Meeting will discuss the odd weather we've had this winter and it's implications

LONDON - The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) is hosting a meeting on Thursday, 23 February to talk about the weather. This is not a subject that is taken lightly by the conservation authority. In fact, senior municipal staff from across the upper Thames watershed will be discussing the implications of extreme weather events and emergency plans for cities, towns, and rural areas along the Thames River.

A guest speaker from the conservation authority in Peterborough will share lessons learned from the flood of July 2004. A Weather Preparedness Meteorologist from Environment Canada will review weather tools for emergency managers.

The UTRCA will present a model that simulates a breach of the London dyke system. These dykes help protect several areas in London, including hundreds of buildings near the Forks of the Thames and Labatt Park. UTRCA staff will also review the effects of the 9 July 2000 Thames River flood and the UTRCA's flood warning and response programme.

The Flood Control Information Session will take place on Thursday, 23 February, 10am-12 noon, at the Forest City National Golf Club with lunch to follow.

 

SCRCA holds annual meeting

STRATHROY- The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority held their 2006 annual meeting in Strathroy on Thursday. Norm Giffen from Strathroy-Caradoc was re-elected Chair and Arthur Parkes, a councillor for the Town of Petrolia was re-elected Vice-Chair.
In his opening remarks, Chair Norm Giffen reflected on the success of the Conservation Authority. "I believe our Conservation Authority and Conservation Authorities across the province have demonstrated their ability to get the job done in a professional and cost-effective manner. This trust is manifested in the way those around us look toward Conservation Authorities to be an active partner in tackling the conservation issues of our day." (Text of Opening Remarks attached)
The Board voted unanimously to accept the 2005 budget of $5,712,725 with a total general levy from municipalities of $426,900. "This represented a 5% increase in the base levy," Giffen said.
Four Conservation Awards were presented at the meeting. Terra International (Canada) Inc., St. Clair Township, Janice Metcalfe-Smith, Aquatic Research Biologist with the National Water Research Institute and Chris Stanley from Dresden were the recipients.