Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee

Comité chargé de l’agriculture et des questions rurales

Minutes 23 / ProcÈs-verbal 23

Monday, September 16, 2002, 7:00 p.m.

le lundi 16 septembre 2002, 19 h

Kinburn Client Service Centre,

5670 Carp Road, Kinburn

Client du service à la clientèle de Kinburn

5670, chemin Carp, Kinburn

Present / Présents : Councillors / Conseillers D. Thompson, (Chair / Président), W. Stewart (Vice-Chair / Vice-présidente), D. Eastman and J. Stavinga

Absent / Absent : Councillors / Conseillers D. Deans (Regrets / Excuses), G. Brooks, J. Harder (City Business / Affaires municipales)

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

DÉCLARATIONS D’INTÉRÊT

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

RATIFICATION DES PROCÈS-VERBAUX

The Minutes 22 of Monday, 12 August 2002 were confirmed.

PRESENTATION

PRÉSENTATION

1. REGIONAL CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE FOR SKILLED OCCUPATIONS

Centres régionaux d’excellence en formation des

carrières

Chair Thompson introduced Mr. Chris Hahn, Program Manager for the Talent Works Program, which is a top initiative managed by the Ottawa Carleton Research Council Initiative.

Mr. Hahn advised that the reason for making a presentation to the Committee is the initiative has a significant rural component and it involves Eastern Ontario. Mr. Hahn presented the Regional Centres of Excellence for Skilled Occupations, a program which involves a partnership group, which includes the four Ottawa School Boards, Algonquin College, La Cité Collegiale, the City of Ottawa and Learn To Earn. He reported that the partners obtained some funding through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Rural Economic Development Branch. A copy of Mr. Hahn’s presentation is on file with the City Clerk (ASC2002-CCS-RUR-0013).

Mr. Hahn advised that the first objective of the program is an awareness raising campaign, which would entail talking to youth, employed, unemployed and underemployed to communicate the benefits of skilled occupations - occupations which include construction, manufacturing, personal and health services.

The second aspect is to develop pilot projects where various education and training providers would be paired with industries to meet specific needs. Mr. Hahn advised that there is a shortage in trades, as noted in the media in the past few years, this being the impetus behind creating a program to fill this need.

The third objective is for the program to become the sole source of information on skilled trades training and a resource for potential employers. Their final objective is to examine alternative training methods, and to accentuate the methods currently available. This is to be accomplished in four phases, the first of which is to end November 30^th, 2002. The objective of this phase is to collect labour market information as to where the most critical skills shortages exist, information about best practices across Ontario for filling skills shortages, and a communications and marketing plan.

In terms of the communications and marketing aspect and the potential pilot projects, Mr. Hahn stated that they were working with an experienced company APCO Worldwide, which has worked with Skills Canada. Working in conjunction with APCO a vision and an identity for the project will be developed for communicating with youth in order to dispel myths. A framework will be created involving all partners across Eastern Ontario in order to present one common voice about skilled occupations to the community.

Mr. Hahn noted that some program ideas include a regional skills competition, which would be a counterpart to the Ontario and Canada Skills Competition, and a showcase for a young women’s program. This component would expose intermediate level young women to trades in the hope of influencing their future decisions. He noted that this was a best practice that occurred outside Eastern Ontario and it was extremely successful. Other ideas included a mobile classroom and industry specific training projects for adults.

Mr. Hahn indicated that the first two phases of the program would end in March of 2003. This will see the implementation of the marketing campaign and the development of the plan for a trades clearing house and the commencement of an inventory of the various alternative training methods for trades.

Mr. Hahn reported that the next steps involve a mid-November Regional Consultation forum, which would enable them to work with the community to develop solutions and to work on some of the pilot projects. Between December and March the first pilots will be implemented and they will then begin to look for new pilots for phase three.

In response to a query by Councillor Stavinga as to what information she could pass on to students, Mr. Hahn indicated that currently there was no information available from this group, but that it was important to note that all the school boards were part of the management board and were thus aware of the project. For her purposes, he stated that all that was available at present was the material she had just been given. Mr. Hahn added that part of the marketing strategy was to obtain information from Skills Canada about best practices for targeting youth. The timeline for the release of the materials is mid-November.

