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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-10-10 Minutes AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE of CLARINGTON MEETING THURSDAY, Oct 10th, 2013 MEMBERS PRESENT: Brenda Metcalf John Cartwright Eric Bowman Eric Bowman Tom Barrie Ted Watson Les Caswell Mary Ann Found Councillor Partner Gary Jeffery REGRETS: Don Rickard, Jenni Knox, Mark Bragg, STAFF: Faye Langmaid GUESTS: Sheila Hall, Laura Wood - CBOT Ted welcomed all to the meeting, everyone introduced themselves to the guests. Adoption of Agenda — ` 013-22 Moved by Eric Bowman, seconded by Tom Barrie "That the Agenda for October 10, 2013 be adopted" 6 ' CARRIED - Approval of Minutes 013-23 Moved by Councillor Partner, seconded by Eric Bowman w "That the minutes of the September 12`", 2013 meeting be approved" CARRIED Presentations: ' Laura Wood and Sheila Hall from Clarington Board of Trade were in attendance and -. provided an overview of the recent initiatives they have been carrying out with regard to agriculture, value-added and agri-processing. They provided copies of the Trade and Industry Development magazine where there is an article on agriculture in Clarington, highlighting Algoma. Laura distributed the recent promotion sheet that has been developed for agriculture indicating that this type of promo sheet and information is provided for each sector CBOT meets with and tailored to the needs of the industry and prospective client. CBOT is looking to take this a step further with the "barn door directory". This will be a listing of the different farms, their commodities and specialties. It will also include businesses that service the agriculture industry. CBOT liaises regularly with Durham Economic Development, there is a partnership with the different lower tier economic development offices, they meet on a regular basis to share ideas and initiatives. The same happens for tourism with the involvement of Clarington's Tourism office. Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington October 1 0th, 2013 Laura has also been looking to Northumberland and what their initiatives have been and meeting with them about the co-operative that is being developed in Colborne and the activities/events they are doing to promote agriculture. Premier's visit last week focused on a round table discussion with 20 businesses, a diverse group with job creation as the major discussion. From the agriculture sector there was Don Rickard, Fred Archibald, Kirk Kemp and Marilyn Morawetz. Key suggestions made included: • Build on Clarington's strengths in agriculture by moving from being an exporter of raw goods with other places doing the food processing to that value-added work being done here in Clarington • Ensure Clarington's burgeoning entertainment sector has the right infrastructure in place to reach its potential • Address concerns of local wine producers with the policy that means they must pay a significant premium to the LCBO to stock their product, and that VQA cannot be used by non-grape wine makers • Address the shortage of skilled trades affecting innovative local firms by making practical reforms in education and promoting attitudinal changes in society about the merit of these well paid, interesting jobs • Find effective means to build business leadership skills and interest among employees in taking-over ownership of sole proprietorships to allow the owner to retire where he/she wishes to do that • Ensuring that minimum wage policies don't have the perverse effect of reducing jobs Mayor Foster told the Premier that Clarington is a proud, willing host to Darlington Nuclear and is excited about refurbishment and "new build", which he described as really just replacement build. He indicated that proceeding with these is key to job growth. The Premier listened closely to the suggestions and engaged participants in a good conversation. Since the meeting there has been the announcement that Ontario will not be proceeding any time soon with new-build. Committee members thanked Laura and Sheila for their efforts. Nancy Rutherford sent her regrets that she was not able to attend and provided the update of activities as a handout (attached). Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington October 1 0th, 2013 Business Arising from Minutes Countryside Discussion Paper As a follow-up to the last meeting where the Countryside Discussion Paper was presented. The sub-committee of Tom, Ted, Jenny and Les met (Brenda could not make it) and have formulated responses to each of the policy directions contained in the discussion paper. The chart with comments was sent to members with the notice of the meeting for their feedback. Attachment 2 to these minutes. 