1.             RURAL ISSUES ADVISORY COMMITTEE – 2006 ANNUAL REPORT AND 2007 WORK PLAN

COMITÉ CONSULTATIF SUR LES QUESTIONS RURALES – RAPPORT ANNUEL DE 2006 ET PLAN DE TRAVAIL 2007

 

 

 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

 

That City Council:

 

a)         Receive the 2006 Annual Report of the Rural Issues Advisory Committee as detailed in Attachment 1; and

 

b)         Approve the objectives contained in the Rural Issues Advisory Committee’s 2007 workplan, as detailed in Attachment 2.

 

 

RecommandationS du comi

 

Que le Conseil municipal:

 

a)         Reçoive le Rapport annuel de 2006 du Comité consultatif sur les questions rurales, tel que décrit a la pièce jointe no 1; et

 

b)         Approuve les objectifs qui sont présentés dans le plan de travail 2007 du Comité consultatif sur les questions rurales, tel que décrit à la pièce jointe no 2.

 

 

 

 

DOCUMENTATION

 

1.      Rural Issues Advisory Committee report dated 13 November 2006 (ACS2007-CCV-RIA-0002)

 

2.      Extract of Draft Minutes 5, Agriculture and Rural Affairs meeting of 22 March 2007

.

 

Report to/Rapport au :

 

Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee

Comité de l’agriculture et des questions rurales

 

and Council / et au Conseil

 

13 November 2006 / le 13 novembre 2006

 

Submitted by/Soumis par:  Rural Issues Advisory Committee

Comité consultatif sur les questions rurales

 

Contact Person/Personne ressource : Marc Desjardins, Coordinator / Coordonnateur,

Rural Issues Advisory Committee / Comité consultatif sur les questions rurales

(613) 580-2424 Ext / poste, 28821 / Marc.Desjardins@ottawa.ca

 

Ref N°: ACS2007-CCV-RIA-0002

 

 

SUBJECT:     RURAL ISSUES ADVISORY COMMITTEE – 2006 ANNUAL REPORT AND 2007 WORK PLAN

 

OBJET:          COMITÉ CONSULTATIF SUR LES QUESTIONS RURALES – RAPPORT ANNUEL DE 2006 ET PLAN DE TRAVAIL 2007

 

 

REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS

 

That the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee recommend Council:

 

a)         Receive the 2006 Annual Report of the Rural Issues Advisory Committee as detailed in Attachment 1; and

 

b)         Approve the objectives contained in the Rural Issues Advisory Committee’s 2007 workplan, as detailed in Attachment 2.

 

 

RECOMMANDATIONS DU RAPPORT

 

Que le Comité de l agriculture et des questions rurales recommande que le Conseil :

 

a)         Reçoive le Rapport annuel de 2006 du Comité consultatif sur les questions rurales, tel que décrit a la pièce jointe no 1; et

 

b)         Approuve les objectifs qui sont présentés dans le plan de travail 2007 du Comité consultatif sur les questions rurales, tel que décrit à la pièce jointe no 2.

 

 

BACKGROUND

 

On 26 April 2006, City Council approved the Rural Issues Advisory Committee’s Terms of Reference, which require that the Advisory Committee report annually to the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee and Council with respect to its Annual Report and its workplan for the following year.  The purpose of the Advisory Committee’s workplan is to identify the activities the Committee plans to undertake in the upcoming year and whether or not these have a budgetary impact.  Each activity should be identified, a brief description of the project or activity should be provided, and the anticipated timing of the item should be noted. 

 

The Lead Department Representatives are to provide the Committee with information on the departmental workplan and priorities, where the Committee’s workplan ties into the Department’s workplan, and where the Committee can assist the Department.  The Lead Department Representative will also advise on what staff and/or financial resources are available as part of departmental priorities.

 

 

DISCUSSION

 

At its meeting of 17 October 2006, the Rural Issues Advisory Committee approved its 2007 workplan for submission to the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee.  On the same date, the Committee also confirmed its 2006 Annual Report.

