Body: Council Type: Agenda Meeting: Regular Date: December 14, 2017 Collection: Council Agendas Municipality: Frontenac County
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Community Development Advisory Committee Meeting Thursday, December 14, 2017 – 10:00 a.m. Bud Clayton Memorial Room, 2069 Battersea Road, Glenburnie, ON
AGENDA Page 1.
Call to Order
Adoption of the Agenda a) That the agenda for the December 14, 2017 meeting of the Community Development Advisory Committee be adopted.
Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
Adoption of Minutes a) Minutes of Meeting held October 12, 2017
3-7
That the minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee meeting held October 12, 2017 be adopted.
8 - 14
Deputations and/or Presentations
Reports to the Community Development Advisory a) 2017-150 Community Development Advisory Committee Wayfinding Signage along the K&P Trail Be It Resolved That the Community Development Advisory Committee approve the proposed wayfinding signage for the Frontenac K&P Trail attached as Appendix A to this report. And Further That the Community Development Advisory Committee recommend staff proceed with option ____ in reference to the inclusion of local businesses on wayfinding signage for the Frontenac K&P Trail.
15 - 20
b)
2017-151 Community Development Advisory Committee Ferry by Foot 2018 Implementation This report is for information purposes only.
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c)
2017-152 Community Development Advisory Committee Emerging Opportunity for Hazelnuts in Ontario This report is for information purposes only.
Communications
Other Business
Next Meeting
Adjournment
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AGENDA ITEM #a)
Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee Meeting October 12, 2017 A meeting of the Community Development Advisory Committee was held in the Bud Clayton Memorial Room, County Administrative Office, 2069 Battersea Road, Glenburnie on Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 10:00 AM Committee Members Present: Robert Clinton, Chair Betty Hunter, Vice-Chair Barrie Gilbert Tracy John Councillor John McDougall, Council Liaison Deputy Warden Ron Higgins Regrets Wilma Kenny Staff Present: Richard Allen, Manager of Economic Development Alison Vandervelde, Community Development Officer (Recording Secretary) 1.
Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 10:01 2.
Adoption of the Agenda
Moved By: Seconded By:
Councillor McDougall Deputy Warden Higgins
That the agenda for the October 12, 2017 meeting of the Community Development Advisory Committee be adopted. Carried 3.
Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
There were none
Minutes of Meeting held October 12, 2017
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AGENDA ITEM #a)
Adoption of Minutes a)
Minutes of Meeting held August 10, 2017
Moved By: Seconded By:
Ms. Hunter Deputy Warden Higgins
That the minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee meeting held August 10, 2017 be adopted. Carried 5.
Deputations and/or Presentations
Reports to the Community Development Advisory a)
2017-125 Community Development Advisory Committee Frontenac Ambassador Program – 1 Year Review The committee discussed the report and supported the need for an innovative approach to encouraging residents to shop locally. Councillor McDougall suggested that a study comparing the cost of items locally vs. at big box stores could help to communicate the value of shopping local. Ms. John spoke of her work on the Shop South Frontenac campaign (www.shopsouthfrontenac.ca) that petered out because of a lack of support from the municipal level. She feels the work being done now through the Frontenac Ambassador program is very important to implementing a successful campaign. Mr. Clinton suggested that shopping locally is much more affordable when consumers shop for in-season items. Encouraging in-season shopping habits could be part of a “shop local” campaign. Some committee members suggested that it can be difficult for people to know what is available in their community. Making it really easy for residents to know what is right in their own backyard could impact shopping habits. Deputy Warden Higgins suggested a formal recognition program for new and expanded businesses can hold great value.
