Agricultural prosperity key to county future

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Published on Thursday, 28 March 2013 17:13

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An environmental watchdog group has a vision for Simcoe County’, including agricultural prosperity, local employment improvements and a healthy environment.

And the group wants business, political and residential support to ensure a sustainable future through Simcoe County.

The AWARE Simcoe group shared its vision for a sustainable future March 23 at St. John’s Presbyterian Church where residents were able to learn more about projected development, population growth and planning within the county, Barrie and Orillia and how AWARE aims to alter the planning process.

As stated by the draft of the group’s vision, planning and development changes do not evaluate if growth will be beneficial or harmful county residents. The draft outlines all seven of the goals, which include: a healthy environment, agricultural prosperity, development that is a net benefit to the community, bringing employment home, reliable sustainable energy, awareness of the need for sustainability and healthy lifestyles.

The main purpose of the vision is to implement a series of steps, aimed at achieving the goals and objectives and that they should be discussed and agreed upon by the community itself.

Guest speaker Carl Cosack, chairperson of North Dufferin Agricultural and Community Task Force (NDACT), began his presentation by giving an overview of the Food and Water First initiative in relation to an ongoing battle of a Mega Quarry in Melancthon Township just west of Bradford.

In 2006, the Highland Companies purchased 8,000 acres of farmland in the township, claiming it wished to be the largest potato producer in Ontario.

“In 2011, we found out quite differently. The company sent in 3,100 pages to the Ministry of Natural Resources to initiate one of the largest quarries in Canada — the Mega Quarry,” said Mr. Cosack.

In Sept. 2011, the province ordered an environmental assessment for the application, halting further changes. In October of that same year, an event known as “Foodstock” was held by farm owners who did not sell land to Highlands. About 28,000 people attended, capping it as one of the biggest protests ever held in Ontario. Letters from within the community also began pouring in and, by November 2012, the application had been withdrawn.

Mr. Cosack congratulated AWARE Simcoe for its individual efforts within the county, as “solving things within their reach.” He also extended his discussion into the importance of making sure the surrounding communities are aware of how critical agriculture is to Ontario.

“We need to keep highlighting what matters most. We will have leverage by being together on some of these issues, but what we ask to government has to be simple,” he said.

For the draft to become more recognized, AWARE Simcoe, along with organizations such as NDACT, are asking for businesses to show their support and become involved in the process by giving feedback and input on the matter.

Both groups will also aim to involve local politicians throughout the process to gain support and understanding of why the vision is so important to Simcoe County and surrounding areas.

By Bea Bartholet

Posted in simcoe.com Mar. 28, 2013