 

The mandate of the Rural Issues Advisory Committee is to provide advice and input to the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee and Ottawa City Council on issues affecting the rural and farming community, including agricultural organizations and to assist City Council, through the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, in its efforts to: protect and preserve the rural area; promote healthy rural communities that contain living, working and recreational opportunities; and respect the natural environment and resources of rural areas.  

 

 

CONSULTATION

 

Rural Affairs Office (Lead Department)

 

The Rural Affairs Office is supportive of this workplan.  We are pleased that the committee has identified a number of issues of concern for the rural parts of Ottawa.  The prioritization schedule will provide clear direction for items to be placed on upcomming agendas.  The Rural Affairs Office looks forward to continuing to work together with RIAC to achieve our common goals.

 

 

Planning and Growth Management

 

The Planning, Transit and the Environment Department is supportive of the 2007 RIAC workplan. The Department will continue to bring forward to the Committee's attention projects and policy initiatives affecting the rural areas for consultation.

 

 

Public Works and Services

 

The Department concurs with the 2007 Workplan and 2006 Annual Report, prepared by the Rural Issues Advisory Committee, and acknowledges the value provided to the Department in terms of providing comments and advice from the rural citizen’s perspective on various projects.  Staff would like to add that the 2007 Workplan is extensive, and details are to be developed.  Therefore, staff looks forward to working with RIAC within the Committee’s mandate, and as staff resources permit.

 

 

Community and Protective Services

 

The Community and Protective Services Department is supportive of the proposed workplan for 2007.  The Department will work to ensure that all policy recommendation reports having a unique or significant impact on the rural community are directed to both RIAC and ARAC for comment and direction.

 

 

Corporate Services

 

Corporate Services will continue to support RIAC and ARAC by providing information and advice on items in their work plans. In addition, the Department will ensure that rural issues and concerns are taken into consideration when developing its own plans and priorities.

 

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

 

There are no financial implications.

 

 

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

 

Attachment 1 –    2006 Annual Report of the Rural Issues Advisory Committee

Attachment 2 –    Proposed 2007 Workplan of the Rural Issues Advisory Committee

Attachment 3       Rural Issues Advisory Committee Terms of Reference (held on file with the City Clerk).

 

 

DISPOSITION

 

City Clerk’s Branch staff will forward the recommendations approved by the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee to City Council for ratification.

 

RURAL ISSUES Advisory Committee

2006 Annual Report

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

The Rural Issues Advisory Committee (RIAC) was established in June 2006 and held six meetings from June through October of 2006 – the period of this report. 

 

PRESENTATIONS / STAFF UPDATES

 

The Rural Issues Advisory Committee received presentations and updates from City staff pertaining to the following (to which the RIAC provided comments and suggestions):

·         Jock River Reach 2 and Mud Creek Subwatershed Studies

·         City-wide Right-of-way Lighting Policy

·         Comprehensive Zoning By-law

·         Light Rail – Rural Implications

·         Hauled Liquid Waste Pricing Strategy

·         Zoning By-law Amendments Related to the Severance of a Surplus Farm Dwelling

·         Rural Water and Wastewater Planning

·         North Gower Community Design Plan

·         Ottawa Brownfields Redevelopment Strategy

·         A Strategy to Recognize and Protect the Public Waterfront Recreational Access Function of Selected Road Allowances on the Ottawa and Rideau Rivers

·         Provincial Policy Statement Section 2.3, Agriculture

·         Bill 51

·         Lower Rideau Watershed Strategy

 

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

 

Subject

Description of project

Results

Resolution of Wetlands Concerns

At its June 6, 2006 meeting, the RIAC received a presentation from staff with respect to the status of the work program for the resolution of wetland concerns.  As a result of the presentations and discussions on this matter, the RIAC made suggestions to amend the staff recommendations going forward to Standing Committee and Council.

The RIAC’s proposal resulted in revised recommendations being presented to and adopted by Standing Committee and Council.