Community Development Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes October 12, 2017
Minutes of Meeting held October 12, 2017
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AGENDA ITEM #a)
The committee discussed options for municipal policies to be more supportive of using local vendors. Deputy Warden Higgins was supportive of the report and acknowledged the amount of work done over the past year, he also suggested the Brand Ambassadors need to be the ones developing the direction of the program. The committee expressed its support for the draft goals of the program and general direction proposed. b)
2017-126 Community Development Advisory Committee Engagement Plan for Verona Trailhead Councillor McDougall suggested hosting a contest for site design with a small monetary prize. The committee discussed motorized trail use vs. non-motorized and reconfirmed the direction given at the last meeting to consult the public before decisions are made. This can be a highly debated topic, and the approach will require compromise and a respect of opinions. Ms. John indicated that, despite improved trails, parking lots, and signage, people are still walking along the side of the road. This can be quite dangerous on winding country roads, and along busy roads where traffic moves quickly.
c)
2017-127 Community Development Advisory Committee K&P Trail Tichborne to Sharbot Lake Construction Progress Report The committee discussed the financial implications in the recent Council report and the reasons for departing from the original trail bed. They also discussed the possibility of Frontenac Islands and North Frontenac Townships receiving equity funding if the County levy is impacted by increased trail expenses. Deputy Warden Higgins clarified that the costing details of the program have not been finalized and are still to be presented to County Council. Mr. Allen noted that staff will bring forward to the next meeting a progress report on work being done to specifically benefit Frontenac Islands Township.
Community Development Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes October 12, 2017
Minutes of Meeting held October 12, 2017
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AGENDA ITEM #a)
d)
2017-128 Community Development Advisory Committee Goat Milk in the Frontenacs – Next Steps Moved By: Ms. Hunter Seconded By: Deputy Warden Higgins Be It Resolved That the Community Development Advisory Committee accept and receive this report; And Further That staff be directed to continue to collaborate with Kingston Economic Development, City of Kingston, OMAFRA, Feihe, Ontario East and other EDO’s to determine a plan of action; And Further That staff provide additional progress reports to the Community Development Advisory Committee in Q2 and Q4 of 2018, including any recommended courses of action. Carried Members of the committee expressed concern that County staff do not have the time to lead this project, and discussed that, since it is a regional issue, OMAFRA would be better resourced to take the lead. Mr. Allen indicated that the Frontenac Federation of Agriculture has been very supportive and he will be speaking at a meeting of the National Farmers Union soon. 7.
Communications a)
Correspondence from the Lakes and Trails providing its Final Report 2017 Mr. Clinton reported the event was very successful and included a historic walking tour of Sydenham that was very well received. He suggested that walking tours may be a welcome addition to other events in Frontenac.
Other Business Mr. Allen reported that staff will bring forward a review of the Economic Development department’s Key Performance Indicators in the winter. The approach will combine monitoring higher-level trends, along with developing some measurements that are directly impacted by the work of the department. The committee discussed and were in favour of the following partial schedule of meetings for 2018:
February 8 April 12 June 14
Community Development Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes October 12, 2017
Minutes of Meeting held October 12, 2017
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AGENDA ITEM #a)
Next Meeting
The next regular meeting of the Community Development Advisory Committee is scheduled for Thursday, December 14, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the County Administrative Building. 10.
Adjournment
Moved By: Seconded By:
Deputy Warden Higgins Mr. Gilbert
That the meeting hereby adjourn at 11:40 am Carried
Community Development Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes October 12, 2017
Minutes of Meeting held October 12, 2017
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AGENDA ITEM #a)
Report 2017-150 Committee Report To:
Chair and Members of the Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee
From:
Richard Allen, Manager of Economic Development
Date of meeting: December 14, 2017 Re:
Community Development Advisory Committee – Wayfinding Signage along the K&P Trail
Recommendation Be It Resolved That the Community Development Advisory Committee approve the proposed wayfinding signage for the Frontenac K&P Trail attached as Appendix A to this report. And Further That the Community Development Advisory Committee recommend staff proceed with option ____ in reference to the inclusion of local businesses on wayfinding signage for the Frontenac K&P Trail. Background Since 2007 Frontenac County has pursued the development of the K&P Trail, a multiuse pathway utilizing the rail bed from the former Kingston & Pembroke Railway. In 2017 it is expected that the final portion of this project will be completed, constructing an estimated 11.7 km of additional trail between Tichborne and Sharbot Lake. Comment Accessibility On May 29, 2017, the Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee held a Public Meeting as required under Section 80.8 of the Design of Public Spaces Standard which mandates that obligated organizations consult with the public, persons with disabilities and their Accessibility Advisory committees before constructing new or redeveloping existing recreational trails. As part of that public meeting, staff sought feedback from both members of the public and the Committee with respect to Trail signs, which in accordance with the IASR, must include the following:
The length of the trail. The type of surface which the trail is constructed. The average and minimum trail width. The average and maximum running slope and cross slope. The location of amenities where provided.
