Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee Comité de l'agriculture et des questions rurales MINUTES 15 / PROCÈS-VERBAL 15 Thursday, 23 June 2005, 9:30 a.m. le jeudi 23 juin 2005, 9 h 30 Champlain Room, 110 Laurier Avenue West Salle Champlain, 110, avenue Laurier ouest Present / Présent : Councillors / Conseillers R. Jellett, D. Thompson, G. Brooks, E. El-Chantiry, P. Feltmate, S. Little Absent: R. Chiarelli DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST DÉCLARATIONS D'INTÉRÊT No declarations of interest were filed. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES RATIFICATION DU PROCÈS-VERBAL Minutes 14, Thursday, 26 May 2005. CONFIRMED PRESENTATIONS PRÉSENTATIONS 1. GREEN ACRES TREE PLANTING PROGRAM - 2006-2010 PROGRAMME DE PLANTATION D'ARBRES "ACRES EN VERDURE" - 2006-2010 ACS2005-PGM-POL-0046 The Committee heard from Mr. Rudy Dyck, Forestry Program Manager/Regulations Officer for the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA), who was accompanied by Mr. Dan Cooper, Program Assistant. Mr. Dyck gave a detailed PowerPoint presentation about the Green Acres Tree Planting Program highlighting at the outset why a long-term, financial commitment is so important to the program's success. He went on to describe the differences between machine and hand planting, provided information on site preparation and ongoing maintenance, the advantages of ploughing and double disking, the necessary conditions for the protection of deciduous seedlings before and after planting has taken place. Mr. Dyck said the 2006 estimated project costs totalled $140,000 and covered activities such as Program Delivery, transportation costs, promotion and communications, seedlings, site preparation, planting and tending. He estimated that project revenues would be approximately the same amount, and added that, in 2005, the landowner contributions to the program represented $70,000. Mr. Dyck concluded his submission by reading from his letter of June 21, 2005 where he provides additional details on the importance of early program approval. A copy of this letter, and of the PowerPoint presentation are held on file with the Committee Coordinator. Responding the questions from Councillor Eli El-Chantiry, Mr. Dyck indicated that the RVCA is seeking $80,000 in the form of a special levy for 2006, with increments of $5000 for 2007-2010. He also indicated that the other Conservation Authorities are part of this program. The Vice Chair, Doug Thompson, wanted to know whether this presentation was being made to local schools. Mr. Dyck said not at this time, however the RVCA runs an education program in the Baxter Conservation Area which consists of planting with school classes. He added that he would approach the Education Program Coordinator to see whether Green Acres could become part of the "curriculum". Councillor Thompson praised the amount of tree planting the Scouts had done in the Greely area, and suggested that this would be a good program for them. Councillor Peggy Feltmate inquired whether the Green Acres program covered the entire geographic area of Ottawa. Mr. Dyck indicated that this aspect was under development and that fundraising activities would be taking place over the summer months. In reply to a question from Councillor Glenn Brooks, Mr. Dyck said the percentage of trees planted was 80% coniferous to 20% deciduous. He added that almost all planting was mixed and that there was no planting of monocultures. The Councillor asked what animals lived in coniferous forests. Mr. Dyck cited red squirrels, wild turkeys and deer as examples, adding that mixed planting at wider spacing encourages a wider diversity of wildlife to inhabit the forest. After further discussion, the Committee approved the report recommendations. That the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee recommend Council approve: 1. Continuation of the Green Acres Reforestation Program through 2010 in partnership with the Conservation Authorities. 2. The proposed spending plan for allocation of $80,000 in special levy for 2006 with $5,000 increments for 2007-2010, subject to final Council approval of the special levy each year during budget deliberations CARRIED 2. DISCUSSION AND STATUS OF BY-LAW HARMONIZATIONS - (A) PRODUCE AND FLOWER VENDORS; (B) SPECIAL EVENT SEASONAL STANDS; (C) ITINERANT SELLERS; (D) HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGES DISCUSSION ET MISE À JOUR SUR L'HARMONISATION DES RÈGLEMENTS MUNICIPAUX: (A) VENDEURS DE FRUITS ET LÉGUMES FRAIS ET DE FLEURS; (B) STANDS SAISONNIERS POUR ÉVÉNEMENTS SPÉCIAUX; (C) MARCHANDS AMBULANTS; (D) CALÈCHES À CHEVAUX Ms. Susan Jones, Director, By-law Services, began her presentation by making the following points: * The By-law on horse-drawn carriages has no rural impact, as it relates to activities in the Byward Market and other nearby areas, pursuant to input from market businesses and owners; * The report on the By-law for Produce and Flower Vendors will be deferred to later in the year, to allow for additional consultation and work with stakeholders in the