Headline News
Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority proposes budget
October 9, 2025 · 0 Comments
By Brian Lockhart
The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) has released its 2026 Draft Business Plan and Budget with an aim of having strong financial management of public funds, transparent oversight, and stewardship of the natural environment.
As part of the budget development process, NVCA staff had a rigorous review of NVCA’s programs and services. The conservation authority says the review helped ensure the organization is leaner and more efficient while remaining responsive to the environmental, economic, and social sustainability of the Nottawasaga Watershed.
The 2026 budget protects wages for staff, invests in responsible asset management, and prioritizes NVCA’s vital role in managing floods and supporting the resilience of the watershed.
“The Nottawasaga Watershed is facing growing pressures from urban expansion and climate change,” said Jennifer Vincent, CAO of NVCA. “To support the needs of our municipalities and direction from the Province, NVCA balances development with protecting communities from the impacts of flooding and erosion. Our work in restoring local ecosystems to ensure long-term resilience across the watershed, and by connecting people with nature, we are supporting physical and mental health.”
The NVCA’s draft budget totals $7.8 million, reflecting a modest increase of $180,372.37. This includes a $101,307.36 increase in municipal levy share proportionality across 18 member municipalities.
“From the outset, the board has been clear that this balanced budget must be responsive to the needs of our member municipalities,” said Jonathan Scott, NVCA Chair. “We have delivered on that direction with a careful review, reducing or holding flat 21 of 27 expense line items, and by re-categorizing programs and services, which reduced discretionary Category 3 charges by 31 per cent. As a result, our overall operating levy increase is less than 3 per cent as committed, with no elimination of services.”
Approximately 53 per cent of NVCA’s total funding is supported through municipal levy, while the remaining revenue sources include grants, private contributions, and self-generated funds.
Readers Comments (0)
