NVCA showcases “A Culture of How” at Latornell Symposium

NVCA showcases “A Culture of How” at Latornell Symposium

UTOPIA, Ontario (November 4, 2025) – The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) was featured at this year’s Latornell Conservation Symposium, a forum that fosters collaboration to shape a more sustainable and resilient Ontario.

Speaking in front of other conservation authorities, environmental leaders, practitioners, and advocates, NVCA Chair Jonathan Scott presented ‘A Culture of How: Operational Improvements to Deliver Safe, Sustainable Economic and Residential Development in the Nottawasaga Watershed’.

“We asked ourselves whether a conservation authority could protect what matters while becoming a better partner, a faster actor, and a more transparent and credible institution,” said Scott. “The answer is yes. By focusing on purpose, performance and people, we’ve built a culture that delivers both environmental protection and timely results.”

Through his presentation, Chair Scott outlined NVCA’s progress in improving efficiency, transparency and collaboration with municipalities, developers and the public.

Over the past year, NVCA has introduced a e-permitting platform, a risk-based triage system, new professional and peer-review capacity, and stronger customer-service standards. These changes have eliminated backlogs, improved predictability and raised client satisfaction to 90 per cent from 68 per cent in 2022, with 95 per cent of applications processed within provincial timelines.

In its 2026 Budget and Business Plan, NVCA is also delivering a leaner organisation through an overall reduction in operating expenses without reducing services and a 31 per cent reduction in discretionary charges through a reclassification exercise, demonstrating the benefits of a rigorous budgetary.”

“Chair Scott’s presentation showcased how conservation authorities can lead by example,” said Jennifer Vincent, NVCA Chief Administrative Officer. “This transformation is about proving that public institutions can evolve to deliver both stewardship and service excellence.”

For more information about the Latornell Conservation Symposium, visit latornell.ca.