A can of worms has been opened at city hall. It was more than a mere suggestion that the Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority may be on its last legs.
Councillors have opened the debate and several, including the mayor, have said Authority's future needs to be closely examined.
It began in 1963 as a flood control organization, but the cash-strapped authority has in recent years attempted to broaden itself in other areas, including recreation.
It's been plagued with difficulties for more than a decade and previous councils examined dissolution.
The authority faced audits uncovering irregularities, financial hardships, land management issues and internal disputes in the 1990s.
A consultant's report, completed in 1994 said its mission should be to provide stewardship of its land and demonstrate leadership in flood plains, erosion and water management and education about the environment.
The authority's attempts to earn revenue by dabbling in recreation have not been successful, leaving some councillors with the impression that the organization, jointly funded by the province and the city, should be dissolved and absorbed by the city's community service's wing.
As Ward 1 Coun. Steve Butland put it, "We're doing a lot of their work and discussing their deliberations anyway."
When council considered Monday whether to provide the Soo Finnish Nordic Club with a $7,500 grant to pay to the Conservation Authority for use of Hiawatha Highlands cross-country ski trail this winter, several councillors were appalled at the authority's attempt at charging a not-for-profit organization.
Council is being urged to ensure the full ski trail system remains operational.
It needs to pursue this issue. The pros and cons of losing provincial grants for flood control need to be weighed against better land use management for the community. It may cost the city to take ownership and repay the province for capital expenditures used for flood control.
Stakeholders need to create a long-term vision for Hiawatha Highlands and decide what role, if any, the Conservation Authority should have.
The entire community has a stake in the Hiawatha Highlands and needs to be heard. That was evident at a public meeting on the ski trails earlier this month.
Tourism Sault Ste. Marie sees its significance in the area for the tourism sector and has voiced its concerns to council.
City council is starting to see the trees through the forest. Let's see if they do something.
