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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-10-13 Minutes CLARINGTON AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2011 MEMBERS PRESENT: Ted Watson Jenni Knox Tom Barrie Mary Ann Found John Cartwright Les Caswell Gary Jeffery Mark Bragg STAFF: Faye Langmaid PRESENTER` Kim Gavine, ORMF REGRETS: Brenda Metcalf, Eric Bowman, Marlene Werry, Councillor Wendy Partner, Don Rickard Gary welcomed all to the meeting, everyone introduced themselves to Kim. Adoption of Agenda 011-19 Moved by Tom Barrie, seconded by Jenni Knox "That the Agenda for October 13th, 2011 be adopted" CARRIED Approval of Minutes 011-20 Moved byMaryAnn Found, seconded by Ted Watson "That the minutes of the August 25th, 2011 meeting be approved." CARRIED Guest: Kim Gavine provided an overview of the Oak Ridges Moraine legislation and the Foundation. The Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation (ORMF) is a non-profit organization mandated to preserve and enhance the Oak Ridges Moraine (Moraine). Originally established as a granting agency in 2002 following the implementation of the Provincial Government's Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan (ORMCP), the ORMF has successfully Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington October 13, 2011 provided funds to many different partners in support of stewardship, education, research, the Oak Ridges Moraine Trail and land securement projects. The ORMF's role has recently changed, and while our granting role is currently suspended, we still have a pivotal role to play if the Moraine is to remain protected in the future. The ORMCP is scheduled for review in 2015, and while plenty of positive work has been done on the Moraine over the last eight years, there are still outstanding goals that need to be met. We believe that as a result of our stakeholder relationships, ability to effectively manage provincial funds and knowledgeable understanding of environmental issues relating to the Moraine that the ORMF is best positioned to assist the Province in meeting the previously established goals of the ORMCP. The tasks associated with these goals include: • Policy and Monitoring Efforts: The primary objective of the Plan is to ensure that only land and resource uses that protect the ecological and hydrological integrity of the Moraine are permitted. The ORMF can take a strong leadership role in the development and implementation of a monitoring system for the Moraine to prepare for the 2015 review. • Land Stewardship: The ORMCP's regulatory measures alone will not ensure the Moraine's ecological and hydrological functions are protected. Non-regulatory measures such as land restoration are necessary for the Moraine to remain preserved and enhanced. The ORMF has proven successful in supporting such activities. • Land Securement: Land securement ensures that areas on the Moraine with high ecological and hydrological value can be acquired and managed appropriately. The ORMF has secured more than 5,500 acres of Moraine land and would ideally like to secure more if refunded. • Education and Outreach: Protection of the Moraine requires public support, which is gained through education and knowledge. The ORMF is capable of helping citizens make choices in their daily lives that are less harmful to our natural environment based on an extensive knowledge about the Moraine and Moraine-related issue. Taken from h_ttp://www.moraineforlifg.or /q about/inde _hp Kim provided very comprehensive packages of information for the members (those not in attendance, I have packages for you). Kim emphasized the work that has been done by the Foundation on "measuring success" and that monitoring and baseline information has been underfunded by the Province and not a priority. Kim explained that initially the Foundation was going to wind down their activities but after the response they received from stakeholders that they have made a request to the Provincial Government for a new funding envelope. A request has also been made to the Environmental Commissioners office for: The Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation has requested a review of the existing policies legislation, regulation and/or technical guidance relating to the protection and Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington October 13, 2011 management of the Oak Ridges Moraine pursuant to section 61 of the Environmental Bill of Rights. The Foundation contends that a number of instruments relating to the protection of the Oak Ridges Moraine warrant review for consideration of revisions to existing policies, amendments to existing legislation, regulations and/or supporting technical guidelines to provide for the more effective implementation of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan. The Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation is asking the people of Ontario to support their Application for Review to the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario's Office and urge the Premier and all applicable ministries to address the gaps and deficiencies now! Kim indicated that there has been a letter writing campaign occurring and encouraged members of the group and the group to submit letters. Information can be found on the website at http://www.moraineforlife.orcl//proj�ects/redflags phi) Business Arising Trees for Rural Roads Faye distributed flyers for the program, they were available for the Orono Fair and there will be additional promotion of the program by the CA's and through Clarington. Guidelines have been drafted and an application form. The Municipality would fund the trees from the environmental stewardship account and the land owner would provide in- kind labour for the planting, maintenance and also the site along the roadway. It is anticipated that uptake will be slow until the program becomes known, but it also fits with many other initiatives. As such, it may be replicated by others and could garner additional funding in future. Whitebelt Resolution Council approved the resolution put forward by the committee and referred it to the Official Plan Review process. Orono Fair Display Was updated for this year and at the fair. Council Referrals — Agri-Food Innovation Excellence, Premier's Awards are due November 14, 2011. Faye has additional application forms if anyone wishes to submit. Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program- Faye distributed the schedules for payment from damage. There are some questions about the compensation. Faye sought clarification from the Clerk on the compensation for items such as raccoon and wild turkey, etc. The Clerk indicated that these animals are being raised for fur, food or release and the compensation applies to them if they are killed by other wildlife. Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington October 13, 2011 Liaison Reports DAAC — September 15 DAAC tour in Uxbridge area was very good. Some glitches with invitations, a number of northern municipality politicians attended. DRFA — next meeting is November 15 for executive, DRFA is looking for additional board members, if you know of anyone interested please contact Mary Ann. The High school program to inform students about the opportunities in the agricultural sector was well received; over 350 students from Anderson Collegiate participated. Farm Connections is scheduled for April 3, 4, 5 in Brooklyn, new committee members are welcome. CBOT — Jenni informed group that CBOT tour with Mayor and Councillors of 3 industrial sites in Clarington, well received and very educational. It highlighted the types of industry in Clarington and the challenges to expansion (servicing is one of the major issues). The Mayor's Annual address to CBOT was on September 27th at Newcastle Community Hall, highlighted the economic well being of Clarington, particularly in comparison to other surrounding municipalities from a tax rate, reserves, etc. Durham East 4-H was one of the benefactors of the evening. Clarington Farmer's Market — Brenda has stepped down as Chair, did not have the time and energy to guide the market as it should be. There are processes in place for approving vendors and guidelines for type of vendors; however the Board is not being involved in. The market is being run by the vendors and the Market Manager. The stalls appear to be filled for the season. While the AACC helped assist in setting up the market, input at this time does not appear to be necessary. Other Business Farmer's Parade of Lights is December 7th starting at 6p.m. in Enniskillen and will be to Tyrone by 7:30 p.m. Future Agendas Jenni will ask St. Marys if they wish to present regarding their algae/biodiesel project. John Cartwright moved to adjourn. CARRIED Next Meeting November 10th, 2011. John O'Toole, MPP to discuss initiatives for agriculture and would like feedback on 407. Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington October 13, 2011