Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutPSD-026-15 (yr . jon Planning Services Report If this information is required in an alternate accessible format, please contact the Municipal Clerk at 905-623-3379 ext. 2102. Report To: General Purpose and Administration Committee Date of Meeting: May 4, 2015 Report Number: PSD-026-15 Resolution Number: C File Number: PLN 1.1.21 By-law Number: K Report Subject: Co-ordinated Provincial Review of the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe; Greenbelt Plan, Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan and Niagara Escarpment Plan Part 1 - Comments on Growing the Greenbelt for the Agricultural I System Recommendations: 1. That Report PSD-026-15 be received; 2. That a copy of this Report be forwarded to the Ministries of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Natural Resources and Forestry, Agriculture and Rural Affairs and Durham Region; 3. That the Ministries and the Expert Advisory Panel review the potential to further protect agricultural lands through the expansion of the Greenbelt based on a scientific evaluation of the production capability of the lands between the Greenbelt and urban boundaries in Clarington; and 4. That all interested parties listed in Report PSD-026-15 and any delegations be advised of Council's decision. Municipality of Clarington Report PSD-026-15 Page 2 Report Overview The four provincial plans under review, represent a series of provincial policies and plans that govern land use planning in Ontario. Together these plans are to provide the long-term planning framework and direction to manage growth, protect agricultural lands, conserve the natural environment and support economic development within Ontario's Greater Golden Horseshoe, Greater Toronto Area and Greenbelt. Clarington has high yield agricultural lands that were not included in the Greenbelt, these lands should be evaluated to determine if they should be protected through "Growing the Greenbelt". 1 . Purpose The purpose of this report is to set out Clarington's concerns and comments with the regard to the protection of agricultural lands south of the Greenbelt adjacent to the Courtice, Bowmanville and Newcastle urban areas as they are some of the best agricultural lands in Ontario. Additional comments on the four plans including: the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe; Greenbelt Plan, Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan and Niagara Escarpment Plan will be the topic of a separate report at a subsequent meeting. 2. Background The four provincial plans under review, represent a series of provincial policies and plans that govern land use planning in Ontario. Together these plans are to provide the long- term planning framework and direction to manage growth, protect agricultural lands, conserve the natural environment and support economic development within Ontario's Greater Golden Horseshoe, Greater Toronto Area and Greenbelt. 2.1 Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan The Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act, 2001 and the accompanying Oak Ridges Moraine Plan came into effect in November 2001. Durham amended the Regional Official Plan to bring it into conformity in April 2003. Clarington amended our Official Plan to bring it into conformity in June, 2004. 2.2 Niagara Escarpment Plan The Niagara Escarpment does not extend into Durham and therefore the Region and Municipality will not be providing comments related to the Niagara Escarpment Plan. 2.3 Greenbelt Plan The Greenbelt Act, 2005 and the accompanying Greenbelt Plan came into effect in February 2005. Durham amended the Regional Official Plan to conform to the Greenbelt Plan in September 2006. Clarington's conformity exercise for the Greenbelt Plan is included in the current proposed changes to the Official Plan but minimal changes are required as our Plan currently incorporates most elements of the Greenbelt Plan. Its Municipality of Clarington Report PSD-026-15 Page 3 primary affect is to prevent amendments to the Official Plan that would allow additional development such as Estate Subdivisions and Urban Area expansions. The Greenbelt Act, 2005 requires a review of the Greenbelt Plan to be carried out 10 years after the approval of the Plan, in conjunction with the reviews of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan and Niagara Escarpment Plan, in order to determine whether comprehensive revisions are needed to these Plans. Over 80% of Clarington is covered by the Greenbelt Plan (which incorporates the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan). Staff have been involved and assisting with the preparation of discussion papers and studies by the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation over the past 10 years, in particular the discussion papers relating to the agricultural system. 