 

 

 

Jock River Reach 2 and Mud Creek Subwatershed Studies

At its June 20, 2006 meeting, the RIAC received a presentation from staff on this matter. 

The RIAC endorsed the proposed studies.

 

 

 

Rural Recreational Pathways

At its June 6, 2006 meeting, the RIAC received a presentation from representatives of the Manotick Community Association with respect to a proposed plan for rural pathways development.  This item was discussed at two subsequent meetings, culminating in the RIAC forwarding a motion to ARAC.  

At its September 14, 2006 meeting, the ARAC considered a staff report as well as the RIAC motion.  As a result, the RIAC motion was adopted to supplement the staff recommendation.

 

 

 

Provincial Policy Statement Section 2.3, Agriculture

At its August 15, 2006 meeting, the RIAC received a presentation from staff and discussed this matter, referred to it by the ARAC as a result of a pending Official Plan Amendment application.

At its August 24, 2006 meeting, the ARAC considered the staff report with respect to the subject Official Plan Amendment application.  RIAC provided input, resulting in the ARAC overturning the report recommendation. 

 

 

 

Bill 51

At its August 15, 2006 meeting, the RIAC received a presentation from staff and discussed this matter, leading to motions being forwarded to Standing Committee and Council.

As a result, the RIAC motions were presented to and adopted by Standing Committee and Council.

 

 

 

Public Delegations

During the period of this report, the RIAC received sixteen (16) presentations from public delegations and/or community groups.

This enables the RIAC to fulfill its mandate to “provide a forum for citizens to raise issues and concerns.”

 

 

 

RIAC 2006 Annual Report and 2007 Workplan

At its October 17, 2006 meeting, the RIAC finalized and approved its 2006 Annual Report and its 2007 Workplan for submission to Standing Committee and Council. 

The RIAC’s 2006 Annual Report and 2007 Workplan to be presented to Standing Committee and Council in November 2006.

 

 

 

 


ONGOING ISSUES

 

Subject

Description of project

Results

Adoption of a Buy Local Policy

At its July 18, 2006 meeting, the RIAC received a presentation from a community representative who submitted a proposal for a Buy Local Policy for the City’s food services. 

The RIAC received the presentation for information.  The Rural Affairs Office to review existing policies and obtain a legal opinion on the proposal, for follow-up at a future RIAC meeting.

 

 

 

 

Community-Based Fire Services in Rural Ottawa

At its September 19, 2006 meeting, the RIAC received a presentation from one of its members and discussed this matter.

The RIAC adopted a motion for the creation of a working group to formulate a proposal for the consideration of the RIAC, the ARAC and Council.

 

 

 

City-Wide Right-of-Way Lighting Policy

At its June 20, 2006 meeting, the RIAC received a presentation from staff and discussed this matter.

The RIAC will continue to be involved in the project as it evolves, providing input and/or making recommendations as appropriate.

 

 

 

Comprehensive Zoning By-law

At its June 20, 2006 and its September 19, 2006 meetings, the RIAC received presentations from staff and discussed this matter.

The RIAC will continue to be involved in the project as it evolves, providing input and/or making recommendations as appropriate.

 

 

 

Rural Transit Tax Area “A”

At its September 19, 2006 meeting, the RIAC received background information from the Rural Affairs Office and discussed this matter.

The RIAC approved a motion to ask that the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee take the necessary steps to change the boundaries of Rural Transit Tax Area “A” in time for the 2007 taxes. 

 

 

 

RIAC Sub-Committee Structure

At its October 17, 2006 meeting, the RIAC created sub-committees mandated with working on key issues contained in the RIAC’s 2007 Workplan. 

Sub-Committees to work on assigned Workplan issues and present updates and/or formulate recommendations to the RIAC throughout the year, as appropriate.

