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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-10-09 Minutes AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE of CLARINGTON MEETING THURSDAY, October 9 th, 2014 MEMBERS PRESENT: John Cartwright Brenda Metcalf Tom Barrie Jenni Knox Les Caswell Elgin Greenham Eric Bowman REGRETS: Mark Bragg¸ Ted Watson, Mary Ann Found, Don Rickard, Councillor Partner STAFF: Faye Langmaid, Mitch Morawetz The meeting was preceded by the Memorial tree dedication for Gary Jeffery. There were many family in attendance, members of the VAC Board, members of the Soper Creek Model Railroad Group, committee members, Councillors Woo, Traill and Hooper. Brenda welcomed all to the meeting. Adoption of Agenda 014-13 Moved by Eric Bowman, seconded by Les Caswell That the Agenda for October 9, 2014 be adopted. th CARRIED Approval of Minutes 014-14 Moved by John Cartwright, seconded by Les Caswell of the August 14, 2014 meeting be approved th CARRIED Business Arising from Minutes Nancy Rutherford -year Ag Strategy Nancy will be at the next meeting to discuss the strategy. She would like comments on the document. Faye will circulate the document to members so that they have plenty of time to review in advance of the meeting. EFW Tour All that attended enjoyed the tour, some members were unable to attend. The building is at 95% completion some areas the can be toured now will not be available in the future, they will be enclosed and part of the pit or firing areas. Faye will ask for an additional tour for those unable to attend previously. Correspondence and Council Referrals Committee terms have been extended until the new committees are appointed. The Ag committee asked for staggered terms and that has been approved by Council so at the next application date members can apply for 2 or 4 year appointments. Elgin is appointed until 2016 and does not need to apply. th Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington October 9, 2014 The Regio flexibility in being available to interpret the policies outlined in the Greenbelt Plan. Liaison Reports DAAC Nancy Rutherford is looking for comments on the 5 year Ag Strategy. Presentation on renewable energy, no new expansions (contracts) are planned currently as the grid is not able to handle additional load. Discussion on a system where municipalities and region could distribute wood chips from tree removal operations to local farmers for use in stalls and other traffic areas around the farm. Some farmers have arrangements with tree trimming companies and find this very beneficial to keeping areas clean. th Farm Tour was September 11 official count said 80 attendees but it was closer 100, many additions at the last minute. Lots of politicians in attendance. 4 stations showing different aspects of worked very well and will be a model for future years. DRFA Reminder of Celebrate Agriculture as Gala fundraiser for Durham Farm th Connections Gala at Royal Ashburn on October 16, 2014. Tickets are $50 each. The Committe Award. Letters of support from Ted and the Mayor were included. th Breakfast on the Farm, held at Wilmot Orchards on October the 4 from 9 am to 1 pm was very successful. About 1600 tickets in advance. 80-90 volunteers from local area. Jeff Leal, MPP and new Agriculture Minister was in attendance. th Farm Connections- High school program was at Sinclair High School in Whitby, 5 year for this program, very well attended and interesting for the students and volunteers. th The grade 3 program at Vipond Arena will be April 7,8,9 this will be its 10 year. The funding from Trillium is mostly spent, funds from the Agricultural Gala will go to support the program, they are moving towards being self-sustaining. Preston moving van vehicle wrap for Farm Connections is on the road. CBOT- Don, Jenni and Faye are working with UOIT on getting the Deans and students interested in doing their Capstone Projects (final year major project) on aspects of agriculture. CBOT will be inviting the Deans to attend a presentation that will outline the opportunities in agriculture, Durham and Clarington. CBOT working on having an event where a discussion on agri-business could happen with Minister Leal. Other Business Colborne tour Faye has been in contact with Joe Mullin, they are not complete, happy to have a tour but it is still a construction site. Members would like to defer until the kitchens are in. th Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington October 9, 2014 Parade of Lights Information has been submitted and Eric has had discussion with rd DRPS. Faye to follow-up on permit. Parade is being planned for December 3. Future Agendas December: Granville Anderson will be in attendance. Committee members should be prepared to provide him with a brief of what you do in your operation how provincial policies affect your business. How he can assist. Discussion on ideasCentral Lake Ontario Conservation Authority attend a future meeting, Chris Darling will be taking over from Russ Powell in the new year. Todd from Dancing Bee Apiary is another potential speaker. John Cartwright moved to Adjourn Next Meeting, November 13 th, 7:00 p.m. Room 1C at Municipal Administrative Office - Susan Chan, Native Pollinators and Nancy Rutherford, Durham Agriculture Strategy 2013-2018We are starting earlier because of the two presentations. th Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington October 9, 2014