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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-12-14 Draft* Subject to Advisory Committee Approval * Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington December 14, 2023 Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington Meeting Minutes Date: Thursday, December 14, 2023 Time: 7:30 p.m. Location: Microsoft Teams or Meeting Room 1C, Municipal Administrative Centre 40 Temperance St., Bowmanville, Ontario Members Present: Henry Zekveld (Chair), Tom Barrie, Eric Bowman, Brenda Metcalf, John Cartwright, Richard Rekker, Councillor Zwart, Jennifer Knox Mitch Morawetz (DRFA) Regrets: Jordan McKay, Craig Rickard, Ryan Cullen Staff Present: Sylvia Jennings, Shrija Vora – Planning and Infrastructure Services Guests: Mike Dunn – Structural Pest Management Association of Ontario 1. Welcome and Introductions Henry Zekveld welcomed all to the meeting, with introductions. 2. Land Acknowledgement Statement Henry Zekveld recited Clarington’s Land Acknowledgement Statement. 3. Declarations of Interest None 4. Approval of Minutes of November 9, 2023 023-019 Moved by Eric Bowman, seconded by Tom Barrie That the minutes of the November 9, 2023, meeting be approved. Carried 5. Presentations / Delegations 5a. Presentation on Rodenticide Usage in Ontario – Mike Dunn, Structural Pest Management Association of Ontario M. Dunn presented about rodenticide usage, regulation, and the importance of managing pests. He described his organization and its role in promoting the benefits and risks of all forms of pest management. He noted that managing pests is important to reduce the health and economic impacts they pose to humans. He reviewed specific health risks associated with rodent infestations, including diseases which can result in serious illness or death. Economic effects including property damage, business closures, and food contamination were also reviewed. Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington December 14, 2023 M. Dunn explained that pest management companies are regulated in Ontario by the Ministry of the Environment, Parks, and Conservation. Rodenticides are regulated by the Pest Management Regulatory Agency, which regularly reviews pesticides for their efficacy and safety. The next rodenticide review is expected to be released in 2024. M. Dunn described the role of rodenticides, which is mainly as a first line of defence to reduce the amount of rodents that may attempt to enter a building. He noted that structural improvements are the most important measures to prevent a rodent infestation, but that there will always be vulnerabilities to structural measures, resulting in the need for rodenticides. M. Dunn noted an increased interest in rodenticide bans across Canada. He noted that bans lead to more reliance on other measures such as snap traps, which lead to increased costs, more pest management servicing to maintain the traps, and potentially decaying rodents if traps aren’t properly monitored. He noted that since British Columbia’s ban, they have seen a substantial increase in rodents and large cost increases for pest management services. M. Dunn responded to comments and questions from the Committee. He noted that there is currently pushback on rodenticides as trace amounts have been found in predators of rodents. He suggests more evidence is needed to confirm rodenticides were a significant cause of death. Old buildings can be very difficult and expensive to secure. Exterior snap traps are helpful for monitoring ongoing rodent populations, but solely relying on snap traps in lieu of rodenticides is often prohibitively expensive. Committee members further discussed rodenticide usage. A Member noted that farms located near new subdivisions are often overrun with rodents, requiring them to use more rodenticides, and noted that if more institutions choose not to use them, it will lead to higher overall populations, and further increased costs to food producers who require them. The Committee also discussed how putting in place bans on rodenticides can lead to increased regulation over time which removes valuable tools from farmers. The comparative importance of protecting the food supply for humans versus the impacts on the environment were discussed. Committee members suggested that the food supply chain is of top importance, and all levels of government should support rodenticide usage that is handled responsibly. 6. Business Arising from Previous Meeting 6a. Annual Update S. Jennings shared the draft AACC Annual Update with the Committee. The Committee had no revisions to suggest. 6b. AACC Brochure Update S. Jennings presented the most recent AACC Brochure from 2018. The Committee discussed the importance of the brochure, and the most effective way to communicate to the public. They discussed how this information could be useful as a “bio” for the Committee, and might be useful in other places, such as online. Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington December 14, 2023 023-020 Moved by Brenda Metcalf, seconded by Richard Rekker That we dispense of the print version of the AACC brochure and that the clarington.net page called “Agriculture Resources” and the linked AACC page be updated to reflect current information as is contained in the current brochure. Carried 6c Official Plan Review – Discussion Questions – All S. Jennings shared a discussion question with the Committee to obtain their feedback for the Official Plan Review. The question asked if the current objectives listed in the Countryside section of the current Official Plan were appropriate, and which ones should be reviewed further. The Committee generally agreed that the objectives were appropriate. They suggested that the language in 13.2.1 could be strengthened, perhaps modified to “support and encourage” or “foster” a diversified healthy and productive agricultural industry. The Committee highlighted the importance of diversifying the agricultural industry, and suggested stronger policy could reduce “red tape” and noted that diversifying the agricultural industry is key to its resilience. Diversification included more small businesses, stores, and new ventures. Generally, the Committee suggested while the objectives are good, policy and an updated zoning by-law are the critical pieces that are needed to support the development of diversified uses. 7. Correspondence, Council Items and Referrals The following was circulated for information: • Notice of Agri-tech Innovation Initiative – Program Intake February 2024 8. Liaison Reports 8a. Durham Agricultural Advisory Committee – T. Barrie T. Barrie provided the update. Martin Straathof, Executive Director of Ontario Farmland Trust, presented about the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve. Jeremy Dunn from the Hamilton Oshawa Port Authority also presented to the group about new facilities related to the agricultural sector. Battery storage projects that were proposed throughout Durham were discussed, some of which will not be proceeding. The Harmony Road Composting facility will be reopened for regional yard waste. 