Join OPPI for a workshop facilitated by Wayne Caldwell, a professor and experienced rural planner, and Kate Procter, a farmer and journalist, for an engaging session designed for municipal planners and related professionals.

This workshop delves into agriculture’s vital economic contributions, its role in fostering vibrant rural communities, and the social dynamics of farming. Participants will gain practical strategies for building trust and effective partnerships with farmers, navigating land use challenges, and key planning tools to address agricultural challenges.

Specifically tailored for those new to agricultural issues, the session combines expert insights with interactive discussions, offering foundational knowledge and tools to foster stronger collaboration between planners and the farming community.

Key Takeaways: 

• An understanding of agriculture’s essential role in Ontario’s economy, environment, and rural communities.
• Clarity on key agricultural planning tools — including the PPS (2024), Agricultural System, MDS, AIAs, ARUs, and farm worker housing policies.
• Insight into the realities of modern farming and how myth-busting improves planning decisions and communication.
• Awareness of emerging pressures such as housing needs, near-urban tensions, severances, servicing limits, and labour challenges.
• Strategies for engaging effectively with farmers and supporting viable, resilient agricultural communities.

Facilitator(s):

Wayne J. Caldwell, Ph.D., RPP, FCIP

Wayne Caldwell is Professor Emeritus in Rural Planning at the University of Guelph where he has received a number of awards for his research and teaching.  He previously held interim positions as Dean of the Ontario Agricultural College and as Associate Vice-President Research.  His interests include planning for agriculture, farmland preservation, rural communities and community-based approaches to economic and environmental issues.  He has eleven books to his credit including i) Planning for Rural Resilience; ii) Farmland Preservation: Land for Future Generations and iii) Planning for Agriculture and Sustainable Food Systems.

He is a Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Planners and has served as Chair or President of a number of local, provincial and national organizations including President of OPPI.  He recently received the 2023 OPPI PLANON award for leadership in the profession.

Kate Procter

Kate Procter is a professional farmer. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (’93) and a Master of Science in Planning (’12), both from the University of Guelph. As well as farming, she has worked as a freelance journalist for over 25 years, a consultant, an editor, and an author. She currently writes a monthly column dealing with issues affecting rural Ontarians and farmers for the Rural Voice.

Kate is passionate about the environment and the people in her rural community. She currently volunteers with Huron Hospice and has volunteered in the past with Maitland Conservation Foundation, Huron Perth United Way, Scouts Canada, Maitland Trail Association, Huron Business Development Corporation Board, Blyth Festival Theatre, Celtic Roots Festival, and Ontario Swine Health Advisory Board.

Kate enjoys hiking, cycling, cross country skiing, playing guitar, photography, and spending time with her family.

Fees:

Members:  $325 + HST

Non-Members: $375 + HST

OPPI Student Member/Retired Member: $275 + HST

Please note, registrants are responsible for attending the workshop in person. Please check your email (including spam folders) for any additional resources. When registering, we suggest clicking on the option to add this event to your calendar for convenient access to the date and time of the workshop.

If you have any questions, please contact events@ontarioplanners.ca.

CANCELLATION POLICY FOR OPPI EVENTS

• Full refund: requires a minimum of one month's notice
• 75% refund: requires 2-4 weeks' notice
• No refund: if less that 2 weeks' notice