Town of Cochrane Strategic Plan – Final Report October 2014
7.2.5 Strengthen Collaboration with NeCN to Encourage Agricultural Production
The Northeast Community Network is a regional leader that supports the development of
agriculture in Northeastern Ontario. Cochrane has a strong relationship with the NeCN –
Cochrane’s CAO represents the community at the NeCN Board and Agricultural Committee levels.
While the CAO should continue to sit at the NeCN Board level, Cochrane’s new EDO (see
recommendation 7.1.1) should sit as a representative at the Agricultural Committee level to
cement that position as the “one-stop-shop” for local agricultural resources. In addition a
representative from the Agricultural Advisory Committee (see recommendation 7.2.2.1) should
also sit on the NeCN’s Agricultural Committee to bring the local farming perspective to the
regional table. Expanding the number of Cochrane’s community connections with NeCN will help
the community participate in NeCN’s projects, and communicate the information and resources
available from NeCN to the community.
Potential Community Leaders
Town of Cochrane with EDO (See Project 7.1.1).
Potential Funding Sources
No funding required for this.
7.2.6 Explore Feasibility of a Greenhouse Adjacent to a Waste Heat Source
One of Cochrane’s potential competitive assets is the waste heat generat ed by a local industrial
operation (Northland Power). Greenhouses provide excellent vehicles for using waste heat from
industrial sources; “they require heat at a relatively low temperature to maintain ambient
conditions”, additionally greenhouse plants benefit if the emitting source contains CO2.96
Greenhouses in Ontario tend to grow high-value crops such as tomatoes. Locally grown produces
capitalizes on emerging locovore campaigns in Canada. 97 Other crops grown in northern
greenhouses include strawberries, peppers, leafy greens, mushrooms and tree seedlings.
Successful greenhouses require access to water, close proximity to the final market, a large
expanse of flat land, a cheap heat supply (such as industrial waste heat, and electricity).
Greenhouses can be owned privately or may be developed under a cooperative model. Part of the
greenhouse operations could include a storefront to make the best use of energy and space.
Potential Community Leaders
Town of Cochrane EDO (See Project 7.1.1), NeCN, Cochrane Area Farmers, Northland Power.
96
R. Andrews and J.M. Pearce. (2011). Environmental and Economic Assessment of a Greenhouse Waste Heat
Exchange. Journal of Cleaner Production 19, pp. 1446-1454
97
Ibid.
57