|
1. OTTAWA RURAL CLEAN WATER GRANTS
PROGRAM PROGRAMME
DE SUBVENTION POUR L’ASSAINISSEMENT DE L’EAU EN MILIEU RURAL |
Committee RecommendationS AS AMENDED
That Council
approve:
1. The renewal of the Rural Clean Water Grants Program for an
additional five years, ending 31 December 2015 and the allocation of $200,000
per year under the special levy to the South Nation Conservation Authority for
the Rural Clean Water Grants Program;
2. Entering into an agreement with the Ontario Soil and Crop
Improvement Association to deliver top-ups to the Canada-Ontario Farm
Stewardship Program through the Rural Clean Water Grants Program;
3. A Partnership with the Green Acres and Shoreline
Naturalization Programs to deliver top-ups through the Rural Clean Water Grants
Program;
4. That properties must be located outside of the urban
boundary to be eligible for funding, with the exception of projects on farms in
the urban area. A one-year pilot to include farm projects within the urban
boundary is proposed. A condition of being considered is that the farm operator
must have completed an Environmental Farm Plan;
5. Annual reporting to Committee and Council regarding the
uptake and effectiveness of the program, and;
6. That
the Rural Clean Water Grant Program budget be increased by $50,000.00 as a
separate account, and that the program eligibility criteria for that account
include properties within the urban boundary for the well decommissioning grant.
RecommandationS MODIFIÉES DU Comité
Que le Conseil approuve :
1. Le
renouvellement du Programme de subvention pour l’assainissement de l’eau en
milieu rural pour une période supplémentaire de cinq ans se terminant le 31
décembre 2015, et l’attribution d’une somme annuelle de 200 000 $,
versée grâce au prélèvement extraordinaire effectué auprès de l’Office de
conservation de la Nation Sud pour le Programme de subvention pour
l’assainissement de l’eau en milieu rural;
2. Un
accord avec l’Association pour l’amélioration des sols et des récoltes de
l’Ontario afin d’offrir des montants complémentaires au Programme Canada-Ontario de
gérance agroenvironnemental, par le biais du Programme de subvention pour l’assainissement de l’eau en milieu rural;
3. Un
partenariat avec Acres en verdure et
le programme de retour à l’état naturel du rivage, afin d’offrir
des montants complémentaires par le biais du Programme de subvention pour l’assainissement de l’eau en milieu rural;
4. L’emplacement
obligatoire des propriétés à l’extérieur des limites urbaines pour être
admissibles à un financement, à l’exception des projets menés sur des
exploitations agricoles du secteur urbain. La mise en place d’un projet pilote
d’une année et visant des exploitations agricoles situées dans les limites
urbaines est proposée. Pour que sa demande soit examinée, l’exploitant agricole
doit avoir réalisé un plan agro-environnemental;
5. Un
compte rendu annuel au Comité et au Conseil concernant la mise en pratique et
l’efficacité du programme, et;
6. Que
le budget du Programme de subventions pour l’assainissement de l’eau en milieu
rural soit augmenté d’un montant de 50 000 $ devant faire l’objet
d’un compte distinct, et que les critères d’admissibilité aux sommes contenues
dans ce compte englobent les propriétés situées dans les limites du secteur
urbain aux fins de la subvention pour la désaffectation de puits.
Documentation
1. Deputy City Manager’s Report,
Infrastructure Services and Community Sustainability dated 18 June 2010
(ACS2010-ICS-PGM-0132).
2. Extract of Draft Minute, 8 July 2010, may be issued separately prior to
Council meeting of 14 July 2010.
Report to/Rapport au :
Comité de l'agriculture et des affaires rurales
and Council / et au Conseil
18 June 2010 / le 18 juin 2010
Submitted by/Soumis par : Nancy Schepers, Deputy City
Manager, Directrice municipale adjointe, Infrastructure
Services and Community Sustainability, Services d'infrastructure et Viabilité des
collectivités
Contact Person/Personne-ressource : Richard Kilstrom, Manager/Gestionnaire, Policy Development and Urban Design/Élaboration de la politique et conception urbaine, Planning and Growth Management/Urbanisme et Gestion de la croissance Élaboration de la politique et conception urbaine
(613) 580-2424
x22653, Richard.Kilstrom@ottawa.ca
|
SUBJECT: |
|
|
|
|
|
OBJET : |
programme de subvention pour l’assainissement de l’eau en milieu rural |
REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS
That the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee recommend Council
approve:
1. The renewal of the Rural Clean Water Grants Program for an
additional five years, ending 31 December 2015 and the allocation of $200,000
per year under the special levy to the South Nation Conservation Authority for
the Rural Clean Water Grants Program;
2. Entering into an agreement with the Ontario Soil and Crop
Improvement Association to deliver top-ups to the Canada-Ontario Farm
Stewardship Program through the Rural Clean Water Grants Program;
3. A Partnership with the Green Acres and Shoreline
Naturalization Programs to deliver top-ups through the Rural Clean Water Grants
Program;
4. That properties must be located outside of the urban
boundary to be eligible for funding, with the exception of projects on farms in
the urban area. A one-year pilot to include farm projects within the urban
boundary is proposed. A condition of being considered is that the farm operator
must have completed an Environmental Farm Plan, and;
5. Annual reporting to Committee and Council regarding the
uptake and effectiveness of the program.