In response to a further query by Councillor Stavinga as to how the group would determine a geographic area for the pilot project, Mr. Hahn stated that the criteria would include whether the program could be delivered bilingually, whether it has a rural component and whether it meets the needs of a specific demographic. He stated that the most significant criteria is whether it meets with industry’s needs. It is essential to have industry support through financial and in-kind contributions in order for the project to be sustainable.

In response to a query by Councillor Stewart regarding the numbers of youth targeted for involvement during the initial phase, Mr. Hahn replied that the project had a 3-year timeline and that the goal for this was to educate or train 8,000 individuals. He also noted that there were no specific targets for youth, adults or women. Mr. Hahn provided an example of a program called the Orientation Program for Trades for Youth in Greater Cornwall which was successful in having 1,200 grade 10 students from 3 school boards have presentations from four industry sectors. He indicated that it was feasible to duplicate this here.

Councillor Eastman raised the issue of labour unions, which are insistent that funding flow through their Councils, and have a stranglehold on the development of trades. He stated that there was not enough emphasis on actually getting individuals into the program. In response, Mr. Hahn indicated that the group is the process of industry consultations where they would determine industry needs and how they can work with them to meet and fill positions. With respect to unions, Mr. Hahn stated that in the construction sector the legislation is very prescriptive and it is a complex environment, but that they will have to work within it. He believes that there are still opportunities within this sector, although there were not as many issues in other sectors.

Chair Thompson concluded in stating that he believed this to be a very important step, acknowledging that there is a great deal of concern among trades people about the lack of new applicants.

Mr. M. Murr, A/Director, Business Development Branch, remarked that staff is extremely pleased with the direction of the program and that it would become the single most important competitive issue in Ottawa.

CORPORATE SERVICES

SERVICES GÉNÉRAUX

SECRETARIAT SERVICES

SERVICES DE SECRÉTARIAT

2. STANDING COMMITTEE TERMS OF REFERENCE - REVIEW

MANDAT DU COMITÉ PERMANENT - EXAMEN

ACS2002-CRS-SEC-0072

Councillor Eastman moved that the description of Membership at page 7 in the agenda be revised to reflect a minimum of four rural representatives. He explained that the Committee no longer has 5 rural representatives with the resignation of the Cumberland Ward Councillor. In the future there only be 4 rural wards as a result of ward boundary changes so the Terms of Reference should be revised now.

Councillor Stewart remarked that she would have thought that Gloucester-Southgate and Bell South Nepean Wards would have qualified as rural wards because they have huge rural components. She noted that the Cumberland Ward Councillor came about as a result of a split ward. There was definitely an urban component, but a significant rural component as well.

Councillor Eastman indicated that in the original establishment of the Committee the idea was to ensure that a majority of members were from what is normally considered the rural wards, acknowledging that some of the other wards have a large rural component. He believed that the intent in the Membership description is the concept of the five rurals, and his point is that this should be revised to say four. He pointed out that this does not preclude either Councillors Deans, Stewart or Harder from being a member of the Committee. He saw this amendment as a housekeeping measure.

Councillor Stewart indicated her support for the motion because it is practical, although she thinks it is unfortunate in a way. As a City Councillor she stressed that it does not matter where one is from but that there is understanding that the urban City cannot survive without a vibrant rural economy and vice versa. She stated that she did not think there were urban Councillors who do not appreciate the significance of the rural family.

Councillor Stewart added that the voice of the rural people should be represented on the Committee, and she did not think this amendment would change the outcome of most decisions, because wherever possible, each and every member of the new City Council is listening to the voice of the people and the wards they represent and doing their very best to ensure that residents’ priorities are met.

Councillor Stavinga also lent her support to the motion, acknowledging that there is a loss of rural representation, particularly for the new ward structure. When talking about rural areas, it is almost implying that there is one idea of what a “rural area” entails. She indicated that she has always been adamant that whenever speaking about the rural alliance, she speaks about governance within the villages, hamlets and rural areas, because the rural community is a mosaic of many communities and villages. Councillor Stavinga stated that she was always very concerned that the concept of rural creates a camp of different rural and suburban areas but does not represent the interface and the interchange that happens between the hamlets, villages, rural communities and suburban areas.

