The third and final round of talks on the future of the Saugeen Conservation Authority has taken place.
The discussions held Wednesday were aimed to help the authority develop its new five-year strategic plan.
Consultant Bill Winegard tells Bayshore Broadcasting News he’s heard what people think the conservation authority does well — and doesn’t do well.
He says Saugeen’s strong points are flood protection, and the management and ownership of conservation areas.
Winegard says the weak point is the land use planning process, and the amount of time it takes for applicants to get answers.
Board Chair Doug Freiburger wishes attendance had been better for the sessions.
Five councillors from Saugeen Shores were at the Tiverton meeting Wednesday.
Winegard says attendance was also low at recent public sessions in Walkerton and Durham.
Freiburger says the amount of municipal tax dollars to support Saugeen Conservation is the biggest issue — but he thinks the low attendance is a sign that there is overall satisfaction with how the agency operates.
Earlier this year, there were calls for Saugeen Conservation to consider saving money by merging with the Grey-Sauble Conservation Authority.
Freiburger says they’ll look at any efficiencies that can be made, but merging services might not work because of logistics.