Puslinch Township will get good value for its $9,990 to the Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) levy this year, considering it costs over $37,000 annually just to operate the Fletcher Creek Ecological Preserve in the township.
That was the message Steve Miazga, chief executive officer of the HCA,brought to council last week.
Miazga explained the primary mandate of the HCA, which includes Hamilton and part of Puslinch, is to control and prevent flooding, though it also performs other duties. The authority operates with 70% self-generated revenue, he added, and owns or manages 4,500 hectares of land.
He then explained facets of three HCA properties near or in Puslinch, including the Beverly Swamp, Valens Conservation Area and Fletcher’s Creek.
Councillors congratulated HCA staff for the work they do, including the creation of a nature sanctuary at Fletcher’s Creek by lowering the quarry walls and creating a “fen plant community,” which is the rarest form of wetland in Ontario.
However, several councillors wondered if there was not a better way to promote the preserve and to improve parking, access and signage for it.
Miazga said he would look into those suggestions and get back to the township.