013-24 Moved by Les Caswell, seconded by Tom Barrie "That the comments as outlined in the chart (attached) be submitted as the agriculture committee comments on the Countryside Discussion Paper" CARRIED Faye is continuing to collect feedback both individual and collective. All of the comments will be addressed as part of the public process for the Official Plan. A large Official Plan Amendment is anticipated for the fall with public meetings for February. Correspondence and Council Referrals It was noted that the Premier presented the Leaders in Innovation awards and one was for Geissberger Farmhouse Cider Inc., Hampton, Ontario for their mobile mill that brings the cider-making experience to Ontario orchards. The cider-mill maker has recently been on Dragon's Den using Geissberger's equipment. Liaison Reports DAAC — DAAC had a presentation from the new manager of the Rouge Valley National Park, working agriculture is to be a major part of the park, including long term leases on the agricultural parcels. Some 5000 acres that had been held as part of the airport lands have now been earmarked to be included in the national park. The Rouge is the first major urban national park that will focus on agriculture. The land was previously managed by an alliance of all the various land owners including TRCA, province, municipalities, etc. The information that had been provided by Nancy Rutherford from Durham Economic Development and distributed (attached) had been discussed at the DAAC meeting. There was a presentation by a representative of Ontario Soil and Crop about the incentive programs http://www.ontariosoilcrop.org/en/resources/grants.htm Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington October 1 0th, 2013 DRFA — DRFA annual meeting is October 15th in Nestleton, there is room for 6 directors from Clarington. One of the items being considered is incorporation, this meeting is your chance to have a say. November 24/25 is young farmer convention, DRFA will pay registration conference if there is a local member that meets the age criteria and would like to attend. Dufferin Agriculture has circulated a letter quoting Food & Water First, "We must now ensure that all our source waters and prime agricultural land are protected." This means that changes are necessary to the Aggregate Resources Act and the Provincial Policy Statement. We are asking all local federations to continue to lobby their local politicians for changes to legislation that will put Class 1 to 4 Farmland and source water regions ahead of aggregate extraction and development. DRFA will be determining whether they support this position at the annual meeting. April 1, 2, 3 will be Farm Connections, there are new co-chairs but the program will be mostly the same as previous. The high school that farm connections will be going to has not been determined as of yet. CBOT — See above. Future Agendas November- Mark Peacock and Chris Darling from the CA's on natural heritage and permit approvals. December- Charles Stevens on Bees Suggestions are Martin Vroegh from St. Mary's on the pond algae and low carbon fuels; Cindy Strike on the Westside Creek development. Request for a tour of Port Granby in the future. Suggestion that when the federal boundaries change the MP for the Ward 4 area be invited. Other Business Eric Bowman moved for Adjournment. Next Meeting - November 14th, 2013, 7:30 p.m. Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington October 1 0th, 2013 COUNTRYSIDE DISCISSION PAPER POLICY COMMENTS AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE OF CLARINTON Proposed Policy AACC Comments (Sept 2013) Natural Heritage System Support for the methodology and that it is applied to the entire municipality. Concern for lack of accurate mapping by MNR in The Natural Heritage Systems Discussion Paper released in April 2013 rural areas and then using it as gospel. Worried that MNR will contains a number of proposed policy directions. It includes the current approach, the methodology of how natural features and bring in additional policies about natural heritage areas while functions are identified and proposes how the system is to be farmers in this area are very good stewards. refined and protected. The Maps for the proposed Natural Heritage System are the basis for Figures 6 and 7, the Proposed for Discussion Land Use Map A on pages 75 and 76. Economic Impact Support; appreciate the efforts by CBOT to promote agriculture and their involvement and interest. The existing Official Plan policies recognize the importance of other industries to the economic well-being of Clarington, specific Support has to be more than just talk it has to include the recognition of the importance of the agricultural sector in the local and regional economy is recommended. policies and political decisions that protect the agricultural resource (soil). A Single Agricultural Designation Support the move to one designation of "prime" agriculture Merging Clarington's two Agricultural Area designations into one with the allowance of the uses listed in the PPS being allowed land use designation would bring the Official Plan into conformity on the lands. with the PPS and Region's Official Plan. It would also assist in securing the protection of Clarington's agricultural land base, by forming a large, continuous designation that preserves large tracts of land suitable for agricultural uses. The merged Agricultural designation would allow for the most part the full range of uses permitted by the