Burlington Agricultural & Rural Affairs Advisory Committee Meeting

Minutes

Meeting #:
Date:	Wednesday, June 16, 2021
Time:	7:00 P.m. - 9:00 P.m.
Location:	Virtual

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1.

Members Present:

Glenn Portch (Chair), Norm Richardson, Vanessa Warren, Maura Romanelli, Sarah Pralet, Larry Campbell, Vincent Sowa and Simon O'Keefe (alternate)

2.

Regrets:

Jamie Fisher, John Timmis, Michiel Barnard and Peter Starcevic (alternate)

3.

Others Present:

Councillor Angelo Bentivegna, Kelly Cook (Planner), Stephanie Mazhari, Manager of the Small Business Centre and Global Business Centre, Halton Region Economic Development, Anita Cassidy, Executive Director, Burlington Economic Development and Jo-Anne Rudy (Clerk)

4.

Declarations of Interest:

None

5.

Approval of Minutes:

5.1

Approve minutes from meeting held May 19, 2021

On motion, the minutes from the meeting held May 19, 2021 were approved as presented.

6.

Delegation(s):

6.1

Halton Region Economic Development 

• Stephanie Mazhari, Manager of the Small Business Centre and Global Business Centre, Halton Region Economic Development, provided a presentation to the Committee about the Small Business Centre (SBC) and Global Business Centre (GBC) and explained who they serve and the various services, resources and programs that they offer. She noted that the Halton Region Agriculture Forum is taking place on June 17 and will look into whether it is being recorded. Stephanie referenced the Regional TODS (Tourism Oriented Directional Signs) program and advised that they oversee the intake application process and work with the Regional Transportation department to design and implement signage. If anyone would like more information about this program, they can contact Stephanie directly.

6.2

Burlington Economic Development 

• Anita Cassidy, Executive Director, Burlington Economic Development (EcDev) provided a presentation to the Committee and highlighted EcDev's mandate, how they fit into the City's Strategic Plan and their key deliverables for 2021. Anita explained how EcDev is involved with COVID-19 Business Support with Team Burlington and Burlington Economic Recovery Network (BERN) and Safe Re-start and Digital Main Street through the Digital Service Squad (DSS). In addition, she noted EcDev's involvement to address rural Halton's broadband issue. Anita asked how EcDev can get the word out about their services to rural business owners.
• Vincent commented that no one at a staff level understands the municipal approvals process for businesses in the rural area from beginning to end because of all the regulatory layers and suggested that perhaps a concierge service would be beneficial. Glenn agreed that it would be beneficial to have someone to assist with the process so businesses could survive in the rural area. 

7.

Regular Items:

7.1

2021 Work Plan

• Jo-Anne advised that the Committee's work plan and budget was approved at the June 22, 2021 Council meeting.
• With the summer break, Kelly asked members what conversations were top of mind when committee meetings resumed in September, and if members would like to have speakers attend future meetings. The following is a list of ideas:
  • Red Tape Red Carpet Recommendations – agri-business customer experience journey mapping (Sept)
  • Gypsy moth management (Sept)
  • Urban Forest Management Plan (Oct)
  • Regional Official Plan Review (subject to updated Regional project schedule)
  • City of Burlington website review – rural focus (subject to stakeholder engagement strategy)

7.2

Update from the Region's Agricultural Working Group (Regional Official Plan Review)

• Vanessa advised that they had their last meeting with the Region and noted that there was good communication and is hopeful that they understand the issues. The working group will be preparing a wrap-up report and Regional staff will be preparing an overall engagement summary at a later date.

7.3

Update from the Climate Adaptation Plan working group

• Vanessa advised that she attended the first Climate Adaptation Plan working group meeting on June 1. Staff provided clarity on the difference between climate mitigation (reducing greenhouse gas emissions) and climate adaptation (preparing for and responding to our changing climate). Staff noted that while the City does not yet have a climate adaptation plan, there are many actions taking place. The goal is to gather existing policies, plans, programs, etc. taking place in Burlington which will feed into the development of the plan (helping to identify gaps, risks, vulnerabilities). The team reviewed some climate impact statements that were developed by staff which consider the effects of existing or forecasted changes in climate on built, natural, social and economic systems. Vanessa noted that there are several impacts for the rural area, one of which is the welfare of farm animals.

7.4

Provincial Advocacy 

• Due to lack of time, this item was not discussed. Kelly noted that this will be an ongoing discussion.

8.

Other Business:

• Kelly advised that the Province initiated a consultation on land use compatibility guidelines with a 60-day public comment period which began on May 4, 2021 and ends on July 3, 2021.  Staff have prepared comments which highlight any areas of concern related to the proposal.
• Vincent shared that the Ward 6 rural area group was successful with their application for funding for rural broadband.
• Norm commented on the road construction on Appleby Line and noted that with the pylons, the road is very narrow and farm equipment cannot fit.
• Glenn relayed the controversy with the lights at Britannia Road and Walker's Line.

9.

Adjournment: 9:06 p.m.