new rod economic development - oshawaapp.oshawa.ca/agendas/city_council/2014/2014_05_20/rf3... ·...

The Regional

Municipality of Durham

Planning and Economic Development Department

Planning Division

605 ROSSLAND RD E 4Tgtlt FLOOR PO BOX 623 WHITBY ON L 1 N 6A3 CANADA 905-668-771 1 1-800-372-1102 Fax 905-666-6208 Email p lanningdurhamca

wwwdurhamca

AL Georgieff MCIP RPP Commissioner of Planning and Economic Development

May 1 2014

Ms S Krane Clerk City of Oshawa 50 Centre Street South Oshawa ON L 1 H 3Z7

Re Agriculture and Rural Affairs Economic Development Update Commissioners Report No 2014-EDT-18

Ms Krane at their meeting held on April 29 2014 the Durham Regional Planning amp Economic Development Committee considered the above matter

Enclosed for your information is a copy of Commissioners Report No 2014-EDT-18 Should you have any questions or wish to discuss the report please contact Nancy Rutherford Manager Economic Development Agriculture amp Rural Affairs at 905-668-7711 ext 2609 or at nancyrutherforddurhamca

Yours truly

Kathy Weiss Director Economic Development amp Tourism

KWmrf

Encl

If this information is required in an accessible format please contact the Accessibility Co-ordinator at 1-800-372-1102 ext 2009

The Regional Municipality of Durham To The Planning amp Economic Development Committee From Commissioner of Planning and Economic Development Report No 2014-EDT-18 Date April292014

SUBJECT

Agriculture and Rural Affairs Economic Development Update

RECOMMENDATION

THAT Commissioners Report No 2014-EDT-18 be received for information

REPORT

1 PURPOSE

11 The purpose of this report is to provide an update on the various agricultural and rural economic development initiatives that are currently being undertaken by staff of the Planning and Economic Development Department

12 The health of the agricultural and rural economy is of critical importance to the Region The key Regional objectives with respect to Agricultural and Rural Affairs are to

bull support the agricultural community by partnering in programs that promote the agricultural industry

bull support the rural community by promoting local business retention and expansion as well as new investment opportunities and

bull inform the public about the various industry business activities and projects taking place in the rural areas of the Region

13 Given the extent of the initiatives currently underway this report is organized under the following three broad headings

bull Support to the Agricultural Community

bull Support to the Rural Community and

Report No 2014-EDT-18 Page No2

bull Outreach and Education

2 SUPPORTING THE AGRICULTURAL COMMUNITY

21 Durham Region has approximately 120191 hectares (297000 acres) of prime agricultural land supporting a highly productive and diverse agriculture industry Agriculture is the largest primary goods producing sector in the Region accounting for approximately $270 million in annual gross farm receipts

22 The Regions agricultural industry not only includes large capacity commodity crops but has expanded to include new biomass crops for the next generation of energy biofuels and chemicals Additionally new crops are being introduced to meet the growing demand from our culturally diversifying population Opportunities will continue to develop for value-added and valueshyreta ined agricultural products

23 Durhams livestock breeders are world renowned for the quality of their livestock genetics

24 Food-processing continues to expand by capitalizing on the Regions many advantages namely proximity to markets safe high quality food inputs and complementary industry clusters This sectors investment attraction focus includes opportunities for locating bio-based value-added food-processing and manufacturing in the Region

25 While many opportunities exist Durhams agricultural industry faces challenges including food safety security and traceability scientific and technological changes nutrient management changes in consumer demand environmental protection urbanization foreign competition and market value

