The Corporation of the City of Kawartha Lakes

Minutes

Agricultural Development Advisory Committee Meeting

ADAC 2024-04
-
Economic Development Boardroom
Economic Development
180 Kent Street West, Lindsay, Ontario
Members:
  • Councillor Ron Ashmore
  • Robert Bonis
  • Lucas deVos
  • Will MacArthur
  • Guy Masters
  • Michelle Murphy-Ward
  • Rebecca Parker
  • Adam Shea
  • David Skrabek
  • Alice VanVught
  • Shawn Westland
Accessible formats and communication supports are available upon request. The City of Kawartha Lakes is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. Please contact [email protected] if you have an accessible accommodation request.

Chair R. Parker called the meeting to order at 9:04 a.m. Councillor Ashmore and Members  G. Masters, R. Parker, A. Shea, A. VanVught, S. Westland, K. Maloney and K. Callaghan were in attendance.

Absent: R. Bonis, L. deVos, W. MacArthur, M. Murphy-Ward, D. Skrabek.

  • Moved ByA. VanVught
    Seconded ByS. Westland

    That the agenda be adopted as amended.

    Carried

There were no declarations of pecuniary interest disclosed.

August 8, 2024 Agricultural Development Advisory Committee Meeting

  • Moved ByA. VanVught
    Seconded ByG. Masters

    That the Minutes of the August 8, 2024 Agricultural Development Advisory Committee meeting, be received.

    Carried

Consultations with Agricultural Businesses to Design Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) Training


Angela Mark-McGill, Ampere.

Angela Mark-McGill attended along with a colleague, Lindsay.

Ampere is working on a pilot project to deliver Accessibility for Ontarians with Diasabilities Act (AODA) training for three sectors: agriculture, retail, and food services. They are looking for consultation from the agriculture sector to determine what accessibility looks like, how its approached by businesses, and what the real-world limitations are in the agriculture industry. With this information, they will create customized Accessibility training to meet the needs of the local area.

Once consultations are complete, the training will be created and delivered in January. One session will be in-person/hybrid, with two more sessions occurring remotely. These courses will be targeted to owner/operator/management positions within the three focus sectors.

Comments from the committee include:

  • Employment for people with disabilities can be more difficult in agriculture, as people need to be physically able to operate equipment and work with livestock.
  • Farms are often only family members, not employees.
    • This may lead to a different way of looking at things – ie how were they accommodated, with work adopted to their abilities.

ADAC members are invited to participate in virtual and in-person consultations, starting immediately. Ampere will have a survey available digitally to gain community feedback.

  • Moved ByCouncillor Ashmore
    Seconded ByA. VanVught

    That the deputation of Angela Mark-McGill, of Ampere, regarding Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) training consultations, be received.

    Carried

Modern Farm Equipment Needs on Roadways - Working Group Update

It was noted that during the Kawartha Lakes Haliburton Federation of Agriculture Annual General Meeting, concern was raised over predation of livestock by dogs, and the remuneration value received from the municipality. Committee members had not experienced dog predation, and were unable to speak to the valuation for payback.

K. Callaghan/K. Maloney to research the issue and report back to the Committee.

  • Moved ByA. VanVught
    Seconded ByA. Shea

    That Agriculture staff find relevant information and send to the Agricultural Development Advisory Committee and Kawartha Lakes Haliburton Federation of Agriculture.

    Carried

Presented by Kim Callaghan, Economic Development Officer - Agriculture

The committee was advised that project participants are working to design a pilot aggregation/distribution model for the winter/spring. Project is on track with timeline. New participants have joined. Steering Committee is always open to new members, or for any participants to join the meeting. With Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED) dissolving, the City is taking on the leadership for this project in 2025, partnering with Peterborough County and the City of Peterborough. Council approved the signing of the Rural Economic Development Novation agreement.

In September, both producers and buyers met to showcase what they could offer, and discuss in person how they could wholesale their products. Good connections were made, with buying happening between buyer/producer, as well as producer/producer.

