St. Andrews Greenlights Food Forest and Tourism Changes

St. Andrews Town Council approved several critical motions during the second June meeting, including the establishment of a food forest and changes to the tourism promotion committee.

Planning and Community Development

Councillors Annette Harland and Lee Heenan successfully moved for the second readings of amendments MP20-09 and Z22-08 for Charlie Bartlett’s property at 232 Bayview Drive. These amendments propose a retail fishmonger in an existing barn on the site. The council proceeded with the third and final readings, setting forth terms and conditions for the property’s development.

Public Works and Public Safety

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing the ongoing issue of flooding on O'Neill Farm Road. Council received a report from CBCL Limited, indicating that the flooding was not caused by any municipal actions. "It is recommended that the homeowners association address the issue, as the flooding is occurring on private property," stated a staff member. Councillor Steve Neil echoed the sentiment, saying, "I don't see anything that the town would have done ditching Salt Marsh Road or anything that would be contributing to that."

Council also discussed the 2024 Nuisance Deer Hunt. Councillor Neil moved the motion to request permission from the provincial Minister of Natural Resources and Energy Development for the hunt, which aims to manage the deer population within the town’s urban limits. The motion passed despite some reservations. Councillor Ware expressed his concerns, stating, "I don't classify any animal as a nuisance, but out in the rural areas, we live out there because we enjoy wildlife."

Economic Development, Business and Culture

In a move to streamline tourism promotion efforts, the council approved the dissolution of the Ad-Hoc Tourism Promotion Committee and established Explore St. Andrews as the new tourism partner under the Tourism Accommodation Levy. "This transition allows Explore St. Andrews to operate as a nonprofit organization, bringing more structure and efficiency to our tourism promotion efforts," explained Deputy Mayor Kate Akagi.

Councillor Harland emphasized the need for collaborative planning with the new entity, saying, "There are some outstanding issues, like the Visitor Information Centre, that require further discussion with Explore St. Andrews and the Chamber of Commerce."

Recreation and Environment

Council approved an innovative proposal for a food forest near Champlain Avenue. The 1.6-acre lot, owned by the town, will be transformed into a sustainable ecosystem that supports increased food production for the Open Door Program and the public. "This is a wonderful initiative that will benefit our community in numerous ways," said Councillor Heenan. "The goal is to create a sustainable mini-ecosystem that supports increased food production for the Open Door Program and any member of the public."

Council directed staff to create a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the use of the land, ensuring that the project aligns with the town’s green space designation.

Community Engagement and Upcoming Events

The meeting concluded with several councillors praising recent community events and highlighting upcoming ones. Councillor Harland lauded the success of the Charlotte County Pride Week, particularly the contributions of the Ross Memorial Library staff. Deputy Mayor Akagi thanked volunteers and organizers of the Father's Day Run and EarthFest, emphasizing the importance of community involvement.

Council then moved into a closed session to discuss financial matters.