HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-01-09
Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington January 9, 2020
Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington Meeting
Thursday, January 9, 2020
Members Present: Brenda Metcalf Eric Bowman Jennifer Knox
Ted Watson Tom Barrie Ben Eastman
Richard Rekker John Cartwright Les Caswell
Henry Zekveld Councillor Zwart
Regrets: Don Rickard
Staff: Amy Burke - Planning Services
Guests: Pam Lancaster – Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority
Jamie Davidson – Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority
April Stevenson – Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign
Brenda welcomed all to the meeting, with introductions.
No pecuniary interests declared.
Election of Chair
020-01 Moved by Tom Barrie, seconded by Richard Rekker
That Eric Bowman be Chair if he is willing to stand.
Eric Bowman confirmed that he is willing to stand as Committee Chair.
Carried
020-02 Moved by Tom Barrie, seconded by Richard Rekker
That John Cartwright be Vice-Chair if he is willing to stand.
John Cartwright confirmed that he is willing to stand as Committee Chair.
Carried
The Committee thanked Brenda for her leadership and dedication as Committee Chair
for the past years.
Adoption of Agenda
020-03 Moved by Tom Barrie, seconded by Brenda Metcalf
That the Agenda for January 9, 2020 be adopted.
Carried
Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington January 9, 2020
Approval of Minutes
020-04 Moved by Richard Rekker, seconded by Ted Watson
That the minutes of the December 12, 2019 meeting be approved.
Carried
Presentation:
Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign – April Stevenson provided an overview of this
new initiative. HOH aims to plant 2 million trees by 2022. Private Landowner
Partnership program offers qualified landowners planted native seedlings, with possible
savings of up to 80% on planting costs. Preference is given to sites that are at least 2.5
acres and within 30 km of the Highway 401 corridor. The program process was
reviewed, including the site assessment and survival assessment processes. For
program details or to complete an eligibility for and apply, visit www.hohtribute.ca/plp.
Clean Water – Healthy Land Financial Assistance Program – Pam Lancaster
provided an overview of the 2020 offering of this program for GRCA’s area within
Clarington. Any project on property within GRCA’s area that can improve, maintain, or
protect water quality, quantity and/or aquatic or terrestrial habitat may be eligible for
funding under the CWHLFAP. Funding must be approved before the project has begun.
A number of agricultural project categories exist, which have had good uptake. In 2019,
9 projects on 8 properties were approved for a total allocation of $11,056 in grant
funding. The total funding allocation in Clarington since the program was launched in
2007 is $226,100. CWHLFAP information is found at www.grca.on.ca.
CLOCA’s Updated Watershed Management Plans – Jamie Davidson reviewed the
purpose, history and evolution of CLOCA’s watershed management plans, the scope of
the plan updates carried out and out for public review and comment. A new evaluation
framework for evaluating watershed health is proposed that includes measurable
indicators and goals for specific attributes (e.g. forest cover). Actions to achieve these
goals distinguish responsibility for implementation (e.g. CLOCA, local municipality,
community). A component of the new proposal includes the resurrection of land
stewardship and restoration programming for landowners. The disparity of programs for
land stewardship across Clarington is a longstanding concern voiced by the Committee.
The Committee discussed the challenge facing the development and implementation of
watershed health and land use planning policy in light of a growing population;
achieving natural heritage targets needs to recognize the increasing importance of
maintaining agricultural land.
Business Arising from Minutes
Security from Trespass and Protecting Food Safety Act, 2019: Letter of support
sent to Hon. Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, in support
of introducing legislation to protect farm families and food safety.
Line Fences Repeal Act, 2019: Prior to the meeting, Richard circulated to the
Committee Ontario Federation of Agriculture’s position letter on the proposed Act,
Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington January 9, 2020
stating OFA’s opposition to repeal as it would result in more “Red Tape”. OFA’s
position is supported by the Durham Region Federation of Agriculture.
Emerald Ash Borer Funding Assistance: Committee motion 019-26 from last meeting
endorsed by General Government Committee of Council on January 6. Final
consideration at Council on January 20.
Fireworks By-law 2015-047: Clerk’s report responding to the request for tighter
regulations to protect livestock considered by General Government Committee on
January 6. Report recommendation does not recommend by-law amendments.
Endorsed by Council. Final consideration at Council on January 20.
Correspondence, Council Items and Referrals
None.
Liaison Reports:
Durham Agriculture Advisory Committee: December meeting minutes indicate that
local municipalities have mapping of tile drain infrastructure. Matter discussed by Staff
and Clarington Engineering Services has confirmed that the Municipality does not have
information relating to tile drained lands or drainage pipe locations on private property in
Clarington.
Durham Region Federation of Agriculture: No updates.
Clarington Board of Trade: Breakfast with Mayor Foster event taking place on
January 21, 7:30am, at Bowmanville Creek Retirement Community.
Farm Connections: Annual General Meeting will be held on January 30, 7:00pm at
Blackstock Recreation Complex with guest speaker Rod Black.
New Business
Canadian Tire Motorsport Park Fly Over Support Request: CTMP applying for a
Canadian Armed Forces aircraft flyover as low as 500 feet for one of three marquee
2020 events. Flyover can consist of up to two passes of either the Canadian Snowbirds
CT-114 Tutor 7 or 9 plane fleet, or the CF-18 Demo Jet. There would also be practice
slots for the aircrafts of either 45 minutes (minimum) for the CT-114 fleet or 25 minutes
(minimum) for the CF-18. Request for letter of support from the Municipality endorsed
by General Government Committee on January 6. Final consideration at Council on
January 20. The Committee discussed the potential for spooking of livestock in the
area. Per the request of the Committee, Staff will request an update from CTMP when
a decision on CTMP’s application has been issued.
Region of Durham Broadband Strategy: Region of Durham has launched two
surveys to gather feedback and contribute to improving broadband access across the
region - one targeted to Durham residents (with additional questions for farms) and one
targeted to businesses. Visit www.durham.ca/broadband to complete surveys. Survey
Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington January 9, 2020
closes April 30, 2020. Question raised regarding broadband expansion and the
potential implications for the tax levy; Staff to discuss with Municipal Treasurer.
2020 Trees for Rural Roads Program: 2020 applications will open on January 16.
Applications available at www.clarington.net/treesforruralroads. Application deadline –
March 31, 2020.
2019 AACC Accomplishments: Brenda will present the Committee’s 2019
accomplishments to Council at the February 3, 2020 Planning & Development
Committee meeting.
Next Meeting: Thursday, February 13, 2020 @ 7:30 pm
Guest T.B.D.
Future Agendas:
Philip Lawrence, MP, Northumberland-Peterborough South
Hon. Erin O’Toole, MP, Durham
Robert Schafer re: Tyrone Mills Ltd.
Clarington Engineering and Region of Durham Works re: 2020 capital projects
Brianna Ames of Fairlife (Coca-Cola)
Clarington Engineering Services (Building Division) re: National Building Code changes
for farm structures anticipated for 2020 (once the changes have been confirmed)
Simon Gill, Durham Region Economic Development & Tourism re: an update on the
Durham Region Agricultural Strategy and Durham Region Broadband Strategy