HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1989-05-17, Page 204
t
2.2OA'--114E':HURON=EXPOSI OR, IV; . Y 1 , 191
rTtoN tee:
Ausabl'e
aye i
,r Ir 1 1 Ir
1• + ' t� O
-R R. S, BOX _2410, EXETER, NOM '1Sn
Wfth
R/uANDATE
-'Phe Aurae n t , , Conservation Authority is an Ince lendenr.
cc' pant 7. n, one of thirty-eight across the Province
nano, tormea under the provisions of the Conservatior
noritles Act (R.S.O. 1980). Its goal Is to: develop and imple-
ment programs which will promote and enhance the conserva-
tion. restoration, development and management of natural
resources other than gas, oil, coal and minerals(such,aswater,
soil, forests, fish and wildlife) within the jurisdiction of the
Ausable•Baytleld Conservation Authority In order to meet the
present. and future needs of the people who live in or visit the
Watersheds.
PROGRAMAREAS
1, FLOODING
2. SOIL EROSION
3. WATER SUPPLY
4. WATER QUALITY
5. RECREATION
r`, )RES- R1
. ENVIRONMENTALLY SIGNIFICANT AREAS
8. FISH AND WILDLIFE
9. CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL RESOURCES
1989 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chairman: Don Llthgow Arkona, VII. of
Bosanquet, Twp. of
Thedford, Vil. of
Vice -Chairman: Fred Lewis Lobo; Twp. of
London, Twp. of
Carolyn Bradford Blanshard, Twp. of
Exeter, Town of; Usbome, Twp.•of
Bernard Benn Provincial Representative
Pat Down Provincial Representative
Richard Erb Bayfield, Vil. of; Stanley, Twp. of
Joe Gibson Hullett, Twp. of; McKillop, Twp. of
Seaforth, Town of
Wilson Hodgins Biddulph, Twp. of; Lucan, Vil. of
Hugh MacDonald Allsa Craig, Vil. of
McGillivray, Twp. of; Parkhill, Town of
Charlotte Postma Adelaide, Twp. of; Warwick, Twp. of
Tom Schoonderwoerd Hibbert, Twp. of
Logan, Twp. of
Grant Stirling Clinton, Town of; Goderich, Twp. of
Herb Turkheim Hay, Twp. of; Zurich, Vil. of
John Timmermans East Williams, Twp. of
West Williams, Twp. of
Rowena Wallace Hensel!, VII. of; Tuckersmith, Twp. of
Alan Walper Grand Bend, Vii. of; Stephen, Twp. of
REDUCED NUMBER OF DIRECTORS
Atith
PHONE -233.261D
ity
'MEAISER•OF THE
'ASSOCIATION bF,CON$EnVAt10N
AUTHORITIES OF ONTARIO
, GENERAL INFORMATION
Established July 14, 1946
Enlarged (Bayfield Watershed) ... January 1, 1972
Enlarged (Lake Huron shoreline and
additional part, Goderich Twp.) July 3, 1974
Participating Municipalities 32
Population 42,320
Equalized Assessment in Watersheds
(used in calculation of levy) .,.. $863,653,497.00
Watershed Area 1,000 square miles
Number of Directors 35
THE SEA'FO'RT•H 'FLOOD REDUCTION PROJECT
The A.B.C.A, will proceed In 1989 with the Seaforth Flood Reduction Project at the CNR
culvert on Silver Creek.
A 1981 study was completed on behalf of the A.B.C.A. and the Town of Seaforth to delineate
flood prone areas adjacent to Silver Creek In the Town of Seaforth. The study determined
that a significant area of the developed parts of Seaforth was within the floodplain zone
and recommended that improvements be carried out to alleviate potential flood risk. The
recommended improvements included the replacement of the.CNR railway bridge with a
larger structure and the upgrading of about 1,100 metres of channel downstream of the bridge.
Since 1981, no remedial measures have been completed along Silver Creek, and yet 30
new structures have been constructed within the watershed, with varying degrees of restric-
tions applied by the A.B.C.A. because of their location within the floodplain.