Chair Thompson also expressed support for the amendment. He indicated that it was important to be upfront, acknowledging that in the new structure there are four rural representatives designated. He hoped that the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee will stand the test of time after the next election. He expressed the belief that it has played a very critical role in the structure of the new City.

Moved by Councillor D. Eastman

That the description of Membership be revised to reflect a minimum of four rural representatives.

CARRIED

Referring to the top of page 9 in the agenda, Councillor Eastman moved a further amendment to the staff recommendation that in light of the recent Provincial legislation and pending regulations dealing with nutrient management plans that the second and third bullets under Item “A. AGRICULTURE – Guidance and Direction”, dealing with nutrient management be referred back to staff for comment and report to the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee.

Councillor Eastman explained that the regulations to the Nutrient Management Act have been released for public consultation and will be implemented in the spring of 2003. In view of this he felt that the City needs to reconsider its role in this process from a couple of months ago. Councillor Eastman indicated that the motion is asking staff to look at it and go back for clarification and come back with some suggestions.

Moved by Councillor D. Eastman

In light of the recent Provincial legislation and pending regulation dealing with nutrient management plans, the second and third bullets under Item “A. AGRICULTURE – Guidance and Direction”, dealing with nutrient management be referred back to staff for comment and report back to the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee.

CARRIED

Committee then approved the staff recommendation and it was carried as amended.

That the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee recommend Council approve the amendments to the Committee’s Terms of Reference as outlined in Attachment 1.

CARRIED as amended

COUNCILLORS ITEMS

ARTICLES DES CONSEILLERS

3. MOTION - WILDLIFE DAMAGE IN THE RURAL AREAS

MOTION – STRATÉGIES DEMANDÉES EN VUE DE RÉDUIRE LES DOMMAGES CAUSÉS PAR LES ANIMAUX SAUVAGES DANS LES RÉGIONS RURALES

Councillor Eastman moved the following motion and explained that its intent is to assemble the stakeholders in this issue during the winter months to explore what has been used successfully in other areas.

“Whereas farmers and rural residents within the City of Ottawa are experiencing increasing losses and damages to their livestock, pets, residential properties and agricultural crops as a result of wildlife; and

Whereas some of the losses are occurring as a result of non-traditional local predators such as fishers; and

Whereas strategies need to be investigated to attempt to reduce wildlife damage to domestic animals, pets, gardens and agricultural crops, and to reduce the financial compensation burden on Ontario taxpayers;

Therefore be it resolved that the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee requests By-law Services to facilitate a series of round table discussions with representatives from the farm community, local residents, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, and official(s) from the Ministry of Natural Resources in an attempt to develop strategies to reduce such wildlife damage; and

Be it further resolved that prior to the end of the first quarter of 2003 that By-law Services prepare a report for the Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee and Council outlining any such strategies and recommendations.”

Councillor Eastman advised that from a farmer’s perspective there is pain associated with losing livestock. It is a very unpleasant experience that the farmer has very little control over. It was his hope that the discussion will determine how farmers can better protect themselves from losses. He noted that some of the onus will be on the farmers and homeowners to provide adequate fencing.

Councillor Eastman indicated that the motion was not set in stone and that there was room for addition after consultation with stakeholders and the Ministry of Natural Resources. He also raised the issue of wildlife creating road hazards, citing that there was currently an average of one deer collision per day.

In response to a query by Councillor Stewart as to who held the mandate for wildlife control and what the City’s role was in the issue, Ms. C. Hartig, Project/Policy Officer, of the Emergency and Protective Services Department, confirmed that the City is the instrument of the Province to apply the Livestock, Poultry and Honeybee Protection Act. She advised that the role of By-law Services is to process farmers’ and residents’ claims and exact payment if the claim is deemed valid. The Province then reimburses the municipality. This is a Provincial mandate delegated to the City and it is fairly strict in its operation.

In response to a further query for clarification by Councillor Stewart, Ms. Hartig confirmed that the only interest of the City is to process the claims for livestock losses.