8b. Durham Region Federation of Agriculture – M. Morawetz E. Bowman described the presentation from Ian Nokes from the Ontario Federation of Agriculture regarding battery energy storage projects. The use can result in farmland taken out of production. Potential fires could be damaging. Building permits are not required for facilities as the units are in containers. M. Morawetz provided the remainder of the update. The executive was elected for the coming year and correspondence from Martin Straathof was discussed. At the Ontario Federation meeting, John Vanthof, the NDP agriculture critic, and Lisa Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington December 14, 2023 Thompson, the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs spoke. Some Ontario jurisdictions are modifying their stormwater management charges and applying them towards farms. Charges are being applied based on area of impervious surfaces on a property regardless of whether water is collected on site. Charges could be up to $30,000/year for a farm in Cobourg if the regulation is passed. 8c. Durham Farm Connections – B. Metcalf B. Metcalf provided the update. The annual meeting was held at Pingle’s. The grade 3 program will be held in April, hopefully in Brooklin, but the venue is still not confirmed due to the Whitby strike. The high school program will be on May 28th with up to 75 attendees. They may attend an apple orchard. 8d. Durham Agricultural Economic Development Update – S. Jennings S. Jennings shared the update as sent in by A. De Vos. The Agriculture 101 training led by DAAC has begun for local councils. T. Barrie will share the training with Clarington Council at the February 12th Planning and Development Committee meeting. Planning has started for the Precision Agriculture Field Day Event which will be hosted at the Barrie farm. The event is jointly hosted by Durham Farm Connections and the Region of Durham. It will demonstrate agriculture, agri-tech, and related jobs to high school students. Invest Durham will deliver their annual report on the Growing Agri-Food Durham Plan at the next Committee meeting. 9. New Business 9a. Tree or Ditch Issues to Report to Public Works Committee Members will send issues that are affecting farm practices to S. Jennings in advance of the next meeting. Committee members noted issues with trees along Solina Road, and issues with ditches near Middle Road and Concession 7. 9b. Parkland Dedication Required for Agricultural Severances M. Morawetz brought forward a developing issue concerning conditions placed on severances of large agricultural lots. He noted that language within parkland dedication by-laws may unintentionally require large charges for severances or reestablishing lot lines for properties merged on file. He suggests the Committee may want to discuss the issue in future meetings. 10. Date of Next Meeting January 11, 2024 11. Adjournment 023-021 Moved by John Cartwright, Seconded by Tom Barrie That the meeting adjourn at 9:50 p.m. Carried Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington – 2023 Annual Update Committee Goals From the 2023/2024 AACC Work Plan: 1. To encourage and support the agricultural industry as an important part of the Municipality’s economic base and as a valuable contribution to Ontario’s food supply. 2. To protect and enhance the Municipality’s rural character. 2023 Members Henry Zekveld (Chair) Tom Barrie (Vice-Chair) Eric Bowman John Cartwright Ryan Cullen Jennifer Knox Jordan McKay Brenda Metcalf Craig Rickard Richard Rekker Mitch Morawetz* Councillor Zwart Staff Liaison: Amy Burke Sylvia Jennings * Durham Region Federation of Agriculture representative Meetings The Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington (AACC) met monthly in 2023, with the exception of February, March, July, and September (8 meetings total). AACC meetings were held in a hybrid format. Consultation Input In 2023, the AACC was consulted on and discussed various local and regional issues, including: • Proposed Greenbelt Plan amendments and effects of loss of agricultural land • Advisory Committee Terms of Reference • Clarington Official Plan Review • Enniskillen Fire Station and volunteer firefighters • Bowmanville Farmer’s Market • Road safety conflicts between cyclists, motorists, and farm vehicles • Rodenticide usage and potential municipal ban • Clarington Board of Trade Agricultural Summit • Plant Based Treaty • Economic Development Division – Business Resource and Information Centre • Proposed Langmaid Battery Energy Storage Facility Presentations to the Committee In 2023, the AACC expanded its knowledge of agricultural and agricultural-related issues by receiving presentations and engaging in discussions on the following: • Canadian Senate Study on the Status of Soil Health – The Honourable Robert Black, Senator • Advisory Committee of Clarington Council Orientation – Clarington Planning and Infrastructure Services and Legislative Services • 2023 Rural Area Capital Works Update – Clarington Infrastructure Division • Food Insecurity and Local Food Systems in Durham – Feed the Need Durham • Clarington Economic Development Overview and Tourism Update – Clarington Economic Development Division • Durham College Urban Farms – Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture • Rodenticides in Ontario – Structural Pest Management Association of Clarington Support for Agricultural Organizations AACC members also supported various organizations throughout the year that help promote and advocate for agriculture in Clarington and the Region of Durham. Some of these organizations include: • Durham Region Federation of Agriculture • Durham Farm Connections • Durham Farm Fresh • Durham Agricultural Advisory Committee Farm Tour • Durham Barn Quilt Tour • Holstein Ontario