Grand River Conservation Authority Agenda - General Meeting PUBLIC Friday, June 26, 2020 9:30 a.m. GRCA Zoom Virtual Meeting Meeting will stream live on GRCA's Board Webcast Page Pages 1. Call to Order 2. Certification of Quorum 3. Chair’s Remarks 4. Review of Agenda THAT the agenda for the General Membership Meeting be approved as circulated. 5. Declarations of Pecuniary Interest 6. Minutes of the Previous Meetings THAT the minutes of the General Membership Meeting of May 22, 2020 be approved as circulated. 7. Business Arising from Previous Minutes 8. Hearing of Delegations 9. Presentations 10. Correspondence THAT Correspondence from the Township of Puslinch regarding a Council resolution in support of Conservation Authorities be received as information. a. Township of Puslinch - Council Resolution 7 11. 1st and 2nd Reading of By-Laws
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Grand River Conservation AuthorityAgenda - General Meeting
PUBLICFriday, June 26, 2020
9:30 a.m.GRCA Zoom Virtual Meeting
Meeting will stream live on GRCA's Board Webcast Page
Pages
1. Call to Order
2. Certification of Quorum
3. Chair’s Remarks
4. Review of Agenda
THAT the agenda for the General Membership Meeting be approved as circulated.
5. Declarations of Pecuniary Interest
6. Minutes of the Previous Meetings
THAT the minutes of the General Membership Meeting of May 22, 2020 be approvedas circulated.
7. Business Arising from Previous Minutes
8. Hearing of Delegations
9. Presentations
10. Correspondence
THAT Correspondence from the Township of Puslinch regarding a Council resolution insupport of Conservation Authorities be received as information.
THAT Report Number GM-06-20-39 Cash and Investment Status – May 2020be received as information.
b. GM-06-20-42 - Financial Summary 16
THAT the Financial Summary for the period ending May 31, 2020 be approved,
AND THAT decisions on deferral of commercial lease and license payments fortenants for amounts owing during the 2020 calendar year be delegated to staffto be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and no interest will be assessed forlate payment.
c. GM-06-20-41 - Current Watershed Conditions 39
THAT Report Number GM-06-20-41 – Current Watershed Conditions as ofJune 17, 2020 be received as information.
d. GM-06-20-40 - Elora Quarry Perimeter Fencing Tender Results 47
THAT the Grand River Conservation Authority award the tender for theconstruction of perimeter fencing at the Elora Quarry Conservation Area toAvion Construction Group Inc. of Mississauga, Ontario for the amount of$155,890.00 excluding HST;
AND THAT a total project budget of $175,900.00 excluding HST be approved.
e. GM-06-20-44 - Pinehurst Lake and Byng Island Conservation Areas SeasonalCamping Winter Storage
49
THAT Report Number GM-06-20-44 - Pinehurst Lake and Byng IslandConservation Areas - Seasonal Camping Winter Storage be received forinformation.
f. GM-06-20-43 - Status of Beach Monitoring Program 53
THAT Report Number GM-06-20-43 – Status of Beach Monitoring Program bereceived as information.
g. GM-06-20-45 - Grand River Conservation Foundation Member Appointments
Report to be distributed following the Annual General Meeting of the GRCFBoard on June 24, 2020.
13. Committee of the Whole
14. General Business
15. 3rd Reading of By-Laws
16. Other Business
17. Closed Meeting
THAT the General Membership enter a closed meeting to discuss a proposed orpending acquisition or disposition, and labour relations or employee negotiations.
a. Minutes of the Previous Closed Session
b. Property Disposition - Town of Erin
c. Labour Relations or Employee Negotiations
18. Next Meeting
July - No meeting
General Membership - August 28, 2020 at 9 a.m.
19. Adjourn
June 3, 2020 RE: B1. Centre Hastings motion for support for the role of Conservation Authorities (resolution attached) B2. City of Sault Ste. Marie motion for Support for Conservation Authorities (resolution attached) B3. Town of Ajax motion for supporting Conservation Authorities (resolution attached) Please be advised that Township of Puslinch Council, at its meeting held on April 22, 2020 considered the aforementioned topic and subsequent to discussion, the following was resolved:
Resolution No. 2020-104: Moved by Councillor Sepulis and Seconded by Councillor Bulmer
That the Intergovernmental Affairs correspondence Motions for Support items B1, B2, and B3 be received; and WHEREAS, the Township of Puslinch is committed to planning for a sustainable future for its resources and environment; AND WHEREAS Township of Puslinch is a member of the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) , Conservation Halton (CH), and the Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA)and has representatives on each Board of Directors; AND WHEREAS the GRCA, CH, and HCA provide the Township of Puslinch with expert advice on the environmental impact of land use planning proposals and that the Township of Puslinch does not have staff with comparable expertise or experience; AND WHEREAS the GRCA, CH, and HCA
(a) provide programs to the residents of Township of Puslinch that include recreation, education, water quality monitoring, reduction of vegetation loss and soil erosion, preservation of species at risk,
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(b) complete restoration projections as well as protect life and property through a variety of measures, all of which the Township of Puslinch does not have staff with comparable expertise or experience;
THEREFORE IT BE RESOLVED that the Township of Puslinch supports continuation of the programs of the GRCA, CH, and HCA both mandatory and non-mandatory; AND THAT this resolution be forwarded to the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Premier Doug Ford, MPP Ted Arnott, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, GRCA, CH, HCA, Conservation Ontario and all Ontario municipalities.