2017-150 Community Development Advisory Committee Wayfinding Signage alo…
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AGENDA ITEM #a)
The draft sign attached as Appendix A is in line with the Design of Public Spaces regulations which the Manager of Economic Development had spoken about with the FAAC meeting of May 29th. These signs are 18”x24” and will be posted at almost every intersection along the trail. Depending on available funding, it may take several years to implement signage along the entire length of the trail; however these signs are required by legislation as part of the current construction project from Tichborne to Sharbot Lake. Appendix B illustrates the signs along the City of Kingston portion of the K&P trail. The County signs were adapted to be consistent with the City of Kingston signs to make wayfinding and navigation from the City portion to the County portion of the trail more user friendly and accessible, and users would not be required to decipher two different types of signage. At its meeting held November 13, 2017, the Frontenac Accessibility received a report on the accessible signage along the K&P Trail in which feedback was solicited from staff in order to ensure any signage along the trail met the needs of those with disabilities. At that meeting, the Committee passed the following resolution: Be It Resolved That the Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee support the proposed signage for the Frontenac K&P Trail attached as Appendix A to this report. Carried Staff are looking to the Committee to approve the attached signage in order to proceed with the ordering and installation along the newly constructed portions of the Trail between Tichborne and Sharbot Lake. Local Business Identification Appendix C shows a version of the wayfinding signs that includes businesses of interest to the trail user. Staff have identified three ways of including local businesses on our wayfinding signage to improve usefulness to trail users in need of food, accommodation or other supplies on their trail adventure. Staff are looking to the committee to make a recommendation on which approach is most appropriate for the K&P Trail. a. Generic Labels for Tourism Assets – Icons indicating food and beverage, accommodations, local attractions, fuel could be included without specific reference to specific businesses. This would be at no cost to local businesses. b. Business Specific Labels for Tourism Assets – Icons indicating food and beverage, accommodations, local attractions, fuel with specific identification of business names, but only for trails related businesses. (For example, a realtor or accountant would not be included). This would be at no cost to local businesses. c. Pay to Play – Any business can advertise their location on a wayfinding sign, for an annual cost. This could include options of including their logo along with their specific name. d. No Businesses on the Wayfinding signs.
Frontenac Community Development Advisory Committee Wayfinding Signage along the K&P Trail December 14, 2017
2017-150 Community Development Advisory Committee Wayfinding Signage alo…
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AGENDA ITEM #a)
Sustainability Implications In all that we do in the name of economic development in the Frontenacs, we will live by a set of principles that balance the economy, environment, social, and cultural interest of our communities. Financial Implications Costs for the design, production, project management and installation of approximately 56 Wayfinding Signs with 4 additional “tall boy” signs for hamlets is $66,000.00. Funding for these signs have already been budgeted as part of the RED program (Trail, Farm Gate Signage). Organizations, Departments and Individuals Consulted and/or Affected City of Kingston, Parks Department Township of Central Frontenac Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance Trans Canada Trail Tri-County Trails Group
Frontenac Community Development Advisory Committee Wayfinding Signage along the K&P Trail December 14, 2017
2017-150 Community Development Advisory Committee Wayfinding Signage alo…
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AGENDA ITEM #a)
K&
P
Tr ai
l
Length of this segment: 0.9 km
sh
Fi
Running Slope: Maximum <4%, Average 2%
ee Cr d kR
Duncan Lake
59
Cross Slope: Maximum 2%, Average 1%
Surface type: Gravel
km
Oclean Lane
Trail width: Minimum 1.5m, Average 3m
Detour Motorized vehicles use detour on Oclean Lane
You are Here
Bench View
Bridge
0
km
km marker
rail K&P T
Gate
km 0 = Confederation Park (Kingston)
2017-150 Community Development Advisory Committee Wayfinding Signage alo…
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AGENDA ITEM #a)
K&P
u St
ea Rid
Trail
Length of this segment: 1.3km
2
km
t t
Bag t
ot S
St
Jo
t and S l k r a M
2017-150 Community Development Advisory Committee Wayfinding Signage alo…
am St Sydenh
Great Cataraqui River 0m
d
h Nort
Douglas R. Fluhrer Park
St
100m
200m
scale: 1: 3,000 1cm = 30m
1
Bagot St
km 0 = Confederation Park
nR Ragla
Montreal St
km marker
Waterfront Pathway
Rideau St
t
0
ill
an St g i r r o C
hn St
View km
es St l r a h C
al S
Bench
Cataraqui St.