In 1987, an update of the 1981 study was completed to investigate the feasibility of channel
and structural improvements to reduce the flood potential within the floodplain areas of
Seaforth. The study clearly identified the CNR structure upgrading as the preferred alter-
native from a benefit -cost perspective. In tact, the enlargement of the CNR bridge•wes the
only option with a benefit/cost ratio greater than 1.0. The study also recommended that a
Class Environmental Assessment be completed for the project, with emphasis on a review
of alternatives to replace the CNR structure. The objective of the Class Environmental Assess-
ment would be to incorporate an established planning and design process into the final selec-
tion of a preferred alternative to the Undertaking.
The Class Environmental Assessment, directed by the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authori-
ty in co-operation with the Town of Seaforth included public involvement, external agency
review, a review of the natural and social environmental impacts and other factors affecting
'the selection of the preferred design.
The four alternatives which were reviewed as part of the study were as follows:
In January 1989, the A.B.C.A. Board of Directors was reduced from 35 to 16. Under
the new system of representation, groups of two orthree Municipalities jointly ap-
point a Director to the A.B.C.A. Fourteen Directors have been appointed by the
Municipalities and 2 Directors have been appointed by the Province of Ontario.
Under the previous system, each of the 32 Municipalities which participate in the
A.B.C.A. appointed one Director. Three Directors represented the Province.
A small Board of Directors will) mean a more efficient Conservation Authority. All
Directors will be better informed and more involved in guidingthe A.B.C.A. because
the Full Authority Board will meet monthly and deal with all Authority business.
GET SOME FRESH LMR INTO YOUR LUNGS
- VISIT A CONSERVATION AREA
The ABCA owns several, properties•which provide a.wide variety of recreational
opportumhas forallagesin:atlseasons7Qhoose trgm'conaatvatlon areas, wildlife
management areas and Auuthorityfbrests.•Watk; run, swim or canoe through acres
of natural beauty. Rest, relax and soak up the peace and tranquility of nature.
Any of our areas make a great day -trip or vacation destination,
Our largest conservation area is Parkhill Conservation Ares. With 799 hectares
of mature forests, open fields and flowing water, anyone who loves the outdoors
can find tots to do.
The 117 campsites are suitable for tents, trailers and motor homes. Eighty-six
sites are serviced with hydro and water. Two group camping areas (one in an open
field and one in an evergreen forest) are•ideal for service clubs and school groups.
The -86 hectare take has a variety of fish and is ideal for canoeing. The beach
is sandy and there is a shallow buoy -marked swimming area.
On the more natural side, about 200 hectares of the Conservation Area is woodland.
Throughout this; many nature trails take you'into the heart of nature. in the spring,
scented wildflowers dot the forest floor. Birds of varieties by the dozen, serenade
visitors in the summer. Maples and beeches create a colourful canopy in the fall.
Groomed cross-country and snowmobile trails and an exciting toboggan hill pro-
vide winter enthusiasts with a full day of activities. End any outing on a restful
note at the log cabin by the waterfowl pond.
'Rock.Glen Conservation Area is a 27 .hectare area of scenic, natural, historic
and geologic significance. It's an ideal setting for picnics, nature appreciation and
fossil hunting.
The fossils;and geology of Rock Glen attract visitors from all over North America.
Rock Glen is known as one of the.best Devonian Era fossil: sites. Theerosive,powers
of water have exposed many fossils and have seeded Rhe Rock Glen Gorge and
formed an eleven metre • waterfall.
The Arkona Lions Museum and Information Centre .contains fossils and Indian
artifacts and information on the natural and cultural history of the area.
The' network of well maintained nature trails help you seeallthe interesting.features
of Rock Glen. Openings in the vegetation provide • scenic views of the falls and
Ausable River Gorge. The wheelchair accessible trails are a new exciting project
at Rock Glen. These trails access many scenic and Interesting features of the Area.
%Bannockburn .Wildlife Area is for the birds, and must other types, of wildlife.
Located in Stanley Township, the area is a favourite of many naturalists. The
Authority has planted manyshrubs:and put up bird.boxes to improve wildlife habitat.
The 27 hectare properly has a wet meadow, a white cedar community, a hard -
.wood forest, an old field, end mixed scrub community and a marsh. Bannockburn
-River and: Walden Greek flow through the property, providing suitable habitat for
fish and other aquatic) life.
