Regional Agriculture Master Plan Task Force

Transcription

1 Regional Agriculture Master Plan Task Force March 2, 2018, 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Best Western Sunrise Inn & Suites Ballroom, Avenue, Stony Plain, AB 1. Opening 1.1 Quorum Action: Confirmation Lead: Malcolm Bruce 1.2 Call to Order Action: Declaration Lead: Malcolm Bruce 1.3 CEO Opening Remarks Action: Information Lead: Malcolm Bruce 2. Approval of Agenda Action: Approval Lead: Malcolm Bruce 3. Governance 3.1 Selection of Chair Action: Vote Lead: Malcolm Bruce/ Mr. Chivers Recommended Motion: That the Regional Agriculture Master Plan Task Force appoint to the Chair position and recommend that the Edmonton Metropolitan Region Board endorse and reaffirm that appointment is effective March 2, Page 1 of 3 Page 1 of 34

2 3.2 Selection of Vice Chair Action: Vote Lead: Chair/ Mr. Chivers Recommended Motion: That the Regional Agriculture Master Plan Task Force appoint as Vice Chair. 3.3 Task Force Terms of Reference Action: Review, Reaffirmation and Recommendation Lead: Chair Page 4 of 34 Recommended Motion: That the Regional Agriculture Master Plan Task Force review and reaffirm the Task Force Terms of Reference approved by Edmonton Metropolitan Region Board. 4. Regional Agriculture Master Plan 4.1 Context Action: Information/ Discussion Lead: Chair/ Ms. Shuya 4.2 Agricullture Policy Area Action: Information/ Discussion Lead: Chair/ Ms. Shuya 4.3 Engagement Stategy Action: Information / Discussion Lead: Chair/ Ms. Shuya See Slide Deck See Slide Deck See Slide Deck Recommended Motion: That the Regional Agriculture Task Force direct EMRB Administration to prepare a draft of the Engagement Strategy for review at the next Task Force Meeting. 4.4 Communications Plan Action: Information / Discussion Lead: Chair / Ms. Shuya See Slide Deck 5. RFP Update Action: Information/ Discussion Lead: Chair/ Ms. Shuya 6. Next Meeting March 29, 2018, 9:00 a. m. 11:30 a.m., TBC Page 2 of 3 Page 2 of 34

3 7. Adjournment Action: Declaration Lead: Chair Recommended Motion: That the Regional Agriculture Master Plan Task Force meeting of March 2 adjourn. Page 3 of 3 Page 3 of 34

4 Item 3.3 Regional Agriculture Master Plan Task Force Terms of Reference INTRODUCTION Pursuant to Part B. Regional Policies, Policy a of the Edmonton Metropolitan Region Growth Plan, a Regional Agriculture Master Plan (RAMP) is required to support the implementation of the Growth Plan guiding principle: ensure the wise management of prime agricultural resources. The RAMP will provide a policy framework for conserving and maintaining a secure supply of prime agricultural lands to support the regional food system, diversify the agri-food production base and value added growth of the agri-economy, and to guide agriculture supportive infrastructure investments. Also Policy b requires the development of land evaluation and site assessment tool to qualify and quantify the prime agricultural lands to be conserved in the Region. Pursuant to Board policy, a Task Force will be established to carry out the project Terms of Reference approved by the Board. PURPOSE To establish terms of reference for the Regional Agriculture Master Plan Task Force. The Task Force will provide strategic direction and oversight on all aspects of the project on behalf of the Board. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The Task Force is responsible for the preparation and recommendation of a Regional Agriculture Master Plan and Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Tool to the Edmonton Metropolitan Region Board in accordance with Policies a and b. The outcome will be to provide the Region s decisionmakers with a land use framework and tools to make decisions consistent with the principles and objectives of the Growth Plan. The Regional Agricultural Master Plan will provide certainty and flexibility for the existing agricultural sector and position the region to capitalize on future agricultural opportunities for the growth and sustainability of the sector for future generations. PROJECT DELIVERABLES As outlined in the Terms of Reference for the Project the key project deliverables are: Edmonton Metropolitan Region Agricultural Profile Edmonton Metropolitan Region Agricultural Master Plan Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Tool TERMS OF REFERENCE 1. AUTHORITY The Task Force shall be established by the Board and considered an advisory body to the Board and therefore must, by a passed motion, provide recommendation(s) to the Board for decision. Page 1 of 4 Page 4 of 34

