Message Number: 2024-01 Issued on: July 10, 2024 (9:00am) Issued by: John Bittorf, Water Resources Coordinator To: Watershed Municipalities and Watershed Media
Message:
The remnants of Hurricane Beryl, now a large low-pressure system, is forecast to track across Grey Sauble Conservation Authority (GSCA) watersheds starting this morning (Wednesday, July 10, 2024) and ending early Thursday morning. Forecasts are for rainfall totals up to 40-50 millimetres (mm) across much of the watersheds with some areas receiving up to 80mm.
Current watershed conditions are normal for this time of year. It is expected that larger streams and river flows will respond to the rainfall, but they are not anticipated to reach flood potential. However, depending on the duration and intensity of the rainfall, localized or urban flooding could occur as small drainage systems become overwhelmed. Residents and municipalities are encouraged to check local drainage features to ensure they are in good condition and functional.
Grey Sauble staff will continue to monitor the weather and the flows and provide additional updates as needed. Watershed residents can access stream flow and rain gauge data through our Watershed Conditions page on our website: www.greysauble.on.ca/water-management/current-watershed-conditions/
This Statement expires July 12, 2024, at 12pm unless replaced by further updates.
The Grey Sauble Conservation Foundation (GSCF) is honoured to announce a meaningful bequest from the estate of the late Elwood Moore, a man whose vision and commitment have left a lasting mark on our community.
Elwood Moore was a founding member of the North Grey Region Conservation Authority in 1957. The Sauble Valley Authority was founded a short time later in 1958 and in 1985 the two organizations merged to create the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority. Mr. Moore served on the Board of Directors for 44 consecutive years, representing Derby Township.
When his term concluded with the municipal amalgamation of Derby, Sarawak, and Keppel Townships into the Township of Georgian Bluffs, Elwood had established an exceptional record of service. As such, he was recognized in the Legislature at Queen’s Park which included a private audience with the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Hilary Weston. This record of service to a conservation authority remains unparalleled, a testament to his dedication to conservation and community service.
Elwood’s unwavering support for Grey Sauble Conservation Authority extended well beyond his 100th birthday. His commitment was evident and if he was able, even at 101 years of age, he would have gladly attended the Annual General Meeting, one more time.
This spring, Elwood’s son, Brian Moore, presented a cheque from his father’s estate to the GSCF. This bequest will support the Foundation’s Environmental Awareness and Education Fund, reflecting Elwood’s passion for educating individuals of all ages about the importance of conserving the environmental features that enrich the communities of Grey and Bruce Counties.
The GSCF is profoundly grateful for this donation, which honours Elwood Moore’s legacy and his lifelong dedication to environmental conservation. In the spirit of his remarkable contributions, the GSCF invites those who are also passionate about nature and conservation to consider including a bequest in their own estate planning. By doing so, you can support valuable environmental education and conservation efforts for future generations. Every contribution, regardless of size, positively impacts our local environment and beyond.
Front row (left to right): Brian Moore, Don Sankey (Chair, Grey Sauble Conservation Foundation).
Back row (left to right): Dick Hibma (Director, Grey Sauble Conservation Foundation), Tim Lanthier (CAO, Grey Sauble Conservation Authority).
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Background:
The Grey Sauble Conservation Foundation was established in 1993 and is a federally registered, charitable, not-for-profit organization that raises money to assist the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority (GSCA) fund programs and projects. The Foundation offers opportunities for the public to actively participate in conserving and enhancing the natural heritage that exists within the GSCA watershed.
A Chesley Lake landowner pled guilty in Provincial Offences Court in Owen Sound on Thursday, April 25, 2024, for the unlawful placement of material and site grading without permission from Grey Sauble Conservation Authority (GSCA) as required under the Conservation Authorities Act and Ontario Regulation 151/06. The court imposed a fine of $1500 along with an order for restoration.
