ERCA Identifies Top Priorities for 2008
Drinking Water Source Protection, water quality improvement projects, landowner stewardship opportunities, the protection of significant natural areas, and trail development are just a few of the top strategic priorities approved by the Essex Region Conservation Authority for 2008.
"In creating our business plan for each year, we are guided by our Strategic Plan: Accelerating the Pace Towards a Sustainable Community," explained Ken Schmidt, ERCA General Manager. "This plan identifies a goal of achieving 12% natural areas coverage, the minimum standard for sustainability, by 2020."
Targets for 2008 include restoring 200 acres of habitat, planting more than 230,000 native trees, completing a comprehensive watershed plan for Big Creek, initiating more trail development along the Amherstburg - Essex Greenway, and providing opportunities for the community to participate in stream cleanups, tree plantings, seed collections and education events. As well, ERCA will continue to work with the Leamington community and senior levels of government to find funding to implement important flood and erosion control works in the floodprone area of Southeast Leamington.
The 2008 budget is $12.3 million, a decrease of 9% from 2007. "While locally, there is a more significant need for local environmental improvements than anywhere else in the Province of Ontario, we have attempted to respond to the current economic conditions, and adjust projects and programs in a way that least impacts progress in this regard," Schmidt explained of the decrease.
The total municipal levy requested is about $2.3 million dollars, representing a decrease of 0.4%. This means that for a home valued at $200,000, approximately $12.63 goes toward environmental improvements. This represents a decrease of 0.34 cents per household from last year. Eleven million dollars is raised from other sources.
"Our priorities and programs set for next year build on a strong track record of success, strong partnerships, and a commitment to improving the environmental, human and economic health of this region," concluded Renaud. "Green spaces and a healthy environment have been identified as the key features that will attract creative investment in our region, and these are important factors that must be considered, especially during these difficult economic times. The work done by our Conservation Authority is integral in this regard."
