Burlington Agricultural & Rural Affairs Advisory Committee Meeting

Minutes

Meeting #:
Date:
Time:
-
Location:
Room 305, Level 3, City Hall
426 Brant Street, Burlington, Ontario

Dave Stanyar (Chair), Vanessa Warren, Maura Romanelli, Glenn Portch and Sarah Pralet

Councillor Angelo Bentivegna, Kelly Cook (Planner) and Jo-Anne Rudy (Clerk)

Jamie Fisher, Nancy Douglas, John Timmis and Norm Richardson

On motion, the minutes from the meeting of September 24, 2019 were approved as presented.

  • The committee reviewed the draft recommendations and commented on the following items:
    • 9.2.3a)(xvii) - Kelly clarified that the issue is based on "with the majority of commodities for sale, measured by monetary value, produced or manufactured on the farm". This is based on a Regional policy, yet Provincial policies may be less restrictive.  Action - Kelly will do a cross comparison of Regional and Provincial policies outlining the requirements for on-farm diversified uses and will provide a summary and suggested revision.
    • 9.5.6c) - Kelly clarified that this is an explanatory statement to ensure the reader is aware of other policies that apply, and that removing it would not change the applicability of the policies referenced. Through discussion, the committee agreed that this item could be removed from the list of recommendations and that the concerns with Natural Heritage System policies could be addressed through the Regional Official Plan Review process.  
  • Kelly suggested that she review all of the recommendations and provide suggested revisions, with a supporting table of proposed policy modifications, to the committee for consideration at the next meeting.  Action - Kelly will provide a revised document in tracked changes form, in advance of the next meeting. Kelly will also investigate the appropriate process for bringing these recommendations forward to both City Council and the Region, and report back at the next meeting.
  • Vanessa stated that there are concerns amongst the farming community that protesters could come onto private properties and asked if Council would pass a motion similar to what the Township of Warwick passed regarding enforcement for safety on family farms.
  • Councillor Bentivegna noted that he will speak to police on how rural/agricultural property owners can be supported and will bring back information to the November meeting.
  • Sarah shared that she has seen various corners of city properties throughout the City that could possibly be used for community gardens and asked about the process.
  • Kelly advised that she reached out to Michelle Bennett, Community Garden Coordinator, who advised that to date community gardens have been located in public parks/open space near higher mixed density areas where there was resident feedback indicating demand. Other considerations include level land, soil toxicity, sunlight, connection to water, parking, trails and access by public transit.  Action - Kelly to invite Michelle Bennett to November meeting and Jo-Anne to email members link to community gardens webpage.