CARRIED
As per the above resolution, please accept a copy of this correspondence for your information and consideration. Sincerely, Courtenay Hoytfox Deputy Clerk
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THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CENTRE HASTINGS PHONE: 613-473-4030 7 FURNACE ST., BOX 900 FAX: 613-473-5444 MADOC, ON K0K 2K0 www.centrehastings.com
March 18th, 2020
The Honourable Jeff Yurek Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks College Park 5th Floor, 777 Bay Street Toronto, ON M7A 2J3
Re: Resolution to Support the Role of Conservation Authorities
Please be advised the Council of the Municipality of Centre Hastings at its regular meeting held on March 18th, 2020 passed the following resolution:
WHEREAS the Lower Trent Conservation Authority and the Quinte Conservation Authority along with other Conservation Authorities have been protecting people and conserving and restoring watersheds with local communities for over 50 years, and
WHEREAS municipalities must work together to ensure resilient and healthy watersheds for residents, and
WHEREAS Conservation Authorities will be important partners in concrete and cost-effective initiatives to address the climate change,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Municipality of Centre Hastings supports the important role Conservation Authorities provide to local communities in delivering watershed management programs.
AND THAT the Municipality of Centre Hastings circulate that support to municipalities, conservation authorities and the Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks in Ontario.
The Honourable Jeff Yurek, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
The Honourable John Yakabuski, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry
Dear Premier Ford, Minister Yurek and Minister Yakabuski:
RE: Support for Conservation Authorities
You will find attached hereto a resolution passed by the Corporation of the City of Sault Ste. Marie City Council on March 9, 2020 regarding support for conservation authorities in Ontario. We trust that this matter will receive the appropriate time and attention from your respective offices. Yours truly,
Christian C. Provenzano, B.A., LL.B., LL.M CC City Council Association of Municipalities of Ontario
Conservation Ontario
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CITV COUNCIL RESOLUTION
Agenda Number:
Title:
Date:
8.1
Conservation Authorities
Monday, March 9,2020
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Councillor M. Bruni
Councillor R. Niro
Whereas the City of Sault Ste. Marie has been well served by the Sault Ste. Marie Region ConservationAuthority; and
Whereas Sault Ste. Marie values the efforts of the Conservation Authority to monitor floods, to manage sourcewater protection and to ensure the integrity of the watersheds within our municipality and conserve our naturalenvironment; and
Whereas the Province of Ontario is currently reviewing the mandate and operations of ConservationAuthoritíes; and
Whereas Conservation Authorities provide essential services to municipalities in their watersheds;
Now Therefore Be lt Resolved that the Council of the City of Sault Ste. Marie encourages the Province tocontinue to support the principle of planning on a watershed basis in the ongoing review and prioritize theallocation of adequate funding to support the core mandate of conservation authorities while preventing anydownloading of costs to municípalities;
Further that the Province of Ontario be requested to maintain and not diminish the core mandate ofConservation Authorities; a nd
That this resolution be forwarded to Premier Doug Ford, the Minister of the Environment, Conservation andParks, the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, Conservation Ontario, the Association of Municipalities ofOntario and all Ontario municipalíties.
Officially Read and NotDealt With / Postponed
Carried Tied, Defeated Defeated
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TOWN OF AJAX
65 Harwood Avenue South Ajax ON L1S 3S9
www.ajax.ca
_______________________________________________________________________________ Honourable Doug Ford Premier of Ontario Room 281 Legislative Building, Queen's Park Toronto, ON M7A 1A1 March 5, 2020
Re: Supporting Conservation Authorities
Please be advised that the following resolution was endorsed by Ajax Town Council at its Meeting held February 24, 2020:
WHEREAS, the Town of Ajax is committed to planning for a sustainable future, protecting human
life and property from natural hazards, and promoting environmental education and stewardship;
AND WHEREAS the Town of Ajax is located within the Toronto and Region Conservation
Authority (TRCA) and the Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA) jurisdiction and
has representatives on both Board of Directors;
AND WHEREAS each respective Board of Directors determine the policies, priorities and budget
of the TRCA and CLOCA;
AND WHEREAS the TRCA and CLOCA provide valuable non-mandatory programs and services
including expert advice on the environmental impacts associated with land use planning and
source water protection, environmental restoration services, educational and recreational
opportunities, and community engagement programs, in an efficient manner delivered at a
watershed scale;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of Ajax supports the continuation of both
mandatory and non-mandatory programs and services provided by the TRCA and CLOCA, and
that no programs or services of the TRCA or CLOCA, or the other Conservation Authorities in
Ontario be “wound down” at this time;
AND THAT the Province engage in early consultations with the TRCA, CLOCA, and other
Conservation Authorities, and member municipalities including the Region of Durham, to fully
understand the funding structure and local benefits of programs delivered by the Conservation
Authorities;
AND THAT a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of
Ontario; Jeff Yurek, Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks; Rod Philips, MPP Ajax;
the Association of Municipalities of Ontario; the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority;
Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority; Conservation Ontario; and all Ontario
If you require any additional information please do not hesitate to contact Sean McCullough, Senior Planner, at 905-619-2529 ext. 3234 or [email protected] Sincerely
Sarah Moore Acting Manager of Legislative Services/Deputy Clerk Copy: Jeff Yurek, Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks
To: Members of the Grand River Conservation Authority
Subject: Cash and Investment Status – May 2020
Recommendation:
THAT Report Number GM-06-20-39 Cash and Investment Status – May 2020 be received as information.
Summary:
The cash position included Notes Receivable of the Grand River Conservation Authority as at May 31, 2020 was $23,988,870 with outstanding cheques written in the amount of $406,176.
Report:
See attached.
Financial implications:
Interest rates, etc. are shown on the report.
Other department considerations:
Not applicable.
