HomeMy WebLinkAboutAAC 2021-05-27 minutes.pdf City of Maple Ridge
Agricultural Advisory Committee
MEETING MINUTES
The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Agricultural Advisory Committee,
held via Zoom teleconference on May 27, 2021 at 7:00 pm
____________________________________________________________________________________
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT
Councillor Gordy Robson Council Liaison
Bill Hardy, Chair Member at Large
Carla Schiller, Vice Chair Member at Large
Pascale Shaw Member at Large
Lorraine Bates Agricultural Fair Board Representative
Conley Keyes B.C. Ministry of Agriculture (Non-voting member)
Angela Boss B.C. Ministry of Agriculture (Non-voting member)
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT
Adam Rieu Staff Liaison, Planner 1
Sabina Chand Committee Clerk, Legal and Legislative Services
COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT
Melissa Maltais Fraser North Farmers Market Society Representative
Andrew Pozsar Member at Large
Shannon Lambie Agriculture Land Commission (Non-voting member)
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
R/2021-009
It was moved and seconded
That the agenda for the May 27, 2021 Agricultural Advisory Committee meeting be approved as
circulated.
CARRIED
3. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES
R/2021-010
It was moved and seconded
That the minutes of the April 22, 2021 Agricultural Advisory Committee meeting be adopted as
circulated.
CARRIED
4. DELEGATIONS
Note: Carla Schiller joined at 7:17 pm
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Agricultural Advisory Committee Minutes
May 27, 2021
Page 2 of 3
4.1 Proposed Innovation District on Sumas Mountain −
Gavin Dew, Chief Strategic Advisor to Abbotsford Tech District
Gavin Dew presented on the Abbotsford Tech District project, highlights included: a proposed
development of a high-tech hub located on Sumas Mountain, agriculture innovation in BC and
establishment of the B.L. Au Centre for innovation and food security.
Note: G. Dew left at 7:37 pm
At this time the Committee welcomed new member Conley Keyes, B.C. Ministry of Agriculture
representative. The Chair thanked previous representative, Angela Boss for all her support and
commitment on the Committee.
5. NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
5.1 2021 Grant Application
Lorraine Bates proposed a grant application for the 2021 Country Festival which is scheduled
for July 16 to July 29, 2021. L. bates spoke about key elements of the project and challenges
associated with raising funds during the pandemic. The Committee discussed the importance
of supporting agriculture and farmers during COVID-19.
R/2021-011
It was moved and seconded
That the Agricultural Advisory Committee approves the 2021 Country Festival grant application
for $1,000.
CARRIED
Lorraine Bates did not vote
5.2 Annual Presentation to Council
The Chair advised that the Staff Liaison and Chair will provide a report to Council this year that
summarizes AAC’s initiatives over the past and asked the Committee to provide their feedback.
5.3 AAC Educational Opportunities
The Committee discussed many ways to promote and educate the public on agriculture:
speaker series webinars open to the public: topics included pollinators, understanding
what it means to live in a farming community, celebrate agriculture week, soil health
and food security;
C. Keyes to provide a report on Maple Ridge agriculture community feedback;
short videos to display different examples of agriculture in Maple Ridge;
B.C farming resource link: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/farming-natural-
resources-and-industry/agriculture-and-seafood/agricultural-land-and-
environment/strengthening-farming/planning-for-
agriculture/countryside_and_you_booklet.pdf
Staff Liaison and C. Keyes to organize a webinar for June 2021.
Agricultural Advisory Committee Minutes
May 27, 2021
Page 3 of 3
5.4 Farm Vehicle Awareness in Maple Ridge
The Staff Liaison advised that the City’s Engineering Department is supportive of raising public
awareness on farm vehicles in Maple Ridge. The Staff Liaison will work with Conley Keyes and
the Communications Department to introduce information on farm vehicle awareness on the
City’s website. Further update will be provided at the next meeting.
6. LIAISON UPDATES
6.1 Staff Liaison
The Staff Liaison advised that AAC previously received $2,250 from Metro Vancouver for
outreach education that has yet to be used.
6.2 Council Liaison - NIL
Note: A. Boss left at 8:27 pm
7. TASK FORCE UPDATES
7.1 2021 Food and Garden Contest
The Staff Liaison shared that the contest has received over 60 entries. Discussion followed on
submission guidelines and promotion of early bird draw prizes.
7.2 Promotion of Agriculture – Booth in a Box Project
No further update.
8. QUESTION PERIOD – NIL
9. ROUNDTABLE
Members provided verbal reports on local agricultural topics and activities.
10. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:52 p.m.
The next regular meeting of the Agricultural Advisory Committee will be held on
Wednesday, June 24, 2021 at 7:00 pm.
Bill Hardy, Chair
/sc