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HomeMy Public PortalAboutCOW A 2014-02-06MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Thursday, February 6, 2014 – 8:45 a.m. AGENDA 1. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER. 2. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING: 2.1 Committee of the Whole – Thursday, January 23, 2014 3. MATTERS ARISING: 3.1 Presentation from Krista Harding regarding Southwest Nova Scotia Climate Data Study Project (appointment at 9:00 a.m.) a) Correspondence from South Shore Opportunities dated January 7, 2014 regarding Southwest Nova Scotia Climate Data Study Project PHASE 2. b) Copy of presentation regarding update on Climate Data Study 3.2 Universal Sewer Rate – Update from Director of Public Works (appointment at 9:30 a.m.) 4. CAO REPORT: 4.1 CAO Report (to follow) 5. CORRESPONDENCE 6. NEW BUSINESS: 6.1 Consumer Price Index – Director of Finance 7. ADJOURNMENT. APPOINTMENTS ARRANGED 9:00 a.m. Presentation from Krista Harding regarding Climate Change Data Study 9:30 a.m. Universal Sewer Rate – Update from Director of Public Works In Camera following regular session under Section 22 of the MGA if required MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER Minutes of Meeting of COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Held in Council Chambers at 151 King Street, Street, Chester, NS On Thursday, January 23, 2014 The meeting was called to order by Warden Webber at 8:52 a.m. ROLL CALL Councillors Warden Allen Webber Councillor Sharon Church-Cornelius Deputy Warden Shatford Councillor Tina Connors Councillor Myra Councillor Andre Veinotte Councillor Brad Armstrong Staff Erin Beaudin, CAO Pamela Myra, Municipal Clerk Sam Lamey, Solicitor Cindy Hannaford, Executive Secretary Steve Graham, Director of Finance Press Paula Levy, CKBW Bev Ware, Chronicle Herald There were no members of the public present in the public gallery. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING 2.1 Committee of the Whole – Thursday, December 5, 2013 2014-017 MOVED by Councillor Myra, SECONDED by Councillor Church-Cornelius the minutes of the December 5, 2013 meeting of the Committee of the Whole be accepted as circulated. CARRIED. MATTERS ARISING 3.1 Feedback Report regarding Mayor/Warden. The report included the number of responses and what district they came from; overall, there were 50 responses (35 for the Warden System and 15 for the Mayor System) and some of the comments made were included in the report. There was some discussion regarding the amount of feedback received and it was generally agreed that there seemed to be not as much public interest in the matter as expected. The concerns with changing to the Mayoral system received were mostly to do with additional costs which no one wanted. Some Councillors indicated that they had little interest or comments from their districts. Warden Webber had hoped for a response from the Student Government; however, they were involved with exams and then off for Christmas break. 2014-018 MOVED by Deputy Warden Shatford, SECONDED by Councillor Myra the Committee of the Whole recommend to Council that, further to the feedback received from the public regarding whether residents wanted Council to consider the Mayoral System as opposed to the current Warden System, the current Warden system be continued as it currently is. Discussion: Councillor Veinotte asked how the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg went about getting input for their change to the Mayoral System and it was indicated that they held a plebiscite. He was not overly surprised at the lack of input considering the method. Councillor Church-Cornelius indicated that the newsletter goes to every household and there was information in the local papers as well. Committee of the Whole (Continued) 10 Thursday, January 23, 2014 Deputy Warden Shatford indicated that from the results received there seems to be no appetite for change. CARRIED. 3.2 Graduation Ceremony for Employees completing the Essential Skills in Communications Warden Webber welcomed staff members and Emma Spencer, Instructor. He thanked both staff and Ms. Spencer for the time and effort put into the program. Although he was not familiar with the program he knows that staff was enthusiastic both going into and coming out of the program each week. He thanked Ms. Spencer and Staff for taking the time to engage with each other to improve their skill sets. Erin Beaudin, CAO, welcomed everyone and indicated that when she first heard about the program at AMA she never thought we would get the interest we did and because of the interest the first round required three courses