Minto approves 2027 MVCA work plan, levy

MINTO – Town council has approved Maitland Valley Conservation Authority’s (MVCA) 2027 work plan and draft levy, with the town’s contribution increasing by 2.8 per cent.

The 2027 levy for Minto is set at $176,828, an increase of $7,432 from the town’s 2026 levy. The amount will be included in Minto’s 2027 operating budget.

Minto council received the work plan at its Oct. 6 meeting – earlier than usual as part of the province’s transition of Ontario’s conservation authorities to a regional, watershed-based framework.

Under direction from the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, conservation authorities must have their 2027 budgets approved before the anticipated Feb. 1, 2027 transition date. 

The direction also states that anticipated impacts from regional consolidation are not to be incorporated into 2027 budgets.

As a result, the MVCA prepared its 2027 budget on the same basis as previous years.

The work plan identifies four key priorities for the coming year: 

– reducing the potential for loss of life and property damage in flood- and erosion-prone areas; 

– helping municipalities and landowners with soil and water conservation; 

– maintaining conservation areas to a high standard and ensuring they are safe for public use; and 

– maintaining a stable financial base for the authority.

Among the specific projects planned for 2027 are updates to floodplain mapping, flood forecasting and monitoring, as well as work related to drought response and coastal resiliency.

The authority also plans to provide technical and financial assistance for rural stormwater management, river corridor restoration and improving soil health.

Watershed health monitoring will continue through water quality and groundwater monitoring programs, along with assessments of rivers and streams.

The MVCA’s conservation area priorities include infrastructure improvements, maintaining public safety, forest management and reviewing its Conservation Areas Strategy.

The work plan also includes drinking water source protection, including anticipated amendments to the Maitland Source Protection Plan to incorporate two new municipal wells in Minto.

Council discussion also focused on the ongoing transition to a regional conservation authority.

Councillor Ed Podniewicz, who also sits on the MVCA board, raised concerns about the costs associated with the transition.

“The thing that’s not covered in here is who is paying for the transition and the consolidation costs moving forward, and they could be very substantial, and there’s no clear answer on that yet,” he stated.

Council ultimately approved MC’s 2027 work plan and draft levy.