HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-02-12 Minutes
CLARINGTON AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2009
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Tom Barrie
Gary Jeffery
Henk Mulders
Eric Bowman
Brenda Metcalf
Mark Bragg
Mary Ann Found
Orwin Bandstra
Councillor Gord Robinson
REGRETS:
Donald Rickard
Ted Watson
Jennifer Knox
Ross McMaster
ABSENT:
STAFF:
Faye Langmaid
Susan Hajnik
Gerald Fradsham, GIS Tech
GUESTS:
John Stephenson, food security and local production
Mark Peacock, GRCA
Perry Sisson, CLOCA
Chair called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m.
Adoption of AQenda
09-04 Moved by Tom Barrie, seconded by Eric Bowman
"That the Agenda for February 12,2009 be adopted"
Carried
Approval of Minutes
09-05 Moved by Orwin Bandstra, seconded by Henk Mulders
'That the minutes of the January 8, 2009 meeting be approved."
Carried
Guests: John Stephenson - see hand-out
Mr. John Stephenson gave a presentation entitled "The Future Looks Grim #7".
Perry Sisson, CLOCA and Mark Peacock, GRCA
Conservation Authorities are here tonight to listen to committee in regards to waterways and
pinch-points in drainage. Gerald is municipal GIS technician he will go through area maps
making notes for CA's where necessary. In many ways this is like a ground truthing exercise for
the CA's as they are not able to observe everything in the field that committee members will
have noticed. Committee members are requested to indicate where there are problems or
potential problems.
As background, Mark and Perry explained that in an effort to forecast what water levels will be
in watershed area CLOCA and GRCA run models of flood planes. They put different levels of
water in the area and push it through the system and model what will happen. Really, what it
gets down to is being able to tell when it's going to be a problem. As well they have a river
watch system. Technicians are out in the field photographing gages that measure water levels.
It's really getting to know the rivers. Snow fall, rain fall, general weather conditions combine to
feed models. Takes years of data to be able to forecast accurately what may happen. People
tell them when the water comes up, or this is how things happen on our property. This info is
invaluable to the CA's as they can not be everywhere.
Committee reviewed area maps, and with the help of Gerald Fradsham, GIS Tech from the
municipality pinpointed areas of concern. A detailed map of these areas and stated concerns or
issues with individual locations will be forwarded to Mark and Perry.
Business Arising from Minutes:
% loads resolution. Council referred to Directors of Engineering and Operations. The Ontario
Federation of Agriculture has had a policy on the books since 1994 requesting the province to
look at half loads and have not been able to advance that with MTO. There was concern
voiced by Council in regards to what the resolution was requesting. Fred Horvath would like to
sit with committee members to iron out exactly what is being asking for, he is suggesting a
compromise on the resolution that we can all live with.
CORRESPONDENCE
A Private Well Seminar hosted by Well Wise will be held on Thursday, March 26 in Orono.
This is an all day seminar and pre-registration is required. Please contact them for more
details.
DEAC award nominations are due March 2.
An article from the Port Hope Evening Guide indicates that a hemp bio-refining plant is in the
works for the Northumberland area. This fibre separation facility is expected to provide new
farm income for about 200 farmers, putting more than 12,000 acres into cultivation.
Council dealt with a resolution from DAAC requesting that local municipalities seek the opinion
of DAAC in matters regarding agriculture. Clarington is the only municipality in the region who
has their own Ag Committee. It is felt that the resolution is aimed at helping other municipalities
with their agricultural questions/issues.
AACC
February 12, 2009
REPORTS FROM OTHER COMMITTEES
407 Committee
Reviewed Community Value Plan and provided comment.
going to Council in late March.
A report from the Staff will be
DAAC
No Report
Durham Federation of AQ
Last meeting canceled due to storm.
Farm Connections April 7 8 9. Volunteers are still required to either present or to lead students
around. Please let Mary Ann know if you are interested in volunteering.
OTHER BUSINESS
The questions was asked: "Is there a way we could open the first part of our meeting to
anyone". NOTE... .these meetings are open to the public. Meeting schedule for Committee is
on the municipal web site. Should someone wish to speak (make a delegation) at the meeting
they must first register. Delegations are limited to 10 min.
Plastic wrap (bale wrap) is not being recycled at Ritson Road facility. Gord Robinson to
investigate.
In December Bill 98 was passed. This is an act aimed at promoting the sale of Ontario
produced products. You can now put up signs that say Farm Market, within 400 metres of a
provincial highway (400 series). There are still restrictions, and you must go through MTO (to
be sent out with minutes).
Councillor Robinson thanked Tom Barrie for his contribution to the committee and his
leadership of the committee over the years.
MTO has approved a slow moving sign for farming areas. It will look a lot like the Clarington
one and will say "slow moving vehicles".
Renfrew County has an Agricultural Wall of Fame. This year they added four names, they were
presented at the fall fair. Is there interest in something like this for Clarington?
09-06
Moved by Gord Robinson, seconded by Brenda Metcalf
'That Mr. Stephensons presentation be accepted for information."
Carried
FUTURE AGENDA
March, Operations on Highway Traffic Act
Moved to adjourn
Henk Mulders
AACC
February 12, 2009