District of Summerland Agricultural Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda January 22, 2008-8:00 a.m. Council Chambers Municipal Hall - 13211 Henry Avenue Summerland, BC Page 2-5 1. Adoption of Minutes 1.1 Adoption of the Minutes Recommendation: THAT the minutes of the Agricultural Advisory Committee Meeting of December 11, 2007 be adopted. 2. Adoption of Agenda 3. New Business 3.1 Nomination and Election of Chair 3.2 Buffering Presentation Presentation by Stan Combs, Ministry of Agriculture and Food 6-24 3.3 Review of the Summerland Agricultural Plan Please bring your copy of the Agricultural Plan dated May 25, 2006. 4. Staff and Other Reports 5. Adjourn Page 1 of 24
1 Agricultural Advisory Committee December 11, 2007 A meeting of the Agricultural Advisory Committee of the District of Summerland was held in the Council Chambers, 13211 Henry Avenue, Summerland, BC on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at 8:30 a.m. Committee Members present: Chair L. Christopherson, R. Boerboom*, G. Guernsey, G. Strachan, K. Haddrell, J. Carlson, and R. Vollo. Committee Member absent: T. Osborne Council Member Present: J. Perrino Resource Staff present: Director of Development Services G. Morley*, Assistant Planner I. McIntosh, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Representative S. Combs*, and Deputy Corporate Officer S. Nixon. (* denotes partial attendance) 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Christopherson called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. Chair Christopherson welcomed new members to the committee and asked all member to introduce themselves. 2. ADOPTION OF AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES Moved by G. Guernsey, Seconded by G. Strachan, THAT the minutes of the Agricultural Advisory Committee Meeting of September 11, 2007 be adopted. 3. ADOPTION OF AGENDA It was agreed to add the following items to the agenda: Terms of Reference clarification of Election of Chair Terms of Reference clarification on the number of members on the committee Establish days and times of future meetings Summerland Agricultural Plan 4. REQUEST FOR OCP AND REZONING TO PERMIT A SUBDIVISION AT 5815 HIGHWAY 97 The Assistant Planner outlined the application for an OCP amendment and rezoning to permit a subdivision at 5815 Highway 97. He noted that the property is not located within the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) however is across Highway 97 from the ALR boundary. The owner wishes to create a new zone with a lot size of 500m 2 and subdivide the property into 26 lots ranging in size from 1012m 2 to 509 m 2. 1.1 Adoption of the Minutes Page 2 of 24
2 Agricultural Advisory Committee December 11, 2007 Discussion took place regarding the viability of this property as farmland and regarding water allocation. It was noted that the land is flat and has good highway exposure. Moved by J. Carlson, Seconded by G. Guernsey, THAT the application for OCP and rezoning at 5815 Highway 97 to permit a subdivision not be supported. 5. REQUEST FOR A HOME SITE SEVERANCE SUBDIVISION WITHIN THE ALR, 10001 WALTERS ROAD The Assistant Planner explained that the applicant is requesting a home site severance subdivision within the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR). The property contains an active farm at the extreme southern end of Walters Road. The site contains a primary residence on the northern portion of the site and a secondary residence along the western boundary of the property. Farm outbuildings are located on the southern half of the property. The applicants wish to subdivide off their home site on the northern portion of the property and sell the remaining farm. Discussion took place over appropriate vegetative buffering and fencing. It was noted that any new home on the remainder lot should be located within the area of the existing home to minimize encroachment into viable farmland and that the size of the homesite should be as small as possible. Discussion also took place as to whether it would be appropriate to sever a homesite from such a small piece of farmland or whether it should be sold as one parcel. Moved by G. Guernsey, Seconded by R. Vollo, THAT the application for a home site severance subdivision within the ALR at 10001 Walters Road be supported in principle with three recommendations: 1) that the severed home site have vegetative buffering and fencing between the severed home site and remaining land; 2) that the new residence must be located in the area of the current homesite; 3) that the impact on the remaining agricultural portion is to be minimized. R. Vollo and K. Haddrell opposed. 6. REQUEST FOR OCP AND REZONING TO PERMIT A SUBDIVISION, 6709 SWITCHBACK ROAD The Assistant Planner outlined the request for OCP and rezoning to permit a subdivision at 6709 Switchback Road. The site is located on the west side of Switchback Road just north of Nelson Street. The owner wishes to subdivide the property into 15 residential lots. The property is zoned CR3 and is not located within the ALR but is adjacent to the ALR along the southern boundary. Adjacent properties are all zoned agricultural. 1.1 Adoption of the Minutes Page 3 of 24
