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By Mark Reusser, Executive Member, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Great ideas and efforts often come from the ground up. And when the Wellington Federation of Agriculture tabled a resolution asking the Ontario Federation of Agriculture to lobby the government to reinstate infrastructure funding for “connecting link” roads in rural Ontario, the result was a renewed commitment by the Ontario government to the tune of $15 million annually to municipalities across Ontario. Beginning in spring 2016, the Connecting Links Program will be reinstated in Ontario after it was abruptly cancelled in 2013. The program will once again fund the maintenance of “connecting link” roads – those sections of provincial highways that extend through municipal boundaries across Ontario. The program had provided up to 90% of provincial funding needs in 77 municipalities across the province to maintain more than 355 kilometres of road and 70 bridges. When the Ministry of Transportation discontinued the program two years ago, maintenance of roads and bridges was downloaded to local municipalities. That resulted in one of two scenarios – maintenance was not kept up by municipalities because of a lack of budgets or local residents shouldered the burden for infrastructure upkeep through higher taxes. Based on the grassroots activity of the Wellington Federation of Agriculture, the OFA rallied behind this loss of funding, something that was clearly impacting OFA members and their rural communities. We reached out to the Western and Eastern Wardens Caucuses of Ontario, and together we took our “ask” to the Ontario Treasury Board, and the Ministries of Transportation, Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure, and Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. With the help of our partners in the wardens caucuses, the OFA took a grassroots concern right to Queen’s Park and delivered a win back to our members this spring. For more information, contact: Mark Reusser Executive Member Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-591-4223 Neil Currie General Manager Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-821-8883
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By Eleanor Renaud, Board Member, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
The Ontario government just introduced new legislation that would protect and improve thousands of kilometres of trails throughout the province. But Bill 100, the proposed Supporting Ontario’s Trails Act, is missing the mark on protecting private farmland where it meets public trails. Nearly 20,000 kilometres of trails in Ontario run through municipalities, including trails along farmland. That’s about a quarter of the entire trail network, and it’s also where trespassing concerns arise. Bill 100 includes amendments to a number of other statutes, including the Trespass to Property Act – a piece of legislation the Ontario Federation of Agriculture has been pushing for updates to since 2005. The OFA wants the government to take a much tougher stance on trespassers on farmland, including bigger penalties. We’ve reviewed the proposed Bill 100 and will be advising policymakers on how to minimize the potential conflict between farm property owners and rural trail users. As it currently reads, Bill 100 does not address OFA recommendations that would protect the rights of landowners. We need real amendments to the Trespass to Property Act as part of Bill 100. We have already been pushing for two key amendments – that don’t appear to have made it into the new Act. We want a minimum fine of $500 imposed for trespassing, and broader police enforcement of the Act to address farm safety and biosecurity concerns related to trespassing. As Ontario trails become more popular we need more clarity on the obligations for fencing sections of trails that intersect with private farmland. We can’t leave this to chance. At first look, Bill 100 appears to do a great job to promote an extensive trail system across Ontario that promotes a healthy lifestyle. But we can’t let the government forget what Ontario agriculture needs to protect the private farmland that shares space with Ontario’s nature trails. If public trails run along or through your farm property, review Bill 100 to understand the implications this new legislation may have on your farmland. A full copy of the proposed Supporting Ontario’s Trails Act is posted on the Ontario government’s legislation site at www.ontla.on.ca Trails through rural Ontario attract thousands of visitors every year. The OFA is committed to work together with government to improve and expand Ontario trails, while respecting the rights of Ontario farmers and their land. For more information, contact: Eleanor Renaud Board Member Ontario Federation of Agriculture 613-213-2130 Neil Currie General Manager Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-821-8883 By Pat Jilesen, Board Member, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
With spring planting in high gear, farm equipment is taking to the roadways to get to farm land across Ontario. And when slow moving vehicles share the road with motorists, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) reminds farmers to remember the rules of the road to stay safe this season. Data from the Canadian Agricultural Injury Reporting outlines the common collision scenarios involving farm machinery. Take a moment to consider these before you head out on the road. The most frequent single-vehicle collisions involving farm machinery are roll overs – usually occurring when equipment travels too far onto soft shoulders. Although it may slow traffic, drive equipment on the main part of the road, and be sure to share half the road with traffic that is oncoming or following. When it comes to multi-vehicle collisions, motorists often collide with farm machinery that’s turning from a farm road on to a public roadway. Use lights, taillights and signals to make your equipment as visible as possible to other motorists. Always display your slow moving vehicle sign prominently on the back of your equipment. And take the extra time to wait for an opening onto a main roadway that will give you enough time to get on the road and be visible. Rear-end collisions also make the list of common collisions between farm equipment and motorists. When you consider that a slow moving vehicle sign must be used on equipment travelling less than 40 km/h, it’s not really surprising that motorists often underestimate the size and speed of farm equipment they are following. And that can turn into a rear-end collision. We can’t anticipate what other motorists will do, or how they’ll react to sharing the road this spring with farm equipment. So always start with safety. Be alert for drivers anxious to pass you at unexpected times, Use your lights. Share the road. And watch carefully as you turn onto public roadways and make left hand turns across traffic. Spring represents the start of a fresh new year on the farm. Take the time to put safety first on the roadways, on your farm and for your family. For more information, contact: Pat Jilesen Board Member Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-353-5904 Neil Currie General Manager Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-821-8883 |
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