Agriculture & Rural Economic Development Newsletter
August 2022 | Volume 11, Issue 4
In This Issue:

Made in Durham
  • Strong Roots Yoga and Paddle Boarding
Grown in Durham
  • Funding announced for the Port of Oshawa  
Regional Feature
  • Regional Council endorses new plan to support the agri-food industry in Durham Region
Funding Opportunities
  • Funding announced to grow and sustain the agri-food workforce 
  • Digital Main Street funding now available
Programs, Updates & News
  • Agriculture system mapping open for comment until Sept 9
  • Durham Region Business Count is happening now 
  • Syzl: Pairing food entrepreneurs with short-term commercial kitchen space
  • Calling farmers in Brock Township! Get your Farm 911 signage now and support farm safety 
  • Durham Region attends the 2022 Collison Conference 
  • Accelerate your business and Tap into Talent across Durham Region 
  • Shop Where You Live advertising coming to downtown Uxbridge
  • Find a bounty of local food in Durham Region this summer
  • Durham Region named one of the world’s top seven Intelligent Communities
  • Residents are reminded to register to vote in this fall’s municipal election
  • Join us in celebrating 100 years of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
Upcoming Events
  • Port Perry Craft Beer Festival (Aug 5 and 6)
  • Feast on the Farm Durham Region (hosted at Slabtown Cider Co.)  
  • Uxbridge Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Public Meeting
  • Ontario Meat Goat Symposium 2022 
Made in Durham
Strong Roots Yoga and Paddle Boarding
Looking to try something new that’s great for your physical and mental health? Durham Region’s own Strong Roots Yoga and Paddle Boarding offers a variety of yoga classes, retreats, workshops and events at some of north Durham’s most unique and peaceful locations. Prefer being out on the water? Check out their Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) yoga classes held on the beautiful waters of Lake Simcoe at the Beaverton beaches. Prefer to give this a try by yourself or with a group of close friends? Strong Roots Yoga offers private individual or group classes at a location of your choice. With an approach rooted in mental wellness and healing, owner and instructor, Carly Smith, is a Registered Yoga Teacher with more than 11 years of experience.

Grown in Durham
Funding announced for the Port of Oshawa
In late June, the Government of Canada (Transport Canada) announced an investment of almost $14 million for the Port of Oshawa to assist with modernizing operations. As the recipient, the Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority contributed $16 million, representing a total investment of almost $30 million. The investment will assist with increased import and export capacity with a particular focus on agricultural commodities. The announcement included road, utility and storage facility upgrades, a new grain unloading station and new grain silo, enhancing port access for farmers in Durham Region and the surrounding area.
Regional Feature
Regional Council endorses new plan to support the agri-food industry in Durham Region
Regional Council recently endorsed the Growing Agri-Food Durham Plan (the Plan), a five-year economic development plan to grow the agri-food industry in Durham Region. The Plan was developed following consultation with industry partners including the Durham Region Federation of Agriculture, Durham Farm Fresh, Durham Farm Connections and others. The Plan represents a direct and action-oriented approach to help farms and agri-food businesses grow and shines a spotlight on the importance of the agri-food industry to Durham Region’s economy. Contained within the Plan are 10 goal areas and a detailed implementation plan identifying how economic development staff will work with partners to complete actions.


Note: A future version of the Plan will include a designed look and feel, however content will remain the same. 
Funding Opportunities
Funding announced to grow and sustain the agri-food workforce
A recent funding announcement from the federal and provincial governments for the Ontario Agri-Careers Support Initiative will provide eligible businesses with 50 or more employees with up to $80,000 in funding. For collaborations between two or more businesses, up to $200,000 in funding may be available to cover up to 70 per cent of eligible project costs. The funding is intended to support projects that will help to attract, support and retain workers in the agri-food industry, helping to strengthen local supply chains and ensure ongoing food security. Examples of projects could include transportation initiatives, childcare options for working parents, improving workspace environments and more. The deadline to apply for funding is September 9, 2022. 
Digital Main Street funding now available
Durham Region small businesses employing one to 50 employees with a permanent commercial location are strongly encouraged to review full eligibility and apply for their $2,500 Digital Transformation Grant through the Digital Main Street program. Eligible businesses will receive one-on-one support from a local Digital Services Representative, where they will work together to assess the business’ digital needs and prepare a Digital Transformation Plan. Grant funds may be used on website improvements, digital marketing, product photography and other initiatives that help improve the business’ digital presence.