because there were so many staff wanting to take part – that is awesome! This was a timely course – communication – everyone struggles with communication both internally and externally. Every participant now has the ability to lead and take back to their Department Head and Council what they have learned. It is great to see the first course come to an end. Congratulations to the participants on their success and graduation! Gord Tate, an employee who took part in the Essential Skills in Communication, spoke on behalf of the participants and thanked Emma for her role. The students valued her honesty, challenging their way of thinking, and encouragement of self-perception and sharing of perspectives. On behalf of everyone who took part Gord thanked Emma. Emma Spencer, Instructor, thanked the staff and Council for the opportunity to participate. She also thanked them on behalf of Judy Purcell, NS Department of Labour and Advanced Education, who was not able to be present. She also thanked the Project Team for their support particularly believing in her knowing her daughter was ill. She also thanked Cindy Hannaford, Tammy Hamm, Gregory Bezanson, and Pam Myra for their help in getting organized. She thanked the participants and indicated to Council that they should be proud of the employees – they produced the best team results she has seen from groups across departments. She will be relaying the key learning points back to Department Heads and she hoped to work with the employees here again in the future. Certificates were presented to: Tax/Administration: · Christine Collicutt · Lynn Hatt · Betty Mulrooney · Debbie Stevens Solid Waste: · Tammy Harnish · Milton (Joey) Rines · Robert Russell · Ben Swinamer · Yvonne Weisner · Josh Wile CAO/Clerk’s Office · Cindy Hannaford · Yvonne Hennigar · Dan Pittman Community Development · Heather Archibald · Bruce Blackwood · Jami Fay · Tammy Hamm · Rose Holden Information Services Committee of the Whole (Continued) 11 Thursday, January 23, 2014 · Jennifer Veinotte · Nick Zinck Public Works · Gregory Bezanson · Gippy Dominey · Robin Kaizer · Laurie Lantz · Lyle Russell · Jared Stevens Recreation & Parks · Trish Colman · Debbie Harnish · Cosette Howlett · Gord Tate Refreshments were served in the Committee Room and following that the Committee reconvened with all members present. 3.3 Capital Budget Presentation - Director of Finance The Director of Finance reviewed his report “Capital Investment Review” dated January 13, 2014 indicating that the demand for capital investment in infrastructure projects has escalated to the point the Municipality has not seen in many years. In 2012/13 and 2013/14 the Municipality made significant investments in a few projects that has basically depleted the gas tax reserves as well as required a substantial contribution from operating reserves. While the wind turbine project is one that will pay financial dividends over time, there were other projects, such as sidewalk construction and the water utility de-commissioning that offer basically no financial return. The Director of Finance also reviewed the following from the Capital Investment Review: · Reserve Balances · Debt Services Ratio · Current Financial Pressures: o Other government funding – There has been a lull in federal infrastructure funding programs. The latest information available indicates that municipalities outside of HRM have approximately $2.0 million for 2014-15 and 2015-16. There is an indication from the Federal Government that funding will increase in 2016-17 that will perhaps allow us to receive a meaningful portion of the funds. o Healthy tax base - Property assessment base has been restricted in growth, not so much the market values, but the capped value from which we base our tax rate and revenue source. Over the past 5 years the capped percentage used by the province has been on average 2.1% with one year at zero percent. This year’s capped percentage is .9%. The same cannot be said with regard to our mandatory expenditures as these cost have exceeded the capped rate. It is difficult to invest in projects and promote economic development when property tax rates have to be increased and/or services reduced to arrive at a balanced budget. o Economic development - With the recent hiring of economic development officer and the direction of the strategy, we are hopeful that private sector investment will take place in our community and lead to future prosperity. However, to ensure this happens, we must have adequate infrastructure in place and the services available to meet the need. · Current Demands: o LED streetlights – In keeping with the Province’s legislation to convert