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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAAC 2019-02-28 minutes.pdfCity of Maple Ridge AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Agricultural Advisory Committee, held in the Blaney Room, at Maple Ridge Municipal Hall on February 28, 2019 at 7:05 pm. ____________________________________________________________________________________ COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT Councillor Ryan Svendsen City of Maple Ridge Bill Hardy, Chair Member at Large Andrew Pozsar Member at Large Candace Gordon Haney Farmers Market Society Carla Schiller Agricultural Sector Chris Zabek Regional Agrologist, Ministry of Agriculture Ian Brooks Member at Large Pascale Shaw Agricultural Sector Ryan Murphy Agricultural Sector STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT Amanda Grochowich Staff Liaison / Planning Department Amanda Allen Committee Clerk ABSENT Councillor Gordy Robson City of Maple Ridge Al Kozak, Vice Chair Agricultural Sector Lorraine Bates Agricultural Fair Board Josef Hans Lara Economic Development Committee Representative Note: Councillor Robson was not in attendance 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA R/2019-011 It was moved and seconded That the February 28, 2019 Agricultural Advisory Committee agenda be approved as circulated. CARRIED 3. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES R/2019-012 It was moved and seconded That the minutes of the Maple Ridge Agricultural Advisory Committee meeting dated January 24, 2019 be adopted. CARRIED 4. DELEGATIONS - Nil Agricultural Advisory Committee Minutes February 28, 2019 Page 2 of 4 5. QUESTION PERIOD - Nil 6. NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS 6.1. Metro Vancouver AAC Request for Representative There was discussion on the invitation to nominate a member to the Metro Vancouver Agricultural Advisory Committee. R/2019-013 It was moved and seconded That the Maple Ridge Agricultural Advisory Committee select Pascale Shaw (alternate: Carla Schiller) as the nominee to participate on the Metro Vancouver Regional District’s (Metro Vancouver) Agricultural Advisory Committee for the term starting in 2019. CARRIED 6.2. Incorporation of Agriculture on City of Maple Ridge Website There was discussion on how to highlight agriculture on the City of Maple Ridge website. The staff liaison reviewed the existing Agricultural Advisory Committee webpages and responded to questions from members. Members will review webpages and consider the incorporation of a new subpage dedicated to educational events. 6.3. Prioritization of Agricultural Plan Action Items The Chair reviewed the prioritization of agricultural plan action items. Explore the viability of developing an Agricultural Land Trust in the region. The Chair will research existing models and bring collated information and recommendations to the committee. Members suggested sourcing information from the Whonnock Community Association and FarmFolk CityFolk. Explore economic development opportunities for local agricultural producers. Work to continue on building community capacity and identifying local champions for a Food Hub. Explore inviting delegations to speak to economic opportunities for local agricultural producers. Further develop educational opportunities for farmers, land-owners and the general community. Booth in a Box concept was developed where agricultural materials could travel to different events throughout the community. Possible promotional ideas include:  map that identifies which farms are producing local food;  map that identifies what type of crop would grow well in the different areas of the city;  a matching program to connect local farmers with interested individuals looking to farm;  community garden tool kit;  solicit interest from people in starting a community garden and plot on map to identify if any groupings form in areas within the community. Agricultural Advisory Committee Minutes February 28, 2019 Page 3 of 4 The Chair, Pascale Shaw, Candace Gordon, and Ryan Murphy will work with the Education subcommittee to further develop the concept and consider the opportunity of connecting True North Fraser branding into the model. Intergenerational and community gardens were discussed. There is potential interest in advocating for the development of another garden or supporting existing gardens through marketing, volunteer hours, and locating a garden coordinator/champion to ensure garden longevity. There was discussion on including links on the Agricultural Advisory Committee webpage to the Ministry of Agriculture’s AgriService BC Webinars and Upcoming Workshops. 7. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS 7.1. Education Let’s Get Farming is scheduled for April 4, 2019 in the Council Chambers. The staff liaison shared information from Al Kozak on the next steps and targeted invitations. The poster will be updated to clarify that any interested parties are welcome to the event. 7.2. Backyard Hens The staff liaison provided a summary of work currently underway in developing an options report to present to Council. 7.3. Food Distribution Ian Brooks and the staff liaison reported on steps the subcommittee is taking to flush out community partners or individual champions for a food hub program. A Vancouver Farmers Markets – VFM Direct delegation is tentatively scheduled to present at the next Committee meeting. 8. CORRESPONDENCE 8.1. Upcoming Events April 2, 2019 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Innovation in Emerging Cities The ACT Arts Centre Organizer: City of Maple Ridge April 4, 2019 7:00 pm Let’s Get Farming Maple Ridge City Hall, Council Chambers Organizer: Agricultural Advisory Committee April 13, 2019 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Earth Day Memorial Peace Park, Bandstand (11900 224 Street) Organizer: Ridge Meadows Recycling Society Agricultural Advisory Committee Minutes February 28, 2019 Page 4 of 4 9. ROUNDTABLE Members reported out on relevant local agricultural topics and activities. An invitation to the Ministry of Agriculture 2019 AAC Workshop on March 13, 2019 was extended to members. 10. ADJOURNMENT – 8:58 pm. “Original signed by Bill Hardy” Bill Hardy, Chair /aa