Town of Cochrane Strategic Plan – Final Report October 2014
The EDO should coordinate the tile drainage applications for the Town and organize presentations
or workshops to support farm productivity. Consider appointing the EDO as the Community’s
representative on NeCN’s Agriculture Committee.
Potential Community Leaders
Town of Cochrane EDO (See Project 7.1.1).
Potential Funding Sources
Not applicable; costs are minimal (e.g. event workshop costs).
7.2.2 Improve Municipal Awareness of and Response to Agricultural Sector.
The agriculture sector impacts and has a variety of requirements of municipal services. Farming
equipment is heavy and uses public infrastructure such as roads and bridges; agricultural practices
can impact municipal drainage ditches. Participants in the planning sessions recommended
improving communication between the agriculture sector and municipal public works to ensure a
safe community for agriculture producers, municipal staff and residents.
There are three tactics involved in this project:
7.2.2.1 Establish an Agricultural Advisory Committee.
7.2.2.2 Train staff on Agriculture-related issues.
7.2.2.3 Highlight Agriculture information on the Town website.
7.2.2.1 Establish an Agricultural Advisory Committee
The Town should establish an agricultural advisory body to review and provide feedback on
relevant municipal policies, suggest areas for municipal staff training, as well as signage and other
means to improve communications between the Town, residents and area farmers.
For example, as Mennonites are increasingly moving into Northern Ontario, the Ministry of
Transportation has begun to erect signs that notify motorists of the presence of horses and buggies
on area roadways. An Advisory Committee could ensure the Town of Cochrane is proactive in
identifying community needs, training municipal staff, identifying possible infrastructure
requirements, and maintaining a safe community.
Potential Community Leaders
Town of Cochrane EDO (See Project 7.1.1).
Potential Funding Sources
Not applicable as costs are Minimal (e.g. meeting refreshments).
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