Public consultation tonight on Belfountain Conservation Area

May 12, 2016 · 0 Comments

Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) is hosting a public consultation session to present the preferred alternative for the Environmental Assessment (Class EA) for the Belfountain Conservation Area dam and headpond.
The consultation will take place tonight (Thursday) from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Belfountain Public School (Gymnasium) at 17247 Shaws Creek Rd.
The consultation session will include a presentation and opportunity to speak to CVC staff, ask questions and provide feedback. Registration starts at 6:45 p.m. and the presentation begins at 7:15 p.m.
The preferred alternative was determined after extensive consultation and input from the public, CVC’s Stakeholder Advisory Committee and agency partners. It has been identified as the best alternative that meets CVC’s objectives for the area, which include reducing risk to visitors, staff and downstream property; promoting natural stream function; conserving and enhancing natural heritage attributes; maintaining a barrier between upstream brook trout and downstream non-native and invasive species; striving for long-term sustainability including economic viability; and maintaining or improving the visitor experience
CVC acquired the Belfountain dam and headpond in 1959 when it purchased the property. A study completed in 2013 revealed various structural issues with the dam and concluded it did not meet Provincial standards for safety. The headpond associated with the dam has various environmental impacts.
CVC reports it has been speaking with the Belfountain community and stakeholders since 2014. There are two concurrent public processes underway — a Class EA process for the Belfountain Conservation Area dam and headpond and a management plan process for the Belfountain Complex.
In December 2014 and September 2015, CVC held open houses in the community regarding the Class EA and the management plan. Nearly 60 people attended these meetings, shared opinions and commented as they heard presentations, toured displays and received information.
Visit www.creditvalleyca.ca/bcmp for information on the complete process or contact Conservation Lands Planner Laura Rundle at 905-670-1615, ext. 535 or lrundle@creditvalleyca.ca