Molly Brant Point
rin Duffe
ntre
Surface type: Asphalt/Concrete
You are Here
St James
Mo
Trail width: Minimum 1.5m, Average 3m
Emma Martin Park
nM Woole
qui S a r a t a C
Cross Slope: Maximum 2%, Average 1%
Kingston Rowing Club & Cataraqui Canoe Club
rd S Orcha
Bagot St
Running Slope: Maximum <4%, Average 2%
t
River S
km
Bay
St
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Road 38
AGENDA ITEM #a)
Length of this segment: 0.9 km
o Westp
Cross Slope: Maximum 2%, Average 1%
/ d rt R
rontenac Rd 8 F S
6.8 km
"
You are Here Godfrey Running Slope: Maximum <4%, Average 2%
Trail width: Minimum 1.5m, Average 3m
Bridge
km marker
View
km 0 = Confederation Park (Kingston)
Gate
0
km
Local amenities:
Godfrey sculpture park Durst artist blacksmith
2017-150 Community Development Advisory Committee Wayfinding Signage alo…
Ro a
/ Trans
Power sports store
K& PT rai l
Vet clinic
d3
8
Gas station & store
Canad a Trai l Ro ute
Bench
Godf re
y Rd
Surface type: Gravel
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Road 38
AGENDA ITEM #a)
Length of this segment: 0.9 km
o Westp
Cross Slope: Maximum 2%, Average 1%
/ d rt R
rontenac Rd 8 F S
6.8 km
"
You are Here Godfrey Running Slope: Maximum <4%, Average 2%
Trail width: Minimum 1.5m, Average 3m
Bridge
km marker
View
km 0 = Confederation Park (Kingston)
Gate
0
km
Local amenities:
Godfrey sculpture park Durst artist blacksmith
2017-150 Community Development Advisory Committee Wayfinding Signage alo…
Ro a
/ Trans
Power sports store
K& PT rai l
Vet clinic
d3
8
Gas station & store
Canad a Trai l Ro ute
Bench
Godf re
y Rd
Surface type: Gravel
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AGENDA ITEM #b)
Report 2017-151 Committee Recommend Report To:
Chair and Members of the Community Development Advisory Committee
From:
Alison Vandervelde, Community Development Officer
Date of meeting:
December 14, 2017
Re:
Community Development Advisory Committee – Ferry by Foot 2018 Implementation
Recommendation This report is for information only. Background The Frontenac Islands Township Letter of Support for Frontenac County’s 2016 submission to the Rural Economic Development (RED) Program includes this list of expectations:
Create a program to encourage visitors to use our ferry service by walking, such as a “ferry by Foot” program.
Enhance cycling opportunities to create an international link.
Develop a transit solution for these visitors to get to their lodgings and/or eateries and also to visit the Island’s “Big Sandy Bay” or golf amid the turbines while watching ships pass on the St. Lawrence River.
Encourage local food producers and farmers to start an accessible farmers market by locating and utilizing our covered rink in the summer.