Chair Thompson remarked that there is undue hardship being placed on crop farmers since reimbursement is for specific losses pertaining to animal kill.

Ms. Donna Dubreuil of the Ottawa-Carleton Wildlife Centre highlighted the role of the Centre as a conflict resolution service. She noted the diversity of rural area residents and stated that there are individuals who are seasonal residents, and experience issues relating to wildlife that occupy their properties when they are absent. She also noted the influx of new builders coping with wildlife issues. It is her belief that there are a wide variety of means for dealing with the problem, but there is a need to place an emphasis on the homeowner and on public education. Ms. Dubreuil felt that these were the most cost effective as they remove the pressure from the public purse for a reactionary response. She encouraged the inclusion of herself and other stakeholders to the list of individuals to be consulted, given the wide variety of experience in dealing with wild life problems.

In response to a query by Councillor Stewart as to how much the taxpayer of the City of Ottawa pays for wildlife rehabilitation, Ms. Dubreuil responded that they pay nothing, and that the rehabilitation is provided entirely by volunteers and private donations. What the City pays for is the conflict resolution service, which the centre has taken over from municipalities.

In response to a further query by Councillor Stewart as to whether the Centre had ever rehabilitated and released a fisher, Ms. Dubreuil confirmed that a pair of fishers had been rehabilitated and released in the area they originated from (Algonquin Park). Ms. Dubreuil disputed the notion that they are non-traditional predators, as it is her belief that fishers have always been present but simply that there has been an increase in development, especially in wetland areas. She reiterated the fact that there were steps that could be taken to reduce incidence, but that homeowners would have to be part of the solution.

Councillor Stavinga questioned Ms. Dubreuil about the fact that the focus of the problem resolution seemed to rest with the homeowner and not with the farmer, and that her reason for asking to be recognized as a stakeholder was for the Centre’s work with homeowners. In response, Ms. Dubreuil confirmed that was correct, adding that she is aware of the increasing number of deer and car collisions. She touched on the importance of educating the community in solving these problems.

In response to a query by Chair Thompson as to whether the Ministry was bringing fishers into the area, Mr. John McKenzie, representative from the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) stated that it was a common myth that the fisher was introduced for the purpose of beaver population control. He stated that it is expensive to do this. Mr. McKenzie confirmed that fishers have been present in this area for a long period of time.

Mr. Don Acres, a local sheep producer stated that his main concern is the losses he is experiencing due to wolves and coyotes. The community is firmly convinced that it is wolves that are killing sheep. Over the past 20 years he has had only two years that he has not experienced some losses. Generally, Mr. Acres said this occurs late in the season when alternate sources of food become scarce. He indicated that the losses have never been as great as they have been in the last two years. It is his belief that the area is infested with wolves, citing that other area farmers have lost livestock as well, including calves. Last year Mr. Acres advised that he sustained 16 losses, even though he was locking the animals in overnight and pasturing them during the day. He noted that as the kills began to occur in the daytime, and during the winter, he moved his stock to winter quarters, but the problems persisted. Last year wolves invaded the yards, forcing him to reduce his flock significantly. From his perspective, this problem is severe and has a very direct impact on management strategies. Mr. Acres made reference to Renfrew County where it is permissible to trap with snares, noting that snares increase the chances of trapping wolves and alleviating the problem.

Referring to a list of compensation values provided by staff, Councillor Stewart inquired as to whether it included the cost of sheep. Mr. Acres responded that it was impossible to measure loss, as it was not simply the loss of the animal but also the loss of the genetic contribution to the flock.

Mr. Bill Burden, a farm owner on Highway 17 advised that over the last ten years he has seen unprecedented damage to farms, the largest relating to crop damage. He explained that this creates a management issue for farmers, as they have to determine where to plant their crops. Referring to a meeting in Kinburn, with the Ministry of Natural Resources and several other organizations to look at alternatives to wildlife problems, especially crops, it was determined the most effective method for wildlife control was trapping. Mr. Burden noted that this was considered less acceptable now. Mr. Burden also stated that there are bears present, which was a non-issue in years past. As a producer in the area, he indicated that the losses are financially unbearable and the human cost was too high. Mr. Burden expressed support for the motion.

