To assist the Municipality of North Grenville in its efforts to identify, review, discuss and make recommendations to Council on agricultural and agricultural-related issues.

The Committee shall:

1. Assist the Municipality in the implementation of its agricultural goals, objectives and policies;
2. Provide advice, comments and recommendations on issues and concerns of farmers and agricultural organizations;
3. Identify key issues of concern for farmers which can be addressed by Municipal government;
4. Provide advice, comments and recommendations on alternative solutions, approaches, plans or studies dealing with agriculture and related rural issues which are within the responsibilities and financial capabilities of the Municipality;
5. Monitor and report on changes within the agricultural industry including agricultural land inventory;
6. Identify and implement programs which encourage public awareness, land stewardship and education of agricultural and rural issues;
7. Inform individuals, groups and businesses of the Municipality’s agricultural goals, objectives and policies;
8. Provide advice, comments and recommendations as requested by Municipal Council on miscellaneous matters as they arise;
9. Consult with other community groups and committees on issues of mutual interest.

The Committee shall have regard to the shared priorities of Community Strategic Plan, Committee Handbook, and Procedural By-Law.

The Committee shall be comprised of a minimum of four (4) and a maximum of nine (9) volunteer members, the Mayor as an ex-officio member, and up to two (2) members of Council, all of whom have voting rights. A representative from the Kemptville Campus Education and Community Centre may be appointed at the discretion of Council. Staff person(s) from the Planning and Development department may also attend meetings as a liaison(s) to the Municipality. 

In considering the appointment of voting members to the Committee, Council shall consider the following criteria for members of the Committee:

1. Appropriate representation of various farming interests (dairy, beef, apple, greenhouse, cash crops, etc.),
2. Individuals who are prepared to commit to the responsibilities and duties required of them in their work on the Committee,
3. Highly experienced individuals who possess unique skills and/or experience which will benefit the work of the Committee,
4. Community members who have a very good or unique understanding of the current local agricultural climate; and
5. Individuals who understand that a strong commitment to this Committee is required, which means attending the majority of meetings of the Committee.

The Municipality of North Grenville is committed to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in every aspect of its work, including appointments to advisory committees. An increase in diversity can assist in promoting equal opportunities and memberships with a diversity of lived experiences. A more diverse membership will contribute to the work of each advisory committee. Each advisory committee shall endeavour to have balanced representation from various equity- and inclusion-seeking groups including, but not limited to, people with disabilities, francophones, Indigenous people, newcomers, older adults, racialized community members, rural residents, 2SLGBTQIA+, those facing socioeconomic disadvantage, women, minority faith-based and spiritual group members, and youth.

The Committee, by a majority vote of its members, may recommend to Council to remove any member of the Committee who does not fulfil their obligations under their appointment.

Committee Chair

The Committee shall elect a Co-Chair from among its volunteer members. The position will be elected by a secret ballot by a majority of the voting members of the Committee. A Member of Council will act as a Co-Chair. 

The Co-Chairs will have a concurrent four-year term. In the absence of the Co-Chairs, the Committee shall appoint an Acting Chair.

The Co-Chairs will present the Committee's reports and recommendations to Council, as required with staff support.

Advisory Experts

The Committee may invite additional content experts to attend regular meetings and to present at specific meetings in order to meet its mandate.

Meetings

The Committee shall determine the frequency of meetings – either in person or via an accessible virtual platform.

Agenda packages will be sent out the week prior to the meetings and published on the Municipality’s website. Draft minutes will be distributed by email to each Committee member by the Planning and Development department within one (1) week following the meeting.

Quorum

Quorum of the Committee shall be a majority of the appointed members.

Votes by the Committee will be held at regular or special meetings. Decision making of the group shall be by majority vote.

Department Jurisdiction

Planning and Development – The Director is responsible to ensure that all associated legislative responsibilities to the Committee are fulfilled.

Staff Contact

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Administrative Support

The Clerk delegates authority to the Planning Clerk to provide minute taking. Agenda preparation and distribution will be done by the Planning Clerk in conjunction with the Co-Chairs and Clerk’s division. The Clerk’s division will post the agenda on the Municipal website and via the meeting calendar invitation.

Budget

The Committee will prepare an annual work plan including budget requests ahead of the budget cycle. The Director of Planning and Development shall bring forward budget requests of the Committee as part of the Municipal budget process.

Committee Membes
Martha Bradburn
Shawn Carnegie
Rachel Everett-Fry 
Deron Johnston
Josh Scharf 
Joseph Scott 

Campus:  Leela Ramachandran  

Council Members
Kristin StrackerJan - Co-Chair
Debbie Wilson