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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-10-12 MinutesAgricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington Meeting Thursday, Oct 12th, 2017 Members Present: John Cartwright Brenda Metcalf Don Rickard Tom Barrie Elgin Greenham Eric Bowman, Ted Watson Councillor Wendy Partner Regrets: Jennifer Knox, Les Caswell, Richard Rekker Henry Zekveld Guests: Andy Allison, CAO; Carolyn Puterbough, OMAFRA; Chris Jones, CLOCA Staff: Faye Langmaid and Amy Burke Planning Services Brenda welcomed all to the meeting, with introductions. Adoption of Agenda 017-19 Moved by Eric Bowman, seconded by Don Rickard "That the Agenda for October 12, 2017 be adopted" Carried Approval of Minutes 017-20 Moved by Eric Bowman, seconded by Tom Barrie "That the minutes of the Aug 17, 2017 meeting be approved" Carried Andy Allison, CAO thanked the Committee for the invitation to attend and indicated he was here to listen and learn. Carolyn Puterbough, OMAFRA provided an overview of OMAFRAs role in the development of the Agriculture System for the Province. From the 4 -Plan review the direction was to look at protecting farm viability in addition to protecting farm land. From there a number of initiatives have been undertaken to map additional layers of information. There is a desire to have consistency across the province in the definitions being used and when two political jurisdictions meet to have the mapping flow across the boundary. The Environmental Bill of Rights posting for the Agriculture System solicited comments on the mapping and how the agricultural system will be integrated into Regional and Local Official Plans. The comment period closed on October 6, 2017. Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington Aug 17, 2017 The Municipality has submitted comments and the Committee has provided comments. These comments were e-mailed out to committee members prior to the meeting. The Land Evaluation Area Review which has been carried out by other Regions (Peel, York, Halton, Hamilton) has not been completed for Durham. The comments provided reflect the concerns voiced by committee members as Carolyn ran through her presentation, touching on the different items the province is attempting to address. It will be very important to be involved when the Region is carrying out their municipal comprehensive review of the Regional Official Plan. Chris Jones, CLOCA spoke about the natural heritage system which is also out for review from the Province. It is determined by the features on the ground and meant to protect creeks, streams, wetlands and woodlots. What it means is that when looking at new development (e.g. new barn) there is typically a setback from the creek/stream. The set backs are general policies. When looking to locate the barn that is when consultation should happen with the Conservation Authority. The Conservation Authority has some tools to assist with development permits, which this committee assisted in developing. Business Arising Zoning: Planning Staff are continuing to work away on the rural zoning by-law review. If there are any additional comments please send them along to Amy. Correspondence and Committee Reports Tax Talk from DRFA — there has been a number of items of communication on the proposed changes to the federal tax laws that impact farm corporations and small businesses. DRFA has provided background materials which were forwarded to members via e-mail. Summarized below: Horticulture and tender fruit industry is very worried about the minimum wage proposals and how it will affect their operations and existing employees. Carbon Tax is 3 cents a cubic metre for gas, being paying it since beginning of the year, presumably there are programs that will be announced to provide incentives; for greenhouses and drying operations this is a significant cost. Income Tax Act- changes to the small business and how capital assets (like land) can be transferred to family members, any farms that are incorporated (which is most) will be affected, especially as it affects succession planning. Durham Aariculture Advisory Committee: x 2017 DAAC Farm Tour September 20 at Picov Downs in Ajax, different stations were set up for educational displays/talks. Excellent lunch, interesting to learn the direct and in -direct impacts on the economy of Durham Region. Disappointing that no political representatives from Clarington attended. Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington Oct 12, 2017 Durham Reaion Federation of Aariculture: x The Ag education trailer is in high demand it will be at the fall fairs in the area, a number of request from outside the Durham area are being addressed if the trailer and attendant are available. Clarington Board of Trade: x CBOT Staff working on a video about the agricultural opportunities in Clarington. There will be vignettes on history of farming, technology in farming, real dirt on farming and different commodity groups. Farm Connections x Collection of agricultural families that have been in the business of farming for 150 years, now at 130 families with 38 from Clarington. These families will be honoured at the Agriculture Gala in October, tickets are sold out. There will be an additional program to recognize the families at another event. x Carolyn informed the group that the program developed by Farm Connections for recognizing families in agriculture impressed the Minister and will be rolled out on a provincial basis. Janet Horner of the GGH agricultural group has committed that she will submit the Durham family into the registry. New Business Rural Ontario Leaders Award — nominations are due November 15th. Some suggestions discussed. Brenda as Chair can provide support letters for nominations. Questions for the Minister for meeting of November 2nd, the group suggested a number of questions that could be sent to the Minister in advance of the meeting. Will ask the Minister for a brief (20 minute) preamble on the Farms Forever Discussion Paper. Format for the meeting will be as per usual. Additional chairs will be provided in Room 1 C for any additional attendees. Future Agendas John will be inviting Barry and Mark Bragg to speak about their operation and value- added initiatives. Participation House, Jenni Knox to follow-up. Miller waste will be invited to January meeting about Anaerobic Digestion. December meeting Operations will be attending John Cartwright moved to Adjourn. Next Meeting, Thursday, November 2 t meeting, Minister Leal will be in attendance Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington Oct 12, 2017