RECOMMANDATIONS DU RAPPORT
Que le Comité de l'agriculture et des
affaires rurales
recommande au Conseil d’approuver ce qui suit :
1. Le
renouvellement du Programme de subvention pour l’assainissement de l’eau en
milieu rural pour une période supplémentaire de cinq ans se terminant le 31
décembre 2015, et l’attribution d’une somme annuelle de 200 000 $,
versée grâce au prélèvement extraordinaire effectué auprès de l’Office de
conservation de la Nation Sud pour le Programme de subvention pour
l’assainissement de l’eau en milieu rural;
2. Un
accord avec l’Association pour l’amélioration des sols et des récoltes de
l’Ontario afin d’offrir des montants complémentaires au Programme Canada-Ontario de
gérance agroenvironnemental, par le biais du Programme de subvention pour l’assainissement de l’eau en milieu rural;
3. Un
partenariat avec Acres en verdure et
le programme de retour à l’état naturel du rivage, afin d’offrir
des montants complémentaires par le biais du Programme de subvention pour l’assainissement de l’eau en milieu rural;
4. L’emplacement
obligatoire des propriétés à l’extérieur des limites urbaines pour être
admissibles à un financement, à l’exception des projets menés sur des
exploitations agricoles du secteur urbain. La mise en place d’un projet pilote
d’une année et visant des exploitations agricoles situées dans les limites
urbaines est proposée. Pour que sa demande soit examinée, l’exploitant agricole
doit avoir réalisé un plan agro-environnemental, et;
5. Un
compte rendu annuel au Comité et au Conseil concernant la mise en pratique et
l’efficacité du programme.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Assumptions
and Analysis:
The Ottawa Rural Clean Water Grants Program (ORCWGP) gives grants to rural residents to undertake projects that improve the quality of surface water and groundwater. The program is to enable action by rural residents on their properties that will protect water resources. Grants are provided for three categories of projects: projects that result in primarily environmental benefits, agricultural best management projects, and educational initiatives. The program also has a public education component. Agricultural organizations and provincial agencies are on committees that provide program advice and approve applications for funding.
The program has been funded since 2005 through a yearly $184,000 levy to the Conservation Authorities, who administer the program. Since the program’s inception in 2000, 690 projects have been funded with close to $1,000,000 in grants.
An evaluation of the program was approved by Council in the fall of 2009. Staff was directed to work with the Conservation Authorities, the Program Committee, rural residents and other stakeholders to modify the program as recommended in the evaluation report approved by Council in 2009. The report can be read at this link: http://www.ottawa.ca/calendar/ottawa/citycouncil/occ/2009/11-16/pec/6-ACS2009-ICS-PGM-0193-20Ottawa%20Rural%20Clean%20Water%20Program.htm
Marbek Consulting provided a report titled “The Renewal of Ottawa’s Rural Clean Water Program” that was used to implement the directions from the evaluation (see Document 1).
Consistent with Council’s direction, the 2011-2015 program includes the following changes:
• Increase grant levels and rate of project cost funded for priority projects that result in direct improvement to water quality, including buffer strips, grassed waterways, streambank stabilization, livestock restrictions, fragile land retirement, and well decommissioning.
• Develop education and outreach tools to recruit new participants to the program, including small farm operators, non-farm property owners, and other rural residents with large land holdings. The program delivery budget for 2011 includes more funding dedicated to promoting the program and attracting new applicants.
• Simplify program materials, prerequisites and application form to make it easier for applicants to apply.
• A one-window approach to the ORCWGP and the Canada-Ontario Farm Stewardship Program (COFSP) is proposed in cooperation with the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association. This streamlines access to grant top-ups for farm operators who have completed an Environmental Farm Plan and are pursuing the senior government grant.