2.4 Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe The Places to Grow Act, 2005 became law in June 2005, while the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (the Growth Plan) came into effect in June 2006. Durham amended the Regional Official Plan to conform to the Growth Plan through Amendment No. 128. A number of appeals to the Regional Amendment were launched including an appeal by Clarington. The Ontario Municipal Board approved changes to the Regional Official Plan on January 9, 2013. Clarington supported the changes implemented by the Ontario Municipal Board to the Regional Official Plan in Clarington. Similar to the Greenbelt Plan, the Growth Plan is due for a legislated review 10 years after its approval, to determine if revisions are warranted. The population and growth projections for the Growth Plan are very optimistic and in 2014 they were updated from the initial 2031 target year to 2041. The recently released Proposed Official Plan for Clarington was prepared in keeping with the 2031 Growth Plan projections. 3. Overview of the Coordinated Provincial Review In recognition of the complex and interconnected nature of these four plans, the Province is seeking public input through a co-ordinated review of all four provincial land use plans. The Province's coordinated review will be completed in two phases of public consultation. In Phase 1, the Province will seek public input on all matters associated with the four plans, with a focus on the goals outlined in a related Discussion Paper to inform the Province's understanding of how the plans can better meet their individual and collective objectives. Public comments will be accepted until May 28, 2015. The exact timeline and specifics of Phase 2 consultation will be released at a later date. 3.1 Our Region, Our Community, Our Home (Discussion Paper) The Our Region, Our Community, Our Home discussion paper provides background information on Ontario's planning framework, each of the four provincial plans and sets out questions to focus the discussion during this phase of consultation on the following six goals: • Protecting agricultural land, water, and natural areas; • Keeping people and goods moving and building cost-effective infrastructure; • Fostering healthy, livable, and inclusive communities; Municipality of Clarington Report PSD-026-15 Page 4 • Building communities that attract workers and create jobs; • Addressing climate change and building resilient communities; and • Improving implementation and better aligning the plans. Regional Town Hall meetings are being held across the Greater Golden Horseshoe, from late March to early May. A regional town hall meeting will be held in Newcastle Community Hall on May 4, 2015. Staff have attended some of the earlier sessions. The meeting includes an open house from 6 to 7 PM, followed by the meeting from 7 to 9 PM. The meeting portion begins with a presentation and question/clarification session. Attendees then work in groups on the questions posed under the six goals set out in the Discussion Paper. The final portion of the meeting is reporting back and wrap-up. 3.2 Expert Advisory Panel To support the coordinated review, the Province appointed a panel of six advisors to develop recommendations on how to amend and improve the four provincial land use plans. The advisory panel is composed of: • David Crombie, former Federal Cabinet Minister and Mayor of Toronto (Chair) • Keith Currie, Vice President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture • Rae Horst, former CAO, Credit Valley Conservation Authority • John MacKenzie, Commissioner of Planning, City of Vaughan • Leith Moore, Senior Vice President, Urban Fieldgate Homes and • Debbie Zimmerman, CEO, Grape Growers of Ontario. The advisory panel is expected to deliver a report to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry by September 1, 2015. Members of the advisory panel have been attending the Regional Town Hall meetings. The Province has indicated that it anticipates the coordinated review will result in final recommendations on amendments to the Plans ready by early 2016. The process and timeline is intended to inform the review of the Big Move (MetroLinx's regional transportation plan). 4. Durham's Greenbelt Plan Review In preparation for the legislated 2015 provincial plans review, the Region engaged the consulting services of Urban Strategies Inc. to conduct the Durham Greenbelt Plan Review. Between January to April 2014 the Durham Greenbelt Plan Review consultation included the lower tier politicians and staff, regional committees and general public. The Directions and Recommendations report was adopted by Regional Council in September 2014 and submitted to the Province for consideration and discussion during the coordinated plans review. The 19 Recommendations represent a range of potential solutions and approaches to addressing the issues under 8 categories. The eight categories or directions are: Direction 1: Introduce increased flexibility for municipalities and conservation authorities