 

 

 


RURAL ISSUES ADVISORY COMMITTEE

2007 WORK PLAN

 

RIAC Workplan Preamble

 

The Rural Issues Advisory Committee was created as a direct result of the 2005 Rural Summit.  The agricultural community wanted to be involved in policy and program development, particularly where new policies, by-laws and programs impacted their operations and livelihood.  Access to staff and services was complicated by the demanding seasonal nature of their work and the challenges in knowing who to turn to for what service.  Establishing an Agricultural Advisory Committee, with rural community representation, to consider agricultural issues and to make recommendations to the Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee and Council was seen as a need.  Members outside of the agricultural community also saw such a Citizens’ Advisory Committee as a means of reviewing and providing comment on policy matters before they rose to Council.  It was recognized that such a Committee could assist rural Councillors in making informed decisions and could potentially result in cost savings.  Rural Summit attendees also felt such a Committee might provide a mechanism for better overall communications between rural residents and the City (Council and staff).  During the course of the Summit, attendees put forth initiatives and/or issues to be addressed.  These recorded issues then moved through the Rural Summit Task Force and many of these are now Work Plan initiatives of the Rural Office and/or of the RIAC.

 

To guide its work throughout 2007, the RIAC has prepared its work plan as follows and will work diligently towards meeting the objectives stated.  However, the Committee recognizes the heavy workload inherited in part from the Rural Summit and in part from items rising directly from the rural community and feels handicapped in meetings its mandate by being limited to one formal meeting per month. 

 

 

Workplan Priority A:       MATTERS GOING FORWARD TO sTANDING cOMMITTEE AND COUNCIL

 

Objective

·                    To provide feedback and comments and to make recommendations on policies, plans and proposals being submitted to ARAC.

 

Activities

·                    Review or receive presentations at Committee meetings.

·                    Provide input on how rural and agricultural issues can be incorporated into goals and objectives in the review of the Official Plan policies.

·                    Recommend to ARAC strategies to improve delivery of municipal services, programs and information to the rural areas.

·                    Recommend policies to ARAC that would ensure that municipal services remain accessible to rural residents and how might such services be tailored to meet these residents’ needs.

·                    Review matters, and form sub-committees as appropriate in order to make well considered recommendations to Standing Committee on issues whose status is determined worthy.  A list of examples to review would include the following: Comprehensive Zoning By-law Review, Official Plan Review (including Rural Development Strategy and PPS Conformity), Rural Broadband, City Wide Right of Way Lighting Policy, Wastewater and Drainage Services, Drinking Water Services, Solid Waste Services, Water Efficiency Protection Program, Population Projection Revisions, Rural Directional Signage System,  Wetlands Resolution Process Continuation, Ottawa Cycling Plan, Ottawa Pedestrian Plan, City Wide Truck Route Review (possibly).

·                    Make presentations to Standing Committee, as required.

·                    Monitor recommendations and information given to Standing Committee and Council by receiving reports from Rural Affairs Officer at each RIAC meeting.

·                    Respond to requests for advice from City Staff and Councillors with a rural perspective recognizing the known and potential impact on rural citizens, rural business (including agriculture and agribusiness), the environment, the financial resources available and to the City as a whole.

·                    Maintain a list of items of interest to rural residents to be reviewed by the Committee.

 

Timeline

            Ongoing

 

 

Workplan Priority B:       mATTERS aRISING FROM 2005 rURAL sUMMIT

 

Objective

·                    To monitor status of recommendations arising from the 2005 Rural Summit and to assist in moving issues forward.

 

Activities

·                    Review, identify and prioritize items identified at the Rural Summit and make recommendations on items that should be considered in the annual budgets.  Identified issues include the following:  Rural Transit Tax, Expanding Broadband, Wetland Resolution Process Continuation, Buy Local Campaign, Rural Community Centre/Association Support Strategy, Services for Seniors, Volunteer Services, Creation of Rural Home Based Business Resource Guide, Permits & Pre-engineered Farm Buildings, Rural Road Signage Program for Farm Gate Sales, Municipal Drain Preventative Maintenance Program development, Investigation of “Borough Model” of governance, Greenspace Master Plan, Agriculture Policy concerns of “buffer zones”, what is “normal farm practice” for Ottawa Area farmers, input to Proposed Pesticide By-law, Sustainability of Rural Villages, and continued examination of “one size does not fit all” concept as applied to all proposed changes affecting rural living.