5 Regional Agriculture Master Plan Task Force Terms of Reference 2. AMENDMENTS TO THE TERMS OF REFERENCE At any time, the Task Force may consider changes to these Terms of Reference and recommend the proposed changes to the Board for review and approval. 3. MEMBERSHIP The membership of the Task Force shall be comprised of elected municipal representation, the Province of Alberta and a Technical Committee, made up of a subset of a broader working group. Municipal Representation Edmonton 4 Counties 2 additional Urban members from within the Metropolitan Area 1 Provincial Representative (non voting) At least one representative from each type of municipality - Urban and County - must be a Board member. Appointment of Alternates Alternates for each appointed voting member of the Task Force municipality shall be identified. Regional Technical Advisory Committee (Non-voting) The Task Force will be supported by a Regional Technical Working Group with representation being determined based on the needs of the project. 4. TERM The term of the Task Force is from its establishment by the Board and will continue for two years with the expectation that the Regional Agriculture Master Plan and LESA tool will be recommended to the Board on or before June of APPOINTMENT AND TERM OF THE CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR Upon establishing the Task Force, the Task Force membership will appoint a Chair and Vice Chair. The Chair and Vice Chair must be appointed members of the Board. The Chair and Vice Chair shall be appointed for the term of the Task Force. 6. EX-OFFICIO a. The Board Chair will be considered non-voting ex-officio in the Task Force. b. The CEO will be considered non-voting in the Task Force. 7. DECISION MAKING a. Decisions, recommendations, and actions determined by the Task Force will be driven by the desired outcome to do what is in the best interest of the Edmonton Metropolitan Region. Only elected officials that are designated as voting members of the Task Force, or their designated Page 2 of 4 Page 5 of 34

6 Regional Agriculture Master Plan Task Force Terms of Reference alternates, may vote. Each member will have one vote. In the event of a tie, the motion is defeated. b. All motions must be moved by a voting member. Motions require a simple majority of members in attendance to pass (50 percent plus one). 8. QUORUM Quorum is defined as 50 percent plus one of standing membership and may include representation in person, or by telephone, or other telecommunication devices that permit participation. 9. DISPUTE RESOLUTION The Task Force Chair is accountable for ensuring effective and collaborative Task Force operations and decision-making. Where the Chair s efforts are unable to resolve a dispute, the matter will be brought to the Executive Committee first for discussion and resolution; however, if the Committee is unable to reach a decision, the matter will be forwarded to the Board for discussion and resolution. 10. SUPPORT/RESOURCES The Task Force will be supported by the Chief Executive Officer, a Project Manager assigned by the CEO from Board staff, Consultants as required, a Regional Technical Advisory Committee and a municipal administrative working group as established by the CEO. 11. COMMUNICATIONS The Chief Executive Officer will act as the single point of contact for all communications requests for the Task Force, and will determine the appropriate level of response required in consultation with the Task Force Chair. 12. MEETING FREQUENCY At the first meeting of the Task Force, a schedule of meetings will be established and approved by the Task Force. The frequency of the meetings will be established to align with the milestones and delivery dates of the project. Where warranted, the Task Force Chair may call a meeting outside of the approved schedule. 13. MEETING AGENDAS AND MINUTES a. All meeting agendas, minutes, reports, briefings and supporting materials will be provided in electronic format. b. In general, meeting agendas and pre-read materials will be provided at least one week in advance of a scheduled meeting. c. The Task Force will include its meeting minutes with the next Board meeting agenda package. 14. STATUS OF MEETINGS a. Task Force meetings are open to the public including all members of the Board (elected officials and their alternates), administrative representatives from all Board member municipalities and members of the public. The Task Force may invite individuals from the province, industry, the general public or other Board, Committee, Task Force members to participate in specific agenda items. Matters emerging and voted on by the Task Force will become a matter of public record. b. Section (1) of the Municipal Government Act (MGA) states that a committee may close all or part of its meetings to the public if a matter to be discussed falls within one of the Page 3 of 4 Page 6 of 34