current"general agriculture" designation, with the exception of major recreation uses. Figures 6 and 7 on pages 75 and 76 show the Proposed for Discussion Land Use Maps A. C:\Users\snol\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\PK828Q60\AACC Comments on Countryside Policies.docx Proposed Policy AACC Comments (Sept 2013) Accessory Farm Uses(Agriculture-Related Uses) Agree with restricting accessory and secondary uses to agriculture-related uses. Rural properties that are primarily The current policies of the Official Plan are sufficiently restrictive to housing (�o acre) lots should not be allowed accessory or protect the agricultural resource while allowing for farmers to have accessory uses specifically related to their farming operation. secondary uses that might impinge on adjacent agricultural lands. Agri-tourism uses, such as farm vacation homes, cottage wineries, bed and breakfast establishments, pick-your-owns, and farm tours Support the use of the decision-making framework outline in that offer the "farm experience" are considered to be consistent with the intent of the Official Plan policy regarding secondary uses. Appendix �. These uses give a farmer the opportunity to supplement income derived from the farm, they must be incidental or subordinate to the principal agricultural use. They are permitted only if they are small in scale and directly related to, or exclusively devoted to, the existing farm operation. Each proposal is evaluated for conformity with the intent of the Plan when being reviewed for zoning conformity and site plan. The decision-making framework included in Appendix 1 will be used to assist in the evaluation of applications for secondary uses. Farm-related Industrial and Commercial Uses Support farm-related industrial and commercial uses. The current policies of the Official Plan are sufficiently restrictive to protect the agricultural resource and yet permissive enough to allow Some "farm-markets" have produce that could be sold all year farmers to have industrial/commercial uses specifically related to round (such as apples). Is there a way of addressing this their farming operation. The development of"stand-alone"farm- without opening up the policy to abuse? related industrial and commercial uses are directed towards employment lands or existing appropriately zoned parcels in the rural Agree with the idea of allowing RV storage in older barns to help area, if they are not part of a farm. keep them as heritage structures, would not want to see An accessory commercial use being considered is the storage of buildings being built specific to the use. Recreational Vehicles (RV) in existing barn structures. Storage could be within existing barns that dot the countryside; this policy would Agree with the small scale landscape contracting, trucking as also achieve the goal of protecting these cultural heritage resources. long as the amount of employees does not climb to high. The intent is to allow RV storage operations in structures that existed prior to z000 and not purpose built for this commercial use, the scale would be limited to the size of the structure. Another secondary use, being considered, are small scale landscape contracting and retail sales which are secondary to farms that focus C:\Users\snol\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\PK828Q60\AACC Comments on Countryside Policies.docx Proposed Policy AACC Comments (Sept 2013) on nursery and horticultural crops. Stand-alone landscape contracting uses are addressed in Section 4.4.6. As with other secondary uses it would be best to evaluate each proposal for conformity with the intent of the Official Plan by requiring that they proceed through a rezoning process rather than providing general approval. The Zoning By-law review will address the scale of operations and other restrictions necessary to not impede normal farm practices on adjacent farming operations. Golf Courses Support the policy direction for removal from agriculture and The change to a single agricultural designation will mean the addition to aggregate resource rehab areas. restriction of golf course development from the prime agricultural lands designation (see Section 4.2.2). Golf courses are allowed in the Can water taking be limited as part of the zoning requirements? Green Space and Waterfront Greenway designations. The ORM amendments to the Official Plan restricted golf courses; however, with new and updated criteria they could be developed in the Protected Countryside Green Space lands. Appendix z provides an overall context for the discussion of golf courses and proposed policy directions for how golf courses should be developed. Tourism Nodes Support the expansion of accessory uses to the existing tourism Clarington's policies may require updated wording to reflect the nodes to keep them viable. intent of the Regional Official Plan amendment which removed the need for a Regional Official Plan amendment for the uses at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park to be expanded and diversified. Special Policy Area Support for the end use concept and keeping some of the