• A one-window approach to the ORCWGP and the Green Acres and Shoreline Naturalization Programs administered by the Conservation Authorities is proposed to streamline access for residents wishing to access grant top-ups to undertake projects that involve tree planting.
In 2009, Council approved the removal of well and septic system upgrades from the program. Staff will report back to Committee and Council in separate report that considers the City’s role in providing education and incentives to private owners to install and maintain their well and septic systems.
Properties must be located outside of the urban boundary to be eligible for funding, with the exception of projects on farms in the urban area. For 2011, a one-year pilot to include farm projects within the urban boundary is proposed. This will ensure consistency for the top-ups through the program to the Canada Ontario Farm Stewardship Program grants.
While residents in the communities of Clearview, Grenfell Glen, Pine Glen and Merivale Gardens on private services in the urban area have expressed interest in the well decommissioning grant, the program is not a feasible vehicle for supporting the costs of well decommissioning associated with the connection to central services through the local improvement program. The communities represent the largest privately serviced urban areas with approximately 550 households. Through the local improvement program, the City bears its share of the cost for the works with private property owners. By extending the program to the private service enclaves in the urban area, the program could have an additional 550 requests for well decommissioning projects. In the past it has funded eight to 10 well decommissioning projects per year in the rural area.
The Conservation Authorities and the Program Committee comprised of community residents and representatives from agriculture organizations, the provincial government and agencies helped develop the changes to the program. They will continue to play a large role in implementing the changes and promoting the program in 2011-2015. Staff will continue to report back annually on the projects completed and proposed program modifications.
Legal/Risk
Management Implications:
N/A
Technical Implications:
N/A
Financial Implications:
Commencing in 2011, program funds of $200,000 annually (subject to cost of living increases) for the period of 2011-2015 are proposed to be raised through the special levy portion of the South Nation Conservation Authority's levy. The Rural Clean Water Program is included on the list of special levy projects which Council considers each year during budget deliberations. The ORCWGP has been supported by a levy of $184,000 for the 2005–2009 period.
A one-time increase in the levy to $250,000 for 2010 was approved to address the waiting list in the final year of the program funding well and septic upgrades.
Public Consultation/Input:
Rural Issues Advisory Committee, the Conservation Authorities, and the Program Committee for the ORCWGP were consulted during this process. The Conservation Authorities and the Program Committee comprised of community residents and representatives from agriculture organizations, the provincial government and agencies helped develop the changes to the program.
RÉSUMÉ
Hypothèses et analyse :
Le Programme de subvention pour
l’assainissement de l’eau en milieu rural d’Ottawa (PSAEMRO) permet d’attribuer
des subventions aux résidents souhaitant entreprendre des projets
d’amélioration de la qualité de l’eau de surface et souterraine. Ce programme
vise à permettre aux résidents touchés d’appliquer sur leur propriété des
mesures de protection de leurs ressources d’eau. Des subventions sont
attribuées pour trois catégories de projet : les projets donnant lieu à
des avantages essentiellement environnementaux, les projets de pratiques
exemplaires en matière de gestion agricole et les projets éducatifs. Ce programme
comporte également un volet d’éducation publique. Des représentants
d’organisations agricoles et d’agences provinciales siègent à des comités qui
offrent des conseils relatifs aux programmes et qui approuvent les demandes de
financement.
Ce programme reçoit un financement depuis 2005
grâce à un prélèvement annuel de 184 000 $ auprès des offices de
protection de la nature, qui administrent le programme. Depuis sa création en
2000, quelque 690 projets ont été subventionnés à hauteur de près d’un million
de dollars.
Une évaluation du programme a été approuvée par
le Conseil à l’automne 2009. Le personnel de la Ville avait été chargé de
collaborer avec les offices de protection de la nature, les membres du Comité
du programme, les résidents des zones rurales et d’autres parties intéressées,
en vue de modifier le programme, tel que le recommande le rapport d’évaluation
approuvé par le Conseil en 2009. On peut consulter ce rapport en suivant le
lien suivant : http://www.ottawa.ca/calendar/ottawa/citycouncil/occ/2009/11-16/pec/6-ACS2009-ICS-PGM-0193-20Ottawa%20Rural%20Clean%20Water%20Program.htm
La firme Marbek Consulting a produit un rapport
intitulé The Renewal of Ottawa’s Rural
Clean Water Program, qui a servi à mettre en œuvre les orientations issues
de l’évaluation (voir le Document 1).
