Minutes

Agricultural Advisory Committee

Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 9:00 A.m. - 11:00 A.m.

Electronic Meeting

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1.

Call to Order

The Agricultural Advisory Committee met electronically on the above date. The Chair called the meeting to order at 9:01 a.m.

Committee Present: Chair Lorie Smith, Councillor Keaveney, Councillor McQueen, Members Dianne Booker, Carrie Davenport, Simon DeBoer, Blair Freeman, Brenda Hsueh, Keith Reid, and Chris Strutt

Staff Present: Randy Scherzer, CAO; Scott Taylor, Director of Planning; Savanna Myers, Director of Economic Development, Tourism and Culture; Shaun Anthony, Operations Manager Transportation Services; Linda Swanston, Climate Change Manager; Megan Myles, Sustainability Planning Program Coordinator; Rob Hatten, Communications Manager; Tara Warder, Clerk; and Brittany Rier, Deputy Clerk.

Regrets: Councillor Hutchinson, Councillor Mackey, Warden Matrosovs and Member Gail Ardiel.

2.

Declaration of Interest

There were no declarations of interest. 

3.

Delegations

4.

Items For Direction or Discussion

4.a

Cutting of Ash and Elm Trees and Removal on Roadsides

Shaun Anthony, Operations Manager for Transportation Services, gave an overview regarding cutting of ash and elm trees and removal on roadsides. He shared that the County runs a tree crew from April to October to remove hazardous trees from the right of way. The department has seen an increase in this work over the last few years resulting in an increase to the brushing budget recently. He noted that the body wood is left for firewood scavengers to pick up. Shaun Anthony noted the area supervisor will patrol the area if there is any wood left behind and crews will remove it.

The Committee further discussed how land owners can help with removal. The Operations Manager noted that County staff are limited in what can be done beyond the right of way. Land owners must do their share on private property. Staff are also not expected to work alongside hydro-lines and will send requests to the appropriate utility, such as Hydro or Bell.

4.b

West Grey/Hanover Boundary Adjustment

Scott Taylor, Director of Planning, presented on the recent news of a boundary adjustment for both West Grey and Hanover. Both West Grey and Hanover have been working together to develop a Mutual Prosperity Boundary Adjustment proposal. A Memorandum of Understanding has been executed to establish a restructuring proposal framework for proceeding with next steps under the Municipal Act. Approximately 1600 acres at the north east end of Hanover are proposed to move from West Grey's jurisdiction to Hanover. Director Taylor noted that these lands are not owned by the Municipality and are privately owned lands. Hanover will provide financial compensation to West Grey due to the loss of tax assessment. 

Warden Matrosovs joined the meeting at 9:25 a.m.

The Committee discussed the appraised values of the lands and if the value will change when they move from West Grey to Hanover. Randy Scherzer, CAO, noted that this will need to be one of the next steps if both the Councils and relevant provincial ministers approve the restructuring order. Once the lands are zoned, they typically see changes in terms of property value.

The Committee discussed the logical location for growth. It was noted that those residents that would like to continue farming are able to do so as long as they wish.

4.c

CAOR-AAC-19-25 Experimental Acres Program - 2025 Update

Member Chris Strutt left the meeting at 9:43 a.m.

Linda Swanston, Climate Change Manager, introduced the Experimental Acres Program noting a growth in the number of acres that are touched since the program started in 2023 impacting 440 acres over 19 projects.

Emily McKague of Grey Ag Services gave an update on the Experimental Acres Program for 2025 sharing that six producers participated in the program this year across the County.

• AAC05-25
  Moved by: Member Hsueh
  Seconded by: Councillor Keaveney

  That Report CAOR-AAC-19-25 regarding the Experimental Acres 2025 program outcomes and next steps be received for information.

  Carried

4.d

Deadstock Removal

Scott Taylor, Director of Planning, discussed a webinar he attended earlier this month with regards to deadstock disposal requirements for farmers and options available to them. He noted a future slide deck from OMAFA will be shared with the Agricultural Advisory Committee providing more information.

5.

Round Table Discussion

5.a

Sector Trends and Challenges

Member Carrie Davenport left the meeting at 10:32 a.m.

Member Keith Reid noted the upcoming proposed changes to Conservation Authorities within Ontario and the unknown that will come with this. He noted the commenting period for residents to provide feedback. The Committee noted the commenting period closes on December 11th giving minimal time to provide feedback.

The Committee discussed the positives and negatives of the living snow fence project, and how to make this more appealing to land owners. The Committee noted prior issues with requirements on the placement of the trees and how it will be more difficult for farming. It was also noted that farmers are cautious of the 20-year agreement, and issues with the tile drainage and placement of the trees.

County staff noted their work on finding ways to improve the program and how to make it more appealing. The Committee discussed the option of using tall grasses where County staff noted this is an option that is being looked into.

The Committee discussed if there will be more ground mount solar projects proposed and how these projects will move forward. Scott Taylor noted that staff will bring back this item for discussed to the first meeting in 2026.

6.

Correspondence

6.a

Farm Transition Planning Reference

Scott Taylor shared a resource guide from Wellington County for farm transition planning. Savanna Myers, Director of Economic Development, Tourism and Culture noted new training and programs coming forward for staff around succession and transition planning in early 2026 to learn more about this.

The Committee discussed the importance of farm succession planning well-ahead of time to ensure continued success of the farm.

6.b

Call for Stories

Linda Swanston, Climate Change Manager, and Director Myers shared the upcoming traveling exhibit coming to Grey Roots in May of 2026 titled "Wild Weather". Staff encouraged residents to bring forward any firsthand experiences in regards to the weather and the environment over the years for inclusion in the exhibit.

7.

Other Business

Randy Scherzer, CAO, took a moment to thank Chair Lorie Smith for all her work with the Agricultural Advisory Committee and her role at Grey Ag Services and wished her well in her retirement.

Tara Warder, Clerk, noted that appointments to the Committee will conclude in 2026 and that an election for Chair and Vice-Chair will occur at the first meeting in 2026.

Chair Lorie Smith noted that Grey Bruce Farmer's Week is happening in January 2026. 

Warden Matrosovs left the meeting at 10:59 a.m.

8.

Next Meeting Date

Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.

9.

Adjournment

On motion of Councillor Milne, the Agricultural Advisory Committee adjourned at 11:01 a.m. to the call of the Chair.