District of Saanich, Clerks Office, Peninsula Agricultural Commission ...

Peninsula Agricultural Commission May 8, 2008
videographer to make a film of Peninsula farms and their irrigation, composting and harvesting
practices. Likely an honorarium would be required.
AGRICULTURAL STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION – Sub-Committee Updates
Farm Economics – Terry Michell/Phil Christensen – nothing to report
Agricultural land Base – Bob Maxwell /Chris Gosling
Mr. Gosling stated:
� Housing Mexican and other foreign seasonal farm workers is going to become an issue.
� We could grow more food on the Island if we had the labour required.
� Reasonably priced motels are not available during the summer months.
− Councillor Gillespie noted that N. Saanich is considering legalizing secondary suites to
help address the issue.
− Councillor Bryson stated that Policy 12 of the C. Saanich draft OCP looks at criteria to
support temporary accommodation for farm workers – and this is a good start.
− Some members thought the nematode restriction in C. Saanich is unfair and unjustified; it
should be changed. Farmers should have the right to grow potatoes; there are many
different varieties that are resistant to nematodes; he will bring some material to present at
the next meeting.
Resource Stewardship – Phil Christensen – nothing to report
Education - Flora Wood – nothing to report
Regulations – Ruby Commandeur – nothing to report
AGRICULTURAL ISSUES – CURRENT – nothing new to report
AGRICULTURAL ISSUES - NEW
a) Information from Ministry of Agriculture & Lands re 2009 Agricultural Advisory workshops
from Brent van Dalfsen, Manager of the Strengthening Farming Programme; the link for the
information was email to PAC members.
b) Frank Edgell provided information on the June 5 Integrated Water Management Meeting.
The Agenda was emailed to PAC members.
Next Meeting: The next PAC meeting will be held on THURSDAY, JUNE12, 2008 at 7:30 p.m.
Committee Room No. 2, Saanich Municipal Hall.
Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 9:42 p.m.
I hereby certify that these Minutes are correct.
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