Dear Ms. Gerts,…

Dear Ms. Gerts,

Thank you for the opportunity to review OMAFRA’s draft Agricultural System Mapping and Implementation Procedures (EBR number 013-0968). The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport acknowledges references made to the importance of conserving cultural heritage resources (CHRs) and the cultural heritage value of agricultural areas. Building on this, the ministry sees an opportunity to incorporate CHRs in the implementation procedures, more specifically in the Area Review (AR). The Implementation Procedures document should encourage municipalities to include CHRs among the factors considered in AR.

Cultural heritage resources include archaeological sites, built heritage resources, and cultural heritage landscapes. Incorporation of archaeological sites data, or information from municipal archaeological management plans, may help identify areas that should remain in agricultural use. Mapping the location of built heritage or cultural heritage resources designated under the Ontario Heritage Act into AR may also help reinforce some agricultural uses. We also note that these resources may support agri-business and agri-tourism.

Agricultural System mapping and implementation procedures can create room for municipalities to support and build policies around the conservation of, for example, small scale farms, or communities with strong connections to farming such as the Amish and Mennonite. There is historical relevance when preserving these practises and locations. Acknowledging relevant CHRs can help create a network of information, for both the municipality and the province.

Thank you,

MTCS

[Original Comment ID: 211085]