Prepared by: Approved by:
Carol Anne Johnston Senior Accountant Sonja Radoja Manager of Corporate Services
Karen Armstrong Deputy CAO/Secretary Treasurer
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BANK ACCOUNTS Location Type Amount
Interest
Rate
CIBC Current Account 2,217,813 0.65%
RBC Current Account 330,551 nil
Wood Gundy Current Account 0 nil
CIBC - SPP Holding Current Account 450,631 0.65%
TOTAL CASH - CURRENT ACCOUNT 2,998,995
INVESTMENTS Date Invested Location Type Amount
Face
Value
Interest
Rate
Yield
Rate Date of Maturity
2020 Total
Interest
Earned/
Accrued
CIBC Renaissance High Interest Savings Account 684,256 0.30% 0.30% not applicable 2,983
One Investment Savings High Interest Savings Account 4,282,619 0.915% 0.915% not applicable 52,616
September 3, 2015 CIBC Step up bond 2,000,000 2.15% 2.40% September 3, 2025 48,652
March 1, 2016 CIBC Bond 1,300,000 1.70% 2.25% March 1, 2023 28,716
August 24, 2017 Bank of Montreal Bond 1,550,000 1.61% 2.01% October 28, 2021 30,781
May 17, 2019 Bank of Nova Scotia Bond 800,000 1.90% 2.15% December 2, 2021 17,027
June 17, 2019 Cdn Western Bank Bond 1,542,000 2.788% 2.09% September 13, 2021 32,307
October 23, 2019 Cdn Western Bank Bond 2,010,000 2.800% 2.78% September 6, 2024 55,625
December 23, 2019 Laurentian Bank Bond 3,821,000 3.450% 2.57% June 27, 2023 99,259
January 16, 2020 Cdn Western Bank Bond 3,000,000 2.597% 2.45% September 6, 2024 70,166
TOTAL INVESTMENTS 20,989,875 $438,132
TOTAL CASH AND INVESTMENTS $23,988,870
* Reserve Balance at December 31st, 2019 20,891,930
% of Total Portfolio
C.I.B.C. 19%
Bank of Nova Scotia 4%
Bank of Montreal 7%
Royal Bank 0%
Laurentian 18%
Cdn Western Bank 31%
One Investment Program 20%
100%
* Reserve balances are reviewed annually by the Board in November.
Grand River Conservation Authority
Cash and Investments Status Report
May 31, 2020
Investment By Institution
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Grand River Conservation Authority
Report number: GM-06-20-42
Date: June 26, 2020
To: Members of the Grand River Conservation Authority
Subject: Financial Summary for the Period Ending May 31, 2020
Recommendation:
THAT the Financial Summary for the period ending May 31, 2020 be approved,
AND THAT decisions on deferral of commercial lease and license payments for tenants for amounts owing during the 2020 calendar year be delegated to staff to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and no interest will be assessed for late payment.
Summary:
The Financial Summary includes the 2020 actual year-to-date income and expenditures. The budget approved at the February 28, 2020 General Meeting is included in the Budget column. The Current Forecast column reflects adjustments to the budget based on events to date. While known savings and revenue adjustments are reflected in the forecast, potential cost and/or revenue adjustments are not reflected in the forecast due to the uncertainty created by the pandemic. The potential financial impacts of the pandemic are outlined in the report narrative below.
The revenue sources expected to be significantly impacted by the Pandemic are:
Conservation Area Fees
Forestry Revenue
Outdoor Education Fees
Resource Planning Fees
Property Rental Income
Hunting Permits
Donations
Report:
A. Self-Generated Revenue decreased by $977,000.
Resource Planning Revenue decreased by $35,000 due to reduced Plan Review revenue.
Outdoor Education revenue decreased by $542,000 made up of $368,000 decrease due to cancellation of summer day camp program, $159,000 reduced school program revenue and $15,000 reduced community program revenue.
Conservation Area revenue decreased by $1,300,000 due to seasonal camping opening on June 15th instead of May 1st, delayed opening of day use park access, three month extension of membership passes and no overnight camping revenue for May and June.
Conservation Lands revenue increased by $855,000 due to land sale proceeds generated from sale of a rental property and these proceeds are required to be placed into the land sale proceeds reserve.
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B. Operating Expenditures decreased by $1,344,000.
Compensation and benefit expense decreases totalling $1,284,000 represent savings in various programs for May and June as outlined in the financial summary attached and are due to the temporary unpaid leaves implemented, unfilled position vacancies, and unfilled student positions. Compensation and benefit savings related to Outdoor education include all budgeted summer day camp staffing expenses to the end of August and savings to end of June for the regular staff complement that is on phase II temporary leaves and layoffs.
Outdoor Education other operating expenses decreased by $60,000 due to cancellation of the summer camp program for July and August.
C. Net Increase to Reserves is $855,000.
Transfer to Land Sale Proceeds reserve increased by $855,000 due to proceeds received from sale of a rental property.
COVID Pandemic Impacts
The revenue sources likely to be significantly impacted by the Pandemic are:
Conservation Areas
Forestry (Tree Planting Program)
Outdoor Education
Resource Planning
Property Rentals
Hunting Permits
Donations
Conservation Area Operations:
Budgeted revenue is $9 million. The forecast adjustments reflect estimated lost revenue of $1,300,000 for May and June due to limited day use revenue, delay in the seasonal camping opening date from May 1 to June 15th, membership card sales decline and no overnight camping in May and June. The forecast also incorporates $650,000 in wage savings resulting from the delay in hiring students, staff vacancies and temporary unpaid leaves. The level of uncertainty related to park activity over the next couple of months hampers our ability to provide a reliable projection of year-end operating results, especially given that the commencement and/or extent of overnight camping has still to be determined and which typically generates over $2M in revenue annually. Activities such as tubing and boat/canoe rentals are also still being assessed. Pools and concessions will not operate this season. The Conservation Area capital budget is $2,150,000. Fee revenue of $700,000 was allocated as funding for this budget. At present, most large projects are being deferred and capital spending is targeted to come in around $800,000. Given the pandemic any operating revenue will first be used to offset operating expenses, therefore, funding for any capital spending in 2020 should be funded with the conservation area reserve. The conservation area reserve balance as at December 31, 2019 was approximately $2,900,000. A park deficit may be offset with the conservation area reserve, savings in other program areas and/or potentially allocating/borrowing amounts from other GRCA reserves. Some staff positions in this program were part of the implementation of phase II temporary unpaid staffing leaves and layoffs but have been recalled given the increased activity in parks.