lands The policies set out for the Port Granby Special Policy Area A in the in agricultural production. Official Plan should be updated to reflect the actions that have been taken and to lay out the vision expressed in the End Use Concept. Gas Stations and/or Gas Bars Understand the policy. Question whether there will be gas Clarington's policies will be revised to bring them into conformity stations allowed along the 407 corridor, are concerned about with the Region's policies. the use of the remnant parcels for other than agriculture. The DROP Amendment 114 deleted the policies that permitted the C:\Users\snol\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\PK828Q60\AACC Comments on Countryside Policies.docx Proposed Policy AACC Comments (Sept 2013) consideration of gas stations and/or gas bars in the Agricultural Areas and the Major Open Space System by amendment. The Region concluded that there does not appear to be demand for establishing such uses in the rural area, given that no amendments permitting them have been approved in the past 15 years. It also concluded that land uses such as gas stations and/or gas bars should be directed to settlement areas, where potential land use conflicts with resource- related activities can be minimized. Other Non-farm, Non-residential Uses Agree with the policy direction. Cultural, Health and Community Facilities: Such facilities,which are normally small scale, are evaluated on a site-by-site basis, based on planning merits, through amendment to zoning. Conditions can be imposed in the zoning to limit the size of expansions and/or conversions to bring a use more into conformity with the intent of the Greenbelt Plan. Other Non-farm, Non-residential Uses Agree with the policy direction. Cemeteries: Clarington's policies are in general conformity with these policies but the addition of the Schedule showing the Greenbelt Protected Countryside is necessary. Other Non-farm, Non-residential Uses Support the recommended decision-making framework. Secondary Agricultural Uses: Allowing non-agricultural uses in the countryside can be very detrimental to agricultural operations. Secondary agricultural uses could be allowed by amendment to the Official Plan based on the criteria set out in the decision-making framework(see Appendix 1). The proposed framework for decision- making would help screen out proposed secondary uses that are not compatible. The framework is being reviewed with the Agriculture Advisory Committee of Clarington. Other Non-farm, Non-residential Uses Decision-makers need to be aware of the impacts on adjacent C:\Users\snol\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\PK828Q6O\AACC Comments on Countryside Policies.docx Proposed Policy AACC Comments (Sept 2013) Non-Agricultural Secondary Uses: properties and take them into account. Secondary non-agricultural uses are encouraged locate on properties Owners should not be allowed to change land uses just because that are appropriately zoned. They could be allowed by amendment to the Official Plan based on the criteria set out in the decision- they bought the property with a different use in mind. making framework(see Appendix 1). The proposed framework for decision-making would help screen out proposed uses that are not compatible in predominately agricultural areas. The framework is being reviewed with the Agriculture Advisory Committee of Clarington and as part of the public information sessions for this Discussion Paper. Other Non-farm, Non-residential Uses PPS eliminated retirement lots in Zoos. Retirement Lots The policy regarding retirement lots should be deleted from the Clarington Official Plan. Other Non-farm, Non-residential Uses Many farmers have now struggled with what to do as a landlord Second Dwelling for a second dwelling and understand the intent of the policy. Extend the policy established for the Oak Ridges Moraine to the Temporary, mobile or portable units and bunkhouses can be remainder of the rural area, restricting secondary dwellings to a cold if they do not have a basement, is there some flexibility in temporary, mobile or portable unit. the building code as to how these can be insulated? Other Non-farm, Non-residential Uses Agree that severed parcels need to include the well, septic, and Surplus Farm Dwellings building foundation, essentially areas that cannot be farmed. The existing policy requires a minimum amount of land (generally less than o.6 ha)to be retained with a surplus dwelling and sets out other criteria. However, additional criteria for the severed parcel would be to allow the parcel size to increase to include features that cannot be farmed (e.g. well, septic, building foundations)while ensuring that the maximum size remains less that 2 ha. An additional policy stating that within the Protected Countryside of the Greenbelt Plan Area, the dwelling was in existence as of December 16, 2004 is required for conformity. C:\Users\snol\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\PK828Q60\AACC Comments on Countryside Policies.docx Proposed Policy AACC Comments (Sept 2013) Other Non-farm, Non-residential Uses Support