HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-10-04 Minutes
Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington October 4th, 2016
Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington Meeting
Thursday, October 4th, 2016
Members Present: Elgin Greenham Brenda Metcalf
Les Caswell Jennifer Knox
John Cartwright Tom Barrie
Ted Watson
Regrets: Councillor Partner, Eric Bowman, Henry Zekveld, MaryAnn Found
Guests: Gord Weir, Fire Chief
Staff: Faye Langmaid, Planning Services
Brenda welcomed all to the meeting, with introductions.
Adoption of Agenda
016-23 Moved by Tom Barrie, seconded by Ted Watson
“That the Agenda for October 4th 2016 be adopted”
Carried
Approval of Minutes
016-24 Moved by John Cartwright, seconded by Les Caswell,
“That the minutes of the August 25th, 2016 meeting be approved as
amended”
Carried
Presentation:
Gord provided a slide presentation about the emergency planning, the groups involved,
resources and equipment that the Municipality has to fight fires in Ganaraska Forest,
Long Sault, Enniskillen CA’s and Kendal, Orono Crown Lands and other such areas in
adjacent municipalities. MNR downloaded this responsibility to fight forest fires in
Ganaraska in 2000, a committee was formed with the Conservation Authorities,
adjacent municipalities (e.g. Port Hope, Hamilton Township, etc.), DRPS and others that
have responsibility for these area. The Committee meets three times a year to update
plans, plan mock exercises and review “lessons learned” from emergencies that have
occurred in these areas.
Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington October 4th, 2016
The improvement of Global Position Systems and Geographic Information Systems
mapping has assisted in helping to locate people when emergencies occur.
Should any emergency occur where assistance is needed there a mutual aid
agreements with adjacent municipalities and backup resources that can be called in,
such as water bombers and MNR firefighters. There is a cost for calling in resources
but in the case of an emergency funds will be made available.
Business Arising
Official Plan Review: Brenda presented the comments that the committee had
submitted to the Official Plan meeting on September 12th. Brenda found the
presentations quite interesting. Planning Staff continue to work on compiling and
addressing call the comments received. Report addressing comments will be on
October 24th Planning and Development agenda.
4-Plan Review: Letter has been submitted from the committee. Planning Staff
comments will be on October 24th Planning and Development agenda.
Farmer’s Parade of Lights, Permit has been submitted with alternate route, map will be
e-mailed to all. December 7th is the date of the parade.
Correspondence and Committee Reports
Correspondence from Lisa Thompson, MPP regarding her private members bill, as
circulated by e-mail to all. Also, City of Belleville letter has been received endorsing the
suggested resolution.
016-25 Moved by Tom Barrie, seconded by Ted Watson
Whereas Ontario-grown corn, soybeans and wheat crops generate $9 billion in
economic output and are responsible for over 40,000 jobs; and
Whereas Ontario farmers are stewards of the land and understand the importance of
pollinators to our environment and ecosystems; and
Whereas the Ontario government is implementing changes to ON Reg 63/09 that would
prevent any Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) from carrying out a pest assessment if they
receive financial compensation from a manufacturer or retailer of a Class 12 pesticide;
and
Whereas the reduction of CCAs would force corn and soybean farmers to terminate
their relationships that they have built with experts that understand their unique crop
requirements, soil types, and field conditions, placing undue delays on planting crops;
Therefore, be it resolved that the Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington
supports the efforts of the Member of Provincial Parliament for Huron-Bruce to eliminate
barriers to employment opportunities for CCAs and allow Ontario farmers the freedom
to engage in business with the expert of their choice; and
Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington October 4th, 2016
That Clarington Council be advised of this resolution.
Carried
Durham Agriculture Advisory Committee – September 15th was the DAAC tour.
Members attending indicated it was an interesting tour and demonstration and well
attended.
Durham Region Federation of Agriculture –Farm Credit Canada is providing additional
funding for displays in the trailer, the funding is being run through the Municipality. The
trailer is on the road and has been at a number of fall fairs. Celebrate Agriculture Gala
is scheduled for October 27th at Royal Ashburn, it is sold out, next year they will be
looking for a larger venue. High School program at Uxbridge was very successful with
360 students in 8 rotations attending all the stations.
Clarington Board of Trade –Mayor’s annual address to CBOT is October 6th. CBOT will
be at October 17th Council meeting for renewal of the contract with Municipality for
economic development.
New Business
Severances Report update: Kiersten Allore has informed Faye that timeline was extended
to allow for comments from affected groups. She will let us know when the report is going
forward.
Committee Member Appointments: The committee requested and Council approved
staggered appointments for members to allow for continuity and continuous renewal of
membership. At the end of December, Les, Brenda, Ted, Henry and Elgin terms will be
expire. Clerks will be advertising for members for a 4 year term (ending in 2020), anyone
can apply (including the members whose terms are expiring), current members can assist
with recruiting others to apply, Council appoints. The DRFA appointment of a member
and alternate will end in December; they have been asked for a member and alternate
for a 4 year term.
“did you know” – Faye will send pdf of the Farmer’s Parade of Lights route and date.
Future Agendas
Invitation has been sent to Blackbird/MTO for update on 407/418 to attend a 2017
meeting
Michael Veneziano, CEO & Co-Founder, Turnkey Aquaponics Inc.will attend in Feb.
John will invite Jeff Leal to attend a meeting.
Marlene Werry will be invited to update on the program at Durham College.
John Cartwright moved to Adjourn.
Next Meeting, Tuesday, November 10th, 7:30 p.m. Room 1C at Municipal
Administrative Office
Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington October 4th, 2016
November meeting will focus on Anaerobic Digester with Mirka Januszkiewicz Director of
Waste Management with Durham Region – 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. Faye will ask
Mirka to briefly address the shutdown at the Durham York Energy Centre and any
potential impact on agricultural crops in the area.
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