to interpret and apply the Plans' policies on a case-by-case basis at the site-level. Municipality of Clarington Report PSD-026-15 Page 5 Direction 2: Beyond protecting the agricultural land base, ensure that the Plans support agricultural viability. Direction 3: Ensure that the Plans support the viability of rural communities. Direction 4: Provide additional resources and direction to ensure effective implementation of the Plans. Direction 5: Ensure consistency and clarity between the two Plans [Greenbelt and Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan], and between the Plans and other Provincial legislation. Direction 6: Ensure that potentially impactful activities are effectively regulated. Direction 7: Establish a process to consider limited refinements to the boundaries of the Plans. Direction 8: Ensure that the upcoming 2015 Provincial Review process proceeds in a fair, accountable and transparent manner. 5. Clarington's "Whitebelt" One of the outcomes created by the Greenbelt, which also encompasses the Oak Ridges Moraine, is the area between the Greenbelt boundary and the designated urban boundaries. These lands are often referred to as the "whitebelt" area. Clarington has 81 percent of its land area covered by the Greenbelt, 8 percent is "whitebelt", with the remaining 11 percent being the existing urban areas. The existing urban areas include agricultural lands slated for development over the next 15-20 years. In Clarington, the "whitebelt" lands are located between Courtice and Bowmanville (south of highway 2), and Bowmanville and Newcastle (south of Concession 3) - these are known as our urban separators in the Official Plan. One of the criticisms of the Greenbelt Plan was that some of the best agricultural lands were not included. The logic behind leaving certain lands out of the Greenbelt was, that given the growth estimates for the Greater Golden Horseshoe and policies in local and regional Official Plans these lands, known as the "whitebelt" would at some point be logical extensions of urban areas. Some of these "whitebelt" lands were added to urban areas in Durham through Regional OPA 128. The growth estimates are optimistic and based on growth continuing to move outward rather than upward. In Clarington, some of the best agricultural lands in all of southern Ontario are the lands south of the Greenbelt surrounding the urban areas. The policies of the Province require that prime agricultural areas be protected for long-term use for agriculture. It would only be when sufficient opportunities for growth are exhausted that prime agricultural areas should be considered for urban development. Clarington and Durham residents have expressed concern for the economic viability of the agricultural sector and have concerns for food security. The lands between the urban centres of Courtice, Bowmanville and Newcastle are part of Clarington's and the Region's economic engine (agriculture). In addition, these agricultural lands provide much needed open spaces that counter balance urban growth and contribute to the overall sustainability and character of the Municipality. Municipality of Clarington Report PSD-026-15 Page 6 In 2001, Clarington Council established the Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington. The Agricultural Advisory Committee provides advice to Council, Planning Staff and input on policies that affect the agricultural sector. On August 25, 2011 the Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington recommended and Council subsequently, on September 19, 2011, endorsed the following resolution: "Whereas the Municipality of Clarington is in the process of reviewing the Official Plan; And whereas part of the mandate of the Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington is to advise Council with regard to: a) implementation of municipal agricultural goals, objectives and policies; b) alternative solutions, approaches, plans or studies dealing with agriculture and related rural issues which are within the responsibilities and financial capabilities of the Municipality of Clarington; and c) monitor and report on changes within the agricultural industry including agricultural land inventory; And whereas agriculture is the #1 industry in Clarington; And whereas agriculture is necessary for food security; And whereas some of Canada's best agricultural land is in Clarington, more particularly immediately adjacent to the current urban boundaries and in the "whitebelt" areas; And whereas there are not stringent tests for the expansion of urban settlement area boundaries with regard to prime agricultural lands and soil capability; Now therefore be it resolved that Council instruct Planning Staff to include additional policies in the Growth Management and Agricultural Sections of the Official Plan to ensure that: a) growth be provided through intensification, and redevelopment; and within the existing urban boundaries; b) that agricultural soil capability be included as an additional criteria for determining where future growth happens (e.g. avoid Classes 1, 2 and 3 soils, in this order of priority); c) that impacts from settlement areas on agricultural operations be mitigated; and d) that all types, sizes and intensities of agricultural uses and normal farm practices be promoted and protected in accordance with Provincial standards." 