Greens standing up to protect Ontario's farmland

submitted by Steve Gabell, GPO

Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes Ontario Greens President Steve Gabell released the following statement in response to the government's proposed Bill 97:

"Ontario’s farmland is a vital resource and once it is gone it’s gone forever. Ontario’s farmers have a clear message for the Ford government: to farm, we need farmland.

Food and farming is a $50 billion economic powerhouse. It fuels our economy, supports rural communities, and strengthens our food security. It is a cornerstone of the way of life in rural areas like Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands & Rideau Lakes.

Our farmland is some of the best in North America, but only 5% of the province is farmland, and under Doug Ford’s PC government, we’re losing 319 acres every day.

With Bill 97, the Ford government is planning to further weaken protections on farmland, allowing more residential building in prime agricultural areas. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture and National Farmers Union are warning that these changes would fragment and permanently remove farmland from productive agricultural use and limit farm business growth.

Ontario Greens know there’s clear value in our food and farming sector. We know how important it is to residents of Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands & Rideau Lakes. We stand with the agricultural leaders across the province fighting to protect it. "

Ontario Greens’ MPP and Leader Mike Schreiner said “we are calling on Ford to walk back on Bill 97 and the proposed provincial planning statement, to permanently protect Ontario’s prime farmland, and to step up and solve the housing crisis by building affordable homes in caring, connected communities where people actually want to live.”

• Friday, June 2, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. (Closed Session) – Catered Affairs

• Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. (Open Session) – Council Chambers

• Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. (Open Session) –Council Chambers

• Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. (Open Session) – Council Chambers

COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Committees may be meeting in-person or virtually. Please see the Committee agenda for details on how to attend. Agendas can be found on the Municipal website at www.northgrenville.ca/meetings

• Community and Economic Development Advisory Committee –Monday, June 5, 2023 at 3:30 p.m.

• Agriculture and Rural Affairs Advisory Committee – Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at 4:15 p.m.

• Health, Wellness, and Fitness Advisory Committee – Monday, June 12, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.

• Heritage Advisory Committee – Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at 4:30 p.m.

Volunteer And Employment Opportunities

Advisory Committees

The Accessibility Advisory Committee currently has room to accommodate more members. Visit northgrenville.ca/committees for more information on how to apply. For questions, please contact the Clerk by email at clerk@northgrenville.on.ca or by telephone at 613-258-9569 ext 171

Civic Awards Ceremony

The Civic Awards Program was established to recognize and honour the contributions and dedication of individuals and groups who make outstanding contributions to improving the quality of life for all those living and working in North Grenville.

Council will be hosting the 2022 Civic Awards ceremony and reception on Thursday, June 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the North Grenville Municipal Centre. Civic Award recipients, family, friends, colleagues and members of the public are all invited and encouraged to attend. Light refreshments will be served.

North Grenville In Bloom

North Grenville is participating in Communities in Bloom, which is a non-profit organization that aims to improve the aesthetic appeal of communities across Ontario. North Grenville is looking for residents and businesses to participate by sharing photos and details of their blooms. We will be putting together a profile book and tour of the community for the judges visiting the second week of August.

If you’re interested in taking part in the initiative, including contributing to the profile book, tour, or submitting your beautiful photos of local gardens and landscapes, visit the North Grenville in Bloom project page on northgrenville.ca/projects. For more information, contact vision@northgrenville.on.ca.