Programs, Updates & News
Agriculture system mapping open for comment until Sept 9
In accordance with provincial requirements, the Region of Durham has developed a draft Regional Agricultural System based on existing regional and provincial mapping. Interested parties are encouraged to provide input by September 9, 2022, through the interactive map available at durham.ca/EnvisionDurham. Comments may also be submitted via email to EnvisionDurham@durham.ca. The draft Agricultural System is comprised of the agricultural land base and agri-food network that collectively create a viable, thriving agricultural sector. Implementing the Provincial Agricultural System is intended to protect farmland, prevent fragmentation and maintain the viability of the agri-food sector.
Durham Region Business Count is happening now
The 2022 Durham Region Business Count is in its final stages, but there’s still time to count your business in! The annual project that collects and updates regional employment data to help inform future programming, services and infrastructure is set to wrap up for the year at the end of August. Businesses who haven’t completed this year’s survey through an in-person interview, telephone call or email are encouraged to keep an eye out for a visit or phone call from a Business Count Surveyor or complete the survey online.

As a reminder, surveyors will not be conducting visits on farms this year due to the ongoing circulation of the pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) throughout Ontario’s agricultural community. Durham Region farm operators and farm businesses are encouraged to complete the business count online.

To learn more about the Durham Region Business Count and complete the survey online, please visit Durham.ca/BusinessCount.
Syzl: Pairing food entrepreneurs with short-term commercial kitchen space
The online platform Syzl has recently launched in Ontario. The platform is designed to pair food entrepreneurs and chefs with short-term commercial kitchen space. It’s basically an Air B&B for kitchens.
Calling farmers in Brock Township! Get your Farm 911 signage now and support farm safety
As part of Farm 911: The Emily Project, vacant rural property owners in the Township of Brock can apply to receive a Farm 911 number sign to assist first responders in locating those in need of emergency assistance in an efficient manner. The Emily Project aims to create address markers and clear signage to aid in access and response time. If you own a farm or vacant rural property in the Township of Brock without a 911 (green) address sign, contact fire@brock.ca for information on how to get a sign.
Durham Region attends the 2022 Collision Conference
In late June, Durham Region’s innovation community joined more than 35,000 attendees in Toronto at North America’s fastest growing tech conference, Collision Conference. Representatives from Durham Region’s eight municipalities, three post-secondary institutions and two startup support organizations joined forces to communicate the tremendous value of establishing a technology business right here in Durham Region. Not only did this group create a strong on-site presence, but they further strengthened Durham Region’s communication of its value proposition for investment to thousands of innovative entrepreneurs from around the world.
Accelerate your business and Tap into Talent across Durham Region
Durham Region’s business and innovation community has an advantage – the tri-institutions: Durham College, Ontario Tech University, and Trent University Durham GTA. These well-recognized schools offer access to top talent, are home to world-renowned centres for research and development, assist with solving big problems and generating business solutions, offer flexible and in-demand upskilling programs and develop valuable customized partnerships with businesses. Businesses are encouraged to visit the Tap into Talent resources to learn more about working with students, access to research and testing facilities, services available for businesses and more.

Shop Where You Live advertising coming to downtown Uxbridge
Those who frequent downtown Uxbridge will soon notice some welcome additions along Brock Street! In an effort to improve the visual esthetic of select vacant buildings and encourage residents and visitors to shop local, Uxbridge residents can expect to see the above graphics scattered throughout downtown Uxbridge in the coming weeks.
Find a bounty of local food in Durham Region this summer
As the summer months continue to roll on, there are even more local food items coming into season across Durham Region. With partners like Durham Farm Fresh, it’s easy to find local food and agri-food experiences this summer. Visit InvestDurham.ca/LocalFood to find a listing of the region’s local food businesses, craft beverage operators, farmers markets and more.