existing street lights to LED specifications, Council’s direction to take ownership of the current streetlights and replace them will require a capital investment of approximately $1.6 million. The intention is to have the current area rates for streetlights cover the capital cost and, with the lower energy bills, should allow the rates to remain the same going forward. Committee of the Whole (Continued) 12 Thursday, January 23, 2014 o Municipal office restructuring – In keeping with the Province’s legislation to convert existing street lights to LED specifications, Council’s direction to take ownership of the current streetlights and replace them will require a capital investment of approximately $1.6 million. The intention is to have the current area rates for streetlights cover the capital cost and, with the lower energy bills, should allow the rates to remain the same going forward. o Industrial park development – In keeping with the economic development strategy, it is expected that we invest in our Eco-Park and/or a fully serviced industrial park to meet the needs of potential investors. The estimated cost at this time is expected to be $XXXX. o Sewer system upgrades – To meet provincial environment guidelines and compliance issues, capital investment will be required and is estimated to be significant. We have also been aware of capacity issues that certainly adds to the future growth dilemma and our ability to recoup costs. A report will be provided on the financial impact in due course. o Landfill operational requirements – Again, to meet Provincial environment guidelines as well as properly fund our landfill closure reserve, we will require additional funding of $XXXX next year. o Recycling projects – There have been discussions regarding waste-to-energy projects that will have an impact on landfill operations. As well, organic composting options have been discussed and a potential project that may qualify as a Comfit project, but will require a significant investment up front of approximately $4.0 million. o Community investment - And of course, discussions and possible contribution to Our Health Centre has been referred to next year’s budget that has a request of $1.0 million. Councillor Veinotte indicated it was important to discuss the $236,000 sewer deficit. The Director of Finance indicated that he wanted Councillors to be aware of this information prior to budget discussions. Councillor Veinotte indicated that during last year’s budget discussions there was a lot of discussion regarding the capital budget but not as much regarding the operating budget and would like more discussions on the operating side. He also commented that in the private sector there is an incentive mechanism but none here – he asked if there was some mechanism to reward for saving money. He is unsure if it is an incentive model that is needed but there is no way to encourage efficiency/growth, i.e. do we have the right amount of people. He also asked about the percentage of the budget for operations versus capital. Councillor Church-Cornelius indicated that the private it is clearly incentive based. Council generally accepts requests for more staff; whether they are need or other cuts can be made should be reviewed – sometimes the need is there to look at operations to make necessary changes. Warden Webber indicated that it would be useful to provide the information separating the operational and mandatory expenditures and capital. The Bob Funke report was briefly discussed and it was indicated that staff would be coming with a report soon. The CAO indicated that each department has looked at efficiencies and each has its own challenges. Staff are having discussions and are looking at different solutions/opportunities that might be available in each department. Staff will have to continue to be creative. She appreciates the information and would like to have a discussion with Council on what staff is discussion – staff want Council to know their challenges. Councillor Veinotte indicated that he was appreciative of the Director of Finance’s report. Warden Webber noted that this Municipality was one of the first to let the Province know what the CAP and the province’s fiscal positions would mean to Municipalities moving forward and now we must take the next step in preparing for those challenges. Committee of the Whole (Continued) 13 Thursday, January 23, 2014 The CAO indicated that if there was any specific information Councillors wished to know to advise her and she could have the information provided by staff. Warden Webber indicated there were a lot of unknowns about some upcoming projects and suggested that separation of