DAN CEARNS The Standard
SCUGOG: Scugog council is showing their support for conservation authorities. At a meeting on Monday, March 9th, councillors approved a motion, made by Ward 4 Councillor Deborah Kiezebrink, to request the provincial government “improve their funding of conservation authorities, to provide a more stable funding base, that will prevent any downloading of costs to municipalities”, that the provincial government “maintain and not diminish the core mandate of conservation authorities” and the Township’s resolution be forwarded to several provincial officials. The motion was made during a discussion of correspondence, from the County of Frontenac, about conservation authorities. In her motion, Councillor Kiezebrink noted small municipalities don’t have the capacity or resources to employ someone with the expertise conservation authorities offer. Conservation authorities “will be important partners in securing sustainable communities for future generations and adapting to changing environmental pressures and a changing climate.” “We are greatly privileged to have the support of the Kawartha Conservation Authority with the many different applications that are submitted, also with our healthy lakes endeavours and waterfront initiatives, and over the years, we’ve benefited greatly from a wonderful relationship with our conservation authority. At this time, the province is doing a comprehensive review of the conservation authorities and their role,” Councillor Kiezebrink explained. Conservation Ontario defines a conservation authority as “local watershed management agencies that deliver services and programs to protect and manage impacts on water and other natural resources in partnership with all levels of government, landowners and many other organizations.”