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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-12-11 Minutes AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE of CLARINGTON MEETING THURSDAY, December 11 th, 2014 MEMBERS PRESENT: John Cartwright Brenda Metcalf Tom Barrie Mary Ann Found Les Caswell Elgin Greenham Eric Bowman Ted Watson Don Rickard Jenni Knox (8:30) REGRETS: Mark Bragg¸ Councillor Partner STAFF: Faye Langmaid, Mitch Morawetz, Amy Burke GUESTS: Granville Anderson, MPP Durham, Justin MacLean, Executive Assistant to MPP Ted welcomed all to the meeting. Adoption of Agenda 014-17 Moved by Mary Ann Found, seconded by Eric Bowman th That the Agenda for December 11, 2014 be adopted. CARRIED Approval of Minutes 014-18 Moved by Tom Barrie, seconded by Eric Bowman, th November 13, 2014 meeting be approved CARRIED Guests: Granville Anderson, MPP Durham Granville brings greetings from Premier and Jeff Leal. He opened by saying that is a need to find a balance between urban and rural issues. Also, agriculture is very diverse and that needs to be recognized. Neonics are a big issue right now (See current EBR posting) they are used in so many products beyond agriculture. The committee relayed to Granville that farmers need to be able to use the best available pesticides or else Ontario farmers will be severely disadvantaged compared to those in the rest of North America and around the world. Decisions regarding neonics need to be science based. The PMRA has an immense amount of knowledge in this area and that should not be overlooked by the Province. Application methods for neonics should be examined by the province, rather than a ban. The presentation given by Susan Chan at the last meeting will be forwarded to GranvilFarmers are of the opinion that we are headed towards an emotional decision about neonics, rather than a scientific one. th Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington December 11, 2014 Granville reminded the Committee of the new farm donation to community food organizations tax credit program. Under the program, farmers can receive a tax credit for 25% of the fair market value of the agricultural products donated. Granville acknowledged that commercial fill is a serious issue. Some farms in Ontario have received contaminated fill unknowingly and are now stuck with it. The Committee told Granville that extending services, particularly gas and in some cases municipal water to farms is very important in order to increase productivity and competitiveness of Ontario farms. These services are currently available to farms in other jurisdictions. The idea of creating agricultural industrial parks was also put on the table as an idea to look into. The Committee conveyed to Granville that there needs to be more funding available through the Growing Forward 2 programs. These programs have been very successful at implementing worthwhile projects, however the program frequently runs out of money, which reduces the overall effectiveness of the program. Lastly, the Committee and the Durham Region Federation of Agriculture invite Granville to spend a few days (or partial days) alongside farmers working on Durham farms to gain insight into how farming is done here in Durham. It is hoped that this experience would highlight some of the challenges and opportunities of the farming industry in this Region for the MPP. Ted thanked Granville for joining us. Business Arising from Minutes Amy Burke, Priority Green Clarington, Agricultural input to the ee attachment). Correspondence and Council Referrals EBR posting on neonics issue Faye will assemble comments from the Committee. Liaison Reports DAAC Regional Councillors to attend DAAC meetings on a rotating basis. DRFA Meeting attendance is low and the Federation is looking for ways to boost attendance and improve communications with members. Marilyn Bidgoode is retiring. Mary Ann may ask Tim Sargent if he would take over the committee rep position of DRFA rep to AACC. CBOT- Working to get a meeting with the Deans at UOIT regarding ag at UOIT. th Ag. Summit is March 17, 2015. th Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington December 11, 2014 Other Business The Real Dirt on Farming magazines to be distributed to the Mayor and Councillors and to be placed in the Planning reception magazine rack. Soil and Crop meeting January 9, 2015. Future Agendas January: Sheila Hall and Laura Wood CBOT memberships and agriculture MTO 407 MTO Barry Gopie Durham Region Chair Roger Anderson Eric Bowman moved to Adjourn Next Meeting, January 8 th, 7:30 p.m. Room 1C at Municipal Administrative Office - Sheila Hall and Laura Wood CBOT memberships and agriculture th Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington December 11, 2014 Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington December 11, 2014 /ƌğƩźƓŭƷƚƓͪ A smaller footprint / growing up Being careful to maintain historic integrity More condominiums; coupling with parkland is important Stopping sprawl More people per square foot Concerned about density having a negative impact on behaviour (e.g. increased crime) A way to conserve class I soil Concerned about density leading to social issues Concentrating people for a reduced footprint Concentration in a few select urban areas, but need to consider whether dispersing some amongst the hamlets would be a better strategy Will property be respected on the fringe? Crowding Apartment buildings Poverty and social issues More people per square area Need to plan for coupling of recreation and other services along with density Street crowded with parking, traffic congestion More cars because there are no other options for getting to/from Toronto where the jobs are Larger market more customers - more revenue opportunity Good consumed rather than areas with poorer soil conditions that are not as beneficial from the perspective of the agricultural community Increased issues relating to a growing number of urban dwellers that have a limited understanding of the agricultural community and their business Density may result in greater cultural diversity amongst the population. Current food production and food production methods may be perceived in a different way in the future than they have been in the past. New market opportunities may be realized a good incentive to start thinking about how the business can diversify. A growing market may bring to light adaptive reuse opportunities for old barns Growing disrespect for private \[agricultural\] property (e.g. trespassing on farmland to hide illegal activity) hƷŷĻƩ /ƚƒƒĻƓƷƭ Support was expressed for the emphasis that has been placed on making walkability a priority in urban areas. Corridors running through existing neighbourhoods were not originally designed for the capacities that may been seen in the future. This will have an impact and needs to be considered as part of the planning process. Support was expressed for mixed use buildings (live upstairs / work downstairs not a new concept and works well). Bike lanes, sidewalks and other features that promote active transportation and make it safe to do so will become increasingly important as traffic levels increase in the Municipality.