Presented by Kelly Maloney, Economic Development Officer - Agriculture

The committee was advised that overall the event was a great success and all International Plowing Match (IPM) Committee, volunteers, exhibitors and attendees should be thanked for their contributions. The community was well represented with a well run event. The municipality demonstrated strong support for the event, and hopefully this is reflected on the entire community in the future.

Traffic management for the event was great overall. Kawartha Lakes Police Service had more officers there than planned, and they did a great job keeping traffic moving. The parking system at the IPM was also excellent.

Very positive feedback has been received for Showcase Kawartha Lakes. In the Showcase, the Agriculture and Food sector was represented with:   

  • Fleming Ag Simulators
  • Kawartha Dairy antique cream separator
  • Fire Services talking about barn fire safety
  • Off-line livestock watering set-up with exclusion fencing and solar watering
  • Source Water Protection and Agriculture Stewardship info
  • Kawartha Choice Farm Fresh - Local Food Sampling and rack cards, QR codes to websites and trail guides
  • Farmfest promotion and bookmarks and rack cards
  • Bee City and Bird Friendly designation promotion and guides for pollinator friendly plantings
  • Wall hangings depicting – Alliance Agri-turf fertilizer system, Kawartha Dairy milk truck, O’Brienview cattle in pasture & vegetables, Gallery of Agriculture photos of sheep, goats and calves, and Kawartha Farmfest at McQuaid’s.
  • Daily presentation by Katie Dukelow on barn fire safety.

It would be great to get feedback on IPM and Showcase to pass on to organizers and next year’s committee. Niagara will host in 2025, and Bruce County will host in 2026. Both communities would appreciate feedback from this year's event.

Presented by Kelly Maloney, Economic Development Officer - Agriculture

The committee was advised that participation in Farm 911 was approved by Council at the September 24 Regular Council Meeting. A press release with a photo was sent out by the City on September 25. At the International Plowing Match, printed post cards were available for hand out and an A-Frame sign was on display. These materials are available for meetings and hand out from strategic agricultural support businesses.

There have already been over 12 applications for yellow Farm 911 signs.

Presented by Kim Callaghan, Economic Development Officer - Agriculture

The International Agri-Food Workers Welcoming Communities Initiative was introduced to the committee as a funding opportunity. At the current time, there are not a large number of International Agriculture Workers in City of Kawartha Lakes. This may be a future opportunity. There is also the possibility to reach out to Northumberland Country to see if they are hoping to expand their programming. Farm and Food Care may also have suggestions.

Presented by Kim Callaghan, Economic Development Officer - Agriculture

The Agricultural Workforce Equity and Diversity Initiative was presented to the committee to gauge interest. It was noted that the Initiative could be similar to Starter Company Plus programs, with specific target of underrepresented groups. It was also noted that Farms at Work and Farm School programs could be source of applicable groups.

There was no further action at this time.

Presented by Kim Callaghan, Economic Development Officer - Agriculture

The committee was advised that Farmfest 2024 was held on Thanksgiving weekend, with over 650 tickets sold. There were great reviews were received from visitors. In 2025 the date may change back to the previous date, the Saturday before Thanksgiving. This year eight farms participated. There were no dairy farms participating. The committee was advised that if they are aware of a dairy or other farm interested in participating in future events, to have them reach out to Kelly Maloney or Kim Callaghan.

Councellor Ashmore advised the committee that the International Plowing Match was great. Thank you to Kelly, the Economic Development team, City staff and volunteers for a great show.

A. Shea advised the committee that the Port of Oshawa grain handling facility has been completed and tested.

A. VanVught advised the committee that insurance companies are looking at introducing requirements to have fire detection/prevention installed in farm buildings. There will be more requirements for larger buildings and ones with confined livestock. Building requirements will be more closely aligned with the requirements for commercial buildings.

G. Masters requested an update regarding cropping close to ditches or on City of Kawartha Lakes property. K. Maloney and R. Mustard advised that they had consulted with the farmer that raised the issue and have invited them to submit comments to staff on suggested policy changes.

The next meeting will be Thursday, December 12 at 9:00 a.m. in the Economic Development Boardroom.

  • Moved ByG. Masters
    Seconded ByA. VanVught

    That the Agricultural Development Advisory Committee Meeting adjourn at 10:46 am.

    Carried