To date, the following activities have been undertaken on this front:
On May 16, 2017 Frontenac County economic development staff met with business owners in Marysville to discuss the potential for a Ferry by Foot program. Representatives from Frontenac Islands Township, Wolfe Island Grill,
2017-151 Community Development Advisory Committee Ferry by Foot 2018 Imp…
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AGENDA ITEM #b)
General Wolfe, Fargo’s General Store, Wolfe Island Bakery, White’s Rides, the Wolfe Island Garden Party, and Frontenac County were in attendance.
A May 30, 2017 meeting with MTO staff and a June 8, 2017 meeting with Township staff provided more context regarding potential implementation strategies.
Ms. Vandervelde worked with Township staff and graphic designer Jon Allison to improve the look and content of the Township’s Tourism Directory brochure.
Ms. Vandervelde and Communications Officer, Mr. Smits met with the Township’s Visitor Information Centre (VIC) summer students to discuss ways to leverage social media and spread the Ferry by Foot message.
Efforts were made to understand the ownership and maintenance of high-profile websites, www.wolfeisland.com and the Big Sandy Bay Management Area site (which since seems to have been deactivated).
County staff reached out to the Tourism Kingston Visitor Information Centre to better understand their clients’ needs for information about Wolfe Island.
Ten bicycle racks were ordered and delivered to the Township’s Public Works Department. They await installation in 2018.
Staff began working with graphic designer Jon Allison to develop a Ferry by Foot visual identity as the foundation of a 2018 marketing campaign.
Comments Based on feedback and observations over the past year, it has been determined that enhanced communications targeted at visitors to Wolfe Island is seen as a strategy to reduce the vehicle demand on the ferry during peak times. Comments from stakeholders suggest that many island tourists drive onto the ferry and immediately line up for the return ferry without leaving Marysville. The following are proposed strategies that will comprise the 2018 & 2019 Ferry by Foot Implementation Plan:
- Develop a strong visual identity A powerful visual identity inspires familiarity and conveys a whole host of sentiments and attributes without adding cumbersome written explanations. Developing a strong visual identity for the Ferry by Foot program, and including it in messaging across all media will multiply the impact of each individual piece. We will continue to work with graphic designer Jon Allison to finalize the Ferry by Foot visual identity and use it as the foundation for all marketing efforts in 2018.
Information Report to Community Development Advisory Committee Ferry by Foot 2018 Draft Implementation Plan December 14, 2017
2017-151 Community Development Advisory Committee Ferry by Foot 2018 Imp…
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AGENDA ITEM #b)
Task
Timeframe
Finalize Ferry by Foot visual identity
Winter, 2018
Include Ferry by Foot visual identity in all marketing materials
2018
- Build a comprehensive content marketing campaign Content marketing involves creating content that delivers value to its intended audience. People actually want to consume, rather than avoid, content marketing. We already have a valuable asset on Wolfe Island – the Frontenac Ambassador network – and we can leverage its strength by developing a content marketing campaign around it. Essentially, we will tell the stories of the Wolfe Island business community in a really compelling way. We will feature these stories on www.inFrontenac.ca and create a social media campaign that pushes people from one story to the next. We will contract a professional photographer to capture images to make this campaign content-rich and highly sharable. We will host a familiarization tour and invite social media influencers to visit the island and document their experience through social media and blogs, reaching new and wider audiences. We will leverage the resources of Regional Tourism Organization (RTO) 9, the Great Waterway, and partner with Tourism Kingston to multiply the reach of our content marketing campaign. A common theme will run through all material: Wolfe Island is best enjoyed by foot or by bike. Task
Timeframe
Develop ambassador story series
Winter 2018
Develop social media content calendar to maximize exposure of ambassador story series through 2018
Winter 2018
Engage social media influencer(s)
Winter 2018
Arrange professional photography of all Wolfe Island Frontenac Ambassadors
Early Spring, 2018
Host social media influencer(s) familiarization tour
Spring 2018
Launch content marketing/social media campaign
Spring 2018
- Develop printed brochure and educate downtown Kingston staff We have identified a few other messages that will play an important role in convincing visitors to walk or cycle on the ferry. Visitors need to receive this content just prior to their Wolfe Island visit. A printed brochure will be developed and distributed to the Kingston Visitor Information Centre located in Confederation Park and a selection of downtown Kingston businesses that often get questions from visitors about what to do on Wolfe Island and how to get there. Educating downtown Kingston’s front line staff about the Ferry by Foot program will create a team of champions delivering the right Information Report to Community Development Advisory Committee Ferry by Foot 2018 Draft Implementation Plan December 14, 2017
2017-151 Community Development Advisory Committee Ferry by Foot 2018 Imp…
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AGENDA ITEM #b)
message directly to the right audience at the right time. The content of the brochure will be based on the following assumptions: i.