3 Agricultural Advisory Committee December 11, 2007 Discussion took place over water allocation and whether buffering was required. Moved by J. Carlson, Seconded by R. Vollo, THAT the application for OCP and rezoning to permit a subdivision for property located at 6709 Switchback Road be supported with a provision that a buffer be required along the south east boundary of the property. Moved by G. Guernsey, Seconded by G. Strachan, MOTION DEFEATED THAT the application for OCP and rezoning to permit a subdivision for property located at 6709 Switchback Road be supported as it has minimal impact on the operation of agricultural land and does not directly affect the abutting agricultural lands; AND THAT the applicants be required to provide adequate buffering and fencing to the south east boundary of the subject property. K. Haddrell opposed. 7. REQUEST FOR ALR EXCLUSION, 13316 PRAIRIE VALLEY ROAD The Assistant Planner outlined the request for an Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) exclusion for property located at 13316 Prairie Valley Road. The lot is steeply sloping and does not appear to ever have been farmed. The property currently houses a single family residence and some small outbuildings. A professional agrologist s report was submitted in support of this application. There was discussion over why the applicant wished to exclude the property from the ALR. The applicant s consultant spoke to the issue. Concern was raised over erosion of the ALR land base. Moved by G. Guernsey, Seconded by G. Strachan, THAT the application to exclude property located at 13316 Prairie Valley Road from the ALR be supported; AND THAT the property be fenced with a vegetative buffer where appropriate. Moved by R. Vollo, Seconded by J. Carlson, THAT Council be reminded that increasing urban development and using water allocated for agriculture water allotment has a negative impact on agriculture. 1.1 Adoption of the Minutes Page 4 of 24
4 Agricultural Advisory Committee December 11, 2007 8. TERMS OF REFERENCE There were concerns that the Terms of Reference states the committee should include five members of the agricultural community, however this committee has eight members. The Chair explained that the number of members increased to eight, through Council appointments. There was discussion on what options could be used if there were a tie vote at the committee table. There was discussion regarding the election of a committee Chair. Councillor Perrino explained that election of a Chair is not a requirement under the Terms of Reference, however if the committee collectively decided that an election should occur, that a policy could be put in place for election of a Chair each year. Moved by J. Carlson, Seconded by R. Vollo, THAT an election of a Chair to the Agricultural Advisory Committee be held annually at the first meeting of the year. It was agreed that future committee meetings be held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, as applications necessitate, and that the meetings start at 8:00 a.m. of each meeting date. It was confirmed that copies of the draft Agricultural Plan will be available for members to pick up for their review. 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 a.m. Certified Correct: Chairman Deputy Corporate Officer /sn 1.1 Adoption of the Minutes Page 5 of 24
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Committee of the Whole May 29, 2006 2 4. POLE YARD Director of Engineering & Public Works informed Council that a potential new pole yard could be located in the gravel pit by the landfill for a cost of approximately $50,000.00. A Council member enquired about the visual impact for the Kettle Valley Railway which staff indicated would be minimal. The longevity of the proposed site and potential future uses was questioned. Staff suggested it could be there forever and the site could also be used in future as a water reservoir or a utility substation. Staff suggested the cost incurred to move the pole yard would be reflected In the lease or sale of the property to Katana and that the ideal location for the pole yard is adjacent to the Electrical Dept. 5. AGRICULTURAL PLAN A Council member expressed concern regarding buffering in the proposed Agricultural Plan. Some Council members proposed that several pages of the document should be reviewed. There was general discussion that the suggested changes be forwarded to the Agricultural Advisory Committee for comments and consideration. Points of discussion and concern include buffers, secondary dwellings, best water management practices (to be defined), drought management plan, agricultural economic growth, the Sterile Insect Release Program, reference to the 2005 OCP (to be deleted), definition of 'new water works projects', environmental farm plans, agri-tourism, long term leases, risk assessment of the water supply, and irrigation requirements. A Council member noted that the according to the 'Terms of Reference' for the Agricultural Advisory Committee, the Committee will, 'recommend a final draft of the Plan to Council', suggesting this has been done and it is now the responsibility of Council to make the final comments to the consultant at a public meeting. Moved by Councillor Bennest, Seconded by Councillor Waterman, THAT Council's questions and comments regarding information contained within the draft Agricultural Plan be submitted to the Agricultural Advisory Committee and the Consultant for their comment and consideration and be forwarded back to Council for further review. Councillors Hallquist opposed. 6. RESOLUTION CLOSING MEETING TO THE PUBLIC Moved by Councillor Perrino, Seconded by Councillor Hallquist, 3.3 Review of the Summerland Agricultural Plan Page 19 of 24
