1. Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 2:10 p.m.

2. Announcements
There were no announcements at this time.

3. Presentations
There were no presentations at this time.

4. Adoption of Agenda
Moved by Dennis Dick that the Agenda be adopted.

APPROVED.

5. Conflict of Interest
There were no conflicts of interests declared at this time.

6. Previous Minutes
The Committee reviewed the Minutes of February 21, 2019 and March 7, 2019.

7. Correspondence
There was no correspondence at this time.

8. Business

8.1 Review of the Draft Official Plan with Town Consultants

Craig Larmour updated the Committee on the deadlines and current status of the review.

Staff received the Committee's response to the consultant's matrix dated March 14th.

Moved by John Fedorkow that due to the fact that there are many areas in the proposed Draft Official Plan that are under review by the consultants and therefore not known to the Agricultural Advisory Committee, the Agricultural Advisory Committee is asking that another Draft be produced that includes the changes proposed by the Committee and that such changes be clearly identified for review in the new document. It is requested that the Draft be returned in a hardcopy manner to Agricultural Advisory Committee members for review before the Draft is presented to Council for adoption.

APPROVED.

Austin Kirkby presented staff and Committee members with maps that explain the Municipal Drain Irrigation System, fish habitat, ditches etc. She offered history and clarification on the matter.

Moved by Austin Kirkby that Council request that the Official Plan consultants remove all the Regional Fish Habitat Features and the Town's Municipal Drains from the Town's Natural Heritage System Official Plan Map.

APPROVED.

Councillor Wendy Cheropita recognized and thanked Austin Kirkby, Dennis Dick and their team regarding the strong effort put forth on this project.

9. New Business

9.1 Bird Bangers
Bird Bangers were discussed. Mention was given to the need of such by local farmers and the challenges they present to residents.

It was noted that the Town does have resource information regarding policy governing Bird Bangers and that these resources are housed on the Town's web-site. Committee asked that concerned residents be directed to the web-site resources when they share a concern with staff.

9.2 Heritage Trail
The Committee discussed the trail and it's potential challenges to the agricultural community.

Moved by Austin Kirkby that Council endorse member, Chris Vandelaar, of the Agricultural Advisory Committee become a member of the Heritage Trail Committee.

APPROVED.

9.3 Road Signage
It was requested that the issue be brought forward at the next meeting.

9.4 Cannabis - Interim Control By-law
The Committee discussed the interim control by-law. It was suggested that movement needs to take place as the Interim Control By-law will expire on August 8th. Councillor Wendy Cheropita explained that Council members are working on the matter and that a timeline is being created that includes consultation with the Agricultural Advisory Committee. The matter will be forthcoming at the next meeting. Councillor Wendy Cheropita committed to doing a presentation to the Committee regarding the work being done by the Council Sub-committee.

9.5 Woodlots within the Town
Councillor Erwin Wiens spoke to the matter and explained the concern of Council regarding Woodlot designation at the Municipal and the Regional levels.

Rick Wilson stated that Region and Town staff discussions are ongoing regarding Natural Heritage Designations. Further noted was the Regional Official Plan that is also under review which will include updates to Natural Heritage Mapping and Policies.

10. Next Meeting Date

April 24th at 3:00 p.m..

11. Adjournment

MEDIA:

Appendix (A).pdfAppendix (B).PDF