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Forestry Operations (Tree Planting Program)
No change in status from prior month, forecast adjustments reported in May to reflect cancellation of spring tree planting. Fall tree planting activity is still uncertain.
Outdoor Education Operations
The Forecast reflects the impact of reduced activity between April and August. The school contract end dates were adjusted from June 30 to May 8th. The summer day camp program was cancelled. The community outdoor education program is also not operating at this time. The forecast reflects revenue reductions known to the end of August. If the program were unable to resume operating for the remainder of the year it is estimated that the net result would be close to breakeven since lost revenue could effectively be offset by cost savings.
Resource Planning Operations
Revenue is running about 10% under budget. The program continues to operate during the pandemic with staff working from home. Total budgeted revenue is $894,000. If revenue continues to run about 10% under budget it translate to about $90,000 in lost revenue. The main expenditure related to this program is staff time. Some staff positions in this program were part of the implementation of phase II temporary unpaid staffing leaves and layoffs. The forecast reflects $35,000 in staffing cost savings to the end of June offset by estimated lost revenue of $35,000 to the end of June.
Property Rental Program
The sources of revenue are the Cottage Lot Program, Agricultural Leases, Residential Leases and Miscellaneous license/rental agreements. To date these revenue sources have not been significantly impacted by the pandemic, however, there may be future pressures on these revenue sources due to the pandemic. GRCA has been receiving regular payments from tenants to date but it is not certain if future collection issues will arise. Budgeted miscellaneous revenue of approximately $300,000 relates to license and commercial agreements and it is estimated that approximately $125,000 of this amount carries a degree of uncertainty regarding collection. In order to assist with any hardships communicated to GRCA by tenants, staff recommend that deferral of amounts owing be considered on a case by case basis for the remainder of the budget year.
Hunting Program
No change in status from prior month. The hunting program revenue budget is $66,000. It is uncertain if this revenue will be realized due to the pandemic.
Donations
No change in status from prior month.
Municipal General Levy
No change in status from prior month. At this time it is assumed that 100% of municipal general levy will be collected. It is anticipated that the reallocation of general levy will be necessary to offset deficits in applicable program areas. The reallocation of general levy is an exercise that will be undertaken in the latter part of the year as the financial impacts of the pandemic are realized and staff consider general levy reallocations in combination with other deficit management options including cost reductions realized, use of reserves, and other potential sources of funding.
Capital Spending
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The revised capital spending estimate for Conservation Areas is about $800,000. The capital spending for water control structures, flood hardware/software, and head office are not being adjusted at this time and deferral of capital projects will be considered as appropriate.
Significant Cost Savings Measures to date
Summary of adjustments from May board report:
Phase I Staffing adjustments – 25 union staff comprised of short-term seasonal staff at Burford Nursery and casual staff with the outdoor education program were either not recalled for the season or placed in an unpaid state in early April 2020. Given provincial government directives at the time, tree planting was cancelled and outdoor education classes and March Break day camp programs were cancelled.
Phase II Staffing adjustments – 51 staff positions were placed into a temporary unpaid state. This action was announced on April 27th and came into effect on May 11th. Estimated wage and benefit cost savings from the phase II staffing adjustment is approximately $75,000 weekly.
Restrictions on travel and staff development expenses
Deferral of Road Maintenance work on Cottage Lot Roads
Update on Staff Positions:
By the end of June, a number of staff are returning to work. Three casual staff who were included in the Phase I staffing adjustments, have accepted temporary positions in the conservation areas. Seven staff who were included in the Phase II staffing adjustments, are returning to work, resulting in the weekly savings dropping from $75,000 to $65,000. There were also three vacant positions that are now being filled. Approximately 80 students are required for the current level of operations for day use and seasonal camping, most of whom have been hired. As analysis is performed on overnight camping and rental activities, additional staffing needs will be considered.
The Financial Summary is attached.
Financial implications:
The financial summary outlines a forecast net deficit of $448,000 to date. The forecast does not incorporate projected revenue and cost adjustments where a high degree of uncertainty exists nor does it reflect potential compensation savings between July and December that may be realized from staffing adjustments given that return to work dates are unknown.
Other department considerations:
The management committee and appropriate supervisory staff receive monthly financial reports and advise the finance department of applicable forecast adjustments.
Prepared by: Approved by:
Sonja Radoja Manager Corporate Services
Karen Armstrong Secretary-Treasurer/Deputy CAO
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GRAND RIVER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
FINANCIAL SUMMARY - FORECASTGeneral Membership June 26, 2020
FORECAST - APRIL 30 2020 - NET SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) $114,000
CHANGES - May 2020
Sch 1 Water Resources-Planning and Environment $95,000 Compensaton and Benefit Expenses decreased $95,000
Funding From Reserves 2,489,144 2,999,000 0 2,999,000 2,999,000 0
Funding to Reserves (2,518,405) (2,494,000) 0 (2,494,000) (2,494,000)
Net Surplus/(Deficit) 0 0 (888,141) 0 0 0
GRAND RIVER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
Schedule 16 - Information Systems and Motor Pool
FOR THE PERIOD ENDING May 31, 2020
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Grand River Conservation Authority
Report number: GM-06-20-41
Date: June 26, 2020
To: Members of the Grand River Conservation Authority
Subject: Current Watershed Conditions as of June 17, 2020
Recommendation:
THAT Report Number GM-06-20-41 – Current Watershed Conditions as of June 17, 2020 be received as information.