26 To better understand and support the agricultural industry Regional staff have completed a number of project and studies most of which are now in the implementation stages These projects and studies include

bull Durham Region Agricultural Strategy (2013-2018) and associated Action Plans

bull Abattoir Feasibility Study and Business Plan


bull Cold Storage Facility Feasibility Study and Business Case

bull Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Alliance (GHFFA) Agri-Food Asset Mapping Project and

bull Agricultural Sector Economic Profile

27 In addition to the above projects and studies the following initiatives are also underway

bull the formation of the Leading Livestock Genetics (LLG) Alliance

bull ongoing support of the Durham Farm Fresh Marketing Association and Durham Farm Connections and

bull the investigation of a culinary tourism strategy

Agricultural Strategies

28 Two foundation documents have been developed to better understand and support the agricultural industry in Durham Region

i) In March of 2011 a strategy to develop and enhance the agri-food industry was completed This strategy made a number of recommendations regarding the sustainability of food processing in the Region

ii) On June 26 2013 Regional Council endorsed the Durham Region Agricultural Strategy (2013 - 2018) This strategy aims to assist the agrishyfood industry in Durham by

bull attracting retaining and expanding agriculture and agri-food business

bull promoting outreach and education

bull maintaining a supportive policy environment and

bull supporting the agricultural labour force


Abattoir Feasibility Study and Business Plan

29 In 2013 the Abattoir Feasibility Study and Business Plan were completed This project was undertaken in partnership with The Durham Region Cattlemens Association to determine if a federally-inspected abattoir is viable in the Region

210 Currently there are no federally-inspected abattoirs from Highway 400 easterly to the Quebec border Only two Provincially-inspected facilities operate in Durham Region The Feasibility Study showed that an opportunity exists for Durham Region to be considered as a location for a federallyshyinspected abattoir Such a facility in Durham would enable local producers to gain entry into the larger grocers and export markets At present investment interests are being investigated A coalition of red meat producers has formed to market their local brand of higher quality meat production

Cold Storage Facility Feasibility Study and Business Case

211 The Regions 2011 agri-food strategy identified the need for a cold storage and produce distribution facility in Durham

212 Currently there are no federally-registered cold storage facilities available in Durham Region (except a private facility for Loblaws) Whi le Durhams Agrishybusiness has access to the GTA transportation costs are a major operating expense for our local industry

213 A survey was conducted with potential users of a new cold storage facility The survey found that while most have their own cold storage capacity roughly one-third currently use outside services and anticipate expanded needs in the future Important for Durham is the need for more chilled space than frozen space and a federally-inspected facility offering competitive rates and value-added services

214 A stakeholder meeting was held in January 2014 to gain further insight into the identifying a potential cold storage provider A decision on the proposed facility is pending

Report No 2014-EDI-18 Page No5

Leading Livestock Genetics (LLG) Alliance

215 In 2013 the Region of Durham City of Kawartha Lakes and County of Peterborough partnered with local dairy cattle and goat breeders to form the Leading Livestock Genetics Alliance (LLG) promoting genetics (embryo and livestock) for export The LLG Alliance was formed with the intent of improving profitability herd health marketing experience and expanding global market opportunities through effective marketing education research and promotion

216 The Region continues to support the initiatives of the LLG Alliance through financial and in-kind support Staff attend the LLG Alliance Board meetings and provide assistance at various tradeshows including the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair In addition Regional staff promote LLG All iance initiatives at Regional events and through missions abroad where possible

Durham Farm Fresh (OFF) Marketing Association

217 The Region continues to support the Durham Farm Fresh (OFF) Marketing Association helping to grow the local food movement and strengthen the agriculture sector On-going support from staff is provided through regular attendance at DFF events and meetings

3 SUPPORTING THE RURAL COMMUNITY

3 1 Several rura l economic development activities and initiatives are underway in Durham The Regions Economic Development and Tourism Division is working with numerous partners and networks including with the Business Advisory Centre Durham (BACD) Spark and the three north local Economic Development Advisory Committees (EDACs) to advance these initiatives Activities and project undertaken include

bull Vibrant North Durham Economic Development Plan 2013-2018

bull Scugog Business Retention and Expansion Study 2013

bull Downtown Beaverton Revitalization

bull Shop Brock bull North Durham Building Business Forum (BBF)

bull Brocks Big Bite


bull Uxbridge Site Selector update and

middot bull Uxbridge Ambassador program

Vibrant North Durham Economic Development Plan 2013-2018

32 In 2010 the Regions three northern Townships partnered with Durham Region and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) to prepare an Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (ICSP) This Plan was developed in consultation with key stakeholders and has led to the development of a number of Implementation Plans The ICSP also identified the need for a coordinated economic development strategy

