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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-01-12Rom Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington Meeting Thursday, January 12, 2023 Members Present: Henry Zekveld, Brenda Metcalf, Councillor Zwart Regrets: Jordan McKay, Mitch Morawetz, Ryan Cullen Staff: Amy Burke, Sylvia Jennings — Planning and Infrastructure Services Department Guests: Honourable Senator Robert Black Observers: Brad Found, Richard Rekker, Craig Rickard, Eric Bowman, Tom Barrie, Stacey Jibb — Invest Durham, Allison De Vos — Invest Durham Participation in the meeting was either in person at the Municipal Administrative Centre or online (via MSTeams). Amy Burke welcomed all to the meeting, with introductions. Declarations of Interest None Presentations The Honourable Robert Black, Senator — Ontario, regarding study of the status of soil health in Canada: Eric Bowman introduced Senator Black to the Committee highlighting his experience with agriculture. Senator Black opened with an introduction to the Canadian Senate system and its role in our government. He explained how he brings a unique perspective to the Senate as one of the few Senators with a rural and agricultural background. Senator Black outlined his objectives to be a voice for agriculture and rural affairs in the Senate and to advocate for rural and agricultural issues such as rural broadband access, local vendors and small businesses, and soil health. Senator Black provided an overview of Senate Committees and their role to research issues affecting Canadians. Specifically, Senator Black outlined the work underway by the Standing Committee for Agriculture and Forestry to examine and report on the status of soil health in Canada (view the Order of Reference). The goal of the updated study is to understand the current state of Canadian soil health and possible action that could support healthy agricultural and forest soil. The study covers topics such as Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington January 12, 2023 environmental conservation, food security, and protection of agricultural land from urban spawl. To date, the Committee has spoken to 34 witnesses, held 9 meetings, and produced 12 written briefs. Senator Black indicated that more research will be conducted throughout 2023 and a final report is expected in 2024. He invited Committee members to share with him any information they feel may be relevant to the study or the names of any organizations / academics who the Committee should consider speaking with (Email: Robert. Black@sen.parl.gc.ca). Clarington Committee members asked Senator Black questions regarding new legislation on fertilizer introduced by the Federal government, including tariffs and environmental regulations. Senator Black recognizes that fertilizer regulations are a significant issue for many in the agricultural sector, and that a one -sized fits all approach is not appropriate. Senator Black encouraged residents to contact him about the rural and agricultural issues they are facing. Delegations None Business Arisina from Minutes 2023 — 2026 Committee Appointments (Staff Report LGS-003-23): The process is underway for new committee appointments. Council ratification of appointments will take place on January 23, 2023 and all applicants will be notified of Council's decision. The Durham Region Federation of Agriculture has confirmed that Mitch Morawetz will continue as representative for the DRFA for 2023 — 2026 term. 2022 Annual Council Update: Eric will be delegating at the Special Planning and Development Committee meeting on January 16, 2023 at 5pm. The 2022 AACC Annual Update report was shared with Committee members in advance of the meeting and will be provided to Council as part of the Planning and Development Committee meeting agenda. Council Chambers are now open for public attendance and meetings can also be livestreamed online at www.Clarinaton.net/calendar. Provincial decisions on proposed amendments to the Greenbelt Plan and Area: Staff provided an update on the proposed amendments. The decision on the proposed expansion and removal was posted on December 21, 2022. The removal of land in Clarington at Nash and Hancock was passed as it was laid out in the initial drafts. Publicly owned urban river valley areas within Soper, Bowmanville, Wilmot, and Graham Creeks and Darlington Provincial Park have been added into the Greenbelt. Correspondence, Council Items and Referrals Notice of Envision Durham draft growth allocations and settlement area boundary expansion map commenting deadline (Region of Durham New Release, January 4, 2023): Staff reminded the Committee of the Region's on -going consultation on this matter and the comment deadline of January 18. Regional Staff will be presenting on the proposal to the Durham Agricultural Advisory Committee on January 17 at 7:30pm. The meeting can be livestreamed via the Region's website. Staff also advised that report PDS-005-23 providing Council with an update on Envision Durham and the proposed growth allocations and settlement area boundary expansions will be Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington January 12, 2023 considered at the Special Planning and Development Committee meeting on January 16, 2023, 5pm. Liaison Reports Durham Agricultural Advisory Committee: The next meeting is scheduled for January 17, 2023. This meeting will be in person. Durham Region Federation of Agriculture: No updates. Durham Farm Connections: Annual General Meeting will be held January 24t" at 7pm at the Blackstock Recreation Complex. Clarington Board of Trade: No updates. New Business None Next Meeting February 9, 2023 @ 7:30 pm (Hybrid format) Municipal Administrative Centre, 40 Temperance Street, Bowmanville, Meeting Room 1 C or virtual via MS Teams Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington January 12, 2023