Ferry Use Education: Some visitors, especially those who are heading to Wolfe Island for the first time, may not understand how to walk on the ferry. During peak summer season, there is a lot of activity at the ferry dock, which could be intimidating for those unfamiliar with the operation. To overcome this we will develop simple step-by-step instructions on how to walk or bike on the ferry including a list of parking options, breakdown of the different areas at the terminal (i.e., parking, vehicle line, pedestrian/cyclist waiting area, washrooms, etc) suggested arrival times, habits of other ferry users, and other bits about the ferry experience that make walking or cycling an attractive option.
ii.
Trip Planning Information: Visitors unfamiliar with Wolfe Island likely do not have a good sense of how walkable Marysville is. We need to communicate that the condensed nature of the village means that having a vehicle – and having to worry about parking – really just impedes your ability to enjoy the relaxed island atmosphere.
iii.
Ensuring Positive Experiences: Without deterring people from visiting altogether, it should be carefully communicated that driving on the ferry comes with the risk of missing your preferred return ferry. During peak summer times, vehicle passengers must ensure they are in the Marysville ferry line well ahead of the scheduled departure time. Failing to catch their preferred return ferry means waiting in Marysville for an hour until the next ferry departs. This can be inconvenient for some visitors, or seriously problematic for others who may have small children with them, a fixed schedule to keep, or a long drive ahead of them. The message to communicate is that walking or cycling on the ferry saves time, allowing you to arrive for and board the ferry just minutes before it leaves, rather than an hour or more.
Task
Timeframe
Finalize messaging
Winter, 2018
Finalize printed brochure
Winter, 2018
Distribute in downtown Kingston and meet with front line staff to ensure they are ready to deliver information to visitors
Spring, 2018
- Train Township Visitor Information Centre staff Ensuring the seasonal Visitor Information Centre (VIC) staff have a broad knowledge of the businesses, attractions, activities, and history of Wolfe Island will enhance the experience for visitors who rely on them for information. Summer students can also play a critical role in executing a rich social media campaign during peak season, promoting businesses and upcoming events, monitoring and replying to comments, and pushing out the answers to frequently asked questions in order to inform visitors before they even get to the island. Information Report to Community Development Advisory Committee Ferry by Foot 2018 Draft Implementation Plan December 14, 2017
2017-151 Community Development Advisory Committee Ferry by Foot 2018 Imp…
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AGENDA ITEM #b)
Task Equip VIC staff with solid understanding of Island activities and businesses
Timeframe
Train VIC staff to contribute to a dynamic social media presence across Wolfe Island / Township accounts
Late Spring, 2018
Late Spring, 2018
- Increase Wolfe Island’s cycle friendly reputation The recreational cycling market is growing in Ontario, and there is a significant number of cyclists that already frequent Wolfe Island. Developing the cycling infrastructure on the island will help to attract additional visitors who do not bring vehicles, and encourage those cyclists to spend more time and money in the village post-ride. We will work with business owners in Marysville and the Township Public Works staff to find the best locations for installing the bike racks purchased in 2017. We will also explore the possibility of signing the cycling routes on the island, to assist with navigation and improve the overall cycling experience. Task
Timeframe
Install bike racks in Marysville
Late Spring, 2018
Explore logistics of signing cycling routes
Winter, 2018
Sign Wolfe Island cycling routes
Spring, 2018
- Provide free public transportation to Big Sandy Bay One of the main challenges in getting visitors to leave their cars in Kingston and walk on the ferry is the distance to destinations beyond Marysville. Horne’s Ferry, Wolfe Island Riverfront Golf Course, Shanti Yoga Retreat, the Wolfe Island Corn Maze, and Big Sandy Bay are not within walking distance to Marysville. There are currently some solutions in place to mitigate this: The Corn Maze, Riverfront and Shanti will provide transportation to guests if required, and of course many people cycle beyond the village. Big Sandy Bay is seen as the most popular attraction on the island that attracts visitors who require a vehicle. Bus transportation has been considered in the past, but challenges with cost and logistics have proven difficult to overcome. Frontenac County staff propose that a bus company be contracted to provide free bus transportation between Marysville and Big Sandy Bay every Saturday for the months of July and August. Tracking the usage and polling riders regarding their willingness to pay for the service will inform the decision about offering the service in future summer seasons.
