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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-06-13Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington Meeting Members Present: Regrets Guests Staff: Thursday, June 13, 2019 Eric Bowman Brenda Metcalf Les Caswell Councillor Zwart Richard Rekker Tom Barrie, John Cartwright Henry Zekveld Ted Watson Jennifer Knox Don Rickard, Ben Eastman Steve Carruthers, Chase Carruthers, Steve Shine, Gord Sharp Ron Albright, Engineering Services, Tracey Webster and Carlo Pellarin, Faye Langmaid and Amy Burke, Planning Services Brenda welcomed all to the meeting, with introductions. Adoption of Agenda 019-13 Moved by John Cartwright, seconded by Tom Barrie "That the Agenda for June 13, 2019 be adopted" Carried Approval of Minutes 019-14 Moved by Richard Rekker, seconded by Eric Bowman "That the minutes of the May 9, 2019 meeting be approved" Carried Presentation: Traffic Calming: Ron Albright from Engineering Services apologized to the committee for not having consulted with them in advance of the installation of the traffic calming measures in Enniskillen. The installation in Enniskillen is the only rural installation and it is for safety reasons because of the school zone. It was in response to concerns about speeding. All of the installations are pilot projects at this point in time. Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington June 13, 2019 Ron showed a video from the manufacturer and also from the testing that Engineering Services did with their vehicles and firetrucks. The videos demonstrated how vehicles can drive over the pylons without incident at high speeds. There were questions from the group as to why this type of traffic calming was selected rather than rubber speed bumps, flashing sign or photo radar. Ron discussed the pros/cons of the suggestions and why the bollards were selected. Many of them members do not use the roadway in Enniskillen there are some that do and other attendees at the meeting who came specifically on this issue use this road. and the idea of having a review with different farm equipment and how the barriers will work and whether they can snag or harm the farm equipment should be tested. In particular for machinery with hydraulic hoses, spray heads and tines. Committee members suggest a trial with the farm equipment be carried out in the next 4-6 weeks and if possible it should be done on a closed road so that the equipment has the ability to be turned around in a safe manner. Initially there was discussion that the bollards could be removed for harvest season. However, near the end of the meeting committee members requested that the Enniskillen barriers be removed once school is out for the summer. ZoneClarington and Minimum Distance Separation (MDS): Amy Burke, Tracey Webster and Carlo Pellarin were in attendance to work through the MDS options available to the Municipality for implementation within the zoning by-law review that is ongoing. The MDS formulae and guidelines are in place to reduce conflict between farming and other land uses. The MDS Guidelines contain five "implementation guidelines" that provide options to municipalities relating to the following: x MDS I setbacks for building permits on existing lots x MDS I setbacks and lot creation for a residence surplus to a farming operation x MDS I and MDS II setbacks for secondary on-farm and agriculture -related uses (2 areas with options) x MDS II setbacks for cemeteries Amy and Tracey walked the group through the workbook that had been distributed previously to members. The Committee indicated that it was important that buyers purchasing property in rural areas in proximity to livestock and farming -related anaerobic digestion facilities are aware of the presence of the facilities and the potential for odour as part of normal farm practice. The Committee also indicated that were possible during the development process, building on the property should be as far away from existing livestock / anaerobic digestion facilities as possible. With respect to secondary on-farm uses it felt that the risk associated with the potential impacts of adjacent livestock and anaerobic digestion facilities is born by the business owner. No concerns were raised by the Committee respecting MDS and abandoned cemeteries. Further, the Committee felt that active cemeteries in the rural area should not have MDS applied, if possible, but consultation with the various cemetery boards should be undertaken. Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington June 13, 2019 The ZONE Clarington Team provided a refresher from a prior Committee meeting regarding how the proposed Environmental Protection Zone has been determined and the policies that allow for it to be adjusted. Business Arising Doors Open was well attended, approximately 400 at Ceresmore Farm, 800 at Algoma and 600 at Rekker's. The feedback on the agricultural theme and places has been very positive, Around 6000 site visits that day with attendees coming from Markham, Vaughan, Toronto, Lakefield and many locals. Well done by all. Correspondence, Council Items and Referrals None Liaison Reports: DAAC: Ag Tour is schedule for September 12 at WillowTree Farms. At the last meeting the consultant for Durham Agriculture Strategy was in attendance to present the strategy for the next 5 years. Some comments that it is too focused on smaller retail operators and not the larger producers. Discussion on the Agricultural Event Centre as part of the ag strategy, how it should be funded and where it should be located. October 24th is the Agriculture Gala. Kristy Kilbourne presented on Envision Durham which was similar to the presentation made at the last AACC meeting. The Durham Energy Management Plan has been endorsed by Regional council, looking forward to its roll out. Members requested DAAC take the lead on approaching DRPS with regard to enforcement of animal complaints now that SPCA is no longer responsible. The request is that DAAC set up a meeting with Police and assist with the education of officers on normal farm practices. DRFA: No report. CBOT: Thank you to Metdale Farms for the familiarization tour. CBOT are aware of the concerns about ZoneClarington and will continue to monitor. New Business Mayor's Golf Tournament: The Mayor attended the February meeting where he indicated that the proceeds of the golf tournament will be dedicated to agriculture and forestry education. The golf tournament is September 12 at Newcastle Golf Club, they are looking for volunteers to assist in the morning from 9:30 to noon, participants and trivia questions. Faye will inform the Mayor and organizers of the conflict with the DAAC tour. Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington June 13, 2019 Festival of Lights: Permit signed by Brenda, the Region has informed Clarington that they will be looking to relocate the parade route once the roundabout is built at Concession 8 and Bowmanville Avenue (formerly 57). Members expressed concern about this proposed change as the parade is functioning well on this route. The route also provides adequate parking for the many attendees. This is now the largest parade in Durham Region. Future Agendas Brianna Ames of Fairlife (Coca-Cola) has agreed to be a speaker, via conference call at one of the meetings in the Fall. Fairlife are the proponent for the development of the milk processing plant in Peterborough (85 million) which hopes to source Canadian milk next year. John Cartwright moved to Adjourn. Next Meeting: Thursday, July 11, 2019 @ 7:30 pm - - = Aaron Bowman —Soil health and the next generation Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington June 13, 2019