Summary:
Late spring was a bit on the cool and wet side. Much of the watershed saw more than average rainfall in May with the exception of Cambridge and parts of the south. May temperatures were a degree below normal. The first two weeks in June have had very seasonal weather with near normal precipitation and temperature. A remnant tropical storm on June 10th contributed between 30 and 40mm of rain and resulted in a small surge on Lake Erie.
Lake Erie continues to be very high and the risk of shoreline flooding remains high. The reservoirs are within their normal operating range with augmentation increasing in areas downstream. The seasonal forecast is for near normal conditions with the possibility of above normal precipitation over the next three months.
Report:
Precipitation
With the exception of the southern parts of the watershed, May was an average to wet month. The lowest amount of rainfall was recorded at the Shades Mill Climate Station in Cambridge, which only recorded 52.7mm or 66% of the long term average. Luther Dam recorded the most precipitation with 100mm or 113% of the long term average. Storm systems early in the month covered most of the watershed while the storms in the later part of the month were a bit more localized.
The first half of June varied across the watershed. A large system of convective storms that were part of a remnant of a tropical storm from the Gulf of Mexico, hit the watershed on June 10th and 11th. Approximately 30 to 40mm of rain was recorded during the event across most of the watershed. Localized precipitation was recorded earlier in the month. Table 1 includes monthly and recent precipitation trends for select watershed climate stations. Monthly precipitation at the Shand Dam, Shades Mill and the Brantford climate stations from 2016 to 2020 is shown in Figure 1.
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Table 1: Precipitation Averages at Watershed Climate Stations
Environment Canada precipitation gauge at Brantford Airport is offline, values in the table are from Brant Park
Air Temperatures
The month of May was one to two degrees cooler than the long-term average across the watershed. The monthly average air temperature at the Shand Dam climate station was 11.3 degrees, or about 1.2 degrees below the long-term average. Daytime high temperatures ranged from 5 degrees to over 30 degrees, while overnight low temperatures ranged from below freezing to the mid-teens.
June temperatures have been more consistent. The average temperature at the Shand Dam climate station was at the long-term average, while the average temperature at the Shades Mill station in Cambridge was close to a degree above average. Daytime high temperatures have been in the mid-20’s, while overnight low temperatures have be in the low teens.
Figure 2 presents recent mean monthly air temperature departures from the long-term average recorded at Shand Dam.
Lake Erie Water Levels
In May, the average lake level was approximately 0.73m above the long-term average or 0.47m below the critical level at the Port Colborne gauge. In the first half of June, the average lake level was 175.07m or 0.43m below the critical level. The most probable forecast from the Canadian Hydrographic Survey is for water levels to start to decrease over the next few months, but stay well above the long-term average. There was one High Lake Level Warning Message issued on June 10th. The water level was expected to just pass the critical level due to high winds from a remnant tropical storm. Lake levels increased but remained below the Level 1 flooding threshold. There remains in effect an ongoing Lake Erie Shoreline Conditions Statement message in regards to a higher potential for shoreline flooding due to the high lake levels.
Figure 3 presents current and forecast Lake Erie level from the Canadian Hydrographic Service.
Reservoir Conditions
The large reservoirs are at their normal operating level for this time of the year. Water stored in the reservoirs is being used to augment river flows downstream. Reservoir levels are shown in Figures 4 and 5 for the four large reservoirs.
Station Monthly Precipitation Percentage of Long Term Average
17-Jun Long Term Current Last Last Last Last Last
Average Half Full 3 Full 6 Full 12 Full 15 Full
(mm) (mm) Month Month Months Months Months Months
Shand 35.4 91.7 77% 99% 90% 118% 108% 106%
Conestogo 59.2 94.3 126% 103% 96% 111% 102% 98%
Guelph 40.1 87.1 92% 111% 89% 119% 114% 111%
Luther 35.8 91.9 78% 113% 100% 127% 106% 107%
Woolwich 57.4 76.5 150% 120% 102% 113% 98% 105%
Laurel 57.1 86.7 132% 112% 98% 109% 96% 105%
Shades 48.2 84.8 114% 66% 82% 97% 106% 111%
Brantford 21.0 66.2 63% 82% 114% 129% 118% 115%
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Periodic rains have reduced the need for augmentation levels so far this year, but recent dry conditions have resulted in higher levels of augmentation downstream of the large reservoirs. As of June 16th, augmentation accounted for approximately 35% of the flow through Kitchener, 15% of the flow through Brantford and 15% of the flow on the Speed River below Guelph. Augmentation on the Grand and Speed Rivers are shown in Figure 6.
Long Range Outlook
The three-month forecast for June through August from Environment Canada is for near normal temperature and above normal to near normal precipitation. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is predicting slightly above normal temperatures and precipitation for July. For August, the forecast is for near normal temperatures and precipitation, while the September forecast is for drier conditions with near normal temperatures.
Flood Preparedness
Conditions are being monitored closely. Staff continue to hold weekly meetings as part of overall succession planning initiatives, dam operations and flood emergency preparedness.
