Mayor Bonnette stated, “Meetings like this are one way that council can keep in contact with our agricultural community. The Economic Development Committee and the Ward 2 Councillors can better serve the needs of the rural residents by hearing first hand what their issues are. We will follow up with another meeting in

the new year to address the matters that have been raised at this meeting.” Mayor Bonnette welcomed all followed by presentations:

Mr. David Lyons, Chair GTA Agricultural Action Plan. He commented that 47% of the GTA farms are rented. Farms have dropped by 16% in his referenced statistics (from 1996-2001). Farmers are shifting from livestock to a more viable industry such as grain and oilseed products as well as greenhouse products. Dave spoke of over-regulation of the rural portions of Ontario and in particular areas such as Oak Ridges Moraine, Niagara Escarpment and

Greenbelted areas.

Mr. John Linhardt, Town of Halton Hills, Manager of Planning Policy. Mr. Linhardt spoke of the status of the Town of Halton Hills Official Plan and in particular how it affected the rural portions of Halton Hills. The Provincial Document: Places to Grow is due out early in the New Year.

Mr. Greg Baxter of Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC). He highlighted that farming assessment in Halton Hills has risen by an average of 12.49%. To arrive at land values (CVA) MPAC considers only farmer to farmer sales. He noted that the top-end value of farmland in Halton Hills is $5,500 per acre.

MPAC will continue to meet with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture and other Associations to discuss rural issues. Questions were answered regarding the Value Added and Value Retention; role backs in the Maple Syrup and Equestrian

industry and why not effective to other local commodities, such as corn, soybean

and fruits.

A portion of the 2 ˝ hour Meeting revolved around smaller group discussions, with the farming community raising such issues as:

1. Younger farmers having difficulty entering/staying in the farm industry due to high taxes and low commodity prices for crops.

2. The building permit policies when trying to add to their farm inventory of buildings. (cost and time to obtain)

3. The difficulty of obtaining farm retirement lots, from their current land inventory.

4. The difficulty of trans-border crossing of beef & pork products.

5. Rural road traffic (especially when 401 closed). Policing needs.

6. Rural road travel by farm equipment – road widths, bicycle riders.

7. Traffic signs causing farm equipment travel difficulties (other side of ditch would be a better placement)

8. Ditching and drainage from farm lands.

9. Permit process in hosting migratory farm workers.

10. No more estate subdivision should be permitted in the rural areas.

11. Farmers being forced out of business due to increased regulations and the economic crisis. E.g. crop values.

12. Made in Halton Hills labels and sales. Efforts by local merchants to use and promote local crop products. E.g. apples, juice etc.

13. Roadside weeds and dead trees along the roads causing farming problems.

14. Greater policing and visibility in the rural areas of Halton Hills.

15. The need to use Economic Development Department to support Agri-Tourism industry and diversified farming industries.

16. Encourage local grown organic products.

17. The potential closing of Heritage Park will affect Halton Hills farmers.

18. Many other rural topics. It was noted that the rural areas of Halton Hills appreciate the dedication of Town Staff in removing snow and ice from rural roads.

Mayor Bonnette brought the Agricultural Community Meeting to a close by thanking all for attending and stating that the farming concerns will be taken to the various Town Department Heads to see how they can best address the fitting issues.

Mrs. Mary Merry extended gratitude on behalf of the farming community and residents in attendance for the staging of such a forum, directed to the farming industry in Halton Hills.

A follow-up meeting is planned. Date is to be determined.

Contact: The Economic Development Office @ 905-873-2601 ext 2345