·                    Monitor items placed by Task Force in “Parking Lot” and bring forward priority items as deemed necessary.

·                    Status updates of Rural Summit funded recommendations will be provided by  Rural Officer at monthly RIAC meetings.

·                    Establish subcommittees to research issues further and include outreach back to the community or community groups as necessary.  Summarize completed items and report successes back to the community and to rural business.

·                    Work with Rural Councillors, the Rural Affairs Officer and City Staff to determine the timeframe, venue and topics for the next Rural Summit.

 

Timeline

            Ongoing

 

 

Workplan Priority C:       MATTERS IDENTIFIED BY COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND/OR RURAL RESIDENTS AS BEING OF IMPORTANCE AND/OR HAVING AN IMPACT ON THE RURAL COMMUNITY

 

Objective

·                    To ensure that issues of importance to rural residents and RIAC members are tabled at RIAC for review, research, and feed back to source and Standing Committee as required.  

 

Activities

·                    Provide a forum for rural residents to raise issues and concerns with a distinct rural component or with impact on rural areas.

·                    To improve communications between the City and the rural community and to ensure that information on rural issues is communicated in a timely and clear manner.   Establish a permanent Communication/Outreach Subcommittee to facilitate this need.

·                    Establish subcommittees, as needed, to research recommended issues further.  Some identified areas of concern include the following: Rural Pathway Plan, Minimum Level of Service, Community Based Fire Service, Provincial Policy statement and City’s Official Plan position relative to prime agricultural land designations, continuation of the Wetlands Resolutions Policy.

·                    Work with the Rural Affairs Officer.

 

Timeline

            Ongoing

 

 

Workplan Priority D:       RAISE AWARENESS AND PROMOTE BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE RURAL COMMUNITY AND ITS ISSUES

 

Objective

·                    To help facilitate the RIAC acting as an effective vehicle for public participation, public consultation and as a source of input to staff and Standing Committee on city policies and programs as relating to rural living.

 


Activities

·                    Continue to have most of the RIAC meetings rotate in the rural wards.

·                    To the extent possible, address items of local interest at each meeting

·                    Establish “open mike” sessions at regular RIAC meetings.  Have audience members introduce themselves to RIAC committee if numbers permit.

·                    Establish a permanent Communication/Outreach Subcommittee whose mandate (to be determined) shall likely include the following points:

1.      Encourage effective communications within RIAC itself.

2.      Work with the Rural Affairs Office and Officer.

3.      Establish communication lines with other City Advisory Committees for perspectives relative to rural issues raised.  Attend and report on such meetings.

4.      Increase cooperation and information exchange between and among RIAC and other rural interest groups such as RCOC and interested Community Associations.

5.      Disseminate information as helpful to area media.

6.      Explore all avenues to increase public participation.  Possibilities include developing lists of concerned citizens on particular issues for e-mail response/interaction, suggesting topics for the City of Ottawa Rural Connections Website, forwarding RIAC agendas to interested parties ahead of scheduled meetings, establishing a column or comment forum in area printed publications.

7.      Ensure that all information relating to Council matters, matters arising from the Rural Summit, matters brought forward from the community and within RIAC  are communicated effectively by means of collaborative two way communications.

 

Timeline

            Ongoing

 


 

 

Extract of Draft                                                                                                               Extrait de l’Ébauche du

Minutes 5                                                                                                                                                    Procès-verbal 5

march 22, 2007                                                                                                                                             le 22 mars 2007

 

 

 

RURAL ISSUES ADVISORY COMMITTEE – 2006 ANNUAL REPORT AND 2007 WORK PLAN

COMITÉ CONSULTATIF SUR LES QUESTIONS RURALES – RAPPORT ANNUEL DE 2006 ET PLAN DE TRAVAIL 2007

ACS2007-CCV-RIA-0002

 

As the Chair of the Rural Issues Advisory Committee, Mr. R. Fraser, was out of town, Mr. D. Moodie, Rural Affairs Officer, gave a brief presentation on the history of the Rural Affairs Advisory Committee and its report.  He stated that considering the fact that the committee had only been established in mid-June 2006, a great deal had been accomplished as can be seen in the report presented.  Mr. Moodie continued with the review of the work plan for 2007 as presented placing emphasis on the number one priority of providing input on matters going before the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Standing Committee and Council.