On the Sunday atter Thanksgiving, you canenjoy the.fallaoloura anddearn more
,.about Bannockburn at the Bannockburn Fall -Hike sponsored by the Authority.
Otherareas.worth vlskingerethe:.Clinton, Port Blake, Port Franks, Crediton, Lucan,
,Morrison Dam, Zudchsnd Thedford. South Conservation Areas..Get some fresh
2:.air in your lungs. Visit a conservation, area soon.
FILL, CONSTRUCTION AND ALTERATION TO
WATERWAYS 'REGULATION
TONTARIOI,REOULATION 544/84)
:Ffoodingsnd•erosionare h gh priority•concerns of the Ausable' Bayfield Conser-
vatiorrAuthority. The AIB. .A, has1he:.responsiblllty of,being'the lead-commen-
•.tingAgency inmattererelating•o-themanagement ot.floodplaina:and, more recent-
Ay,.,lakeshore areas.
The Fill, Conskuctionsnd Alteration to.Waterways•Regulation is alegal•mechanism
-by.which certain typeaof,activitiesarecontrolled:onlanda-adjacent-to,waterways,
linger -the Conservation Authorities Act.R.S:O. 1980,;Ch:r85, the Conservation
.Authority is_empowered•to-make.such.regulatlons.so that•the:activities of filling,
.constructing•and,.altering•in a river or .waterway system .do not increase the
1. Replace the existing CNR bridge with a twin cell, reinforced -concrete culvert.
2. Add a single cell, reinforced -concrete culvert adjacent to the existing CNR structure
and modify the bridge.
3. Replace the existing CNR bridge with a triple cell, corrugated steel culverts,
4. "Do Nothing" alternative.
As a result of the review of alternatives and their relative Impacts on the natural and social
environment, public comments, etc., It was concluded that "Alternative 2): Single Cell Culvert
Constructed Adjacent to Existing Bridge" was the preferred alternative. This option was
confirmed by the A.B.C.A. and the Town of Seaforth as the preferred solution, although
the "Do Nothing" option was afforded serious consideration'due to the uncertainty of the
future status of the CNR railway through Seaforth. It was suggested that the benefit/cost
ratio would reflect a negative benefit in the event that the CN Rail line was abandoned within'
a 5 to 10 year period, thereby indicating that the "Do Nothing" alternative may be preferable.
However, In the final analysis, it was felt that the future of the freight service on the CN%
Rail line could not be accurately predicted, and that the mandate of the Conservation Authority
and the Municipality to reduce flood risk was of significant importance to warrant structural
upgrading of the CNfi bridge.
In addition to the proposed structural upgrading of the CNR structure, it was suggested
at the public meeting that the downstream channel be cleared of vegetative overgrowth.
This proposal is acceptable to the Authority, and is recommended that such work be in-
cluded as part of the overall structural improvements,
The Town of Seaforth has accepted special benefitting status with the Town paying for 131/2%
of the project, the Province of Ontario contributing a 55% regular grant and one 30% sup-
plementary grant and the A:B,C.A. General Levy contributing 11/2% of the cost,
KEY TO '
CONSERVATION AREAS'& FACILITIES
G
5 e
l a
s
a
E
tr
iz
1
.
a
a3
1
- `
1
1 1
] ] a
S 6
7
N
g
ID
11
17
Acre...
1 x.
72 1001. 311'7'.
nn
4-
251,
44
n.
IIS,
,,.,,• he.
•
+•. 4
IV_ 10 ,
0 ,2,n9
••
M0 4,4
.• v
A•
+•
-•
-•
-•
4
. ,
A.
Wnnk,n'q
.• '•
'•
'•
4•
1 `-..• i
R`
Lake Huron i. • `--'i:::..,/
Tmly„
r
P (• P
t i
I' P
r
r
r
r
r
l' - '
Berecca.,
A
fa• '• 4
F•kr
li
-
IP
,_ ,._ 1'
*2:11..._..._,„...„...,.,
lremn Dumping
Sump.
a•
I
'. 'La.*
W,nno ITIolOn '.
1.6•
ice.
-
-- 1 1.'
,tet
LitIAI (tor.
