AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS NEWSLETTER 
December 2018 Volume 7, Issue 6
New creative studio, The Lemonade Stand, offers handmade signs and interactive workshops in Uxbridge
The Lemonade Stand is a vintage studio and store, run by owner and designer Lee, who left her full-time corporate job in 2017 to pursue her artistic passion. The brand-new studio carries artistic creations from over 20 artists and utilizes two lines of high-quality Canadian paints in workshops.

 

For more information about The Lemonade Stand, visit TheLemonadeStand.ca or check out the studio at 26 Brock Street West in Uxbridge. 
Make memories this season with a trip to a local tree farm
What better way to kick off the holiday season than a visit to a local tree farm? Spademan Tree  Farm in Port Perry sells 100 per cent naturally grown trees without the use of pesticides, herbicides or any other chemicals, and has been in business for over 35 years.
 
Prestonvale Tree Farms, located in Courtice, is another great place to buy trees in Durham. They currently sell a large selection of fraser fir, balsam fir, spruce and pine trees.
 
For more information, visit SpademanTreeFarm.com and PrestonvaleTreeFarms.com.
REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
At The Regional Municipality of Durham, we aim to serve you by keeping you up-to-date on current economic development initiatives, projects and opportunities in Durham Region. Project highlights include:
  • The Region of Durham, in collaboration with all eight area municipalities, five local utilities and other energy experts, is developing the Durham Community Energy Plan (DCEP), which is a strategy that defines the community's energy priorities to the year 2050.The Region is asking for feedback on the draft DCEP. The survey will be open to the public for submissions until December 17.  Learn more and provide feedback on the draft strategy at  durham.ca/CommunityEnergyPlan .
Shop local! North Durham offers holiday shoppers 
a wide variety of local selections
If you're looking to buy a unique gift, north Durham is the place to be! From art work, to fashion accessories, to antiques, local shops have it all. Not sure exactly what you are looking for? You can attend the Scugog Chamber of Commerce Christmas Social, or visit Port Perry Business Directory, Uxbridge Business Directory, or Uxbridge Chamber of Commerce Business Directory for local shops and what products they have that would make great gifts for your loved ones. For holiday savings, you can download local coupons from the Brock Board of Trade.
Congratulations to Jordan and Alex McKay of Willowtree Farm for being selected as Canada's Outstanding Young Farmers!
Brothers Jordan and Alex McKay of Willowtree Farm in Port Perry, along with Craig and Jinel Ference of Double F Farms in Alberta, were recently announced as the national winners of the 2018 Canada's Outstanding Young Farmers program. The program is an annual competition for farmers aged 18 to 39 years of age that exemplify excellence in their profession and promote the contribution of agriculture. The McKay brothers were recognized for transforming their dairy into a vertically integrated farm that focuses on farm fresh local food. The Ference's and McKay's were chosen from seven regional finalists.
 
For more information, visit WillowTreeFarm.ca.
The Region of Durham Agricultural Strategy set for an update, with highlighted focus on current issues in the agriculture
and agri-food sectors
The Region of Durham Agricultural Strategy (2013 to 2018) was developed by the Region of Durham in consultation with industry stakeholders from across the agriculture sector to provide a vision and guiding principles to support the growth and viability of the agriculture and agri - food industry in Durham. Staff from Durham's Economic Development and Tourism Division are in initial consultations to develop a strategy for the next five years and will meet with key stakeholders through facilitated community engagement sessions in 2019.

 

For more information, visit contact Lisa MacKenzie, Agriculture Program Co-ordinator, at [email protected].
Vibrant North Durham Strategy update
The Vibrant North Durham Economic Development Plan 2013 to 2018 (the Plan) was developed in partnership with the Region of Durham and the Townships of Scugog, Uxbridge and Brock (north Durham) to maximize opportunities to build a strong and resilient economy. An updated Plan and individual Township Action Plans are required to reflect the changing economic environment of north Durham, updated planning legislation, changes to workforce standards and new political environments. Over the coming months, staff will be reaching out to north Durham businesses and organizations to gather their input and feedback on updating the Plan.
 
To learn more, contact Stacey Jibb, Rural Economic Development Co-ordintor at [email protected].
Durham Farm Connections Celebrate Agriculture Awards
The annual Durham Farm Connections Celebrate Agriculture Gala featured a special presentation of the Celebrate Agricultural Awards, which honours those who made an impact on the region's farming sector. Congratulations to the 2018 winners: Mitch Morawetz (Leadership Award), Harvey Graham (Spirit of Agriculture Award) and Gallery on the Farm-The Bowman Family (Family Farm Award).
 
For more information, visit DurhamFarmConnections.ca. 
The Township of Brock participates in a First Impressions Community Exchange 
In October, volunteers from the Township of Brock along with volunteers from the Township of Selwyn (Peterborough County) participated in a First Impressions Community Exchange (FICE).

 

The FICE program involves individuals visiting your community for the first time to offer fresh perspectives and unique insights about services, transportation, accommodations and tourist attractions. Communities pair up and provide constructive feedback and share first impressions about each other's communities. Volunteers from Selwyn evaluated Beaverton while visitors from Brock evaluated the communities of Bridgenorth and Ennismore. Each group of volunteers has identified community representatives who will report-back on their findings. The Township of Selwyn will be reporting to the Township of Brock's Planning Committee on December 17.
         Brock Youth Centre hosts first-ever hack-a-thon!
The Brock Youth Centre recently hosted a hack-a-thon where four teams worked together to build an app that addressed youth mental health and wellness. Over the course of 36 hours, participants developed the foundation of a youth-run social enterprise business while gaining valuable technical and entrepreneurial skills. Congratulations to everyone who participated!
Input needed on new Agri-food Education and Event Centre
in Durham Region  
The Durham Region Federation of Agriculture (DRFA) is currently conducting a feasibility study and business/marketing plan for an Agri-food Education and Event Centre, which could benefit Durham residents and businesses as well as attract visitors to the region.  
 
DRFA is asking for feedback from residents on the amenities that might be included within the Centre; whether you would use them; what your organization might be prepared to pay; and your thoughts about an ideal location for the Centre.
 
If you would like to provide feedback, take the DRFA Agri-Food Education and Event Centre Potential User Survey.
BUSINESS EVENTS
Toll-free: 1-800-706-9857
Online:  InvestDurham.ca

As a contact of the Region of Durham's Planning and Economic Development Department, you have been added to our mailing list. If you wish to be removed from the mailing list, please use the unsubscribe link located at the bottom of this e-newsletter.

If this information is required in an accessible format, please contact the Planning and Economic Development Department at 905-668-7711 ext. 2615 (toll-free at 1-800-706-9857).
Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter
Region of Durham Economic Development