Conformément aux orientations du Conseil, le
programme 2011-2015 tient compte des modifications suivantes :
• Accroissement
des niveaux de subvention et du taux de financement du coût des projets
prioritaires donnant lieu à une amélioration directe des la qualité de l’eau,
comme les bandes tampons, les voies navigables gazonnées, la stabilisation des
rives des cours d’eau, les restrictions touchant l’accès du bétail aux cours
d’eau, l’abandon des terres fragiles et la désaffectation des puits.
• Élaboration d’outils d’éducation et de
sensibilisation destinés à recruter de nouveaux participants au programme,
notamment les petits exploitants agricoles, les propriétaires n’exploitant pas
une ferme et les autres résidents des zones rurales et possédant de grandes
terres. Le budget de prestation du programme pour 2011 comporte un volet de
financement plus important pour sa promotion et le recrutement de nouveaux
candidats.
• Simplification des documents du
programme, des conditions requises et du formulaire de demande, facilitant
ainsi la présentation des demandes.
• Approche de guichet unique du PSAEMRO
et du Programme
Canada-Ontario de gérance agroenvironnemental,
proposée en collaboration avec l’Association
pour l’amélioration des sols et des récoltes de l’Ontario. Cette approche permet de
rationaliser l’accès aux
montants complémentaires pour les exploitants agricoles ayant réalisé
un plan agro-environnemental et qui
cherchent à obtenir la subvention gouvernementale principale.
• Approche de guichet unique du PSAEMRO,
d’Acres en verdure et du programme de retour
à l’état naturel du rivage, deux programmes administrés par les offices de protection de
la nature. Cette approche est proposée afin de rationaliser l’accès des
résidents aux montants complémentaires permettant
d’entreprendre des projets impliquant la plantation d’arbres.
En 2009, le Conseil acceptait que l’on retire
du programme le volet consacré aux améliorations apportées aux puits et aux
fosses septiques. Le personnel remettra au Comité et au Conseil, dans des
rapports distincts, un compte rendu qui tient compte du rôle de la Ville dans
la sensibilisation des propriétaires privés et dans l’attribution d’incitatifs
pour l’installation et l’entretien de puits et de fosses septiques.
Pour être admissibles à une subvention, les
propriétés doivent être situées à l’extérieur des limites urbaines, à
l’exception des projets visant des exploitations agricoles du secteur urbain.
Pour l’année 2011, la mise en place d’un projet pilote d’une année et visant
des exploitations agricoles situées dans les limites urbaines est proposée. Il
sera ainsi possible d’assurer une certaine cohérence entre les
montants complémentaires du programme et les subventions du Programme
Canada-Ontario de gérance agroenvironnementale.
Bien que les résidents des collectivités de
Clearview, Grenfell Glen, Pine Glen et Merivale Gardens et raccordés à des
services privés dans le secteur urbain aient exprimé leur intérêt envers une
subvention de désaffectation des puits, ce programme ne constitue pas un outil
viable pour la subvention des coûts de désaffectation des puits préalable à un
projet de raccordement aux services centraux mené dans le cadre du programme
d’amélioration locale. Ces collectivités représentent les plus vastes secteurs
urbains viabilisés par des services privés, avec environ 550 ménages.
Par le biais du programme d’amélioration
locale, la Ville supporte sa part des coûts des travaux que doivent verser les
propriétaires privés. L’élargissement due programme aux enclaves de services
privés du secteur urbain pourrait entraîner 550 demandes supplémentaires de
désaffectation des puits. Ce programme a déjà permis chaque année le
financement de huit à dix projets de désaffectation des puits dans le secteur
rural.
Les offices de protection de la nature et le
Comité du programme, constitué de résidents des secteurs visés et de
représentants d’organisations agricoles, du gouvernement et d’organismes
provinciaux, ont aidé à élaborer les modifications apportées au programme. Ils
continueront de jouer un rôle important dans la mise en œuvre de ces
modifications et dans la promotion du programme au cours de la période
2011-2015. Le personnel de la Ville continuera de rendre compte annuellement
des projets terminés et des modifications proposées au programme.
Incidences juridiques / concernant
la gestion des risques :
S. O.
Incidences techniques :
S. O.
Répercussions financières :
À compter de 2011, il est proposé d’augmenter
la somme de 200 000 $ destinée annuellement au programme (ajustés aux
hausses du coût de la vie) pour la période 2011-2015 grâce à l’impôt extraordinaire de l’Office de
conservation de la Nation Sud. Le Programme de subvention pour l’assainissement
de l’eau en milieu rural figure sur la liste des projets d’impôt extraordinaire
que le Conseil examine chaque année lors des délibérations sur le budget.