rural community; * By-law Services will examine whether seasonal produce vendors should be regulated, in consultation with the farming community; * A number of exemptions are proposed for Itinerant Sellers, including Farmers' Markets and Fairs, Garage Sales, Licensed Flea Markets and individuals who produce original arts and crafts; Ms. Jones then focused on the Refreshment Vehicle By-law, noting it continues to be a problem for By-law Services, with over 65 regulations and fees that establish licensing requirements in most of the former municipalities. Some items under consideration include regulations on vehicle and equipment standards, hours of operation and the provision of trash receptacles. She made reference to the Designated Space Program, in existence in the former Ottawa, that establishes on street permits for vendors. Ms. Jones said the staff report, to be presented to the Emergency and Protective Services Committee on August 25th, would outline a process and timeline to consider expanding this program to other parts of Ottawa. Ms. Jones concluded her presentation by saying that City Council, on July 13th, will consider a Motion requesting that the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) grant the City of Ottawa an extension of two years to the expiry date for the remaining licensing by-laws of the former municipalities to facilitate the completion of the harmonization process. Councillor Eli El-Chantiry agreed that more time is needed. He also wanted it to be made clear that staff is not proposing a $200 per day fee for producers. He asked Ms. Jones to meet with vendors in farmers' markets, and he encouraged his colleagues to do the same, to get this message across. Councillor El-Chantiry went on to say that local representatives are listening now more than ever to what businesses want. He stressed the importance of protecting the local growers and farmers, as well as the downtown businesses, and he suggested that the idea of different business zones be examined. He also stated that some owners are not opposed to paying for proper signage at the entrance of villages or other areas where businesses operate: he proposed that some designs be brought forward. The Vice-Chair, Doug Thompson, inquired about the status of changes to the Municipal Act as they relate to the Signs By-law. Ms. Jones indicated that the MMAH want regulations in place by the fall, and she expressed the hope that this would be done. In response to Chair Rob Jellett, Ms. Jones said staff was still reviewing whether it is possible to have different fees for different areas, without changes to the Municipal Act or the City of Ottawa Act: this review includes discussions with other municipalities in Ontario. Councillor Glenn Brooks acknowledged that harmonizing by-laws is a daunting task, and he appreciated what staff is trying to accomplish. He added that people are over-regulated and over-taxed while the City is bringing on mega-projects. He said he felt the ability to pay has to be given more weight than it has before. Mr. Michael Murr, Manager, Business Facilitation, Planning and Growth Management, emphasized the need to ensure that the business climate is as positive as it can be. He was pleased to hear that Ms. Jones would be addressing harmonization issues at a future meeting of the Business Advisory Committee. Mr. Murr said one idea being explored is placing at one point of contact, every licensing requirement that a business is expected to adhere and comply with. In response to a question from Councillor El-Chantiry, Mr. Murr said he would discuss with Ms. Jones how to advance the idea of signs at the entrances to villages with the Business Advisory Committee. After further discussion, the Committee received the presentation for information. OTHER BUSINESS AUTRES QUESTIONS OTTAWA FOOD SECURITY GROUP Mr. Michael Murr, Manager, Business Facilitation, Planning and Growth Management, reported that he met with representatives from the Ottawa Food Security Group, subsequent to its presentation to the Committee on May 26/05, and the OFSG has received matched funding to produce 20,000 copies of the Ottawa Buy Local Guide. Mr. Murr's Branch is also exploring whether there are other ways to assist the OFSG and help them move forward. ADJOURNMENT LEVÉE DE LA SÉANCE The Committee adjourned the meeting at 10:55 a. m. Committee Coordinator Chair AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MINUTES 15 23 JUNE 2005 2 COMITE DE L'AGRICULTURE ET DES QUESTIONS RURALES PROCES-VERBAL 15 LE 23 JUIN 2005 Notes: 1. Underlining indicates a new or amended recommendation approved by Committee. 2. Reports requiring Council consideration will be presented to Council on 13 July 2005 in Agriculture and Rural Affairs Report 12 Nota : 1. Le soulignement indique qu'il s'agit d'une nouvelle recommandation ou d'une recommandation modifiée approuvée par le Comité. 2. Les rapports nécessitant un examen par le Conseil municipal seront présentés au Conseil le 13 juillet 2005 dans le rapport no. 12 du Comité de l'agriculture et des questions rurales.