Concerns were reported in 2020, which led to an investigation by Grey Sauble Conservation Authority Environmental Planning Department staff and ultimately a charge being laid against the property owner.
Incidents leading to charges are infrequent as enforcement staff work to resolve compliance issues before resorting to legal measures. However, this specific case underscores the importance of complying with the Conservation Authorities Act and the requirement to obtain permission for development activities within a regulated area.
New changes to the Conservation Authorities Act that took effect April 1, 2024, now allow for much stiffer penalties for those who are found in violation of the Act and the new Ontario Regulation 41/24: Prohibited Activities, Exemptions and Permits (replaces Ontario Regulation 151/06). Key changes include the following:
Individual landowners are liable of a fine up to $50,000, possible imprisonment of up to three months, and an additional fine of up to $10,000 for each day the offence continues.
Corporations are liable of a fine up to $1,000,000, and an additional fine of up to $200,000 for each day the offence continues.
Forfeiture of profits earned through undertaking the offended development activity.
Permits are required for a variety of development activities including but not limited to the construction of buildings, site grading, and placing or removing soil and fill materials within a regulated area. The public is strongly advised to contact GSCA staff when considering development projects to verify if a permit is required, what the application requirements are, and to avoid increased costs and the risk of prosecution.
The Grey Sauble Conservation Foundation (GSCF) is thrilled to announce the 7th annual Earth Film Festival at the Roxy Theatre in Owen Sound on Thursday, May 16, 2024. Purchase your tickets now and get ready to be immersed in the power of cinema and community at this conservation-focused event. Featuring two films, a panel discussion with local youth, a dinner fundraiser, and online auction, the Earth Film Festival is an essential experience for environmentalists from Grey, Bruce, and beyond!
This year’s festival promises an engaging lineup with two compelling films. “The Water Walker” will captivate audiences with the inspiring journey of Autumn Peltier, International Indigenous Rights & Water Activist. This presentation will incorporate a thought-provoking panel discussion with Autumn Peltier and local youth, shedding light on the critical importance of water security in our communities. Additionally, “Becoming Tom Thomson” will transport viewers back in time, exploring the life and legacy of Canadian wilderness painter Tom Thomson, presented by Canadian Actor, Director, and Producer, Steve Belford.
Schools are invited to attend special matinee presentations at 10:00 am and 12:45 pm, while the evening presentation, open to the public, kicks off at 6:00 pm with a social, displays, and exciting door prizes, followed by the film screenings at 7:00 pm.
Enhancing the Earth Film Festival experience, the GSCF is excited to introduce a new element this year – a dinner fundraiser curated by chef Zach Keeshig! Indulge in a creatively cultivated 3-course menu featuring progressive Indigenous Cuisine with local, fresh, and seasonal ingredients. This culinary journey will be held at the Owen Sound Farmers’ Market (88 8th St E., Owen Sound) before the evening film presentations from 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm.
The traditional silent auction will be online this year from May 9 – 23, featuring a variety of local hand-crafted products, services, and experiences. All items will be on display during the evening presentation of the Earth Film Festival. Don’t miss your chance to bid on these unique items, with all proceeds supporting Grey Sauble Conservation. Visit Charity Auctions Today’s website when the online auction goes live on May 9: www.charityauctionstoday.com/bid/earthfilmfestival2024
Attending this this event or participating in the online auction will directly impact local conservation projects, environmental education, and student education awards supported by the Grey Sauble Conservation Foundation.
Tickets are $30 for the evening film presentations or $150 for both the film presentations and the dinner. The school matinees are $7 per student.
Secure your tickets now through The Roxy Theatre: 519-371-2833 or www.roxytheatre.ca
The Grey Sauble Conservation Foundation was established in 1993 and is a federally registered, charitable, not-for-profit organization that raises money to assist the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority (GSCA) fund programs and projects. The Foundation offers opportunities for the public to actively participate in conserving and enhancing the natural heritage that exists within the GSCA watershed.