In response to a query by Councillor Stavinga as to whether the Firearms Discharge By-law prohibited farmers from using firearms to protect their crops from predators, Mr. T. Beatty, By-law Services Coordinator, advised that that there was a provision in the by-law.

In response to a further query by Councillor Stavinga regarding the use of snares and the rationale behind the permission of trapping in one area and not in another Mr. McKenzie advised that it is likely due to the population base, as Renfrew was much less dense and there was less danger to pets or individuals. Mr. McKenzie indicated that legislation was passed in the early 1960s. In response, Councillor pointed out that demographics have significantly changed since that time and there is now an opportunity to examine the effectiveness of the legislation. She noted that there were rural areas that were very remote, more so than areas surrounding Arnprior and Renfrew.

Councillor Stavinga questioned to what extent the ideas put forward at Mr. Burden’s meeting were considered and if they were not considered, why not, Mr. McKenzie responded that MNR would be more than willing to participate in discussions with the committee. He advised that the issue of snares was revisited recently with various stakeholders. It was deemed at that time that MNR would maintain the status quo for numerous reasons. Mr. McKenzie stated that one could argue that the Northern Ontario line be moved farther north as opposed to further south. He said that the issue with nuisance wildlife is extremely complex and therefore there were no simple solutions. He commended Ms. Dubreuil for her comments about the lack of education, or tools to deal with the animals.

Councillor Eastman advised that in terms of dealing with deer in crops there is a significant amount of work involved when a farmer shoots a deer, in that he has to find a legal manner by which he can dispose of it.

In response to a query by Councillor Stewart regarding an increased problem in the last ten years, Mr. Mackenzie reported that it is a reality that there are more predators. He added that the old legislation was designed to protect against predators and compensate owners for their livestock losses, and now there is an issue of herbivore damage to crops. He said that it is interesting to note that one can protect their property against any kind of predator except the deer. Mr. MacKenzie stated that he spent the first part of his career trying to increase wildlife populations, but that has significantly changed. In essence, he said that changes in our lifestyles have impacted the wildlife population. He explained that once animals have all of their essential needs met then they will be reluctant to leave a habitat. Mr. McKenzie advised that it is a community problem, not simply an issue for an individual farmer, noting that the wildlife population was likely to grow in the next twenty years.

Mr. Pat Carroll, a Kanata Ward resident, expressed the belief that there have not been significant numbers of individuals killed by hunters in the last 10 years. He suggested that someone provide City of Ottawa and Provincial statistics. Mr. Carroll reported that he has experienced numerous problems with wildlife, including beavers, raccoons, muskrats, geese and deer. He cited his experience with raccoon urine causing abortions in cows, resulting in great financial hardship to farmers. Mr. Carroll expressed his frustration with the lack of understanding by animal supporters and urban residents and the lack of concrete solutions to the problem.

Ms. Lynn Duffy, a Goulbourn Ward resident, commented that she was pleased to see that there was an effort being made to incorporate all stakeholders in to a roundtable discussion. Ms. Duffy then spoke about the MNR Stewardship Council, with a counterpart in Ottawa, who had excellent ideas as to how to deal with wildlife and how to co-exist. She expressed her disconcert about the negativity towards wildlife in discussions about firearms. She indicated that it was her belief that there were means to co-exist with wildlife, and steps that farmers can take.

Ms. Duffy discussed the requirements for proper disposal of livestock, reporting that there are some farmers in her community who do not dispose of their livestock carcasses properly, leading to problems with predation, largely canine. Ms. Duffy also noted that the MNR is introducing non-native species in the area, namely wild turkeys, which are causing a problem for farmers with respect to disease and damage. She expressed her disappointment in the Ministry doing this to extend hunting season. In her final point, she inquired as to whether By-law Officers received training to be livestock ‘valuers.

Chair Thompson asked for clarification on the canine/wolf issue raised by Ms. Duffy, and what the compensation process was for canine attacks. In response Mr. Beatty advised that the Act dealt with both canine and other forms of wildlife, and there is compensation for canine kills. With respect to the training for wildlife assessment, Mr. Beatty indicated that By-law Enforcement Officers are trained and that staff is in the process of being further trained.

