, explaining the indicators of increase risk of WNV transmission and urging the public to undertake personal mosquito protection and control measures. ' ■ Door -to -door distribution of information materials ' • HealthFax to health care providers across the County to provide key information about surveillance activity results and the increased risk of WNV transmission ' • HealthFax to institutions including long -term care facilities, hospitals, schools and school boards within the affected area. ' • Extending the hours of Health Connection or hours of operation of the local office to address public concerns will be considered. ' Decision to apply larvicide or adulticide The decision to apply pesticides to control larval or adult mosquitoes requires that the public be given detailed information about the rationale for the action being taken along with information about the pesticides being used and potential risks associated ' with exposure. In the event of a decision to larvicide or adulticide, the following print materials and information will be considered for distribution across Simcoe County- ' A fact sheet explaining the rationale for the application of pesticide and the process - who, what, where, why, when and how 0 28 J WEST N I L E V I R U S P R E V E N T I O N AND C O N T R O L 2 0 0 3 DRAFT - 2003 -01 -16 ■ A fact sheet on the pesticide (including what product is being used, risks and benefits) ■ An updated fact sheet on the health unit's role in the Central East Task Force and WNV tracking and prevention (i.e., the virus does not respect borders, hence the need for a coordinated approach) ■ Media events explaining how the pest control strategy is carried out ■ Updated Web communications. Strategies specific to the population affected will need to explain pest control measures, human, animal and environmental health risks and actions to be taken to reduce risk Strategies may include: • Municipal and public meetings with stakeholders • Media training, coaching and support to the municipal spokespersons dealing with questions about decision making as it relates to larviciding and adulticiding • A localized media release and paid advertising in local media • A public information kits including fact sheets, backgrounders, and description of the public health response to WNV • A media information kit ■ Door -to -door distribution of information materials ■ HealthFax to health care providers across the County to provide key information regarding the control measures being used and to outline reporting requirements in the event of adverse reactions. ■ HealthFax to institutions including long -term care facilities, hospitals, schools and school boards within the affected area ■ Extending the hours of Health Connection or hours of operation of local offices to address public concerns. Probable human case of West Nile virus within Simcoe County Confirmation of human illness due to West Nile Virus locally will raise public awareness of virus and increase the public's perception of the risk to their own health. Demands for information and action to reduce the risk will increase significantly. Communication activities may include the following: ■ Press conference with the Medical Officer of Health F-', WEST N I L E V I R U S PREVENTION AND CONTROL 2003 DRAFT - 2003 -01 -16 ■ HealthFax to all physicians and key health care providers and institutions reinforcing symptoms, surveillance and reporting information ■ Expanded distribution of all print materials with general messages regarding personal protection and source reduction strategies ■ Establishment of a 1 -800 phone line for public calls ■ Extension of the hours of Health Connection Public Education and community outreach are integral components of prudent WNV ' planning. Communication plans for 2003 will be proactive and responsive to WNV activity as it unfolds in order to promote public and partner awareness and participation in the prevention and control of VINV across our region. I -1 C 0 r 1 30 0 Fences i http: / /www.pestconrrokanada.com /integrated _pest_management.htm ' ii Barry Tyler, President of Pestalto, President Ontario Vector Control Association, York Region CE Task Force iii Municipal Mosquito Control Guidelines, Roy Ellis: Prairie Pest Management, prepared for Health Canada, May 21, 2001 ' iv Municipal Mosquito Control Guidelines, Roy Ellis: Prairie Pest Management, prepared for Health Canada, May 21, 2001 v Barry Tyler, President - Pestalto, President - Ontario Vector Control Association, York Region CE Task Force vi Health Canada, Pest Management Regulatory Agency (2001, March). Fact Sheet on the Use of Methoprene in Mosquito Control Programs vii Municipal Mosquito Control Guidelines, Roy Ellis: Prairie Pest Management, prepared for Health Canada, May 21, 2001 viii http: / /www.e- ' laws.gov.on.ca /tocRegs_E. asp? lang= en &selLetter= H &selectedAct= Health% 20Protection %20and %20Promotion` /`20Act #act6 ix littp://192.75. 156. 68 /DBLaws /Statutes /English /90e09 e.hun http: / /www.e- laws.gov.on.ca /tocRegs_E. asp? lang = en &selLener= M&selectedAct= Municipal %20Act #act24 xi Section B, New York State WNV Response Plan -ii Health Canada, Public Health Branch. (2001). As cited in Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Tenn Care, 2002, February 28. West Nile Vitus: Surveillance and prevention in Ontario, 2002. -iii Ontario Ministry of Health and Long -Term Care. (2002, February 28). West Nile Virus: Surveillance and prevention in Ontario. 31 0 TOWNSHIP OF ORO-MEDONTE REPORT DEPT. REPORT NO.: TO: COMMITTEE OF THE PREPARED BY: EES2003-08 WHOLE IDEPARTMENT: Keith Mathieson SUBJECT: COUNCIL: Ontario Small Town and I Engineering and Rural Development (OSTAR) Environmental Services C. OF W.: Round I Funding Agreement DATE: February 7, 2003 MOTION #: I DATE: R. M. FILE NO.: L04-11290 Under Round 1 of the OSTAR Funding Program, the Township of Oro-Medonte applied for funding to upgrade the eleven (11) municipal water systems, as well as the Lake Simcoe Regional Airport. The present agreement is for the original approved amount of $913,699.00, with a maximum financial assistance of $609,163.12. The Township has submitted revised cost estimates in the amount of $2,074,312-00 for consideration by OSTAR. 1. THAT this report be received and adopted. 2. THAT the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign the Ontario Small Town and Rural Development Funding Agreement. 3. THAT the Clerk prepares a By-law for Council's consideration to enter into the OSTAR Funding Agre ment. Res ectf llysubmitted, CZ K_u,_� K i h la son