Staff are working with Ministry of Natural Resources Staff to update the Provincial Flood Forecasting and Warning guidelines. These guidelines provide important guidance and explain roles and responsibilities of various agencies including Conservation Authorities involved in the Provincial flood forecasting and warning program. Updating these guidelines was one of the recommendations from in the recent Provincial Special Advisory Report on flooding in Ontario. Beyond the objective of keeping people safe and reducing flood damages, these guidelines clarify roles and responsibilities of agencies which is important to corporate risk management of agencies.
Planning continues for a fall Provincial Flood Forecasting and Warning workshop. This year’s workshop will be a virtual workshop. Rather than a one day workshop, this year’s virtual workshop will consist of four two-hour webinar sessions.
Staff have implemented and continue to test and adapt the new HydroMasterTM weather forecasting service.
The United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is forecasting a more active than normal hurricane season this year. Staff are paying close attention to tropical storms in the Gulf of Mexico that could affect storms here in the Grand River watershed.
Financial implications:
Not applicable
Other department considerations:
Not applicable
Prepared by: Approved by:
Stephanie Shifflett, P.Eng. Water Resources Engineer
Dwight Boyd, P.Eng. Director of Engineering
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Figure 1: Precipitation at Shand Dam, Shades Mill Dam and Brantford 2016 to June 17, 2020
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Monthly Precipitation Long Term Average
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Figure 2: Departures from Average Air Temperatures at Shand Dam
Figure 3: Forecasted Lake Erie Levels
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Figure 4: Shand and Conestogo Reservoir Elevation Plots
Figure 5: Guelph and Luther Reservoir Elevation Plots
Luther Dam Operating Curves
Luther Dam primarily provides a flow augmentation function to the upper Grand River and to Shand Dam. While it does provide some benefits from a flood control perspective, these benefits are limited due to the small drainage area regulated by Luther Dam.
The buffers between March 1st and September 30th define the operating range to meet downstream low flow targets. The lower buffer defines the lowest operating range for flow augmentation before reducing downstream flow augmentation targets. The earlier winter (January 1st to March 1st) and late fall (October 1st to December 31st) upper buffer curve is defined from ecologic considerations from the Luther Marsh Master Plan.
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Figure 6: Grand and Speed River Flow Augmentation Plots
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Grand River Conservation Authority
Report number: GM-06-20-40
Date: June 11, 2020
To: Members of the Grand River Conservation Authority
Subject: Elora Quarry Conservation Area Perimeter Fencing Tender Results
Recommendation:
THAT the Grand River Conservation Authority award the tender for the construction of perimeter fencing at the Elora Quarry Conservation Area to Avion Construction Group Inc. of Mississauga, Ontario for the amount of $155,890.00 excluding HST; AND THAT a total project budget of $175,900.00 excluding HST be approved.
Summary:
Not applicable.
Report:
Trespassing has been an ongoing issue at the Elora Quarry Conservation Area resulting in significant security costs and requests from the Township, OPP, and adjacent neighbours to install fencing around the perimeter. The tender for the perimeter fencing at Elora Quarry Conservation Area was publicly advertised on the Biddingo electronic procurement website on May 26, 2020 and closed on June 9, 2020. Valid tender submissions were received from two bidders. Two additional bidders failed to complete the online submission process. Biddingo has provided written confirmation that no technical issues with their Electronic Bidding System were encountered that would have caused bidders to not be able to submit a response. The tender submissions were opened at 3:30pm on June 9, 2020 with an opening committee consisting of Karen Armstrong, Deputy CAO, Brandon Heyer, Manager of Central Services, Mark Slade, Supervisor of Central Services, and Paul Lucier, Capital Projects Coordinator. The tender submissions were opened in the presence of everyone while sharing the screen through Microsoft Teams. The results of the tender process are shown in Table 1, with adjusted tender amounts to reflect the less expensive option of galvanized chain link fence instead of black vinyl chain link fence. It is anticipated that onsite work will start August 26, 2020 pending the results of a breeding bird inspection of the property. The final fence layout will be determined following demarcation of the property line and additional site reviews and inspections by GRCA staff. The tender included unit pricing for fencing and vegetation removal which will be used to add or subtract from the scope of work accordingly to account for the unknown quantities.
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Table 1: Tender Results
Rank Company Tender Amount (excluding HST)
1 Avion Construction Group Inc. $155,890.00
2 Jay Fencing Ltd. $350,100.00
The low bid for this project was received from Avion Construction Group Inc. and meets all of the requirements outlined in the tender. The tender did not include a contingency amount therefore it is proposed that the total project budget be approved with an internal contingency added. The total proposed project budget is shown in Table 2.
Table 2: Project Budget
Tender Amount $155,890.00
Contingency $20,000.00
13% HST (Tender + Contingency) $22,865.70
Subtotal $198,755.70
13% HST Rebate $22,865.70
Total Project Budget $175,890.00
Financial implications:
Funding for this project is included in the Conservation Area Capital budget. The total project budget is within the amount budgeted for this project.
Other department considerations:
GRCA staff in Resource Planning, Natural Heritage and Property were consulted and provided input into this project.
Prepared by: Approved by:
Paul Lucier Capital Projects Coordinator Brandon Heyer Manager of Central Services
Karen Armstrong Deputy CAO/ Secretary-Treasurer
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Grand River Conservation Authority
Report number: GM-06-20-44
Date: June 26, 2020
To: Members of the Grand River Conservation Authority
Subject: Pinehurst Lake and Byng Island Conservation Areas - Seasonal Camping Winter Storage
Recommendation:
THAT Report Number GM-06-20-44 - Pinehurst Lake and Byng Island Conservation Areas - Seasonal Camping Winter Storage be received for information.
Summary:
In response to prior Board direction, staff committed to assessing the seasonal campgrounds at Byng Island and Pinehurst Lake Conservation Areas to determine if there are legitimate technical reasons to exempt those campgrounds from the requirement to remove seasonal trailers from campsites during the off-season.