Information Report to Community Development Advisory Committee Ferry by Foot 2018 Draft Implementation Plan December 14, 2017
2017-151 Community Development Advisory Committee Ferry by Foot 2018 Imp…
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AGENDA ITEM #b)
Task
Timeframe
Secure a transportation provider within available budget
Winter, 2018
Apply to RTO 9 for Partnership Funds
Winter, 2018
Work with Township staff to finalize logistics (schedule, pick up/drop off location, tracking/measurement, etc)
Winter, 2018
Begin awareness campaign, to continue through season
Spring, 2018
Implement transportation service
Summer, 2018
Report back to Township and CDAC on measurements
Fall, 2018
In the fall of 2018, a review of the impact of these initiatives will determine the continued implementation in 2019. Sustainability Implications The proposed activities included in this draft implementation plan are intended to relieve some of the vehicle pressures on the Wolfe Island Ferry. This will improve access to the Island, create better informed visitors, and provide a boost to Marysville’s economy. The actions in this draft plan will contribute to the long-term viability of Wolfe Island’s economy and tourism industry. The plan addresses three of the expectations in the Frontenac Islands Township Letter of Support for the Frontenac RED grant application and it aligns strongly with the Frontenac Economic Development Charter and the Frontenac County Integrated Community Sustainability Plan. Financial Implications The Ferry by Foot Program was budgeted as part of the “Economic Development in the Frontenacs Through Collaboration” initiative funded through Rural Economic Development funding and strategic reserves for development in 2018 and implementation in 2018 and 2019. Organizations, Departments and Individuals Consulted and/or Affected Wolfe Island business community Ministry of Transportation Frontenac Islands Township Staff Ontario by Bike Communications Officer RTO9 The Great Waterway Tourism Kingston Information Report to Community Development Advisory Committee Ferry by Foot 2018 Draft Implementation Plan December 14, 2017
2017-151 Community Development Advisory Committee Ferry by Foot 2018 Imp…
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AGENDA ITEM #c)
Report 2017-152 Committee Recommend Report To:
Chair and Members of the Community Development Advisory Committee
From:
Richard Allen, Manager of Economic Development
Date of meeting:
December 14, 2017
Re:
Community Development Advisory Committee – Emerging Opportunity for Hazelnuts in Ontario
Recommendation This report is for information only. Background On November 1, 2017 Frontenac County in partnership with Kingston Economic Development hosted a growers information session on the emerging opportunity associated with the Hazelnut supply chain, primarily driven by demand from Ferrero Canada’s Brantford production facility. This event had over 50 in attendance and featured presentations from Linda Grimo of the Ontario Hazelnut Association and Barbara Yates of Ferrero Canada. On November 2, 2017 Kingston Economic Development Corporation hosted a Research and Development Session on Hazelnuts in Southeastern Ontario with the Ontario Hazelnut Association, Ferrero Canada, Queen’s University, OMAFRA, Ontario East Economic Development Commission and Frontenac County. Comments Hazelnuts are the #4 globally consumed nut in the world, after almonds, walnuts and pistachios. Ferrero is the primary purchaser of Hazelnuts and has seen strong growth of their products over the past 10 years. Anticipating a similar rate of growth for Ferrero and the entire hazelnut industry, potential demand in 10 years for Ontario would be 25,000 acres. This would surpass apples, currently at 16,000 acres.