7 Regional Agriculture Master Plan Task Force Terms of Reference exceptions to disclosure in Division 2 of Part 1 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. c. All members (elected and administrative) attending the in camera session shall respect the confidentiality of the in camera items. 15. REPORTING The Task Force is expected to provide the Board, through established communication channels and schedules, advice, descriptions and recommendations to resolve existing issues, status and progress as it relates to its mandate and expected deliverables. Page 4 of 4 Page 7 of 34

8 EMRB Item 4 REGIONAL AGRICULTURE MASTER PLAN TASK FORCE MEETING March 2, 2018 Page 8 of 34

9 1. Opening 1.1 Quorum 1.2 Call to Order 1.3 CEO s Opening Remarks Our Values: Respect Integrity Accountability Innovation Page 9 of 34

10 2. Approval of Agenda Recommended Motion: That the Regional Agriculture Master Plan Task Force approve the Agenda of March 2, 2018 as presented. 3 Page 10 of 34

11 3. Governance 3.1 Selection of the Chair 3.2 Selection of Vice Chair 3.3 Task Force Terms of Reference Our Values: Respect Integrity Accountability Innovation Page 11 of 34

12 3.1 Selection of Chair Recommended Motion: That the Regional Agriculture Master Plan Task Force appoint to the Chair position and recommend that the Edmonton Metropolitan Region Board endorse and reaffirm that appointment is effective March 2, Page 12 of 34

13 3.2 Selection of Vice Chair Recommended Motion: That the Regional Agriculture Master Plan Task Force appoint as Vice Chair. 6 Page 13 of 34

14 3.3 Task Force Terms Of Reference Recommended Motion: That the Regional Agriculture Master Plan Task Force review and reaffirm the Task Force Terms of Reference approved by the Edmonton Metropolitan Region Board. 7 Page 14 of 34

15 4. Regional Agriculture Master Plan 4.1 Context 4.2 Agriculture Policy Area 4.3 Engagement Strategy 4.4 Communications Plan Our Values: Respect Integrity Accountability Innovation Page 15 of 34

16 4.1 Context 9 Page 16 of 34

17 4.1 Context In the development of the Growth Plan the Board, reviewed the evolution of the urban footprint over the past 40 years; reviewed the absorption rate of country residential development; took a preliminary look at the range of land parcel sizes in the rural area to understand the extent of fragmentation and conversion occurring in the region; wrestled with the notion of rural sustainability versus sustainability of the agriculture sector; and recognized the sector is undergoing change due to technology and innovation, with associated implications. 10 Page 17 of 34

18 4.2 Agriculture Policy Area Agriculture Policy Area Identify a supply of Prime Ag land to conserve for future food security Reduce fragmentation and conversions of ag land Promote the growth and diversification of the agri-economy Regional Agriculture Master Plan a land evaluation and site assessment Rural Urban Guiding Principle Ensure the wise management of agricultural resources In the context of metropolitan growth, we will ensure the wise management of prime agricultural resources to continue a thriving agricultural sector. 11 Page 18 of 34

19 4.3 Engagement Strategy Agriculture Policy Area Identify a supply of Prime Ag land to conserve for future food security Reduce fragmentation and conversions of ag land Regional Agriculture Master Plan Rural Urban Regional Stakeholders? What is their role? Promote the growth and diversification of the agri-economy LESA Tool What changes with Urban Agriculture? 12 Page 19 of 34

20 4.3 Engagement Strategy DEFINITION The term stakeholder generally refers to any individual or group that, either positively or negatively, impacts or is a impacted by the decisions and actions of an organization. Stakeholders are often categorized into two groups based on direct or indirect impacts. Primary or Economic Stakeholders, as example Land Owners Farmers Investors Developers Business Owners Municipalities Provincial Government Secondary or External Stakeholders, as example Industry & Trade Associations Communities Academic Institutions Business Owners Municipalities Public First Nations 13 Page 20 of 34