It was recommended that if no technical rationale exists, or if the exemption is not approved, a transition period would be provided to allow existing seasonal campers time to make alternative arrangements for their trailers. After the transition period, all trailers will be removed annually.
Based on the assessment conducted, staff are proceeding with a phased implementation approach for 2020-2021 at Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area for seasonal trailers to be removed from campsites during the off-season.
Due to the heavy clay soils present throughout most of Byng Island Conservation Area, requiring the movement of seasonal trailers into the Conservation Area and placement onto the campsites in the spring when ground conditions are wet due to drainage issues, causes significant damage to the roads and sites. Thus, it is recommended that seasonal trailers will continue to be allowed to remain on-site year-round at this location only.
Report:
Background In 2018, Report Number GM-03-18-34 outlined the GRCA Seasonal Camping Program in terms of operations, procedures, and practices. The GRCA’s approach to off-season storage of trailers was outlined in that report. The seasonal camping licence agreement, an appendix to the Seasonal camping guidelines initiated in 2018, currently requires that trailers be removed from campsites at the end of the camping season. Park specific exemptions have been made to allow off-season storage of trailers on campsites at Byng Island and Pinehurst Lake Conservation Areas. It was also allowed at Elora Gorge at the time of the report but this was discontinued in 2018 in conjunction with ongoing servicing upgrades and new campsite development.
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In the past, trailers were removed from sites each year at Byng Island Conservation Area. Byng Island has heavy, clay soils and the site often remains wet well into the camping season. The movement of trailers onto the sites in the spring resulted in damage to the internal road system and to the individual campsites. In order to avoid expensive repairs, approval was granted to allow trailers to remain on the seasonal campsites year round.
As discussed at the March 2018 Board meeting, staff noted that from an operations perspective, the preference is that all trailers be removed from the sites at the end of each year. This provides GRCA staff with the opportunity to make necessary repairs or upgrades to the campground without having to work around trailers. However there may be situations, such as at Byng Island, where there are technical reasons for allowing trailers to remain on the campsite during the off-season.
Staff committed to assessing the seasonal campgrounds at Byng Island and Pinehurst Lake Conservation Areas to determine if there are legitimate technical reasons to exempt those campgrounds from the requirement to remove trailers during the off-season. Approval for individual exclusions could be made by the Chief Administrative Officer.
It was recommended that if no technical rationale exists, or if the exemption is not approved, a transition period would be provided to allow existing seasonal campers time to make alternative arrangements for their trailers. After the transition period all trailers would be removed annually.
On-site seasonal trailer storage There are a number of reasons why the GRCA does not allow on-site storage of seasonal trailers, including:
On-site storage impedes the ability of area staff to conduct repairs, undertake infrastructure upgrades and complete seasonal maintenance to the grounds
The current structure of allowing permanent site occupancy hinders the ability of staff to make operational changes to campground usage types. Potential site conversions, for example from seasonal to nightly camping sites, are more difficult given the perceived permanent nature of on-site trailer storage.
Removal of trailers allows park staff to better regulate the size of added structures and decks. In some cases, these added structures have been built over the years and do not allow for the trailer to be moved or do not meet the updated standards that have been implemented in the GRCA’s Seasonal Camping Policy.
Yearly removal of trailers from the site increased the likelihood that trailers are road worthy and insurable units, in accordance with our requirements. Some trailers that have remained on-site all year long have become decrepit and there is higher potential for seasonal campers to abandon these trailers and the responsibility then falls to GRCA staff to deal with removal and clean up and the associated financial costs.
On-site trailer storage requires additional staff time for regular monitoring for off-season usage, environmental damage, theft and vandalism.
Current Staff have reviewed the seasonal campgrounds at Byng Island and Pinehurst Lake Conservation Areas. Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area There are no technical or environmental reasons requiring continued on-site storage at Pinehurst Lake. Pinehurst contains a predominantly mixed gravel and sand based soil
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type. All underground services are consistent and installed to regulated code. There are no seasonal sites that contain environmental restraints. Park Model trailers currently occupy some seasonal sites at Pinehurst. This is not a permitted unit type as they are larger and not licensed for the road but, given that storage was previously allowed on-site, some exceptions were made. The permanent nature of this trailer design is not aligned with our requirements for trailer relocation or road licensing. In addition to the challenge of moving park model trailers, other reasons that seasonal campers have identified as why they want to continue to store their trailers on site at Pinehurst include: lack of access to an appropriate vehicle to move the trailer; hiring a third party service to move the trailer may be cost prohibitive; off-site external winter storage may be cost prohibitive; features around their trailer may be disrupted, such as decks or sheds; and, that the effort of moving and preparing to move a trailer is greater than some people, in particular seniors, are able to do independently. Byng Island Conservation Area The soil composition at Byng Island is the primary reason why on-site seasonal storage could be considered. In the Byng Island Conservation Area Master Plan from October 1977 which highlights the heavy clay soils as a development constraint:
“Soils – the heavy clay soils which exist in a large portion of Byng Island have forced a change from field tiles at washrooms to a proposed sewage lagoon. The soils are unable to absorb the sewage. These heavy clay soils have very poor subsurface drainage and as a result water remains on the surface.”
Furthermore, in 1985 by the Ontario Institute of Pedology, the soil type in the overwhelming majority of Byng Island Conservation Area was identified to be Lucastrine Heavy Clay which is indicative of former lake bottom and provides almost no vertical drainage.