2017-152 Community Development Advisory Committee Emerging Opportunity f…
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AGENDA ITEM #c)
Ferrero is known for the production of Nutella, Ferrero Rocher and Kinder Bueno bars – all of which make use of hazelnuts. Hazelnuts also are used in other applications such as beer, paste, milk, confectionary, flour/meal, oil, nutritional bars (e.g. Cliff Bars), yogurt, restaurants & bakeries, coffee flavoring, snickers, ice cream, hazelnut syrup (e.g. Starbucks). There is a need to increase the research surrounding the development of cold hardy varieties of hazelnut trees that will grow in the soils of our region (Eastern Ontario) and that can produce consistent, quality nuts for use by Ferrero. Cold-hardy varieties are key to sector growth because growth potential is limited in Southwestern Ontario as some areas are landlocked by other crops. Growers are ready to be in the business of growing nuts, but few are willing to work through the testing and trials required to develop sufficient sustainability and long term crop health. In addition to grower trials, a larger network of research trials are underway. This network is working with trials from Minnesota-Nebraska and replicating trials from Minnesota-Wisconsin. Minnesota-Wisconsin has eight years working on hazelnuts and is years ahead on cold-hardy information. The Ontario Hazelnut Association has already been conducting grower trials in six locations across Ontario, including Wheatley, Wardsville, Blenheim, Port Dover, Smithville and Uxbridge. So far they have learned that it is critical for growers to source quality plants from credible nurseries, that growers require technical support during early years and that 10 acres was too much for the purposes of a trial. It is expected that additional insights will be gained as crops mature such as yield data, planting techniques in clay, loam or sand and best practices in orchard management for the Ontario climate. Joint Performance Trials Queen’s University can pursue a variety trial that would be a part of the larger network of North American variety trials, becoming the third trial in a research trial that focuses on hardy Eastern North American varieties. In April, 2018 details will be available on the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, which could provide an opportunity for supporting the creation of a joint performance trial in Kingston. The trial would establish which varieties perform well in order to determine the most desirable varieties for micro propagation in reach. Micro-propagation is the process and protocol to rapidly reproduce varieties of the trees. The research period could be a minimum of ten years (EFB takes this long to show itself in the trees and wellestablished trees should reach mature production by this time). Once the suitable varieties are identified (year 7 – 10), then development of the micro-propagation protocols and distribution to greenhouses and nurseries in Eastern Ontario can begin. Conclusion Growers in Frontenac may want to participate in trials to help determine cold hardy varieties, however most growers looking to take part in the emerging market should Information Report to Community Development Advisory Committee Emerging Opportunity for Hazelnuts in Ontario December 14, 2017
2017-152 Community Development Advisory Committee Emerging Opportunity f…
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AGENDA ITEM #c)
exercise caution until confirmed varieties of cold hardy nut trees are available. Staff will continue to follow the development of this opportunity. Sustainability Implications On-farm diversification is a key strategy to ensure the economic sustainability of agricultural businesses and family farms. As projected demand for hazelnuts continue to increase, local growers can take advantage of the market once appropriate coldhardy varieties of hazelnut tree are identified. Financial Implications There are no financial implications associated with this report. Organizations, Departments and Individuals Consulted and/or Affected Community Development Advisory Committee Kingston Economic Development Ontario Hazelnut Association Frontenac Federation of Agriculture
Information Report to Community Development Advisory Committee Emerging Opportunity for Hazelnuts in Ontario December 14, 2017
2017-152 Community Development Advisory Committee Emerging Opportunity f…
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