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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-05-13 Minutes CLARINGTON AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2010 MEMBERS PRESENT: Tom Barrie Mark Bragg Mary Ann Found Gary Jeffery Brenda Metcalf Eric Bowman Councillor Gord Robinson Marlene Werry — Durham Region REGRETS: Jennifer Knox Ted Watson Henk Mulders Ross McMaster ABSENT: Donald Rickard Orwin Bandstra STAFF: Faye Langmaid Dean Jacobs GUESTS: Bill Hasiuk, Paul Vaneyk, John Bertrum Mark Peacock (GRCA) ADOPTION OF AGENDA 10-11 Moved by Tom Barrie, seconded by Eric Bowman "That the Agenda for May 13, 2010 be adopted, with the amendment to point no.4 that the guest speaker Pam Lancaster(GRCA) is replaced with Mark Peacock." "CARRIED" APPROVAL OF MINUTES 10-12 Moved by Eric Bowman, seconded by Mark Bragg "That the minutes of the April 8, 2010 meeting be approved." "CARRIED" DELEGATIONS: Bill Hasiuk, Paul Vaneyk and John Bertrum made a delegation on rural road speeds: Bill Hasiuk stated that recent changes to Provincial legislation have seen speed limits in certain rural areas of Clarington reduced from 80 km to 70, 60 and even 50 km an hour in some areas. He does not believe these speed reductions are justified. He pointed out that rural Clarington is an area of business and speed limits mean the loss of time and the possibility of fines have cost implications for farmers. His experience is that the different speed limits cause trucks to be geared down which in turn causes noise and air pollution. He requested the Committee recommend to Council that that all roads outside of hamlets be posted with a speed limit of 70 km per hour. Paul Vaneyk pointed out that although the speed limits are intended to slow down traffic, it actually slows down the economy of the country and that agri-businesses cannot afford to slow down. He stated his objection against the 50 km speed limit posted between Tyrone and Leskard, and indicated that it is very difficult to get a truck with a full load of grain up steep hills at such reduced speed. He also expressed concern regarding the 3-way stop in Leskard. It is intended to slow down traffic; however it is actually causing pollution and more noise because trucks must now make a full stop. He requested the Committee recommend to Council that the 3-way stop in Leskard be replaced with a yield sign both ways. John Bertrum questioned the purpose of a 4—way stop at Middle Road and 8th Concession. There are no markings on the road at the intersection of where to stop, so you have to creep into the intersection to see if there is other traffic approaching. In his opinion it could be changed to be a yield sign coming from the east, to allow for better flow through the intersection. He also mentioned that they often have people speeding along the rural roads at 120 km an hour and beyond, which is a law enforcement issue. Questions/Answer Session: Tom Barrie indicated that in some areas he has noted speed signs on both sides of the road posted so close to each other that it impedes the movement of farm machinery in some instances. Councillor Gord Robinson indicated that speed limits are posted mostly in areas where there are sight line issues and unsafe road conditions. Gary Jeffery confirmed with staff that the new speed limits are legislated by the Province. He thanked Bill, Paul and John for their delegations and indicated that the Committee will give further consideration to their requests later in the meeting, they were invited to stay for the presentation and remainder of the meeting. GUEST: Mark Peacock, (GRCA) Mark Peacock is the Director of Watershed Services with the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority. He was invited to provide an update on Source Water Protection Plans. Mark provided a Power Point Presentation, highlighting the following: AACC May 13, 2010 • The Terms of Reference for Source Water Protection Plans (is approved by the Minister of the Environment and the technical rules for the formulation and revisions are apparently extremely prescriptive). GRCA's Terms of Reference for the Source Water Protection Planning process for the Ganaraska Region has been approved by the Minister. • Assessment Reports (An Assessment Report looks at an entire watershed and the factors influencing the quality and quantity of water), by focusing the discussion on: o Water Budget and Water Quantity Stress Assessment; Surface Water Systems; Vulnerability, Issues and Threats; Groundwater Systems; and, Landscape-scale Groundwater Analyses. • There are no issues with drinking water identified in Orono wells, and there is enough water in the system to serve Orono's needs. Questions/Answer Session: Tom asked if GRCA's analysis of the water qualities provided an adjustment for the dry summers when the water table is low. Mark indicated that the analysis also considered extreme models with zero re-charge of up to 2 years. Councillor Robinson asked if GRCA has factored climate change into their analysis. Mark indicated that their model includes a climate change influence factor and it was determined that there is enough water in the Wilmot Creek sub-watershed area (Orono). Gary thanked Mark for attending and providing the information. BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES Concerns with the application of MDS — Dean reported that Brian Hancock from OFA provided him with valuable internet resources regarding Edge Planning (the creation of buffers) in British Colombia. The Agricultural Land Reserve in British Colombia is more restrictive than the Greenbelt Plan, particularly with regard to urban and farmland interfaces. Staff will explore this information through the Official Plan review process to see if our existing policies on the interfaces between plans of subdivision and farmland can be strengthened. Brian also indicated that the MDS review is due in 2012 and since the Province is currently undertaking a review of the 2005 Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) with a consultation window that closes on August 31, 2010, the Committee should consider submitting their concerns to the PPS review. CORRESPONDENCE .A letter was received from OMAFRA, regarding a Premier's Award Ceremony on May 28, 2010 in Brighton. The Durham recipient is in Clarington (circulated). Garry reported that no response has been received from OMAFRA and MOE regarding the letters that have been sent out by John O'Toole's office on March 15 & 16, 2010 AACC May 13, 2010 respectively (concerning conflicting interpretations of the definition of "farming" vs. "corporations, and the proposal to charge a levy of 23¢ per kilogram on fertilizer sold by the bag and the impact it would have on the cost of farming). REPORTS FROM OTHER COMMITTEES DAAC DAAC tour— confirmed to be on September 17 in Clarington. Eric circulated the approved Durham Food Charter — a copy of Charter to be distributed to members of the Committee. Durham Federation of Agriculture Mary Ann Found reported that the General Meeting on April 20, 2010 featured Don McCabe on the Green Energy Act attracted between 50-60 people. DFRA is looking at incorporation to become eligible for grant funding. An Agricultural Awareness Day is being planned for June 28, 2010 at Port Perry Police Station at 6:15pm (supper) for 7:15 pm: agricultural organisations to discuss and develop a strategic plan for agricultural education. Clarington Board of Trade No report. OTHER BUSINESS In response to the delegations made by Bill Hasiuk, Paul Vaneyk, John Bertrum on rural road speeds, the Committee passed the following motions: 10-13 Moved by Tom Barrie, seconded by Mark Bragg "That the AACC request Engineering Services Department and Traffic Management Committee that as the rural roads are reconstructed to review and adjust the speed limits" 10-14 Moved by Brenda Metcalf, seconded by Tom Barrie "That the AACC receive Paul Vaneyk's delegation with thanks" 10-15 Moved by Mark Bragg, seconded by Eric Bowman. "That the AACC refer the request for review of the 4 way stop on Middle Road and 8th Concession to Traffic Management Committee and Engineering Services Department" AACC May 13, 2010 10-16 Moved by Tom Barrie, seconded by Brenda Metcalf "That the AACC refer the request for additional enforcement to address the issue of speeding on 7th Concession (particularly on Friday evenings) and other arterial roads to Durham Regional Police" FUTURE AGENDA For June meeting: Kathryn Kram and Kathy MacPherson from the Greenbelt Foundation: research on issues that the agricultural community have with policies - case study examples in Durham. Moved to Adjourn: Mary Ann Found Next Meeting: June 10, 2010 7:30 p.m. AACC May 13, 2010