the inventory that the Heritage Committee has Severance for Heritage Structures undertaken. Agree that the concept of a heritage subdivision had implementation issues because of the costs and distances The policies of Chapter 8 are applicable and each case reviewed on that buildings have to be moved. its merits including potential solutions. The Clarington Heritage Committee has been working on capturing rural heritage structures through a photographic inventory. Other Uses/Issues Support a more comprehensive approach to aggregate Aggregate Extraction: rehabilitation areas. Minor changes are required to bring the Official Plan into conformity with the Greenbelt Plan and the 2012 Review of the PPS. These minor changes will increase the already stringent policies around resource conservation and require a more comprehensive approach to rehabilitation. In addition, visual impact analysis and mitigation measures will be added to the criteria that Aggregate Extraction Area Studies must meet. Other Uses/Issues Support additional policies for renewable energy, the benefit Alternative (Renewable Energy) should flow back to more than just the individual property owner; it should also take into consideration and provide The current policies of the Official Plan allow for new electrical compensation for impacted properties; although not sure how generation proposed by private corporations by amendment to the this would happen. plan. Should changes to the Renewable Energy Act provide municipalities with approval authority over the siting and land use aspects of renewable energy projects, additional criteria regarding visual impact assessment and mitigation measures to address the importance of landscapes, vistas and ridge-lines would be added to the existing policies. Infrastructure/Utilities Agree. The applicable enabling policies with regard to infrastructure from the Greenbelt Plan should be added to the Official Plan. In addition, C:\Users\snol\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\PK828Q60\AACC Comments on Countryside Policies.docx Proposed Policy AACC Comments (Sept 2013) the need to coordinate emergency planning/ response and traffic management planning for all infrastructure and utility projects with the appropriate agencies should be added as policy requirements. The Greenbelt Legislation Support the refinements that the Municipality has made to the The Durham Region Official Plan came into conformity with the natural heritage systems that more accurately represent what is Greenbelt Plan through Amendment 114, proposed policy directions on the ground than the Greenbelt schedule. recommended as part of this Discussion Paper would bring Clarington's Official Plan into conformity. The proposed Figure 8 reflecting the Greenbelt Protected Countryside and Natural Heritage System should be added to meet the Greenbelt legislation, proposed policies reflect the Greenbelt Plan and policies. Urban/Rural Fringe and Whitebelt lands (the 8 percent) Support the development of a LEAR study that is developed in The growth management and agricultural sections of the Official conjunction with the agricultural community to ensure that the Plan include additional criteria and tests to ensure that any urban information is accurate. boundary expansion proposals only occur once all other options such as intensification and redevelopment within the urban Have much concern as to how the Municipality is going to boundaries have been explored. Clarington could investigate protect agricultural land for the next 50 years. expanding the Greenbelt by preparing the necessary background documentation such as a LEAR. Buffers/Setbacks Agree with the imposition of hard boundaries such as roads, In areas where urban and hamlet settlement boundaries are valley systems and woodlots. proposed to be expanded there should be, as a minimum, a hard boundary between the agricultural uses and residences such as a 30 metres is not enough for some farm practices but realize the roadway, valley system or woodlot. The setback distances set out in problems with being able to protect in relationship to specific the guidelines for odour, noise, dust, light and pesticide applications types of agriculture. require at minimum, 30 metres of separation from a potential source. Hamlets Support only the minor rounding out of hamlets and with hard The rounding out of hamlets in the land use schedules will be boundaries as mentioned above. dependent upon approval of the "refined" natural heritage systems C:\Users\snol\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\PK828Q60\AACC Comments on Countryside Policies.docx Proposed Policy AACC Comments (Sept 2013) boundaries and proponents for rounding out providing the necessary documentation to address the existing policies of the Official Plan. In addition the character of hamlets is very important to the residents. As part of the studies identified in f) above, proponents will have to show how they are maintaining and complimenting the existing housing character through the positioning of the homes on the lots, scale, building materials and other design