HomeMy WebLinkAboutAAC 2020-05-28 minutes.pdf City of Maple Ridge
Agricultural Advisory Committee
MEETING MINUTES
The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Agricultural Advisory Committee,
held via Teleconference on May 28, 2020 at 7:06 pm.
____________________________________________________________________________________
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT
Councillor Gordy Robson Council Liaison
Bill Hardy, Chair Member at Large
Carla Schiller, Vice Chair Member at Large
Andrew Pozsar Member at Large
Michelle Franklin Member at Large
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT
Adam Rieu Staff Liaison (Incoming) / Planning Department
Amanda Grochowich Staff Liaison (Outgoing) / Planning Department
Debbie Pope Administrative Assistant
COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT
Angela Boss B.C. Ministry of Agriculture (Non-voting member)
Lorraine Bates Agricultural Fair Board Representative
Melissa Maltais Fraser North Farmers Market Society Representative
Pascale Shaw Member at Large
Shannon Lambie Agriculture Land Commission (Non-voting member)
1.CALL TO ORDER
Committee members introduced themselves to the new incoming staff liaison, Adam Rieu.
Mr. Rieu then gave the Committee an overview of his background.
2.APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
R/2020-014
It was moved and seconded
That the May 28, 2020 Agricultural Advisory Committee agenda be approved.
CARRIED
3.ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES
R/2020-015
It was moved and seconded
That the minutes of the Maple Ridge Agricultural Advisory Committee meeting dated March
26, 2020 be adopted with the following item amended:
Item 2 - Approval of the Agenda be revised to correct meeting date of March 26, 2020.
CARRIED
4.DELEGATIONS – Nil
mapleridge.ca
Agricultural Advisory Committee Minutes
May 28, 2020
Page 2 of 3
5.QUESTION PERIOD – Nil
6.NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
6.1. Staff Liaison – Introductions
Members and staff had introduced themselves at beginning of meeting.
6.2. Impacts of COVID-19 on Local Farms/Farmers
The Chair updated that greenhouse businesses are doing extremely well with many
suppliers having no availability and more people are now planting home gardens. Overall,
the industry has recovered/flourished.
Note: Item 6.3 was moved to after item 6.6.
6.4. Pollinators Presentations Follow-Up
Michelle Franklin provided an update on the work that she and Carla Schiller have
completed. More information is required and a proposal has not been written at this time,
she suggested continuing discussions at the next meeting.
6.5. Dr. Bee – 2020 Bees & Blueberries Festival – August 8/9, 2020
The Committee discussed if the event was still going to be able to take place in August given
the current COVID related restrictions. The staff liaison will follow-up with Dr. Bee and bring
that information back to the AAC in June.
6.6. Potential Food Shortage Correspondence
The Committee discussed the letter that was received from John & Marie Robson regarding
potential food shortages and more community gardens. This item will be revisited at the
June AAC meeting.
Note: It was noted at 7:45 pm that there were 2 members of the public that joined the meeting.
6.3. Backyard Hens
The Chair opened with discussions on the report that went to Council in 2019 and
acknowledged that there are now more people interested in the keeping of hens on
residential properties in Maple Ridge due to the current situation of COVID. The members of
the public who were participating in the meeting were invited to provide their comments.
The Committee discussed how this item could be brought back before Council.
7.LIAISON UPDATES
7.1 Staff Liaison
Amanda Grochowich advised members that Adam Rieu is taking over as the staff liaison to
the Agricultural Advisory Committee. Due to COVID, a number of City staff are still working
from home but same level of service is available from City Hall.
7.2 Council Liaison
Councillor Robson advised that Council has been meeting virtually for three months now.
Agricultural Advisory Committee Minutes
May 28, 2020
Page 3 of 3
8.SUBCOMMITTEE & TASK FORCE UPDATES
8.1 Food Garden Contest 2020
Carla Schiller provided an update on the Food Garden Contest and commented that there
should be a larger number of entries this year given the increase in residents planting home
gardens.
8.2 Education
Michelle Franklin reviewed possible topics for the Seminar Series:
soil;
small flock management;
sheep and goat management; and
pollinators.
The Committee discussed how to best offer the seminars: In person, virtual, or on-site. Ms.
Franklin will obtain the availability of the speakers.
Members discussed putting information on pollinators onto the City’s website.
8.3 Promotion of Agriculture
There was no update for this task force at this time.
9.ROUNDTABLE
Members provided verbal reports on local agricultural topics and activities. Members
thanked Amanda Grochowich for her help & support of the AAC.
10.ADJOURNMENT – 8:47 PM
Bill Hardy, Chair
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