Regular Council July 24, 2006 Moved by Councillor Roberge, Seconded by Councillor Hallquist, 3 THAT Council publicly re-confirm the approach to the OCP Review public participation process as per previous Council direction to our consultant and further that they confirm that the approach being implemented by our consultant is appropriate. There was general discussion that the process is following the mandate of Council and that the approach of the consultants is flexible. Council noted the consultants must take direction from Council and not from private citizens. 6. DRAFT AGRICULTURAL PLAN There was general discussion that Council would like comments on the Agricultural Plan from the Agricultural Advisory Committee by August 23, 2006. Moved by Councillor Waterman, Seconded by Councillor Roberge, THAT Council advise the Agricultural Advisory Committee that no additional comments on the draft Agricultural Plan will be forthcoming from Council at this time; AND THAT the Committee be requested to provide additional recommendations to Council on the draft plan relative to Council's previous comments no later than August 23, 2006. 7. CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE - USE OF DOG BEACH FOR CENTENNIAL EVENT A Council member expressed concern there are large trees in the area of the fire works. Moved by Councillor Roberge, Seconded by Councillor Waterman, THAT Council grant the Centennial Committee permission to use Dog Beach on August 19, and 20, 2006 subject to the Committee obtaining a Fireworks Permit from the District. 8. DEVELOPMENT VARIANCE PERMIT - 7628 DUNN STREET (COOMBE FARMS LTD.) Mayor Gregory asked for comments from the public however there were none. Moved by Councillor Roberge, Seconded by Councillor Perrlno, 3.3 Review of the Summerland Agricultural Plan Page 20 of 24
Committee of the Whole September 11, 2006 3 A Councillor indicated the Quest Model is an excellent tool in that it takes raw data from National Resource Canada and looks at land allocation in zoned areas which reduces urban sprawl. The RDOS is working together with the First Nations in building strong relations. The District of Summerland is invited to the next meeting with the RDOS and First Nations to discuss common land uses. Mayor Gregory thanked David Arsenault for his presentation. 5. DRAFT AGRICULTURAL PLAN The Director of Development Services gave a brief overview advising that the draft Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC) had no additional input on the Agricultural Plan at this time. A Councillor noted the draft Agricultural Plan did not represent the wine and cider industries and the AAC requires additional time to review the document and make revisions. Moved by Councillor Perrino, Seconded by Councillor Hallquist, THAT the Summerland Draft Agricultural Plan be tabled until January 2007. DEFEATED. Mayor Gregory and Councillors Bennest, Waterman and Roberge opposed. Some Councillors felt the AAC has had adequate time to review the draft Agricultural Plan and submit potential revisions. The draft Agricultural Plan is a living document and can be changed as required and that it is a good starting point for the agriculture community. Moved by Councillor Bennest, Seconded by Councillor Waterman, THAT Council forward the Draft Agricultural Plan as amended to a Public Hearing in late October. DEFEATED. Mayor Gregory and Councillor Roberge, Perrino and Hallquist opposed. There was general discussion the AAC did not feel the draft Agricultural Plan met their standards. A Councillor noted the AAC did not return suggestions to Council which gave a clear indication they have no further input into the document. Staff noted the draft Agricultural Plan is supplementary document to the Official Community Plan (OCP). 3.3 Review of the Summerland Agricultural Plan Page 21 of 24
4 ' Committee of the Whole September 11, 2006 Moved by Councillor Roberge, Seconded by Councillor Perrino, THAT Council receive the draft Agricultural Plan, together with amendments proposed by Council on May 29, 2006, and instruct staff to use the document to form the basis of the review of the Agricultural Section of the Official Community Plan (OCP) Review; AND THAT the amended draft plan be forwarded to the Agricultural Advisory Committee for further review. Mayor Gregory opposed. 6. RESOLUTION CLOSING THE MEETING TO THE PUBLIC Moved by Councillor Perrino, Seconded by Councillor Hallquist, THAT this meeting return to a Regular Meeting and now be closed to the public pursuant to Section 90 (1)(d) and (e) of the Community Charter for Council to deal with subject matter relating to the following: The disposition of municipal property The security of property of the District 7. TERMINATION The meeting adjourned to a closed session at 11:25 a.m. and subsequently terminated at 1:14 p.m. Certified Correct: Mayor ' ^ ^Cofrjorate Officer /ss 3.3 Review of the Summerland Agricultural Plan Page 22 of 24
THE CORPORATION OF THE DISTRICT OF SUMMERLAND REPORT Date: Sept 11, 2006 To: Mayor and Council From: Gordon Morley, Director of Development Services Subject: Agricultural Plan update Recommendation: THAT Council forward to staff the changes they wish to incorporate within the District's proposed Agricultural Plan. C.A.O.'s Comments: C.A.O.'s Initials Purpose: To update Council with respect to the draft Agricultural Plan. Background: Council passed the following resolution at the July 24th Council meeting: "THAT Council advise the Agricultural Advisory Committee that no additional comments on the draft Agricultural Plan will be forthcoming from Council at this time; AND THAT the Committee be requested to provide additional recommendations to Council on the draft plan relative to Council's previous comments no later than August 23, 2006." This information was passed on to the Agricultural Advisory Committee who advised staff that they were unable to meet prior to August 23 and indicated they would like to meet with Council to discuss the plan. An additional meeting with Council was not forthcoming and staff has been advised that the committee does not have any additional input on the Agricultural Plan at this time. 7 3.3 Review of the Summerland Agricultural Plan Page 23 of 24
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