MVCA is carrying out two projects in 2024 in accordance with O.Reg 686/21:

• Land Conservation Strategy
• Resource Management Strategy

Land Conservation Strategy

The purpose of this document will be to guide land acquisitions, development, and disposals.  Specifically, it is to:

• demonstrate how MVCA holdings (and easements, etc.) integrate with other publicly-owned land and enhance natural heritage in our jurisdiction;
• establish acceptable land uses at each site, and the mandatory and non-mandatory programs and services each site supports; and
• identify funding sources for those programs and services.

Because of the variety of land MVCA has acquired or has an interest in, and the variety of land uses at those sites, this document will deal with more than conservation areas, which is why we are calling it a Land Conservation Strategy.  As well, the Mississippi River Watershed Plan refers to it as a Land Conservation Strategy because it contemplates lands owned by others and how to conserve natural heritage across our jurisdiction.

The project comprises the following main steps:

• Document current land holdings of MVCA.
• Document the current state of land of resource conservation in MVCA’s jurisdiction, including the actions and land holdings of others.
• Identify opportunities and issues and ways they may be addressed.
• Consult with the public to review background information, and obtain feedback and other ideas.
• Draft policy to guide future acquisitions, disposal, and the management of land owned by the Authority.
• Draft a Strategy that identifies actions to make progress on the issues and opportunities identified.
• Consult with the public regarding the draft Strategy.

Documents and notices will be published in advance of consultation activities which are currently planned for the summer and fall.

Resource Management Strategy

The purpose of this document will be to inform the design and delivery of programs and services required under O.Reg. 686/21.  Specifically, it is to address the following:

• guiding principles and objectives
• how MVCA is tracking against them
• gaps and challenges to delivering programs and services
• development pressures, funding needs, and revenues
• recommendations to address issues/risks and associated costs

As with the Land Conservation Strategy, it is to be completed in phases:

• Document current state including documenting gaps and challenges in meeting mandatory program and service requirements.
• Consult with the public to review background information, obtain feedback, and Draft the guiding principles and objectives and set priorities.
• Draft the Strategy that identifies the priorities and how issues will be addressed.
• Consult with the public regarding the draft strategy.

Documents and notices will be published in advance of consultation activities which are currently planned for the summer and fall.