ERCA Identifies Environmental Programs for 2006
On Thursday, September 08, 2005, the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) presented its draft 2006 Business Plan and related Budget Estimates outlining some of the environmental program highlights planned for the upcoming year. "The 2006 Business Plan and related budget estimates have been prepared using our Strategic Plan as a guide," said Tom Wilson, ERCA Chair. "There are many environmental improvements that need to be made locally in order to achieve a sustainable future for the Essex Region.
Top priorities for 2006 continue to be protecting and improving water, protecting and enhancing biodiversity, protecting people and property from the dangers of flooding and erosion, conservation education and communication, and nature based recreational opportunities. Source Water Protection Plans, a second Surface Water Quality Report card, and more than 100 water quality improvement projects top the list of ERCA's 2006 projects. ERCA also plans to plant and distribute more than 190,000 trees through its forestry program, protect significant natural lands in the Spring Garden Complex and other priority locations, and will restore more than 150 acres of land to natural habitat. A sustainable management plan for Leamington, and shoreline and flood control protection projects in the City of Windsor will continue, and more than 10,000 students will participate in Conservation Education and Heritage Field studies. As well, regional trail development and conservation areas maintenance will continue. More than 80,000 visitors explore ERCA's conservation areas annually.
The 2006 budget is estimated at $9 million. This represents a per household tax contribution of $13.32, based on a home valued at $200,000. Comparable information collected from the other 31 Conservation Authorities in Southern Ontario indicates that this is still well below the average tax rate contribution to other Conservation Authorities. In fact, in 2004, ERCA was ranked 20th out of 31 for levy contributions. In 2005, the contribution dropped even lower, ranking ERCA with the 6th lowest levy contribution in Southern Ontario.
"Recognizing the financial challenges faced by our municipal partners, we have prepared our 2006 plan in the most fiscally responsible manner possible. However, we have greater environmental stresses and challenges that perhaps any other region in Ontario. It is critical to ensure that the significant environmental priorities of this region are addressed," Wilson continued. "Environmental health, economic health, and the human health of our residents are unquestionably linked, and we must make a concerted effort to protect and restore our natural environment."