21 4.3 EMRB GP Engagement Strategy Regional Engagement (RE) took different shapes and occurred in different forms throughout the process. RE was organic and flexible to respond to the needs of the project and were used to: 1. Create awareness, understanding and support; and 2. Validate and seek input on Plan direction and outcomes Note: The CRB was responsible for all costs outside of the project cost. 14 Page 21 of 34

22 Thoughts from the Working Group Potential Detractors Potential Collaborators Other Stakeholders Development Industry Support from the Rural Area- Fertilizer Plant Financial Institutions Real Estate Board Agronomists/ Biologists Universities Producers 4H Clubs Small producers- market gardens Ag Value Business Incubator - Leduc Ag Societies Food Banks Farmers- New Crop Restaurants / Grocers First Nations Land Economics Youth/ Different Cultures 15 Page 22 of 34

23 4.3 Definition Agriculture is defined as the growing, raising, managing and/or sale of livestock (cattle, pigs, horses, sheep, game animals, poultry [hens, chickens, turkey, chicks, game birds, other poultry]), crops (hay, field crops, tree fruits or nuts, berries or grapes, vegetables, seeds) foods or other agricultural products (e.g. trees, greenhouse or nursery products, mushrooms, sod, honey), horticulture and agri-food related value-added enterprises including education, motivated by either profit or lifestyle. 16 Page 23 of 34

24 4.3 Agriculture Continuum Urban Rural Patio/ Backyard / Rooftop Gardens Community Gardens Urban Farms Hydroponics.5 5 Acre Market Gardens 5-80 Acre Small Family Farm/ Recreational Acreages Acres Commercia l Farm Operations Fruit Vegetables Livestock bees, chickens, pigs Equine Fruit Vegetables Crops Hay, Seeds Livestock bees, cattle, bison, chickens, pigs, sheep Agri Tourism Equine 17 Page 24 of 34

25 4.3 Engagement Strategy Discussion Questions: 1. What perspectives do we need to understand to better inform the Regional Agriculture Master Plan? 2. Whom do we need (Person or Organization) to include in the conversation of a Regional Agriculture Master Plan? 18 Page 25 of 34

26 4.3 Worksheet Who are the Regional Stakeholders for this project? What type of engagement is envisioned for this project? Informed Consulted Participative Partner Who are the Regional stakeholders when we think about Urban Agriculture? 19 Page 26 of 34

27 4.3 Engagement Strategy Recommended Motion: That the Regional Agriculture Master Plan Task Force direct EMRB Administration to prepare a draft of the Engagement Strategy for review at the next Task Force meeting. 20 Page 27 of 34

28 4.4 Communications Plan 1. Is informed by the Engagement Strategy for the Project - Regional Stakeholders - Why are we talking to them 2. Generally, the extent of public facing engagement planned will inform - the type of communications plan needed - the types of communication vehicles best used - the frequency of communications - the Key Messages and Timing 21 Page 28 of 34

29 5. RFP Update Our Values: Respect Integrity Accountability Innovation Page 29 of 34

30 5. RFP Update Project Budget $268K Project scope for RAMP and LESA as per Growth Plan Engagement Plan for RAMP is currently outside of (not included) the Project Budget Future Considerations: Depending on the RFP responses: Change the project scope Look for additional Funding Regardless of the Project Cost, the Engagement Plan is unfunded and will require additional funding from the Board. 23 Page 30 of 34

31 6. Next Meeting March 29, :00-11:30 am Location TBC Page 31 of 34

32 7. Motion to Adjourn Recommended Motion: That the Regional Agriculture Master Plan Task Force meeting of March 2, 2018 be adjourned. 25 Page 32 of 34

33 7. Adjournment Our Values: Respect Integrity Accountability Innovation Page 33 of 34

34 Our Values: Respect Integrity Accountability Innovation Page 34 of 34