5.1 Proposed Official Plan 2015 The recently released Proposed Official Plan for Clarington includes policies to address additional protection for agricultural lands and tests for urban boundary expansions. The lands between Courtice and Bowmanville; and Bowmanville and Newcastle are Prime Agriculture, Rural and Environmental Protection (Figure 1). These land uses are in conformity with the Region of Durham Official Plan land uses. The planning horizon of Clarington's and Durham's Official Plans is 2031. Depending on the rate of growth, which Municipality of Clarington Report PSD-026-15 Page 7 at present is an optimistic forecast. No urban boundary expansions can be made except in the context of a comprehensive review of the Durham Region Official Plan. This is anticipated as early as 2018. Durham Region, not Clarington, will determine urban boundary expansions. Figure 1: Prime Agricultural, Rural and Environmental Protection Lands Orono Urban - Area/ , Courtice I Urban Area Bowmanville , Urban.Area e Newcastle ~< NJ ' Village Urban Area r—I URBAN - - r=;HAMLET 7 ESTATE RESIDENTIAL RURAL Lake Ontario PRIME AGRICULTURAL AREA UTILITY , tv ENVIRONMENTAL /fl t �—PROTECTION AREA —I WATERFRONT GREEN WAY GREENBELT AREA V When the Region released their draft of the conformity exercise with the Places to Grow legislation (Amendment 128) it included Schedule 'F'. Schedule 'F' (Figure 2) showed potential future growth areas beyond the 2031 time horizon. The Province, through the eventual OMB settlement, deleted this Schedule. However, the Schedule indicated the way in which Durham Region anticipates the lands south of the Greenbelt will be developed as Living Area or Employment Area by approximately 2056. Clarington's three urban areas would_be consolidated as one urban area, forming a continuous urban agglomeration from Whitby to Newcastle. Municipality of Clarington Report PSD-026-15 Page 8 Figure 2: Potential Future Growth Areas EXHIBIT 10 TO REGIONAL OFFICIAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO.128 OFFICIAL PLAN OF THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF DURHAM SCHEDULE'F' SPECIFIC POLICY AREA D, POTENTIAL FUTURE GROWTH AREA Bowmanville lot. ------------- ............. Courtice _7 Newcastle Village 6. Province's Greenbelt Plan Review There is the opportunity to grow the Greenbelt. The provincial government laid out the process for how it would consider additions to the Greenbelt and thus afford additional lands with the protection of the Greenbelt designation (see Attachment 1). Any municipal process to grow the Greenbelt would require additional study to justify the inclusion of specific tracts of land in the Greenbelt, for environmental, agricultural land protection or other reasons. The Greenbelt Plan states 'The overall vision for the Greenbelt Plan is protectflon] against the loss and fragmentation of the agricultural land base and supports agriculture as the predominant land use" In one of the background studies prepared by the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation in 2007 "Many farmers questioned why the best farm land is not being protected by the Greenbelt". To date the proposed framework for "Growing the Greenbelt" requires that the request be from a regional government, supported by a council resolution and include documentation addressing engagement of the public, key stakeholders, public bodies, conservation authorities, including notification to affected landowners. There is no option for lower-tier municipalities to propose an expansion if the upper tier does not support its inclusion. However, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing may consider expansion "while complementary provincial initiatives are being developed". Municipality of Clarington Report PSD-026-15 Page 9 7. Background Study To assess agricultural assets of a track of land, the Land Evaluation and Area Review evaluation system model was developed by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. It considers other factors, such as fragmentation, micro-climatic effects, heat units, land use of surrounding parcels, and size of holdings, in addition to soil capability for agriculture to determine potential. The Land Evaluation and Area Review evaluation system is used to identify Prime Agricultural Areas by more than just soil type. However, it has not been consistently applied across Southern Ontario. A full Land Evaluation and Area Review study of the lands in Clarington south of the greenbelt and outside of the urban areas should be prepared in consultation with the agricultural community and local planning staff, using area specific data so that it can be ground-truthed. It is our understanding that the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and Durham Region collaborated on a desktop Land Evaluation and Area Review type analysis in advance of the Region's Official Plan amendment to bring it into conformity with the Greenbelt Plan. However, the desktop analysis and ratings for the individual parcels have not been shared with local municipal staff, the agricultural community or the public. 