Peel Federation of Agriculture wants input on planning documents

April 27, 2014 · 0 Comments

The Provincial government will soon be reviewing certain planning documents, such as the Niagara Escarpment legislation and plan, the Oak Ridges Moraine legislation, the Greenbelt plan and others.
The Peel Federation of Agriculture (PFA) wants to know how these documents are affecting rural and agricultural development, and they want to hear from both members and non-members. PFA is developing a response that will include illustrations of inconsistencies that challenge rural entrepreneurs when applying to expand, redevelop or otherwise modify their operations as part of the continuing evolution of the industry that supports the rural area of Peel Region.
“Duplication of regulatory authorities and overlap in jurisdiction has created a maze of bureaucracy that adds unnecessary cost through time delays, the need to hire professionals to do studies and more,” commented David Lyons, chair of PFA’s Property and Environment Committee. “The added costs will make some proposals and projects impossible to implement due to viability concerns. If Peel is to have a future as a significant contributor to the economic well-being of the region, it must have clear understandable and practical regulations that can be implemented without added cost.”
Those who have examples of applications that have caused frustration with added cost due to delay, need for costly studies, or outright denial of the opportunity for proposals to move forward in the rural area, PFA needs to hear those stories. The federation will protect rights to privacy if requested, or will become an advocate if possible.
People are asked to forward their thoughts to PFA by email to peelfederationofagriculture@gmail.com or by phone to PFA Secretary at Danette Woodworth at 905-702-8783.