0,40,,,,
,•
41 Al 4
4 •
.4 4
• I •
Newry Imo
.•
••
•
I. 1 • i ••
_ - '
Ininrmnnn,1,Pnot
^0
1
'
CrotoC.unn
,•
,•
1.,/'"».
n wmohu„
'"17:11'.''''
10
i ia•'r�
'tobogganing
40
e•
,•
I
1
we„r C„,Fol
110
+•
risk of loss of 1 fe and property damage.
Landowners..land.purchasers,-developers,. contractors,lawyers,real
estateagents and municipal councils and staffs should be familiar
with this Regulation.
.Arses•:and.,Activitles'That.Are -Regulated
Floodplains, steep slopes, wetlands and watercourses are all
regulated.
Within these regulated areas, a permit is required from the•A:B:C.A,
before anyone shall do the following or permit the following activities
to begin placing or dumping of fill; construction of a buildingonstruc-
ture; or altering in anyway the existing channel of a.watereourse.
To Obtain a.Permlt
If you wish to determine whether your property or a proposed:activi-
ty is restricted in any way by the Regulation, contact the.AJB.C.A.
Staff will review your property and ,proposal. If the.proposed.work
is affected_by the Regulation, an,application for a permlt,and•Ihe
.written permission from the .A.B:C.A. ,will be required 1rom'the
A,8.C.A.,prior to ,the initiation of .any work.
The fee tor a property inquiry by an individual .who does not;own
the property.is.$20.00. Thefee torthe processing ofthe,applicetion
for permission Is $200.00.
-Penalties-for Violation .of,the.Regulation
The Regulationexists fondle protection of.you and others..Proceeding
with filling, construction or. alteration to a.waterway in,a.re,gulided
area,without prior permission of the.A,B.C.A. may result -in prosecu-
tion under•the Conservatlon•Authorities Act of Ontario: Per9o0sfonf-
vioted:.ot a,violation1may jacepenalties of fines, imprisonrnfentand/or
a court order.
The co-operation of.everyone is required to ensureltbat
properwatec and land usernanagementis pcacticed,db.4s
enabling the .protection of human lite, property and'the
natural river, systems within our,wateraheds.
1988 TINANCIAL REPORT
"The A:B.C.A..operated,with abaiance.bugget-ln 1988-,otlpenses,were controlled -to meet 1908 fundingleyels;(andeyviddrawing on,r8caPfes).
zprtnrirtciatTr'artaferMaym n e-fli gtgh;the,Ministribolt.Netural2Re4Aurclie
sPmvincial grants, a0courlted.forr•63%-of4the funding -in (1988.'Theigrants agdathe ratos;:are:specific -to-the budget compsnent.and.do-Jlpt
,talways,cover-total.t4Pendituras of. specific .categorfes:<Rates•:did not •change,and were, as -follows:
i4dministration Water•Related .Recreation .Related tronservatiori.Area Maintenance
• sO%:plus supplementaiy -55% plus supplementary -500/o not. eligible for -not eligible for.a;grant
40% 3043 supptemdntary grant
11011110400„.14610Y
"' tuidgE :C:Aow.ae. felted4o,itien igie thetioneralrjevjesrtoAts-inunicipailtiesyby 1243/0.'This-Increase,was,needed;fo hejp•deaLwlth •risit)g
iets::of,;operation,•ttanoterryymonts•,hayeloot I pia We>,•with•the-irlftigiorvof•;costar(afg..jnsucanoe;premjums).in.reaent,years.
empitiacsougas 1,988 EXPENSEGOMPONENTS 4998 tr§pAC1aI Pro_ggrHrgs
TOJAIJRjNonvomo09Af3. ,,royptnpxeeuysEaar,AoaaTa. 'eundiig'through apecjai;prrgrams-lnc)uae:
,OntarloMinlstryoftheGrivironment
s•I>s a4 EFI.1
-lar
gt3$yrbpsin'$Iy
ao,, a0ilUdOrAAm /%cam Ehr6n0o4a• ;;Eneioymentend,injmjgrdtiOn
-Pa9da.Wder+S,4,14 varenesP Ngar
n
unt4213i409)
tand•MF AEeeun.wAo80,0,„,, "" IjenAp 1o48, eomp1emim
r... moo* )NsMrse. rl+lin1, tPhc4 !)d " 1!1
0 g '. d hniralAgd fejd„$ta
Ijn,0,50, 901 `
=lTl
,nPtllniyfnL.. N+•
4. P
t
CROSS SECTION OF LANDS GOVERNED
BY ONTARIO REGULATION 544/84.