Pendant la période 2005-2009, le PSAEMRO a été financé grâce à un prélèvement
de 184 000 $. Une hausse ponctuelle à 250 000 $ de ce
prélèvement pour 2010 a été approuvée afin de faire face à la liste d’attente
de la dernière année de financement des améliorations apportées aux puits et
aux fosses septiques.
Consultation publique / commentaires
:
Les membres du Comité consultatif sur les questions rurales, des offices
de protection de la nature et du Comité du PSAEMRO ont été consultés au
cours de ce processus. Les
offices de protection de la nature et le Comité du programme, constitué de
résidents des secteurs visés et de représentants d’organisations agricoles, du
gouvernement et d’organismes provinciaux, ont aidé à élaborer les modifications
apportées au programme.
BACKGROUND
In 1999, Council approved the development and implementation of the program in recognition of Ottawa’s large rural landscape and commitment to water quality protection. The program was developed in consultation with area conservation authorities and local agricultural groups, and was launched in March 2000.
In 2004, funding was renewed by Council for a five-year term from 2005 to 2009. In 2009, an evaluation was approved by Council with new directions to staff for the program. Staff were directed to report back to Committee and Council with modifications to the program as recommended in the evaluation related to increasing grant levels and rates of project cost funded for priority projects, education and outreach tools to recruit new participants, simplified program materials, prerequisites and application form and a one-window approach to the program and the COFSP. Grants for well and septic system upgrades were removed from the program. Staff will report back to Committee and Council in separate report that considers the City’s role in providing education and incentives to private owners to install and maintain their well and septic systems.
This report presents a plan forward for the program between 2011 and 2015.
DISCUSSION
The program is to inspire and enable action by rural residents on their properties that will protect water resources. The program targets the rural area for three reasons: a) 85 per cent of the City’s land mass and surface water bodies lie in the rural area; b) the quality of our major rivers depends in large part upon the cumulative impact of what happens in the rural area; and c) the long-term health of our water environment depends upon the actions of those living on the land today.
The underlying premise of the renewal recommendations in this report is that the program has a solid foundation in terms of eligible projects, project requirements and grants structure. With this foundation, the renewal recommendations are intended to adjust the grants structure and project list to emphasize priority projects and to remove barriers identified in the evaluation.
The project types can be grouped into three categories:
• Projects that result in primarily environmental benefits, thus providing public benefits rather than primarily private benefits. Projects include buffer strips, grassed waterways, land retirement, streambank stabilization, livestock restrictions, well decommissioning and natural windbreaks.
• Agricultural best management practices and projects that improve surface and groundwater quality such as precision farming, manure storage and/or treatment, milkhouse washwater, chemical storage and handling/fuel storage relocation, clean water diversion and leachate seepage, controlled tile drain, tile outlet protection, nutrient/turf management plan; and,
• Educational initiatives.
Properties must be located outside of the urban boundary to be eligible for funding, with the exception of projects on farms in the urban area. For 2011, a one-year pilot to include farm projects within the urban boundary is proposed.
The rationale is that farming is rural in nature and farms located in the urban area and that have completed an Environmental Farm Plan should be eligible for a grant. This will ensure consistency for the top-ups through the program to the Canada Ontario Farm Stewardship Program grants.
While residents in the communities of Clearview, Grenfell Glen, Pine Glen and Merivale Gardens on private services in the urban area have expressed interest in the well decommissioning grant, the program is not a feasible vehicle for supporting the costs of well decommissioning associated with the connection to central services through the local improvement program. The communities represent the largest privately serviced urban areas with approximately 550 households. Through the local improvement program, the City bears its share of the cost for the works with private property owners. By extending the program to the private service enclaves in the urban area, the program could have an additional 550 requests for well decommissioning projects. In the past it has funded eight to 10 well decommissioning projects per year in the rural area.
For 2011, staff are proposing to launch a one-year pilot to enable projects on farms within the urban boundary to be considered for grants. The rationale is that farming is rural in nature and farms located in the urban area and that have completed an Environmental Farm Plan should be eligible for a grant. This will ensure consistency for the top-ups through the program to the Canada Ontario Farm Stewardship Program grants.