33 In 2013 Brock Scugog and Uxbridge Councils adopted the Vibrant North Durham Economic Development Plan 2013- 2018 The Plan is based on four strategies

bull Be Open for Business

bull Inspire and Support Entrepreneurship

bull Create a Vibrant Future for Young Adults and

bull Build a Stronger Rural and Small Town Identity

34 On an ongoing basis staff work with local Economic Development Advisory Committees to implement the strategy through initiatives including the Building Business Forum and Council business tours

Business Retention and Expansion (BRampE) Programs

35 A significant share of new employment growth comes from existing businesses Business Retention and Expansion (BRampE) programs connect with the local business community to understand their needs and work with them to enhance their long-term prosperity The outcome of a successful BRampE program is typicallymiddot a stronger local business sector base and local employment growth

36 In 2013 the Region coordinated a BR+E program in the Township of Scugog A total of 114Scugog business owners were interviewed and five key areas of action were identified to improve business development opportunities in


Scugog The key areas which align with the Vibrant North Durham strategies are as follows

bull build relationships between government and businesses that support an open for business environment

bull support business development and expansion to inspire entrepreneurship

bull invest in culture and heritage to celebrate our identity and foster business development

bull grow a talented workforce to create a vibrant future of business opportunities andmiddot

bull continually improve infrastructure to serve the needs of businesses residents and tourists

37 Staff are working with the Township to assist in implementing the Action Plan Committee received details of this project earlier this year (Report No 2014-EDT-2)

Downtown Beaverton Revitalization

38 The Beaverton Downtown Revitalization lnitiative called Beaverton 180 (B180) was a tWo-year (2012-14) community-based project led by volunteers to enhance and promote the historical environmental and cultural well-being of downtown Beaverton

39 Provincial funding for the B180 project ended on March 31 2014 An application to promote community-based downtown revitalization efforts in Cannington and Sunderland was made to the Province in February 2014 This project known as Shop Brock is also seeking support from the Southlake Community Futures Development Corporation The Region is a partner in this expanded initiative

North Durham Building Business Forum (BBF)

310 The BBF is an annual event led by Brock Scugog and Uxbridge to inspire entrepreneurship share success stories and inform businesses on best practices in the rural community Economic Development and Tourism staff provide ongoing in-kind support to this annual event


311 The 2014 event will be hosted by the Township of Scugog on May 28 at the Nestleton Waters Inn

North Durham Career Fair

312 Economic Development and Tourism staff are working with UOIT Durham College and Durham Workforce Authority to bring a north Durham Career Fair to the businesses in rural and agricultural areas of Durham The Fair will raise awareness of gaps in training necessary to meet business needs as well as provide information on educational programs and opportunities

4 OUTREACH AND EDUCATION

41 Outreach and educational initiatives range from the distribution of printed materials to activities that are specifically designed to inform the public about the Regions agricultural industry and rural economy Examples of these initiatives are summarized below

Community Profiles and Site Selector Information Packages

42 The availability of community profiles and site selector information packages is essential to the attraction of new business investment To assist with investm~nt attraction profiles and site information packages as well local business directories for north Durham are developed and maintained The intent is to ensure that business investors have readily available information to make decisions on new investment opportunities

Farm Connections

43 In 2006 Farm Connections began as a Grade 3 agricultural education program initiated by a group of farmers In its ninth year the curriculumshybased program continues to grow Each year over 1 200 students and their teachers from elementary schools across the Region get to be a farmer for a day and learn about agriculture from Durham farmersmiddot They rotate through stations that include hands-on demonstrations and live animal exhibits The program also includes an Open House for the public parents and children to become more aware of the significances of agriculture in Durham


44 In 2010 Farm Connections expanded to include a one-day event for high school science students The students rotate through agriculture-themed interactive stations Each station is designed to expose students to the science and technology of agriculture and encourage their consideration of careers in the agri-business field

45 Farm Connections volunteers have also worked to create an overall Agriculture Education Strategy to bring all branches of agriculture education under one umbrella so that these initiatives run more effectively In 2011 Farm Connections received a Trillium Grant to help fund these education initiatives As part of this initiative Farm Connections has run a number of educational workshops for the agricultural community including topics such as How to work with the Media Running Effective Meetings and Mobile

