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Rails to Trails
Evolution of trade has rendered a significant portion of rail infrastructure abandoned. For many areas, transforming unused railway corridors into recreational trails has become a desirable initiative that brings potential economic, social and health benefits to a community. Both the Counties of Huron and Perth have sought to utilize their historical rail infrastructure to create a network of trails with the eventual goal of connecting the counties. This report seeks to provide an overview of the potential benefits, challenges and opportunities available in the establishment of trails in the County of Huron and Perth County. This document can be downloaded from HERE.
Equine Sector Development in Dufferin County: A Final Assessment Report
Dufferin County could benefit from a sector profile on the local Equine industry. It has been noted that roughly 85% of horses in Ontario were not accounted for during the previous census of agriculture. In interviews, we uncovered a number of businesses that are not being marketed or close to failing. Identifying "Red Flag" issues through the Business Retention and Expansion survey allows the County and OMAFRA to take immediate action to preserve existing operations. A sector profile could allow Dufferin.biz to better market the industry and allow Council to create appropriate policies for the sector. This document can be downloaded from HERE.
Assessing the Impact of the Melancthon Quarry
In 2004, a Boston-based hedge fund, Baupost, under the name The Highland Companies began purchasing farms in the Township of Melancthon. These initial acquisitions were the beginning of an accumulation of roughly 3,400 hectares of prime agricultural land. After the farm acquisitions, Highland Companies became the largest grower, packer, and distributor of potatoes in the province. In April 2011, The Highland Companies applied for a license to extract aggregates from the site. The proposal also includes plans to eventually rehabilitate some of the quarry back into agricultural land. However, since the proposed extraction sites will be well below the watertable, extensive water pumping will be required during operation and after rehabilitation, in perpetuity. This document can be downloaded from HERE.
Grey County Apples: Challenges and Opportunities
Apple producers throughout North America are pressured by increasing competition from international growers and rising input costs. The average North American consumed 3.08 kg of fresh apples in 2005, which represents a decline of over half a kilogram since 1991. Grey County, traditionally an important apple growing region in Ontario, has not been immune to these market conditions. Recognizing a serious decline in apple production, the County of Grey is considering this situation by consulting with graduate students at the University of Guelph to determine planning practices that could help the industry remain viable or determine alternatives. This document can be downloaded from HERE.
Guidelines for Engaging the Public Post-Disaster
This document provides recommendations and best practices for engaging a community in the planning process in the wake of a disaster. The need for such a document grew out of an observed void in literature on planning and public engagement for a post-disaster area. The target audience for this report is planners in rural and small towns in North America and their municipalities. This document can be downloaded from HERE.
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