In response to a query by Councillor Stavinga about the wild turkey issue, Mr. McKenzie reported that MNR did reintroduce wild turkeys into Eastern Ontario and specifically West Carleton and Osgoode. He clarified that it had not been necessary to do so in the Stittsville area as turkeys had got loose from a farm and bred. The representative then claimed that these turkeys were acclimatized to humans and would likely obtain most of their winter feed from birdseed. Mr. McKenzie explained that the Province made the decision to introduce the bird not solely for the purpose of hunting, but to reintroduce a displaced animal into its previous ecosystem.

Councillor Eastman stated that he felt that there were wolves present in the area, as he had encountered what he considered extremely large coyotes. Responding to Ms. Duffy’s earlier question about dead livestock, he indicated that there were very strict rules imposed by the MNR in that disposal must be done in an acceptable manner either through incineration or the Ministry will come and retrieve the animal at a cost of about $70 to the farmer.

Councillor Stewart moved an amendment to Councillor Eastman’s motion “That the Ottawa-Carleton Wildlife Centre and the Ottawa Stewardship Council be included in the series of Roundtable discussions to develop strategies to reduce wildlife damage.”

Mr. Lyle Cavanaugh, a life long resident of West Carleton, President of the Ottawa Carleton Trappers Council, Vice President of the Fur Managers Federation for the Central Region of Ontario and a Trapper Instructor, indicated that he has been a trapper for over 25 years. He stated that the only trap available at present is a $50 legal leg-hold trap and a snare about $3. He noted that animals had to be caught under specific conditions. Mr. Cavanaugh advised that it is legal to snare in Renfrew County and Pakenham Township. He referred to a study that took place 3 years ago in Southern Ontario, on the snaring of coyotes, which found that approximately 200 coyotes could be trapped in less than 3 weeks with snares.

Mr. Cavanaugh disputed the myth that snares are harmful to dogs, stating that if an animal is used to being tied, it will not choke itself. The snare cuts off the blood supply to the coyote’s brain, and if set correctly is very humane. Mr. Cavanaugh indicated that once a coyote began killing livestock it was essential to destroy it, as the animal will not stop. He said that the snare was essential in order to assist farmers and the snare is the only tool available.

Councillor Eastman inquired as to whether the municipality could petition the MNR for permission to snare. Mr. Cavanaugh responded that if the City amended the law that it could be used, but pointed out that snares not be used openly but for a select area. He also noted that this was a temporary solution.

Councillor Eastman indicated that he would liase with the Ministry and the By-law Services Branch to determine which organizations should be around the ‘table’. Committee agreed that it was not necessary to proceed to Council to give direction to staff to bring forward names of stakeholders.

In response to a query by staff for some direction from the Committee to clarify the criteria for determining the appropriate stakeholders, Councillor Eastman suggested that a deadline be set for organizing a recommendation on the composition of the roundtable committee for the October 21^st meeting. He agreed that the numbers needed to be kept manageable. Committee recommended that the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Advisory Committee would be a good place to start in this regard.

In response to Chair Thompson’s request for clarification as to whether the motion should be amended to reflect this information, Councillor Eastman stated that the motion could stand and the list could be dealt with at a later date.

Councillor Stavinga noted that the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Advisory Committee had not been recognized in the motion and it was important to do so as they should have a better understanding of the groups involved on the periphery. She also inquired as to whether those included in the list could perhaps have the opportunity to consult the broader community, through a forum. Councillor Eastman agreed.

Committee agreed to add the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Advisory Committee to the motion.

Councillor Stewart questioned whether in acquiring a better understanding of the growth of the numbers of predators, if it would be possible to compare the number of predator kills in the past 10 years. Councillor Eastman then asked Mr. McKenzie what methods the MNR used to calculate the deer population. In response, Mr. McKenzie advised that the MNR conducts estimates but does not have the resources available to make those kinds of calculations. At present, information is extrapolated from results based on the hunt. This gives the Ministry an idea of recruitment and projected numbers for the year. It is also dependent on the availability of food, appropriate habitat and weather conditions. Mr. McKenzie advised that the Ministry has been particularly aggressive in its tagging, especially of females; as attempting to decrease a herd has to be done by decreasing the producers of the herd. In past years, he noted that the objective had been to increase the population and recently they had to shift the emphasis.

