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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-04-12 MinutesAgricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington Meeting Thursday, April 12, 2018 Members Present: John Cartwright Brenda Metcalf Don Rickard Eric Bowman Tom Barrie Henry Zekveld, Ted Watson Les Caswell Richard Rekker Regrets: Jennifer Knox, Wendy Partner Guests: Kathryn Enders, Ontario Farmland Trust Staff: Amy Burke, Faye Langmaid, Planning Services Ron Albright, Engineering Services Brenda welcomed all to the meeting, with introductions. Adoption of Agenda 018-08 Moved by Eric Bowman, seconded by Richard Rekker "That the Agenda for April 12, 2018 be adopted" Carried Approval of Minutes 018-09 Moved by Les Caswell, seconded by Tom Barrie "That the minutes of the March 8, 2018 meeting be approved" Carried Presentation The Ontario Farmland Trust (OFT) is the only province wide charity dedicated to the permanent protection of Ontario's farmland. OFTs mission is to protect and preserve Ontario's farmlands and associated agricultural, natural and cultural features of the countryside through direct land securement, stewardship, policy research and education for the benefit of todays and future generations. Kathryn provided an overview of how the farms are protected through conservation easements, the tax benefits and financial considerations. To have a farm protected under the Trust it has to be evaluated, this Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington April 12, 2018 will include an appraisal, ecological inventory, survey, agreement with the owners, etc. https://ontariofarmlandtrust.ca for more information. Ron Albright from Engineering Services attended to assist the group with articulating issues with the different phases and types of work occurring along the 407 corridor. Ron prefaced his comments with the changes between Phase 1 and the current contractor BBC (Blackbird). The folks at BBC are very willing to listen and be responsive within the terms of their contract. Clarington and BBC do not know the terms of the various purchase/sale agreements. There was lots of background items in the EA but the constructions has taken some time to get to Clarington, there have been may personnel changes at MTO and the transfer to the contract, we all admit items and details have been lost in the translation. BBC and MTO can only work within the limits of the project so items outside the project limit are having to be addressed in a different manner. Ron encouraged all to use the call number of BBC, while it is an answering machine they do get back to you. If you have no response, send your item to Ron and he will be able to direct to the appropriate person. There was discussion of a number of specific areas as follows: x Bethesda Road condition and repair x Run-off of fine clay that is silting over fields and causing crop damage x Dust complaints x 6t" Concession and Regional Road 42 the water drainage into the ditch x Rundle Road drainage x The need for ditching of local roads to address the silt which is accumulating, Ron explained how this is to be addressed as part of the deficiencies x The construction timing is being done to address structures first, half -load season x Need for Holt Road to be constructed for all season use. Business Arising Aq Summit — good day, challenge in attracting the AACC members as many had already heard the speakers; however very important to get the message they were bringing to others in the community. Suggestions for future years is to have supply management speaker, or speakers that can bring an international perspective. Webinar on Agriculture and Teenage Mind — Thank you to CBOT for hosting, good to gather and listen to webinar and the perspectives of how to engage youth. Broadband — Input on the work by Actionable Intelligence Inc. for the Regional Broadband Strategy is being provided by CBOT, Clarington IT and Communications Staff. Region will see Phase 1 report going to Council in next few weeks. Phase 2 will involve further consultation with lower tier municipalities. Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington April 12, 2018 Correspondence and Committee Reports Non -Farm Member of Committee — Elgin Greenham has resigned and advertisement for non-farm members has been posted to website. Discussion on whether to add a youth advisor when the terms of reference are to be updated, further discussion warranted. Durham Climate Change Task Force for Agriculture Don Rickard and Eric Bowman are willing to represent farmers on this task force. Don & Eric have attended a meeting and Don is the chair. Durham Aariculture Advisory Committee: Working on DAAC Tour for September 13th at Reesor's to involve equipment dealers. Presentations at recent meetings on Rouge National Urban Park and renewal of agricultural reserve leases and the recycling of bale wrap program. Durham Region Federation of Agriculture: Richard provided an overview that was e-mailed to members. Farm Connections school program happened on April 3,4, 5. Over 700 attended Open House. Farm Connections has received the Farm and Food Care Champion Award — recognizing champions who work to tell agriculture's story. Clarington Board of Trade: CBOT is 20 years old, Don recently attended past president's luncheon. CBOT looking for ways to make membership appealing to agriculture community. New Business Tourism Video — Laura and Ashlee will be coming to Committee they want to tell the story of agriculture history of the community, what to see and do with agriculture when you visit. This is different the than CBOT video which is more about the economic development and impact of agriculture. Committee members suggested Farm Boy Pro be included if any RFQ or RFP are issued to shoot the video. Impact of AACC — Faye is to speak at an upcoming seminar on the Agriculture System on May 2, looking for opinion of the members on what the value of the AACC has been to them and community. The following was offered: x Respect, Council and community know who we are and what we do as does the Clarington Staff, it has created an awareness x Lowering of tax rate from 25% to 20% x Education of Council members who do not come from farm backgrounds, willingness to listen, seek advice and opinion x Focus of CBOT on agriculture and economic development, part of that has come from AACC member involvement x Input into policy — Official Plan, Zoning By-law, Agri -tourism discussions and definitions. x Invitation into other venues, for instance Durham Climate Change Roundtable. Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington April 12, 2018 x Input into issues affecting rural community, such as broadband, energy, harness racing Donald Rickard moved to Adjourn. Next Meeting: Thursday, May 10, 2018 @ 7:30 pm, BBC and MTO on 407 Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington April 12, 2018