October 6, 2017…

October 6, 2017

Ms. Helma Geerts, Policy Advisor

Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

Policy Division

Food Safety and Environmental Policy Branch

1 Stone Road West, Floor 2

Guelph ON N1G 4Y2

RE:EBR Registry No. 013-0968, Release of draft Agricultural System Mapping and Implementation Procedures for Consultation

The Township of East Garafraxa submits the following comments related to the aforementioned EBR Registry Notice No. 013-0968.

The Township of East Garafraxa is a well-recognized agricultural community in the County of Dufferin. The Township of East Garafraxa’s land base is dominated by productive farmlands and viable agricultural operations. The Township of East Garafraxa has developed an Official Plan that meets the needs of the residents of the municipality, including the agricultural community, and protects the natural resource base that is so important to the municipality. The Township continues that process through its current Official Plan review.

The Township of East Garafraxa has designated Prime Agricultural Areas in their Official Plan. The identification of Prime Agricultural Areas was based on the results of detailed agricultural study. The study was the subject of mandatory and rigorous examination by the public and agencies including the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). It is the Township’s opinion that the accuracy of mapping of Prime Agricultural Areas, as set out in the municipal Official Plan must be acknowledged and supported by the Province.

The Township of East Garafraxa is of the view that the general mapping prepared by Province as part of the proposed Agricultural System for the Greater Golden Horseshoe does not provide an accurate reflection of the Agricultural System in the Township. The local mapping of Prime Agricultural Areas does not appear to have been appropriately considered by the Province in developing their mapping. In the Township’s view this local mapping is more accurate and reflective of local conditions and provides for appropriate stewardship and protection of the Township’s Agricultural System.

Further the Township of East Garafraxa is of the view that it is incumbent upon the Province and OMAFRA to defer the implementation of this proposed mapping until there has been significant and transparent municipal and public engagement by the Province and OMAFRA to ensure that concerns have been appropriately addressed. The Township of East Garafraxa is concerned that the draft Agricultural System Mapping appears to omit non-agricultural designations, including settlement areas, active recreational uses and long-standing industrial designated lands.

We thank you for consideration of these comments.

Yours very truly,

Susan Stone, AMCT

Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk-Treasurer

[Original Comment ID: 211147]