Technology for Agriculture

46 Regional staff provide on-going financial and in-kind support to these initiatives as they align with the Regions Agricultural Strategy and education and awareness building objectives

Greater Toronto Area Agricultural Action Committee (GTA AAC) and Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Alliance (GHFFA) Agri-Food Asset Mapping Project

47 The Region continues to support the activities of both the GTA AAC and the GHFFA leading many of the initiatives of the Regional Working Groups that support both bodies

48 The Golden Horseshoe Agri-Food Asset Mapping Project addresses an action identified in the GHFFAs Action Plan The mapping will provide an inventory of food and farming businesses throughout Durham and across the Golden Horseshoe Currently the data has been assembled into a centralized database to be managed through a data sharing agreement

49 The Golden Horseshoe Agricultural Sector Economic Profile is underway The result of this project will be a comprehensive profile of agriculture in the Golden Horseshoe Specific to Durham the profile will include details on the number area ownership commodity and gross cash receipts of farms locally

Report No 2014-EDT-18 Page No 10

Council Business Tours

410 In partnership with the Townships of Brock and Scugog staff hosted the annual local business tours to educate Council senior staff and stakeholders about the rural economy In 2013 approximcitely 30 participants attended each tour

Tri-Economic Development Advisory Committee Meetings

411 Efforts to promote and support economic development in north Durham is assisted by the local Economic Development Advisory Committees (EDAC) of the Townships of Brock Scugog and Uxbridge The composition of these Committees is representative of their local business sectors They meet together annually at a tri-EDAC meeting The purpose is to share best practices information update other committees on local projects and be educated on economic development initiatives The 2014 meeting will be hosted by the Township of Scugog in the Fall

Workshops

412 The Economic Development and Tourism Division offers a number of educational workshops and training opportunities each year to the agriculture and rural stakeholders often in partnership with other organizations These workshops include but are not limited to social media training marketing customer service product development and safe food handling practices

413 The Business Advisory Centre of Durham (BACD) continues to support the Agriculture and Rural communities by expanding the how to start a small business workshop The intent is to provide more business support services to entrepreneurs in rural communities

5 CONCLUSION

51 The ongoing health of the agricultural industry and rural communities is essential to the economy of the Region The Economic Development and Tourism Division is very active in supporting a variety of activities aimed at enhancing the ongoing viability of agriculture and the broader economy of Durhams rural areas Committee will be kept up-to-date on this portfolio on a regular basis

52

Report No 2014EDT18 Page No 11

A copy of Commissioners Report No 2014-EDT-18 will be forwarded to the area municipalities the local Economic Development Advisory Committees and the Durham Agricultural Advisory Committee for their information

AL Georgieff MCIP RPP Commissimiddotoner of Planning and Economic Development

The Regional Municipality of Durham To The Planning amp Economic Development Committee From Commissioner of Planning and Economic Development Report No 2014-EDT-18 Date April292014

SUBJECT

Agriculture and Rural Affairs Economic Development Update

RECOMMENDATION

THAT Commissioners Report No 2014-EDT-18 be received for information

REPORT

1 PURPOSE

11 The purpose of this report is to provide an update on the various agricultural and rural economic development initiatives that are currently being undertaken by staff of the Planning and Economic Development Department

12 The health of the agricultural and rural economy is of critical importance to the Region The key Regional objectives with respect to Agricultural and Rural Affairs are to

bull support the agricultural community by partnering in programs that promote the agricultural industry

bull support the rural community by promoting local business retention and expansion as well as new investment opportunities and

bull inform the public about the various industry business activities and projects taking place in the rural areas of the Region

13 Given the extent of the initiatives currently underway this report is organized under the following three broad headings

bull Support to the Agricultural Community

bull Support to the Rural Community and





















































































Farm Connections
















Workshops



5 CONCLUSION


52
























































































Farm Connections
















Workshops



5 CONCLUSION


52


















Workshops



5 CONCLUSION


52




52




new rod economic development - oshawaapp.oshawa.ca/agendas/city_council/2014/2014_05_20/rf3... ·...

Documents