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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-01-12 Minutes Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington January 12th, 2017 Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington Meeting Thursday, January 12th, 2017 Members Present: John Cartwright Brenda Metcalf Les Caswell Richard Rekker Eric Bowman Tom Barrie Henry Zekveld, Ted Watson Regrets: Elgin Greenham, Councillor Partner, Jennifer Knox, Don Rickard Guests: Marilyn Pearce, Agriculture Legacy Project, Farm Connections, Staff: Faye Langmaid, Planning Services Brenda welcomed all to the meeting, with introductions. Adoption of Agenda 017-01 Moved by Eric Bowman, seconded by Tom Barrie “That the Agenda for January 12th 2017 be adopted” Carried Approval of Minutes 017-02 Moved by Ted Watson, seconded by Les Caswell, “That the minutes of the December 8th, 2016 meeting be approved” Carried Presentation: Marilyn Pearce, Agriculture Legacy Project Marilyn provided an overview of the project. The committee is looking to recognize farming families and organizations in Durham Region to celebrate Canada’s 150. In addition, to the goal of recognizing these individuals, families and organizations the committee is also focusing on the long-term legacy that agriculture has played and continues to play in the Region as the #1 economic driver. It is anticipated that this will help educate the general public about the role farming plays. The initial goal is to recognize at least 60 families that have farmed for 150 years and are still farming in Durham Region (they did not have to start farming in Durham it could have been somewhere else in Canada). The names of the families will be engraved on a plague to be hung at Regional Headquarters and then by in each of the local municipal areas. To date, Uxbridge and Scugog Museums are on board, Pickering Library. The culmination Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington January 12th, 2017 of the project will be at the Celebrate Agriculture Gala in October. Information on the project and the form to fill out to have a family recognized will be posted to the Farm Connections website. Committee is looking for at least 20 families (5 generation farms) out of Clarington. Farm Connections has applied for a grant for the display and necessary research. An eventual longer term goal is to find a home for Durham’s agricultural story. The story of the Massey family to R.S. McLaughlin to Northern Dance to Farmer’s Parade of Lights. Business Arising Committee Member Appointments: General Government Committee appointed those that reapplied for 4 year term (ending in 2020) to Committee. DRFA appointment is Richard Rekker, all will be ratified at the Council meeting of January 16. Election: Chair and Vice-Chair It was determined by consensus that the term of office would once again be 2 years. 017-03 Moved by Eric Bowman, seconded by Tom Barrie “Brenda Metcalf nominated as Chair” CARRIED Election of Vice-Chair 017-04 Moved by Tom Barrie, seconded by Ted Watson “Eric Bowman nominated as Vice-Chair” CARRIED Mary Ann Found will be recognized for her dedicated service over the past 10 years by Council. Not only for representing the DRFA on this committee but also for your dedication to Farm Connections and the good work that group has been doing over the years to help educate students and raise the profile of agriculture in the community. Correspondence and Committee Reports Agriculture Legacy Project has been endorsed by Township of Uxbridge and City of Oshawa. Bill C-274 referred from Council as correspondence from Township of Brock. This involved income tax implications (capital gains) for selling of business to another family member or individual (stranger) and support for a private members bill that would make the playing field level for sales to family members. Faye will send information on the Bill to members for discussion at next meeting. http://guycaron.ndp.ca/bill-c-274-ending- unfair-taxation-on-family-business-transfers Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington January 12th, 2017 DAAC motion regarding Private Member’s Bill on Certified Crop Advisors was ratified by Durham Region. Durham Agriculture Advisory Committee – Meeting was cancelled due to weather Durham Region Federation of Agriculture – No report. Clarington Board of Trade –Agricultural Summit will be March 24th at Newcastle Community Hall, beginning at 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. New Business Schedule for 2017 (distributed with agenda) “did you know” – Faye will send information on C-274 and Norfolk CIP incentives Low Water Conditions – CLOCA has issued a Level 2 Low Water Notice, GRAC has issues a Level 1 (worse than Level 2) Low Water Notice. GRCA has under the Clean Water Healthy Land Financial Assistance Program funds for well decommissioning for shallow dug well. CLOCA will be implementing a program to provide funding for shallow dug well decommissioning. Of the members attending many have had well issues over the past year and had to drill deeper wells. 2016 Accomplishments – Brenda presented at the Planning and Development Committee on Monday. Council was very appreciative of the work that the committee does. One of the questions asked was about succession planning and if there is anything that local council could do to encourage young farmers. The only incentives program that comes to mind are Rural Community Improvement Grants such as those in Norfolk County http://www.norfolkbusiness.ca/incentives-supports/business- incentives/ Future Agendas Michael Veneziano, CEO & Co-Founder, Turnkey Aquaponics Inc. will attend in Feb. Amy Burke and Tracey Webster from Planning Services will be presenting in March with regard to the update to the zoning by-law for the rural area. Richard Rekker’s will outline their new construction and operations at the April meeting. Blackbird and MTO attending in May. John has invited a number of different politicians to come and speak, most have not responded, others have declined John’s invitation. Eric Bowman moved to Adjourn. Next Meeting, Thursday, February 9th, 7:30 p.m. Room 1C at Municipal Administrative Office I:\^Department\LDO NEW FILING SYSTEM\Committees\Agricultural Committee\2017 Minutes & Correspondence\Draft Minutes_ Meeting_12 Jan 17.docx