8. Discussion Agriculture is an important part of the economy in Clarington (Attachment 2). A significant portion (approximately one third) of agricultural economic activity for Durham Region takes place within Clarington. The importance of agriculture is not just confined to the agriculture lands and farming. It includes a number of businesses in other areas such as food manufacturing, food retail, and agri-tourism, and therefore is a significant economic cluster and driver for Durham. The importance of protecting the land base (soil), in combination with the micro-climatic lake effects, contiguous parcels and the amount of land and farms required to maintain the economic viability of agriculture cannot be overstated. At the local level prime agricultural lands in Clarington are protected through Offical Plan designations and zoning. The lands also need to be protected in the Regional Official Plan and by the Province. Fulsome scientific analysis is needed to determine which, if any, of the agricultural lands south of the existing Greenbelt boundary and outside of the urban boundaries in Clarington should be designated as a "agricultural reserve" similar to the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve. Protection for Clarington's agricultural lands becomes even more critical if one considers a statistic from a recent Guelph University Farm Preservation Project which states that only 11 percent of Canada's land can support agricultural production. An important contribution of the lands between the urban areas is the role played by these large open stretches as separators. These open areas reinforce community identity by breaking the monotony of continuous urban development. These urban separators are often viewed as the next frontier by development interests. Municipality of Clarington Report PSD-026-15 Page 10 A number of task forces and action plans related to agriculture in the GTA have set out the arguments for protection of the agricultural system and lands where the urban/rural interface occurs: "Agriculture in the Greater Toronto Area has the following advantages: an abundant fresh water supply, heat units conducive to high crop yields, proximity to markets and consumers, an extensive transportation network, and proximity to research, development and learning facilities. Aside from these physical advantages, good business management also plays an enormous role in the competitiveness of farming in the Greater Toronto Area." Source: Greater Toronto Area Agricultural Action Plan "Protecting farmland helps to preserve a productive land base for the agricultural economy, preserve the amenity values of open space and rural character, slow suburban sprawl, provide wildlife habitat, and provide an opportunity for groundwater recharge in areas where suburban development is occurring." Source: Ontario Farmland Trust website 9. Concurrence Not Applicable 10. Conclusion Clarington Council supported the resolution of the Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington regarding the need for additional protection of the near urban lands through the local Official Plan; additional proposed policies have been included in the recently released document to strengthen agricultural land protection at the local level. The use of a science based agricultural capability analysis ground-truthed with input from the agricultural community and local planning staff should be carried out during the Provincial review of the Greenbelt to determine if some of these high-quality near urban agricultural lands should be included in the Greenbelt and thus protected by Provincial and Regional level planning documents. It is recommended that a copy of this report be submitted to the Ministries of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Natural Resources and Forestry, Agriculture and Rural Affairs; the Expert Advisory Panel and Durham Region as Clarington's input into the Greenbelt review. Additional comments on the four plans will be provided in a separate, subsequent report to Council. 