elements. Further, as set out in Section 4.4.6 the edge of hamlets should be setback from agricultural operations by a roadway, valley system, woodlot or other similar buffer. Country Residential Subdivisions Support the elimination of country residential. Consistent with the Greenbelt Plan and DROP, Country Residential subdivisions are no longer permitted. Section 12.5 of the Clarington Official Plan will be amended to bring it into conformity with the Regional and Greenbelt policies. Rural Residential Clusters Support. In conformity with the Greenbelt Plan no new residential clusters are allowed. Policy 12.6.3 of Clarington's Official Plan should be deleted. Vacant Rural Lots of Record Concern with how remnant parcels from the 407 are going to be The Official Plan will include polices to reflect the intent of the used, and disposed of. Greenbelt with regard to limiting additional residential development in the countryside. The creation of remnant parcels caused by "natural severances" (e.g. the development of roadways)should be limited. Orono Employment Area Support, this type of employment area is needed. A"dry" employment area to the east of Orono must meet the requirements set out in the Minutes of Settlement for ROPA 128 and Is there a need for water for firefighting that should be the general policies and development standards set out in addressed? Clarington's Official Plan. Additional specific polices for a "dry" employment area will be formulated to clearly articulate criteria for development. This "dry" employment area will be an exception to some of the general criteria (e.g. full municipal services)and include C:\Users\snol\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\PK828Q60\AACC Comments on Countryside Policies.docx Proposed Policy AACC Comments (Sept 2013) specific standards to provide for visual screening, landscape and design criteria. C:\Users\snol\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\PK828Q60\AACC Comments on Countryside Policies.docx DURHAM REGION Ec Dev AGRICULTURE updates: From Nancy Rutherford, October 10, 2013 • Agriculture Strategy (does Committee want copies if they don't have any?) o Working with steering committee to identify action items ■ Had one meeting, arranging another soon to work out priorities actions to move ahead for 2014 • Federal Abattoir • Meeting October 1St Summary • Date for next meeting— November 12th—to secure commitments from the producers of the various red meat sector • Proposal for GF2 being considered for collaboration and possibly marketing aspect of project • Regional Farmers Market—Oct 10th 0 14 vendors—participated—big success o Durham Farm Fresh attended o Feedback was that both the vendors and market attendees would like the market more frequent that once a year. We will be looking into this possibility. • Cold Storage Feasibility • Feasibility study and Business plan near completion —will share when we receive presentation from consultant—early Nov. • Many local users of cold storage were surveyed —results are indicating definite need for refrigeration service (maybe more so than freezer) • Any comments from CAAC welcome. • Farm Connections Program • High School Program Summary -first time in north Durham, took place at Port Perry High School—very good participation, great effort (as usual) by the Farm Connection volunteers (perhaps Eric can give further details) • Next year high school may also be held in north Durham. • Grade 3 Program —Working group meetings are underway for 2014 • LLG Incoming Mission • Durham Region dairy cattle and goat herd farmers (2 in Scugog and 1 in Uxb) members of LLG Alliance, hosted a delegation/mission from England and Mexico in Sept to showcase our high quality herd health standards and livestock quality. The tour also included farm members of LLG in Kawartha Lakes and Peterborough County. • Go to the LLG website for further info if interested http://Ilgenetics.ca/ • Golden Horseshoe Food & Farming Alliance (GHFFA) • Agricultural Ec Dev Profile update—from 2011 census/data. Consultant has been hired (Marg Walton, Planscape)to prepare this profile for entire Golden Horseshoe (Durham will have own section updates which will be very useful). Consultant coming to DAAC Nov 5th meeting • Asset Mapping—is being created/developed also for the golden horseshoe to give us an up to date accurate picture of the agricultural sector assets (e.g. Farms, agri-food businesses (processing, distribution etc). This will then be a key piece of knowledge for the Regions to understand the 'landscape' of agriculture and capacity • McVean Farm Tour (through GHFFA) o a few Durham representatives attended the McVean Farmstart location in Brampton and the Albion Hills community farm in Caledon East. These are unique projects in partnership with TRCA on TRCA owned lands. It is similar to a farm incubation where individuals wishing to get into farming can start on a small scale with a plot of land rented and grow in size from there until they are in position to go out on own. Would be interesting to try and adopt a similar concept or approach on public or CA owned lands in Durham.