NVCA’s 2026 proposes leaner and more efficient budget

NVCA’s 2026 proposes leaner and more efficient budget

UTOPIA, Ontario (September 30, 2025) – Today, the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority released its 2026 Draft Business Plan & Budget. The document reflects NVCA’s renewed commitment of strong financial management of public funds, transparent oversight and stewardship of the natural environment.

As part of the budget development process, NVCA staff undertook a rigorous review of NVCA’s programs and services. This helped ensure the organization is leaner and more efficient, and remains responsive to the environmental, economic and social sustainability of the Nottawasaga Watershed.

NVCA’s draft 2026 Business Plan & Budget protects fair and competitive wages for staff, invests in responsible asset management and prioritizes NVCA’s vital role in managing floods and supporting the resilience of our watershed.

“The Nottawasaga Watershed is facing growing pressures from urban expansion and climate change,” said Jennifer Vincent, CAO of NVCA. “To support the needs of our municipalities and direction from the Province, NVCA balances development with protecting communities from the impacts of flooding and erosion. Our work in restoring local ecosystems to ensure long term resilience across the watershed, and by connecting people with nature, we are supporting physical and mental health.”

NVCA’s 2026 draft budget totals $7.8 million, reflecting a modest increase of $180,372.37, which includes a $101,307.36 increase in municipal levy shared proportionality across eighteen member municipalities.

“From the outset, the Board has been clear that this balanced budget must be responsive to the needs of our member municipalities,” said Jonathan Scott, NVCA Chair. “We have delivered on that direction with a careful review, reducing or holding flat 21 of 27 expense line items, and by recategorizing programs and services, which reduced discretionary Category 3 charges by 31%. As a result, our overall operating levy increase is less than 3 per cent as committed, with no elimination of services.”

Approximately 53% of NVCA’s total funding is supported through municipal levy, while the remaining revenue sources include grants, private contributions and self-generated funds, which this draft budget prudently expands through the dedicated work of staff.

Download NVCA’s 2026 Draft Business Plan and Budget here.