The table below lists the proposed projects and grants for 2011. It is recommended that the City, in consultation with the Program Committee, make a decision from year to year regarding the projects and grants the program provides. Staff provides an annual report to Committee and Council on the projects completed and proposed changes to the program.
|
Project |
Maximum Grant up to: |
Annual Performance Incentive |
Top-up - Partnerships with other programs |
|
|
Buffer strips |
90% |
$7500 |
150$ per acre per year |
Canada-Ontario Farm Stewardship Program, Green Acres, Shoreline Naturalization Program |
|
Grassed waterways |
90% |
$7500 |
150$ per acre per year |
Canada-Ontario Farm Stewardship Program |
|
Land retirement |
90% |
$7500 |
150$ per acre per year |
Canada-Ontario Farm Stewardship Program |
|
Streambank stabilization |
90% |
$7500 |
|
Canada-Ontario Farm Stewardship Program, Green Acres, Shoreline Naturalization Program |
|
Livestock restrictions |
90% (100% if self-installed) |
$7500 |
|
Canada-Ontario Farm Stewardship Program |
|
Well decommissioning |
90% |
$3000 |
|
Canada-Ontario Farm Stewardship Program |
|
Natural windbreaks |
75% |
$6000 |
|
Canada-Ontario Farm Stewardship Program, Green Acres |
|
Educational initiatives |
75% |
$5000 |
|
N/A |
|
Precision farming |
50% |
$1000 |
|
Canada-Ontario Farm Stewardship Program |
|
Manure storage and/or treatment |
50% |
$15000 |
|
Canada-Ontario Farm Stewardship Program |
|
Milkhouse washwater |
50% |
$5000 |
|
Canada-Ontario Farm Stewardship Program |
|
Chemical storage and handling/fuel storage relocation |
50% |
$1000 |
|
Canada-Ontario Farm Stewardship Program |
|
Clean water diversion and leachate seepage |
50% |
$5000 |
|
Canada-Ontario Farm Stewardship Program |
|
Controlled tile drain |
50% |
$1000 |
|
Canada-Ontario Farm Stewardship Program |
|
Tile outlet protection to upgrade existing eroding locations |
75% |
$2500 |
|
Canada-Ontario Farm Stewardship Program |
|
Nutrient/turf management plan |
50% |
$1000 |
|
Canada-Ontario Farm Stewardship Program |
* Field inspections are carried out for all projects except educational initiatives.
Although the program has evolved over the years, it has always operated in partnership with rural organizations, government agencies and the Conservation Authorities. The program is administered under contract by the South Nation, Rideau Valley and the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authorities. The South Nation Conservation Authority has administered the budget and issued cheques to program participants, and reported on the program’s operation to the City and program stakeholders; and the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority fields all queries, provides program information, and links potential applicants to field staff via the Landowner Resource Centre.
Administrative Costs, Funding
Allocation Targets
Community residents, representatives from agricultural organizations, the provincial government and agencies serve on the Program Committee, which provides input to the City on the development and implementation of the overall program. The terms of reference for the program indicate that the Program Committee is to set funding allocations and priorities; review and revise the program guidelines and grant structure and alter these at its discretion; provide input to monitoring and evaluation; and perform other roles. Each Conservation Authority has a Review Committee that appraises and approves the grant applications.
An annual program fund of $200,000 for the period of 2011 to 2015 as a special levy to the Conservation Authorities is proposed. Since 2005, the program has been administered by the Conservation Authorities and funded through an annual special levy of $184,000. For 2010, a budget of $250,000 was approved by Council to address the program’s waiting list for its final year of funding well and septic system upgrades.
The administrative costs are proposed at 20.6 per cent for 2011, or $41,244. This is a reduction in administrative costs, for the past five years about 70 per cent of the annual budget was allocated to grants and 30 per cent to program delivery. Key program delivery costs include the program co-ordination, promotion, committee expenses and site visits by program representatives, who provide stewardship and technical guidance and increase property owner awareness about water quality. Also included in the administrative costs is a one-time cost of $2,400 to establish a synchronized database system to be used by the three Conservation Authorities.
Reducing administrative costs will allow for more of the program’s budget to be spent on outreach and promotional activities, both of which will be important given the changing focus of the program and for engaging new participants in the program.
Administrative costs have been reduced through the following actions:
• Aligning the program requirements with the Canada-Ontario Farm Stewardship Program (COFSP) for top-ups to projects on farms. A per grant charge of $230 is proposed. This provides streamlined advantages for farm applicants, the improved reach to the farm community.