3
is
LANDS REGULATED
- A REFINED DY -
SCHEDULES
NDD AROULATED A, OEFINED. OY $CNE5ULE7
FLOODPLAIN LANDS
FLOOD _ _ FLOOOWAY- gut
F81NOE
• taw;
/41
T116 01.00DPLAIN WOULD 06 043FINE0 BY 0116 R0GULATORY FLOOD 0116 600I0NAL 434.00008YT'! 1QY-R18 pPL00EIH.
FLOOOWAY IS NNE CENTRAL 43087108 OF TH6 PLOODPLAIN 080043560 PON 480. PASSAGE OP PASTOR Arot F00W6,
FLOOD 4301440610 1116 ARBA IN11888 PILLING AND DOVELO43.MONT,084,60 PENMITYED 47.EP60MAAFI00 A0g A 43X11 .
tYY7DP 6Vf"1
110MM. WM.li ►ivu
:'AN UPDAT.S'QN ".ABEVIEW OF ONTARIO'S CONSERVATION AUTHORITIES'
,In 19,011, the Minister of Natural Resources, The Honourable Vincent,h(errio released ,a report called
')AAeviow of Ontario's'Gonaervatlon Authorities", oommoniy called ,the "Kerrie sport".
the4@pprt,resujfed•from,arequesttor,areviewfromtheAssociation•offonservptionAuthoritiesofQn-
tariof,F)uthorMeh themaolves,eawwa4te9d,to ciarifytheir role, mandate•and;Pr04rants.in0onservin$ On-
,tarfoOs natural resqurces,ia nee d,to,realignprovinolalland focal funding:anda toed to metre,apProvals'
,fhhlO)jghrthe.Province.morelotrycient. -
=Fcitr major•laoues:are.evidentdn theASerrio .1IReport:.arnalgamat1on of conservation.-,authorltiee; rely
.n,in the number of,membersLINggrlamltea3ponstbilitles-o .:fire;authorities;,and, fyniding,and,grant rate
Afterfthe,ra.Porkwasrrelaltaodan,Jurte;of l9 8,1hepubl(o•hadlan,opporfunitytocomment,untilDacemaer
L31,-1908. 'The.,Minjstry,ef-Nafurai Resourceesece)vod•pver'g•0-taSPDd3os.
•T04 viewitic18sp0gst)sna. Aur, ,sr passmmittee was,f-prmsd,heade by,Mr: pIWGalliper,hie M.N.R.
^Pargemeniary,Aaalq pt. -T erMapsitalon:,offGonaertrgllonoigthorities,of-Oatago,,hllitistry of .Natural
l� urcesandztFte ph pj Ipn pf.fttn q�palitiesofONarjo gjich,ltave one ra�+feaetttative on theoom
0 TheSOMMittge• , as. tintihtbeprtd o ,.june,to.review+the leap osesland ponaph,with other min strias
1be S ePreporghg,tolthe lail.,Pessljto�n+ptttrthe J4gislative,�yasem IjyP1'Ontafjo.
¢t E1D "I s INFF ".. fpm F. sHr ommogooiroErewwwoI1�Immiumu
vll ould.likes}q;xgppiv-e, lore,intOrillaitj aRqri1he:PSpgramss d,Fervipaaof,the,A.Q,A.,please
Ifaturnfthjssouppn or.sallot.at .0i 10,
1lPRdC.pgfrplPFillrfpOAtrycl(ontaltd Iter,often,toMi terYMYa eglitatiOMAN, 1>>'PPMejity; 'C,pn-
cgtoRp 100), 9.01111( .. lbraitifa�arldftheyT:reet?ienfingGervictirOonfteivetion,Areas;C.onAer-
14thiP81190' her
•itgame
fif>Wo w
Ther* o„ r1
*rrp;1
•
o prti 1fsP lbeIROPY AorPr000l lreNNekelumANIeto,ibe 1, P,JA•r0Ax2410,