11 . Strategic Plan Application The recommendations contained in this report conform to the Strategic Plan. Municipality of Clarington Report PSD-026-15 Page 11 Submitted by: Reviewed by: t Da J. Crome, MCIP, RPP Franklin Wu, Director of Planning Services Chief Administrative Officer Staff Contact: Faye Langmaid, Manager of Special Projects, 905-623-3379, extension 2407 or flank.maid i5clarington.net Attachments: Attachment 1 — Reference Sheet, Growing the Greenbelt Attachment 2 — Excerpts from "Economic Base and Employment Lands Discussion Paper, July 2, 2010" and from the "Clarington Official Plan Review and Update April 21, 2014" The following is a list of the interested parties to be notified of Council's decision: Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington DJC/FL/sn Attachment 1 to Municipality of Clarington Report PSD-026-15 rz INTRODUCTION This reference sheet provides a summary of the Growing the Greenbelt criteria used by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing to consider municipal requests to expand the Greenbelt. The full text of the criteria, including process and principles, is available in the document Growing the Greenbelt (August 2008) and should be referenced for more details. When a formal submission is received, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, with technical support from partner ministries, will review the submission to determine how the municipality has addressed all of the criteria. Based on this review, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing may initiate the process to amend the Greenbelt Plan, in accordance with the provisions of the Greenbelt Act, 2005. '1 MUNICIPAL REQUEST The request is from a regional, county or single-tier municipal government and is supported by a council resolution. In a region or county, the lower-tier host municipality (or municipalities) in the proposed expansion area supports the request through a council resolution. The municipality documents how it has addressed the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing's expectations for: • Engagement with the public, key stakeholders, and public bodies such as conservation authorities, including notification of affected landowners. • Engagement with Aboriginal communities. 12 ADDITIONS TO THE GREENBELT The request identifies a proposed expansion area that is adjacent to the Greenbelt or demonstrates a clear functional relationship to the Greenbelt area and how the Greenbelt Plan policies will apply. '3 EMBRACES THE GREENBELT PURPOSE The request demonstrates how the proposed expansion area meets the intent of the vision and one or more of the goals of the Greenbelt Plan. 14CONNECTIONS TO GREENBELT SYSTEMS One or more of the Greenbelt systems (Natural Heritage System, Agricultural System and Water Resource System) is identified and included in the proposed expansion area and their functional relationship to the existing Greenbelt system is demonstrated. Reference Sheet (2010) - Growing the Greenbelt (Criteria) I5 COMPLEMENTS THE GROWTH PLAN FOR THE GREATER C70LDEN HORSESHOE A municipality's request to expand the Greenbelt may be considered by the Minis"of Municipal Affair: and Housing while the municipality is engaged in its associated Growth Plan conformi*y exercise. The proposed area for expansion cannot impede+e implementa-ion of the Growik Plan. The municipality muaf demonstrate how the expansion area support.-+e goals; objet l-ves-and -urge-r"of both the Greenbelt Plan and -he Grcwrh Plan. xpansionz to the Greenbelt will be considered for areas -hat are outside of exi ing urban settlement area-s.An exception may be considered for major natural heritage systems tho-are located within existing urban aeiflemenf areas. The natural heri-age -system mu.be deaignated within the municipal official plan. 16 TIMING AND RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER PROVINCIAL INITIATIVES A municipality's request to expand the Greenbelt may be considered by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing while complementary provincial initiatives are being developed_ The request has to demonstrate-haf the proposed expansion area will not undermine provincial intereafs, or the planning or implemen-a-ion of complementary provincial inifia4ives (e.g. Source -Protection Plans under the Clean lVah3rAct, 2006, Mefrolinx'c Regional Tronaportalion Plan, Lake Simcoe Protection Plan). CONTACT INFORMATION Ustinis-ry of Municipal A%. irandHousing 14th %or,777 Bay Street Toronto,ON M5G ZE5 Phone:416-585-6414 - Fax:416-585-687 0 r, MORE INFORMATION For more in-ormahon on the Greenbel-and=he complete criteria,uisit: Ministry of Municipal A%ir.and Housing-Greer6elf www.g reenbekontario.ca MINISTRY OF MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS AND DOUSING la3N 438-1-4435-2428-5 ;PD=) Z Oween's Primer`or On-ario,2010 DisporMbk er frargais sous le fitre Feuilie de rCtrence-Une ceirrfure do verdure croiwonie - © Reference Street f2010'1 -Growing the Greenbelt(Ortera} Attachment 2 to Municipality of Clarington Report PSD-026-15 i Excerpt from "Economic Base and Employment Lands Discussion Paper, July 2, 2010" for the Clarington Official Plan Review Agriculture: Agriculture is an important part of the economy in Clarington. A significant portion of agricultural activity in the Region takes place within Clarington. The