Moved by Councillor W. Stewart

That the Ottawa-Carleton Wildlife Centre and the Ottawa Stewardship Council and the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Advisory Committee be included in the series of Roundtable discussions to develop strategies to reduce wildlife damage.

CARRIED

Committee then voted on Councillor Eastman’s motion and it was carried as amended.

Whereas farmers and rural residents within the City of Ottawa are experiencing increasing losses and damages to their livestock, pets, residential properties and agricultural crops as a result of wildlife; and

Whereas some of the losses are occurring as a result of non-traditional local predators such as fishers; and

CARRIED as amended

4. REPORTING OF LIVESTOCK LOSSES

DÉCLARATION DE PERTES DE BÉTAIL

ACS2002-CCS-RUR-0011

Councillor Eastman stated that his reason for bringing this issue forward was to make the reporting of livestock losses a user-friendly process for farmers. Currently, there are a number of inconvenient steps in the process.

Mr. T. Beatty, By-law Services Coordinator, provided the Committee with some of the statistics around this issue (a copy of which is on file with the City Clerk in file ACS2002-CCS-RUR-0011). To date By-law Services, has dealt with 42 incidences of livestock kills, with the killing of 54 animals, more than 50% of which were sheep. The City acts as agents for the Province, specifically the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. Its responsibility is to respond to farmer’s request when they have a livestock kill and to process the claim.

Mr. Beatty gave a brief overview of the legislation and the process for receiving compensation. He explained that the Act deals with killings by wolves, coyotes and dogs and there is provision for a municipality to pass a by-law that includes other wild animals and to set a maximum compensation level. At the present time the City only responds to killings by those three animals.

Mr. Beatty informed committee that there was an incident involving poultry, where a dog was involved. He then cited a portion of the Act, which states, “Any person may kill a dog that is found killing or injuring livestock or poultry. If a dog is found to be killing or has killed livestock then the owner of that dog must destroy that dog within 48 hours.” Otherwise, the owner can be brought before a judge and an order be requested to destroy the animal.

When one’s livestock is killed, Mr. Beatty recommended that the scene not be altered, so that the Officers can have an untouched view of the crime scene and take the necessary photographs to be submitted to the Ministry with the claim. Upon discovering a kill, he indicated that the first step should be to contact the City through the general information number, who will then appropriately direct the call and one of the Officers will attend.

Mr. Beatty then explained the Provincial forms that the Officer is required to review with the individual. The Officer then examines farm management, for example, is stock inspected daily. Mr. Beatty advised that the most important section is the evaluation of the animal and that the Ministry has set out specific guidelines to be followed in terms of the maximum amount of compensation for various livestock.

Mr. Beatty emphasized that the most important steps were to complete the forms and the photographs, noting that it was essential to keep in mind that the Officer will come to the site, once a call is placed. The farmer in front of a Commissioner of Oaths must swear one of the documents and there is one available at the Client Service Centres throughout the City. Once a call is placed, the By-law Officer has 10 days to complete the assessment and the farmer has 10 days to sign and swear the affidavit.

Councillor Eastman explained the process from the perspective of the farmer. Once the farmer discovered the kill and spoke to the appropriate Officers, he then was forced to wait by the phone. He expressed his sentiments that it was unreasonable to expect a farmer to wait by the phone and leave a dead animal that will attract further problems. What was needed, in his estimation, was to be able to speak directly to a representative and be given a specific time that the Officer will arrive.

Councillor Eastman also suggested that the By-law Officers be trained as Commissioners of Oath as this could alleviate part of the cost to the farmer both in time and in money. He added that this is an especially onerous task during harvest season.

In response to a query by Chair Thompson if there was a process whereby an Officer could be trained as a commissioner for taking oaths, Mr. Beatty advised that both of the issues raised by Councillor Eastman are being addressed currently. He stated that a livestock kill call is treated as a priority but that it is a matter of resources, and that every attempt is made to respond as quickly as possible. With respect to Commissioners of Oaths, Mr. Beatty indicated that there are a number of appointees.

