ERCA Budget 2020 highlights cost-effectiveness

The Essex Region Conservation Authority passed their 2020 budget and environmental programs for the year.

The budget is set at $10.5 million, an increase of 36 per cent compared to last year. Accompanying the increase in budget is an increase to the levy by $148,000, costing 50 cents more per person, though the household cost has decreased by 12 cents.

The increase in cost is to offset provincial funding cuts of $98,000 to flood forecasting in the region.

“With changes to government priorities and associated funding cuts, this budget is only enough to maintain the status quo,” ERCA General Manager Richard Wyma explained. “This budget reflects and respects the fiscal realities of our municipal partners.”

Wyma also said there is a need to improve watershed health, to fight against phosphorous and algae in the Great Lakes, to restore habitats and adapt to climate change.

“The expertise that ERCA provides is a cost effective way to manage regional environmental priorities, improve our environmental sustainability and resilience to the impacts of our changing climate,” said chair of ERCA, Kieran McKenzie.

There are many environmental programs planned for the year, including:

• Coordinating a regional Hazard Mapping/Risk Assessment scoping program.
• Working with partners to develop short- and long-term plans to address the existing and expected impacts to our region as a result of current and future water levels, flood and erosion hazards, and climate change.
• Completing road and facilities improvements, creating a new wetland and single track cycling trail Holiday Beach , in partnership with the Amherstburg Community Foundation.
• Construct a new Heritage Centre and shoreline protection at the John R. Park Homestead.
• Scale up the pilot Indigenous Education Program to all school boards in partnership with local First Nations.
• Expand water quality monitoring program and initiate a new partnership with Agriculture Canada as part of Canada’s Living Lab program.
• Develop and implement over 50 nutrient and soil health projects with the farming community.
• Host a workshop series for stakeholders on a variety of climate adaptation and mitigation projects.
• Initiate county-wide Municipal Energy Plan.