importance of agriculture is not just confined to the agriculture sector which is strictly defined as farming. It also includes a number of businesses in other areas such as food manufacturing, food retail, and agri-tourism, and therefore is significant as an economic cluster. The total number of farms in Clarington in 2006 was 437, with the total area of farms reported by Statistics Canada as 33,074 hectares (25 percent of farm hectares reported for Durham Region). The average area of farms in Clarington is reported by Statistics Canada as 76 hectares. The number of farms and the number of hectares farmed in Clarington decreased between 2001 and 2006. Based on Statistics Canada data, there were 462 farms and 34,363 hectares of farmland in Clarington in 2001: the number of hectares being farmed decreased by nearly 1,300 or 6 percent between 2001 and 2006. The total value of farm receipts (excluding any forest products sold) in Clarington in 2005 was roughly $57.6 million, which represents about 24 percent of the gross farm receipts in Durham Region. As shown in Table 6, most of the farms in Clarington are relatively small operations, with about 33 percent having gross revenues of under $10,000. About 24 percent had gross revenues of$100,000 or more (including nearly 7 percent that had gross revenues of $500,000 or more), which is consistent with Durham Region overall. Based on Statistics Canada Agricultural profile information, 78 of the 437 farms had paid agricultural workers year-round in 2005 (about 18 percent); 111 had seasonal or temporary paid workers. The number of farm operators in Clarington in 2006 was 640, which represents about 26 percent of the farm operators in Durham Region, which was considerably higher than the portion Clarington comprised of jobs overall in the Region (around 10 percent). The number of farm operators in Clarington in 2006 was slightly lower than in 2001 (665). It appears that most farm operators also do other non-farm related work, with about 48 percent of farm operators only working at the farm. About 25 percent worked more than 40 hours a week at a non-agricultural operation in 2005. The importance of agriculture is not just confined to the agriculture sector which is strictly defined as farming. It also includes a number of businesses in other sectors such as food manufacturing, food retail, and agri-tourism, and therefore is significant as an economic cluster. Further data is available on the Agriculture Sector in Clarington through Statistics Canada's Agriculture Community Profiles. I i I It is likely that the supply of agricultural lands presently being farmed in Clarington will decline slightly as a result of a redevelopment since a portion of these lands are designated for residential and employment uses, as well as farm land that will be lost as a result of the Highway 407/401 Link. Agricultural employment may also be reduced due to the trend towards greater automation in farming, resulting in the need for fewer employees, and larger farms for greater economies of scale. Prime agricultural lands in Clarington will be protected through Offical Plan designations and j zoning, and it will be important that adequate buffering and transitioning of lands surrounding farm operations (particularly livestock farms) be provided to help existing farms remain viable. Excerpt from "Economic Base and Employment Lands Analysis Update for Official Plan Review", April 21, 2014 Agriculture continues to be an important part of the economy in Clarington; however, there has been a decrease in the number of farms and hectares of farmland...Clarington still accounts for approximately 25% of farm hectares reported for Durham Region, as it did in 2006. The total value of farm receipts (excluding any forest products sold) in Clarington in 2010 was roughly $72.4 million, which may be compared to $57.6 million in 2005. As shown in the table below, the portion of farms with revenues in the three revenue categories between $250,000 and just under $2 million has increased significantly— 16.9% in 2010 compared to 10.5% in 2005, and the portion of farms in the lower revenue ranges is less for 2010 compared to 2005. This suggests that although there has been a decrease in the number of farms, a large portion of the remaining farms are likely financially viable operations. It is noteworthy as well that nearly one-third of farms could be considered as `hobby farms', having gross annual revenues in 2010 of under$10,000. Table 16: Farms in Clarington by Total Gross Farm Receipts 04 o a Under$10,000 144 33.0% 118 30.3% $10,000 - $24,999 80 18.3% 69 17.7% $25,000 - $ 49,999 63 14.4% 53 13.6% $50,000 - $99,999 44 10.1% 35 9.0% $100,000 - $249,999 55 12.6% 44 11.3% $250,000 - $499,999 21 4.8% 31 7.9% $500,000 - $999,999 17 3.9% 21 5.4% $1 million - $1,999,999 8 1.8% 14 3.6% $2 million and over 5 1.1% 5 1.3% Total number of farms 437 100.0% 390 100.0% Source: Statistics Canada, Census of Agriculture, 2011, 2006 I