LTVCA watershed – The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on February 25 via Zoom.  The meeting was also livestreamed on the LTVCA’s YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Df1DgNeDOJg.

Trevor Thompson was elected as Chair and Linda McKinlay as Vice-chair for 2021.  Mr. Thompson is a Municipal Councillor for the Municipality of Chatham-Kent and Mrs. McKinlay is a Municipal Councillor for the Municipality of Lakeshore.

The 2021 budget of $3,319,396 received approval at the AGM.  The represents an increase of $15,350 or 0.5% in overall spending in comparison to the 2020 approved budget of $3,304,046. The corresponding increase in the municipal levy is $14,625 or 0.88%. The 10 member municipalities of the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority include Chatham-Kent, Dutton Dunwich, Lakeshore, Leamington, London, Middlesex Centre, Southwest Middlesex, Southwold, Strathroy-Caradoc and West Elgin.  Chatham-Kent appoints three representatives to the LTVCA Board while the remaining nine municipalities appoint one representative each for up to a four year term.

The 2020 LTVCA Conservation Awards took place first.  “LTVCA Awards for Volunteer Heroes” were presented to Pat Lavin, Murray Hebblethwaite and the London Canoe Club, and an individual “Environmental Award” was presented to Mike Smith.  The LTVCA applauded the work of the award recipients and looked forward to working with them in 2021.

The 2020 Annual Report presentation emphasized how the LTVCA was able to continue vital programs & services for the people of our watershed during these difficult times across the watershed.  The Conservation Authority safely provided services following its Pandemic Management Plan, COVID-19 Safety Plan and COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedures for all the work done.  While providing almost all services to the public, staff limited their high risk activities and worked from home as much as possible, adapting to the new environment.

During 2020, 111 flood bulletins were issued, 22 media releases published and 16 provincial water quality monitoring sites were operated.  Additional highlights of the year included the LTVCA undertaking 3,065 regulatory and municipal plan review services, the provision of $1.186 M of stewardship grant assistance to 287 landowners, the planting of 98,000 trees, and the natural restoration of 113 hectares.  Recorded attendance of 30,000 people enjoying camping and day use at conservation authority campgrounds and conservation areas was noted.  And seven public events were held in LTVCA conservation areas in 2020.  Also recognized were the more than 73 volunteers who gave over 672 hours of their time and the nearly 39 funding partners of the Conservation Authority that provided an additional $1.56 M for watershed conservation.

Chair Trevor Thompson remarked – “First and foremost I want to thank Former Chair Linda McKinlay and the LTVCA Board of Directors for their vote of confidence.  It’s a challenging time for Conservation Authorities but with our staff and our Board, I know we will be able to thrive over the next year and for years to come.  It’s been an honour to serve on the Board over the last 6+ years and to move into the role of Chair is beyond words. The LTVCA holds an important role in the lives of all the residents in the watershed, and I commit to working hard to deserve the privilege placed upon me.”

Vice-Chair Linda McKinlay noted – “What a productive year 2020 was for the LTVCA, partnering with all our volunteers and sponsors.  We successfully and safely completed most of our initiatives and programs in spite of the pandemic, and the many changes we had to make because of it.  We are so grateful to all our residents who stepped forward and helped us achieve our goals. On a personal note, I would like to extend my hardy congratulations to Chair Trevor Thompson.  Please know Trevor, I am supportive of you in all your endeavours. The LTVCA was privileged to provide much needed services across the lower Thames watershed during these challenging times.”

Mark Peacock CAO / Secretary/Treasurer of the LTVCA stated that “Through the COVID 19 pandemic challenges, the people of our watershed have continued their dedication to environmental work. The many successes that the LTVCA had in 2020 are because of this community commitment”.

For further information, please contact:

Mark Peacock, CAO / Secretary-Treasurer

Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority

Tel:  519-354-7310 (Administration Office)

[email protected]       www.ltvca.ca

 

-30-