ERCA Confirms 2006 Environmental Programs
On Thursday, December 08, 2005, the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) approved budget estimates for the environmental projects and programs identified in 2006. "Our action plan and budget estimates for the coming year have been prepared using our Strategic Plan as a guide," explained 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. With the Province of Ontario's recent introduction of the Clean Water Act, Source Water Protection Plans continue to be at the forefront of ERCA's attention. As well, 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.
ERCA has been successful in obtaining funding for a number important shoreline protection projects in the City of Windsor. In fact, the Ministry of Natural Resources made available $5 million for the provincial Water and Erosion Control Infrastructure Program. Of the total funding available for the entire province, ERCA was successful in obtaining $1.68 million, or more than 33%, for local projects, most of which are located in the City of Windsor.
As well, it is expected that the sustainable management plan for southeast Leamington will be completed in 2006, and more than 10,000 students will participate in Conservation Education and Heritage Field studies. Regional trail development and conservation areas enhancements will continue. More than 80,000 visitors explore ERCA's conservation areas annually, especially as the population realizes the importance of healthy and active lifestyles.
Since the draft budget estimates were presented in September, ERCA has increased the number of projects it will be able to accomplish through the attraction of new funds from senior levels of government. The 2006 budget estimates for environmental protection and restoration totals $11,632,461, with a municipal levy contribution of $2,282,914. 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 based on tax associated with municipal levy contributions. In 2005, the contribution dropped even lower, ranking ERCA with the 6th lowest tax rate based on municipal levy contribution in Southern Ontario.
"The environmental projects and programs identified for 2006 are critically important in striving to protect and restore our natural environment," Wilson continued. "Environmental health, economic health, and the human health of our residents are unquestionably linked. As elected officials, we have a responsibility to move forward in achieving a healthy and sustainable future for this region."
