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Catfish Creek Conservation AuthorityCatfish Creek Conservation Authority
Catfish Creek Conservation AuthorityCatfish Creek Conservation Authority
"To communicate and deliver resource management services and programs
in order to achieve social and ecological harmony for the watershed".
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Mandate / Objectives / Mission Statement
    • Governance / Board of Directors
      • Board Meeting Agendas/Minutes
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Volunteer Opportunities
    • Staff Directory
    • Publications
    • Events Calendar
    • Links
  • Programs
    • Water Management
      • Flood Forecasting and Warning
      • Environmental Planning & Regulations
      • Technical Studies / GIS
      • Low Water Advisories
      • Watershed Report Card
      • Port Bruce Flood Management Information
    • Watershed Stewardship
      • Tree Planting
      • Woodlot Management
      • Private Lands Stewardship
    • Environmental Education
      • Information and Fees
      • Available Programs
      • W.I.L.D Rangers Education Programming
  • Conservation Areas
    • Rules and Regulations
    • Conservation Lands Map
  • Springwater Campground
    • About Springwater
    • Springwater Maple Syrup Festival
    • Seasonal Camping
    • Overnight Camping
    • Day Use Area
    • Schoolhouse and Pavilions
    • Springwater C.A. Visitor Centre Hours
  • Our Supporters
    • Awards and Scholarships
    • Donors and Supporters
    • Fundraising
  • Contact Us

50% Cut in Provincial Funding for Catfish Creek Conservation Authority

50% Cut in Provincial Funding for Catfish Creek Conservation Authority

May 6, 2019

The April 11th provincial budget included a reduction of the transfer payment grant to the Catfish Creek Conservation Authority (CCCA) by almost 50%.  The Authority received an e-mail from Monique Rolf von den Baumen, assistant deputy minister of Natural Resources and Forestry indicating that the CCCA transfer payment amount would be reduced to $41,214.60.  Since 2000, the CCCA had been receiving $79,835.00 meaning the reduction is almost 50%. Proportionally, these cut-backs affect smaller Conservation Authorities like the CCCA more so than larger Conservation Authorities that have a broader municipal population. It should be noted that the original intent of the Conservation Authorities Act was a 50% cost share model for mandated programs, with the costs being shared equally between the Province and the Municipalities.  As it sits now, there is a $200,000 shortfall in provincial funding to meet the Provincially mandated programs. Municipalities help make up that difference, mitigated by the Authorities self-generated revenue through trail fees, rentals, sales, and special events.  This means that there is $40,000 less for the Authorities mandated requirement around Flood Forecasting and Warning, dam operations, and watershed planning.  Concerns were raised that the provinces new funding model does not support the health of the overall watershed and the subsequent effects to landowners.

Following a May 2nd Board Meeting, staff advised the Board that with re-allocations of funding, flood forecasting and warning services will not be impacted this year, however these services may be impacted in the future. “It won’t be easy” said Sally Martyn, “but we are going to make this work”. Staff advised the Board that it is not the plan to pass on cuts in the form of increased levies, and that one way to deal with the shortfall is to use its already limited Reserves. “Using the Authority’s reserves is not a financially sustainable solution” said General Manager/Secretary-Treasurer Christopher Wilkinson, who discussed revising this year’s Budget to accommodate this year’s shortfall by finding some operational efficiencies and some adjustments to non-flood related service delivery.  “We have an obligation to the public to make sure that we deliver on the flood warnings and to make sure we continue to advise our Municipal partners such as Emergency Services regarding flood warnings to make sure people remain safe” said Mr. Wilkinson.

Catfish Creek Conservation Authority is a community-based, non-profit, registered charitable environmental protection organization that protects, restores, and manages the natural resources within the Catfish Creek watershed. For more information on Catfish Creek Conservation Authority, please peruse our website (www.catfishcreek.ca).

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    FIRE BAN IN EFFECT - ELGIN COUNTY

    Shared from www.elgincounty.ca

    FIRE BAN IN EFFECT – ELGIN COUNTY

    (June 5, 2023) – Effective immediately, all open-air and recreational fires are prohibited anywhere in the City of St. Thomas, Town of Aylmer and the Townships and Municipalities within the County of Elgin. Open air fires are defined as any fire outside of a building and include bonfires, campfires, burn barrels, outdoor fireplaces/chimineas or any other fires set in open air.

    Although there is some variation across Elgin County, dry conditions are consistent throughout. This fire ban is being imposed due to the extreme dryness of vegetation in the area and shall remain in effect until further notice.

    If you discover an open-air fire, it is very important that you report fires immediately to 9-1-1. Do not delay reporting while attempting to control or extinguish the fire.

    All burn permits in these municipalities are now suspended. No burn permits will be issued until the ban is lifted.

    For any questions or possible exemptions within your municipality please check their appropriate website, social media, or contact the Municipality and/or fire department having jurisdiction.

    Municipality of Bayham 519-866-5521
    Township of Malahide 519-773-5344
    Town of Aylmer 519-773-3164
    Municipality of Central Elgin 519-631-4860
    City of St. Thomas 519-631-0210
    Township of Southwold 519-769-2010
    Municipality of Dutton-Dunwich 519 762-2204
    Municipality of West Elgin 519-785-0560