Burlington Agricultural & Rural Affairs Advisory Committee Meeting

Minutes

Meeting #:
Date:
Time:
-
Location:
Virtual

1.
Members Present:
 

Glenn Portch (Chair), Norm Richardson, Vanessa Warren, Jamie Fisher, Sarah Pralet, Larry Campbell, Vincent Sowa, Michiel Barnard, Simon O'Keefe (alternate) and Peter Starcevic (alternate)

2.
Regrets:
 

Maura Romanelli and John Timmis

3.
Others Present:
 

Councillor Angelo Bentivegna Janine Yaromich (Manager of Design and Construction, Engineering Services), Kelly Cook (Planner) and Jo-Anne Rudy (Clerk)

4.
Declarations of Interest:
 

None

5.
Approval of Minutes:
 

5.1
Approve minutes from meeting held June 16, 2021
This item has attachments. 

1.2021_06_16_Burlington_Agricultural_and_Rural_Affairs_Advisory_Committee_Minutes.pdf

On motion, the minutes from the meeting held June 16, 2021 were approved as presented.

6.
Delegation(s):
 

6.1
High speed rural internet 
 

  • Tom Williams from Standard Broadband was unable to attend the meeting; however, Councillor Bentivegna provided an update from a meeting he attended with Tom and City staff last week. Janine Yaromich, Manager of Design and Construction, Engineering Services, was in attendance to answer questions from members. Significant concern and extreme frustration was raised by committee members regarding the challenging process and obstacles ("red tape") that Standard Broadband has had to maneuver through which has greatly delayed this project. Members agreed that the City must ensure that connectivity is possible and affordable for all rural residents and prioritize the development of a streamlined process with tangible outcomes. Committee stressed the importance of all partners working collaboratively in order to move this project forward in time to meet the November 15, 2021 deadline for federal funding. 

7.
Regular Items:
 

7.1
Planner's update
 

  • Kelly advised that the Region of Halton’s Employment Survey is open until September 30, 2021.
  • Kelly provided a brief update on the  Niagara Escarpment Commission guidance documents that have been posted for public consultation (technical criteria for Vegetation Protection Plans and for Landscape Plans). Kelly noted that she will be reviewing the documents more thoroughly and will flag any sections that may be of interest to the committee. 
  • Kelly advised that there is a 2022 Budget Survey available on the City's Get Involved page which will help the City to better understand the community's priorities and the value placed on services. The results will be shared with City Council during the budget process.                

    https://www.getinvolvedburlington.ca/2022-budget

  • Kelly stated that she has yet to confirm with Halton Region regarding the Regional Official Plan Review Policy Directions Report being brought forward this fall and whether it will include directions for all policy areas. She noted that she will provide more information as it becomes available.

7.2
Halton Region Official Plan Review - Agricultural Working Group update
 

  • Jamie advised that the Agricultural Working Group (AWG) submitted their report to the Region in July. A report was received from Regional staff in September with a request to provide comments by September 15; however, there was no reference in the report to the comments submitted by the AWG. The AWG will have to agree to disagree with a large portion of the Region's report. Very disappointed with the Region's process on this and Jamie noted that he can outline where the disagreements are at a future meeting. (November)

7.3
Next Agenda
 

  • The following items were highlighted for the October meeting agenda:
    • Status update on high-speed rural internet
    • Climate Adaptation Action Plan presentation
    • Urban Forest Master Plan and LDD Moth presentation

8.
Other Business:
 

  • Vince advised of an upcoming rural neighbourhood social event called "Sweet & Greet" being held on September 19 from 4 to 6 p.m.
  • Larry shared information related to a significant decrease of rabies in 2020 due to a trapping and vaccinating program.
  • Members raised concerns with respect to what the permitting process may look like (if there is one) for individual residents when the time comes to connect to the larger network. Action: Kelly to look into and will provide information at the next meeting.

9.
Adjournment: 9 p.m.
 

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