 

Councillor Brooks stated that he appreciated the Rural Issues Advisory Committee and the assistance they provide to the rural Councillors.  He requested that Mr. Moodie review the numbered items on page 10 of the report. 

 

In response to Councillor Brooks’ question on item 2, work with the Rural Affairs Office, Mr. Moodie stated that the Rural Affairs Office has the appropriate staff to deal with the concerns of the rural community.  Councillors Brooks and Thompson stated that Mr. Moodie’s office was doing a fine job.

 

On item 3, Mr. Moodie indicated that the Advisory committees do liaise with each other.  For example, on certain issues, the Rural Issues Advisory Committee may liaise with the Environmental Advisory Committee on such topics as trapping of pests or to build a dialogue or a network.  This was the same intent with item 4, to build a network for dialogue with other like-minded associations and community groups.

 

Councillor Brooks inquired on item 5, dealing with the media and communications, how conflicting views would be handled between the Advisory Committee and the ward Councillor.  Is their main responsibility not to the Standing Committee?  Mr. Moodie stated that the Advisory Committees have the freedom to disagree with the views of the Councillor or the Standing Committee.  He noted there are various mechanisms available to have issues raised and he further reiterated that the intent was to work together to build community awareness.

 

Mr. Moodie’s response to Councillor Brooks’ question on bringing partners to a common ground in item 6 was that it was in their best interest, and in their mandate, that the Rural Issues Advisory Committee find a common ground on issues.  He further stated that all associations have a right to bring their views to Standing Committee.

 

Councillor El-Chantiry expounded further on the communications issue stating that their was little media involvement in the Rural Summit and it can be further seen by the number of media at the Standing Committee meetings.  He would like to see more commitment by the media.  Mr. Moodie stated that most media have been very cooperative in placing the Rural Office’s articles in their papers with the exception of those in the eastern section of the City, which would prefer to have their own reporters on site for what they consider a less biased view.

 

Councillor Harder suggested that it might be of some value to have a couple of rural Councillors sit down with various media as a way of reaching out.  She further recommended a conference or seminar, possibly gathering people from Eastern Ontario, up the valley and down in the Kingston area; possibly reeves and wardens with a view to meeting in a place such as Carleton Place. Mr. Moodie confirmed that it is in his plans to bring people together for such an event.

 

Councillor Thompson followed up on Councillor Harder’s idea of engaging local politicians in Eastern Ontario and whether there had been a report from the Smart Growth panel on many issues since many items are cross-border issues.  Councillor Harder brought up the example of rural ambulance service as an example.

 

Councillor Hunter inquired as to whether the activities of the Advisory Committee had been vetted through the operating procedures for these committees.  His understanding was that Advisory Committees’ primary purpose is to advise their respective Standing Committees and to provide the role of advocacy only if asked to do so or after it has been checked.  Mr. Moodie stated that he was unsure of the written procedures but had assumed that they operating within the normal parameters.  The Chair requested that this be checked with the City Clerk’s office before next Council meeting.

 

Councillor Brooks commented that it is our responsibility to send out the message and promote our committees, both the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee and the Rural Issues Advisory Committee.

 

That the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee recommend Council:

 

a)         Receive the 2006 Annual Report of the Rural Issues Advisory Committee as detailed in Attachment 1; and

 

b)         Approve the objectives contained in the Rural Issues Advisory Committee’s 2007 workplan, as detailed in Attachment 2.

 

                                                                                                            CARRIED