Learn what’s in season by visiting DurhamFarmFresh.ca/In-Season.
Durham Region named one of the world's top seven Intelligent Communities
Durham Region has been named one of the top seven Global Intelligent Communities of 2022 by the Intelligent Community Forum. This list recognizes the world’s leading municipalities that are using digital innovation to improve the quality of their citizen’s lives. With initiatives such as the Regional Broadband Project, City Studio Durham, myDurham 311 Smart Home Device Voice Service, Downtowns of Durham, Shop Durham Region Online Marketplace, and numerous other projects, it’s clear that Durham Region is embracing digital innovation in this increasingly online world.

Residents are reminded to register to vote in this fall's municipal election
Did you know that there’s a municipal election taking place on Monday, October 24, 2022? Residents are encouraged to ensure that they’re registered to vote using the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation’s Voter Lookup tool.

Join us in celebrating 100 years of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
Explore the Royal Anniversary Timeline and submit your memory! From first dates to family traditions, we’re celebrating A Century of Champions through personal memories shared by you. Durham Region has deep agricultural roots, and many involve memories at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. Let’s showcase Durham Agriculture in Toronto for the Royal’s 100-year anniversary. Share your farm and family’s Royal memories using the submission form.
Upcoming Events
For a full listing of events and webinars, visit InvestDurham/calendar.
Port Perry Craft Beer Festival (Aug 5 and 6)
Make your way to Port Perry’s Palmer Park on August 5 and 6 for the sixth annual Craft Beer Festival. Enjoy two days of craft beer, cider, wine, food and entertainment on Port Perry’s beautiful waterfront.
Feast on the Farm Durham Region (hosted at Slabtown Cider Co.)
Join the Feast On network of foodservice operators and producers for Feast On the Farm taking place September 18 and 19 at Slabtown Cider Co. in Uxbridge.
 
Feast On the Farm is a two-day, zero-waste event series produced by the Culinary Tourism Alliance. Each event consists of one consumer day followed by an industry day; and showcases the best of Ontario destinations, local food and beverages, and top chef talent.
 

Sunday, September 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Slabtown Cider Co. (4559 Concession Road 6, Uxbridge)

Feast On the Farm’s consumer day provides an interactive and immersive experience where consumers can connect with chefs and producers to celebrate taste of place of the host destination.



Monday, September 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Slabtown Cider Co. (4559 Concession Road 6, Uxbridge)

Industry day offers a combination of discussions and demonstrations with industry experts, hands-on skill building workshops and networking for the foodservice industry.
 
Uxbridge Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Public Meeting
The Township of Uxbridge is updating their Community Improvement Plan (CIP). A CIP is a tool that allows municipalities to provide financial incentives to building, business and/or property owners in a defined project area who are looking to undertake projects or improvements that align with the Township’s strategic goals.

Share your thoughts on the proposed amendments to the downtown Uxbridge CIP on August 8 at 11:30 a.m., at their public meeting. Attend virtually or in person in Council Chambers at Uxbridge Town Hall (51 Toronto Street South, Uxbridge).

Visit the Township of Uxbridge’s news page to learn more!
Ontario Meat Goat Symposium 2022
The Ontario Meat Goat Symposium will be held in Lindsay, Ontario, on August 13, 2022, at the Lindsay Fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The event will feature guest speakers on topics such as nutrition and parasites. There will also be live goat demonstrations and a trade show which will include goat equipment, supplies and industry partners. Although the event is focused on meat goats, dairy goat producers are welcome. Plan on attending to network with fellow goat producers! The event is free to attend and lunch will be available for purchase. A full agenda will be posted shortly. The event is hosted by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) in partnership with Ontario Goat and Canadian Meat Goat Association. Visit the Ontario Goat website at OntarioGoat.ca or Canadian Meat Goat Association website at CanadianMeatGoat.com for more updates.

Registration is required, please visit the Ontario Meat Goat Symposium Eventbrite page or call the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300 to register.

If you’re interested in sponsorship or tradeshow opportunities, please contact Jillian Craig, OMAFRA at Jillian.Craig@ontario.ca or 705-341-1246.  

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