• Aligning the program for top-ups with the Green Acres and Shoreline Naturalization Program administered by the Conservation Authorities for tree planting projects including buffer strips and streambank stabilization. The site visit for this project is already funded through the other programs.
• Eliminating the site visit for projects receiving top-ups and educational initiatives.
• Delegating the review committee’s approval to staff for well decommissioning and top-ups through the OSCIA and CA programs.
• Streamlining of the application process by posting a fillable pdf form on the web site that will be sent directly to the Landowner Resource Centre.
• Setting two application deadlines of May 1 and September 30, which reduces the number of Review Committee meetings. In addition, reducing the number of Review Committee meetings by approving applications by email and conference calls when it is appropriate.
• Removing translation from the administrative budget and using City translation services as required instead.
The partnerships with the COFSP, Green Acres, and Shoreline Naturalization Programs will require a funding allocation target to be made at the beginning of each year to give each administrating agent an idea of how much funding is available for their portion of the program. Flexibility is needed to adjust the allocation target from year to year, or earlier, if part of the program is over-subscribed and part is projected to have surplus funding.
For 2011, it is recommended that 40 per cent of the grant funding be allocated for the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA). The rationale for this target in the first year is that the target audience is already aware of the program and ready to apply to the COFSP.
It is recommended the Green Acres and Shoreline Naturalization Programs be allocated 10 per cent of the grant funding for top-up of projects in the first year. This partnership will increase funding for tree planting and the establishment of riparian vegetation along watercourses and streams.
The remainder of the funding, 50 per cent is recommended for the allocation target in the first year to all other projects including well decommissioning, education and other projects that do not go through OSCIA, Green Acres or the Shoreline Naturalization Program. Small farm owners and rural residents who live along watercourses and streams will need to be specifically targeted as part of the communications campaign.
Communications and Outreach
The Conservation Authorities are knowledgeable about water quality issues and stewardship programs. They are well-positioned to increase participation in the program through outreach and education. Workshops and outreach activities will focus on attracting new program participants, including owners of rural non-farm properties, small farm operators, and others who are not eligible for farm stewardship programs or who choose not to participate in them. Horse owners, small farm owners, rural residents who live along watercourses and streams will need to be specifically targeted as part of the communications campaign. Uptake on well decommissioning, fragile land retirement, and other projects could potentially be increased if a wider range of rural residents participated in the ORCWP. It is assumed that it will take the first year to engage eligible participants who have not yet been well represented among grant applicants.
It is proposed to increase workshop and outreach activities by:
• Increasing the proportion of the program’s budget spent on workshops and outreach to $9,980 to promote interest in the renewed ORCWP and encourage uptake. It is proposed that Conservation Authority staff attend community and association meetings, fairs and events in the rural area and hold workshops to promote the available grants.
• Building on the role of the Program Committee as advisors on new directions within the program, especially regarding educational initiatives, marketing and rural outreach.
• Promote the program through advertising in rural papers, the City’s and Conservation Authorities web sites and the Rural Affairs Office Rural Connections newsletter.
Increasing Project Uptake by
Streamlining Administration and Increasing Partnerships
Money is the greatest incentive and the lack of it is the greatest barrier to increasing participation in the program. At present, the program pays for up to half of the project’s cost in most cases with the applicant covering the balance of the costs.
The current funding structure is a barrier in some cases to increased participation. Recognizing this, the 2011 program proposes to increase the maximum grants and the percentage of project costs eligible for buffer strips, grassed waterways, land retirement, streambank stabilization, well decommissioning and natural windbreaks. This is to reflect current costs of the projects and provide a greater incentive to participation.
It is proposed that program guidelines be adjusted for agricultural best management projects including precision farming, manure storage and/or treatment, milkhouse washwater, chemical storage and handling/ fuel storage relocation, clean water diversion and leachate seepage, controlled tile drain, tile outlet protection and nutrient/turf management plan. While the funding level is recommended to remain the same (i.e. up to 50 per cent of the project costs), alterations to administrative rules are proposed to avoid projects losing eligibility if a threshold level of grant funding is received from other sources. Under the existing structure, the program does not provide grants if 50 per cent of the project costs have been paid by other sources. While it is important not to pay more than 100 per cent of project costs to the property owner, changes are recommended to allow the program to top up other grants as a percent of the total senior grant amount received (to a maximum dollar value).
