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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-07-14 Minutes Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington July 14th, 2016 Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington Meeting Thursday, July 14th, 2016 Members Present: Elgin Greenham Brenda Metcalf Les Caswell Mary Ann Found Don Rickard Jennifer Knox John Cartwright Henry Zekveld Eric Bowman Tom Barrie Ted Watson Regrets: Councillor Partner Guests: Erin O’Toole, MP and Lisa Backus, Planning Services Staff: Faye Langmaid, Planning Services Brenda welcomed all to the meeting, with introductions. Adoption of Agenda 016-17 Moved by Tom Barrie, seconded by John Cartwright “That the Agenda for July 14 th 2016 be adopted” Carried Approval of Minutes 016-18 Moved by Jennifer Knox, seconded by Donald Rickard “That the minutes of the June 9th, 2016 meeting be approved” Carried Draft Clarington Official Plan and 4 –Plan Review - Lisa Backus, Senior Planner Lisa provided a details explanation of the draft Official Plan, how it relates to the existing Official Plan. For example that natural heritage policies for the most part remain unchanged but that mapping has drastically improved. The majority of the policy changes affect the urban areas; however, that is very important to the agricultural community as it means urban boundaries do not expand into agricultural areas. Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington July 14th, 2016 Draft Official Plan-. Open House held on Thursday, June 28 well attended. Committee comments and letter will be drafted, circulated and discussed at August meeting. Public meeting is scheduled for September 12 in Council Chambers. 4-Plan Review –Open House held locally in Oshawa and Peterborough on June 23 and 28 respectively. Committee comments and letter will be drafted, circulated and discussed at August meeting for submission by September deadline. Business Arising Farmer’s Parade of Lights, no news on a decision on the route, Faye will let Engineering know that farmers and committee are in support of route change. 407 Issues: Fencing - MTO is open to considering page-wire over a significant length (but not the entire length) of the highway to help maintain the rural character of the local communities. Ron Albright continues to pursue this issue with MTO as they missed it when tendering the contract, BBI is currently obligated to install chain-link along the entire length. Change-orders will have to be issued to achieve this request and meet Clarington’s concerns as expressed in out EA comments. Dust issues for residents in Solina are a concern, it is recommended that they be reported directly to Blackbird. Farmgate sales for farmers along the detour routes have dropped significantly, for some farmers it is very difficult even for their friends to figure out how to get to their home. This is a major concern as it is impacting farm businesses and livelihoods. Economic Development Strategy for the Region: In response to the workshop and notifications that members had received it was determined that a resolution should be developed. 016-19 Moved by Don Rickard, seconded by Tom Barrie Whereas the Regional Municipality of Durham has retained consultants to assist in the preparation of a new five-year Economic Development Strategy; and Whereas Durham Region’s Agricultural Strategy Action Plan 2013-2018 has been a guiding document and strategy for Durham Region’s Planning and Economic Development Committee and Economic Development staff; and Whereas the Economic Development Strategy is an opportunity to identify and explore partnerships and collaboration with community groups to identify goals, objectives and key priorities that support a strong local economy, and Whereas agriculture is the #1 industry in Durham; and Whereas agriculture is necessary for food security; and Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington July 14th, 2016 Whereas some of Canada’s best agricultural land is in Durham, more particularly immediately adjacent to the current urban boundaries and in the “whitebelt” areas; Whereas the Region has developed a rural economic development focus on: Attracting, retaining and expanding agriculture and agri-food businesses Promoting outreach and education Maintaining a supportive policy environment; and Supporting an agricultural labour force Now therefore, as part of the Economic Development Strategy it is requested that the Region’s consultant be asked to build upon this foundation by exploring how the Region can support agricultural businesses by: bringing broad band to rural areas; eliminating policy impediments that allow farms to grow and prosper; setting stringent guidelines for urban area expansion; seeking out funding to support innovation through technology on the farm; supporting stewardship programs and grants implemented by the conservation authorities; exploring further tax reductions for farmland; and creating a supportive environment for agriculture across all sectors and government agencies. That this resolution be circulated to all the lower tier municipalities in Durham Region and Durham Region. CARRIED Correspondence and Committee Reports Greenbelt Foundation – e-mail circulated from Kathy MacPherson about the 10 year accomplishments of Greenbelt Foundation with regard to publications, grants to agriculture, training and education. Durham Agriculture Advisory Committee – September 15th is the DAAC tour. There will be tile drain installation and drone demonstrations. The event will be at the new Loa- de-Mede (Werry) farm and new Schillings farm. Durham Region Federation of Agriculture –Trailer has arrived and is being outfitted, waiting on kiosks, training ambassadors to attend all events with trailer. August 14th, 5 - 8 at Forsyth Farms is corn roast and unveiling of new trailer, a fundraiser for farm safety program. Touch a Truck at GM Centre is August 19th the opportunity exists to showcase farm machinery, looking for volunteers. Clarington Library, Courtice Branch is having a mini- touch a truck on August 17th 1-3, Ross McMaster is bringing farm equipment. Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington July 14th, 2016 Celebrate Agriculture Gala is scheduled for October 27th at Royal Ashburn, get nominations in for the various awards. Clarington Board of Trade – Membership renewal and new memberships are ahead of previous years. Working on contract with Municipality for economic development, discussion on whether a specific person dedicated to agricultural economic development is needed and a resolution in support of CBOT would be appreciated. New Business Erin O’Toole – Appreciated the invitation and being able to hear the comments and concerns of the committee. Enjoyed Lisa’s presentation on the Official Plan. Stays in touch by reading the minutes. There are examples from other provinces where agricultural community is being compensated for natural heritage protection and stewardship. Anaerobic Digester – next large project from the Region in the waste management masterplan. There may be some synergies with agriculture the use of biosolids (rather than spreading) and development of a Biogas Co-op. November meeting will focus on compost and waste issues. “did you know” – Faye will send some information on the E-maps gallery on the Municipal website and also on the invasive species workshop. Future Agendas Kim Rudd MP will attend future meetings, when their schedule can accommodate. October meeting will be changed to October 4th with Chief Weir will be in attendance. Faye has requested tour of building and meeting with of the Police Building on bio- security, livestock issues, etc. Brenda Metcalf moved to Adjourn. Next Meeting, August 25th, 7:30 p.m. Room 1C at Municipal Administrative Office August meeting will have MPAC, Mike Poropo in attendance.