RE: ERO #019-6813 I am…

RE: ERO #019-6813

I am concerned about proposed policy changes and the impact they will have on agricultural lands in the province.
Ontario’s prime agricultural land is a finite, non-renewable resource that comprises less than 5% of Ontario’s land base. The growing rate of farmland loss in the province, (currently at a rate of 319 acres per day!), makes it more important than ever that provincial leaders take actions to protect this land.
Ontario’s farmland directly supports the agri-food sector, which is the largest economic sector in the province, employing more than 750,000 Ontarians along the supply chain and annually contributing over $47 billion to the province’s GDP.
Obviously, housing availability and affordability is important. However, policies proposed in PPS 2023 will not adequately address these needs. Instead, the proposed changes will create significant issues for the long-term viability of Ontario’s agri-food sector.

Agricultural Systems and the proposed PPS 2023
Previous requirements for municipalities in the Greater Golden Horseshoe are diluted in proposed changes. Encouraging municipalities to use the provincial agricultural system mapping is not enough. Specific requirements are needed to ensure municipalities have a clear understanding and appreciation of its purpose. The use of a provincial agricultural systems approach to planning is crucial to protect agricultural land, which provide economic and environmental benefits, protects the natural heritage as well as important hydrological features and functions.

Recommendation 1: Amend the language in the proposed PPS 2023 to require agricultural system mapping for all municipalities.

Recommendation 2: PPS 2023 must include requirements for municipalities to use provincial guidelines to designate prime agricultural areas and specialty crop areas.

Recommendation 3: Remove S.4.3.3 in its entirety as it undermines and contradicts the notion of a contiguous agricultural system.

Recommendation 4: Remove S.4.3.3.2 to allow rural and agricultural communities the ability to properly protect agricultural systems, rural character, and implement local context into their official plans and zoning by-laws.

These changes will help to ensure the long-term viability of agriculture in Ontario, while protecting the agri-food sector’s significant contributions to the province’s GDP and employment.