It is also proposed that, to save applicants time and avoid duplication, the program be aligned with the OSCIA for projects on farms. Currently, staff from the OSCIA and the ORCWGP ensure that applicants are aware of other grant programs, but applicants are required to apply separately to the two programs. A partnership is proposed whereby the application and approval process for the COFSP is sufficient to access the ORCWP. This will eliminate the need for a site visit from the ORCWGP staff, and help address the issue of distrust of government that is a barrier. From the farm operator’s perspective, this arrangement will provide one-window access through an agriculture organization. COFSP funds a large number of best management projects, including those funded by the ORCWGP, but provides larger grants of up to $30,000 in some cases. In a quotation received from OSCIA, they could provide these services to the City’s for $230 per grant. Given the streamlined advantages for farm applicants and the improved reach to the farm community, it is recommended that the OSCIA proposal be accepted. The South Nation Conservation Authority will charge a fee for issuing a cheque and letter to the successful applicants processed through the OSCIA.
Similarly, applications for the Shoreline Naturalization program can be coordinated with ORCWGP projects where applicable. The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority has in place a framework to develop, and administer shoreline naturalization. Eligible projects can be granted a top-up from the ORCWGP. Again, there is no need for the ORCWGP to duplicate the approvals framework in place for this grants program.
The City-funded Green Acres program is intended to promote relatively large tree planting projects. To coordinate with Green Acres, it is recommended that project applications to ORCWGP with more than 500 trees in the workplan be recommended to the Green Acres program. In this way, the ORCWGP will not duplicate opportunities available through the Green Acres program.
It is anticipated that the combination of increased partnerships, reduced application requirements, clearer communication, and increased grant levels will boost participation in the program.
Conclusion
Per Council direction, the 2011 program proposes changes to increase participation including increasing the maximum grants and the percentage of project costs eligible, undertaking more outreach to attract new participants and through partnerships, and enhancing and capitalizing on partnerships with the OSCIA, and the Green Acres and Shoreline Naturalization Programs.
Commencing in 2011, program funds of $200,000 annually, subject to cost of living increases, for the period of 2011-2015 are proposed to be raised through the special levy to the South Nation Conservation Authority.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS
Results of the City’s baseline water quality monitoring program indicate that 70 per cent of the City’s rural creeks fail to meet the “good” criteria of the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment water quality index. The Rural Clean Water Grants Program complements the City’s desire to protect and improve the water environment and its resources. The program’s educational component helps increase the community’s understanding of the relationship between rural land use practices and water quality protection.
RURAL IMPLICATIONS
The Ottawa Rural Clean Water Grants Program began as a program to support rural property owners as stewards of their land. It opened the door to municipal government funding specifically to the rural area, recognizing that water quality in the urban area benefited from millions of dollars in spending on stormwater management and other initiatives. The ORCWP has continued to help farmers and rural property owners undertake projects and best management practices to improve surface and groundwater quality that ultimately benefit the public as well as the property owner.
CONSULTATION
The Conservation Authorities, and the Program Committee for the ORCWGP were consulted during this process. The Conservation Authorities and the Program Committee, comprised of community residents and representatives from agriculture organizations, the provincial government and agencies, helped develop the changes to the program.
LEGAL/RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS:
There are no legal/risk management implications associated with this report.
CITY STRATEGIC PLAN
This report is in accordance with the City’s Strategic Plan which encourages the reduction of the ecological footprint on the amount of water and resources required to support each resident and protecting water quality. A direction from Ottawa 20/20’s strategic directions is to protect surface and groundwater.
TECHNICAL IMPLICATIONS
N/A
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Commencing in 2011, program funds of $200,000 annually (subject to cost of living increases) for the period of 2011-2015 are proposed to be raised through the special levy portion of the South Nation Conservation Authority's levy. The Rural Clean Water Program is included on the list of special levy projects which Council considers each year during budget deliberations. The ORCWGP has been supported by a levy of $184,000 for the 2005–2009 period. A one-time increase in the levy to $250,000 for 2010 was approved to address the waiting list in the final year of the program funding well and septic upgrades.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
Document 1 The Renewal of Ottawa’s Rural Clean Water Program prepared by Marbek Consulting
DISPOSITION
Planning and Growth Management Department will request that the South Nation Conservation Authority include program funds of $200,000 annually (subject to cost of living increases) for the period of 2011-2015 in their special levy considered by Council each year during budget deliberations.
Planning and Growth Management Department will bring forward an information report on the 2011 Rural Clean Water Grants Program in the fourth quarter of 2011, and include any program modifications approved by the program committee.
The Renewal of
Revised report
Submitted to
City of
Submitted by
Marbek
June 2 2010