Ms. C. Hartig, Project/Policy Officer, indicated that becoming a Commissioner of Oaths is done by appointment with an application to the Province. She advised that it was feasible to appoint By-law Officers.

Councillor Stavinga inquired as to what occurs when an animal is missing and there is no body present. In response, Mr. Beatty advised that if the producer has the appropriate written records, a Provincial Assessment Officer would then come and assess the situation. He indicated that it was difficult to define the process, as it was dependent on the evidence, but noted that if the farmer had a written record, the Province will generally accept it. Mr. Beatty then clarified that it is the policy of By-law Services that the By-law Officer will process the claim if they are satisfied with the evidence provided, but if they are dissatisfied, they will deny and defer to the Province for appeal.

Councillor Stavinga enquired who was compensating the City for what seemed like an excessive amount of time, for a program that got its mandate from the Province. She likened it to some of the social services programs that were off-loaded to the City with no additional financial support. Mr. Beatty advised that to his knowledge, the City receives no compensation from the Province for the processing. When the claim is approved, the City actually pays the claim and is then reimbursed for the claim by the Ministry.

In response to a further query by Councillor Stavinga as to the value in terms of the operating costs and pressures for delivery of what is a Provincial authority. She expressed the belief that the citizens should be made aware of the cost, as should the Provincial authority that is enforcing the delivery of the service. She noted that it appeared extremely labour intensive. Mr. Beatty concurred that it was extremely costly and a drain on resources for which there was no compensation from the Province.

Through Chair Thompson the public posed the following questions:

A resident of Kars indicated that it is not always possible to wait for the authorities to arrive before moving a dead animal. He indicated that By-law has advised whenever possible farmers should leave the carcass in place. He indicated if there is a possibility that the coyote is still lingering and will remove the remainder of the carcass or there is concern that the carcass may not be found again in a 10 or 12 acre field, then the farmer might have to move it.

In response to a query by Mr. Ryan Baird, a farmer, with respect to response times for livestock investigations, Mr. Beatty advised that response is generally within a matter of a few hours. Once the review of a scene is complete, then the carcass can be disposed. Staff noted that here was a quarterly publication printed by the Ontario Farmers Association and that it would be advisable to have this information advertised in the publication.

Mr. Dwayne Acres, a former Provincial Livestock Valuator inquired as to the training practices for By-law Officers, remarking on his difficulties with the current practices. In response, Mr. Beatty advised that it was his understanding that the individual valuators from the former municipalities were terminated at the time of amalgamation. With respect to By-law Officers being trained to value an animal, Mr. Beatty advised that they have access to the Ministry. He also noted that they are merely processing the farmer’s claim. Mr. Beatty explained there was a reliance on the farmer to determine the value, so long as it does not exceed the value as determined by the Ministry.

Mr. Acres advised it was essential to have an assessment standard as the value was not going to be the same for every animal, and in some cases there will be farmers who attempt to cheat the system.

In response to a query by Chair Thompson as to how the Officers were being trained, if they had little or no farming experience, Mr. Beatty advised that the Branch is in the process of formulating a training standard. He noted that there were resources available to him through the Ministry and to an Eastern Ontario Inspector, if they were needed, adding that it is rare that their expertise is required. This will be the practice until such time as there is an opportunity for staff to be trained by the Ministry. Chair Thompson suggested that the Officers would be willing to make use of the wealth of information available from local farmers.

Mr. John Campbell of Osgoode Ward expressed his experiences with a livestock kill and an inexperienced By-law Officer. Chair Thompson, noted that it was fortuitous to have the opportunity to receive feed back from the community. In response to comments regarding waiting periods and inaccessibility to appropriate telephone numbers, Mr. Campbell was advised to call 580-2400, which is available 24 hours.

Referring to Mr. Bob Cavanaugh’s statement concerning the addition of bears to the list of predators, Mr. Beatty advised that the Act provided the opportunity for the municipality to pass a By-law to include other wildlife like fishers and bears. Mr. Beatty confirmed there would be an opportunity for the issue to be discussed at the roundtable.

ADJOURNMENT

LEVÉE DE LA SÉANCE

Committee adjourned the meeting at 9:55 p.m.

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Committee Coordinator Chair