While many things have changed at Byng Island since 1977 and 1985, including the condition and placement of Byng’s campsites and run-off manipulation strategies, the area’s soil texture has not, and that to compensate for the type of soil, improvements to the road and driveway infrastructure would be required throughout the conservation area to offset the drainage. Based on past experience, the movement of trailers onto the seasonal campsites during the wettest months of the year causes significant damage to the sites and internal road system.
Next Steps
With the CAO’s approval, seasonal campers at Byng Island Conservation Area will continue to be allowed to store their seasonal trailer on-site for the time being. Seasonal campers at Pinehurst Lake will be advised that on-site trailer storage will be winding down. This will be communicated at the end of June 2020. The seasonal campers will be allowed to continue, if they choose to do so, to have their trailer on-site for 2020, and into 2021. At the conclusion of the 2021 season, all seasonal trailers must be removed from the seasonal camping area. At Pinehurst Lake CA, any new licenses signed with new seasonal campers in 2020 have stated that the occupant will not be permitted to leave their trailer on-site for winter
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storage and this will be referenced in new 2021 licenses as well. If any changes to seasonal site occupancy or equipment occur in 2020, such as; the purchase of a new trailer or the swapping of campsites, the site owner will be required to remove the trailer at the end of the 2020 season. There is no available space for off-season trailer storage at Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area. For seasonal campers who do not have the ability to store their seasonal trailer on their personal property, other GRCA Conservation Areas, such as Guelph Lake, Laurel Creek and Elora Gorge, offer off-site seasonal trailer storage. There are also many private businesses and farms that offer winter storage options.
Financial implications:
Currently, the winter storage fees at Pinehurst Lake bring in a revenue of approximately $20,000.00 annually which will not continue at the end of the 2021 season and may be reduced this year as well.
There is no anticipated financial impact to Byng Island Conservation Area.
Other department considerations:
The Communications department will be consulted to assist with messaging to seasonal campers.
Prepared by: Approved by:
Ben Rosebrugh Superintendent Pam Walther-Mabee Manager of Conservation Area Operations
Karen Armstrong Deputy CAO, Secretary-Treasurer
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Grand River Conservation Authority
Report number: GM-06-20-43
Date: June 26, 2020
To: Members of the Grand River Conservation Authority
Subject: Status of Beach Monitoring Program
Recommendation:
THAT Report Number GM-06-20-43 – Status of Beach Monitoring Program be received as information.
Summary:
Due to staffing reductions associated with COVID-19, E. coli samples will not be collected at beaches operated by the GRCA in 2020.
Report:
The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) operates nine beaches at the following eight Conservation Areas:
Belwood Lake (note: bathing beach is not in the reservoir but in a small quarry in the lower park)
Elora Quarry
Conestogo Lake
Guelph Lake (note: there are two separate beach areas in Guelph Lake)
Rockwood
Shade’s Mills
Laurel Creek
Pinehurst Lake
In 2017, the local Public Health Units (PHUs) undertook a review of their beach sampling programs and decided to stop sampling GRCA beaches. Prior to that, sampling occurred each week to determine if beaches were to be posted with additional warning signs. There was a recognition at the time that the beach sampling did not provide current information to make decisions on and by the time the sample was analyzed and information shared, the conditions at the beach would have changed.
At that time, the GRCA, in collaboration with the PHUs, shifted to a more proactive approach to educate patrons and provide them with additional information to evaluate the potential health risks associated with swimming at GRCA owned and operated beaches.
Two reports were submitted to the GRCA board in May (GM-05-17-59) and June of 2017 (GM-06-17-62) to explain the changes. The June report recommended that the GRCA focus on providing information on beach signs and the website to allow the public to make an informed decision as to the level of risk associated with swimming at a beach. Permanent signs are posted at each beach to indicate conditions that may lead to higher levels of E. coli, such as high winds, large numbers of geese or other waterfowl, cloudy
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water conditions, etc. An example of the signage is provided in Figure 1. The June 2017 report also recommended that the GRCA continue to conduct bi-weekly sampling of the beach areas for the purposes of long-term trending only. Bi-weekly sampling is not adequate to make decisions regarding public health risks due to the rapidly changing nature of E. coli levels. GRCA water quality field staff sampled the beach areas on a bi-weekly basis in July and August of 2017, 2018 and last year. The E. coli results were posted on the GRCA website, along with rainfall data (a possible predictor of high E. coli levels) and information on other conditions that may lead to high E. coli.
Due to staffing reductions associated with COVID-19, E. coli samples will not be collected at beaches operated by the GRCA in 2020. It is recommended that Conservation Area staff continue to carry out daily monitoring and maintenance of the beaches. Daily monitoring involves a visual assessment of the beach for hazards such as broken glass, garbage, blue-green algae or other hazards that would require an immediate response from Conservation Area staff.
The revised GRCA Beach Conditions web page content is appended to the end of this report (see Appendix 1). Changes were made to the last section of the page, Water Quality Monitoring, to indicate that the monitoring program has been suspended and the data chart has been removed. In addition, a picture of the permanent signage posted at GRCA beaches is also appended (see Figure 1). The number of visits to the GRCA Beach Conditions web page is illustrated by Figure 2. There were slightly less than 18,000 visits to this web page in 2019, with a notable increase in traffic during the months of July and August. This indicates the public is aware of this web page and information on the signage at the beaches is effective in helping the public find information.
Financial implications:
The cost for sample analysis and disposal associated with annual beach sampling in 2019 was $3,780 + HST. This represents a potential cost saving for the 2020 budget. Staff time associated with beach sampling amounted to 2.5 person days on a bi-weekly basis (approximately $3,200 for 6 sampling events) and required the use of a GRCA vehicle (approximately 1,440 km in total, which equates to $720 at $0.50 per km).
Other department considerations:
It is recommended that Conservation Area staff continue to do daily inspection and maintenance of the beach areas.