the operating budget would be helpful. As well, if a projected budget of 1-2 years with and without the revenue anticipated from South Canoe would be helpful. There was some discussion on the South Canoe court case and how they are moving forward at this time, land clearing began on Monday. CAO REPORT 4.1 CAO Report dated January 23, 2014. The CAO reviewed her report dated January 23rd and answered questions regarding the following: · LED Streetlighting – replacement will begin in the next fiscal year and if there are lights that are to be installed now for safety reasons advise the CAO. · ISO certification and processes – will take some time but after certification there can be some analysis and efficiencies determined – which is happening now just with the preparation of processes and getting them down on paper. · Staff will be attending a presentation on procurement. · Landfill structure / Sewer structure (Councillor Veinotte) – he would like to see the sewers pay for themselves and run themselves similar to the landfill – there will be more information regarding the universal sewer rate provided at an upcoming meeting. · Clarification was provided on the support tickets from Information Services Department. CORRESPONDENCE 5.1 Requests for inclusion in By-Law 74 – Tax Exemption for Charitable, Non-Profit Organizations, Municipal Water Utilities and Licensed Day Cares from: a) Chester Municipal Heritage Society – Schedule A 2014-019 MOVED by Councillor Church-Cornelius, SECONDED by Councillor Armstrong that the Committee of the Whole recommend to Council to include in Schedule A of the Tax Exemption for Charitable, Non-Profit Organizations, Municipal Water Utilities and Licensed Day Cares Account Number 00948845 now owned by the Chester Municipal Heritage Society. CARRIED. b) Chester Golf Club – Schedule C 2014-020 MOVED by Deputy Warden Shatford, SECONDED by Councillor Myra that the Committee of the Whole recommend to Council to include in Schedule C of the Tax Exemption for Charitable, Non-Profit Organizations, Municipal Water Utilities and Licensed Day Cares Account Number 00729779 owned by the Chester Golf Club. CARRIED. c) Shoreham Village Senior Citizens Association – Schedule A It was indicated that Schedule A of the Tax Exemption for Charitable, Non-Profit Organizations, Municipal Water Utilities and Licensed Day Cares By-Law exempts 100% of Commercial Tax. Currently there is one account owned by Shoreham Village Senior Citizens Association that is included in the By-Law; however, the remaining accounts are assessed as residential so the exemption for commercial property would not apply. It was agreed that it was important to follow policy. 20124-021 MOVED by Councillor Armstrong, SECONDED by Councillor Church-Cornelius that the Committee of the Whole recommend to Council to advise Shoreham Village Senior Citizens Association that, as per policy, the remaining accounts owned by the Committee of the Whole (Continued) 14 Thursday, January 23, 2014 organization are residential, not commercial, and as such cannot be considered under the Tax Exemption for Charitable, Non-Profit Organizations, Municipal Water Utilities and Licensed Day Cares By-Law. CARRIED. 2014-022 MOVED by Councillor Veinotte, SECONDED by Councillor Myra that the Committee of the Whole recommend to Council that the amendments to the Tax Exemption for Charitable, Non-Profit Organizations, Municipal Water Utilities and Licensed Day Cares By-Law No. 74 to include Chester Municipal Heritage Society Account Number 00948845 in Schedule A and Chester Golf Club Account Number 00729779 in Schedule C become effective for the 2014/15 Fiscal Year. CARRIED. 5.2 Follow-up regarding correspondence sent to Fire Service Association of Nova Scotia regarding Basic Life Insurance Coverage for Firefighters. Deputy Warden Shatford indicated that it has been six months since the initial letter was forwarded and no response has been received. It was agreed to have staff re-send the letter with copies to the Fire Advisory Committee. 5.3 Correspondence from NS Department of Transportation & Infrastructure Renewal dated December 31, 2013 regarding Agreement for Snow and Ice Control for Millennium Drive. 2014-023 MOVED by Councillor Armstrong, SECONDED by Deputy Warden Shatford that the Committee of the Whole recommend to Council to authorize the Warden and Clerk to sign the Agreement for Snow and Ice Control for Millennium Drive. CARRIED. 5.4 Letter of response from Minister of Transportation & Infrastructure Renewal dated December 20, 2013 regarding twinning work on Highway 103. This was considered information. NEW BUSINESS. 7.1 Planning Housekeeping Matter – Land Use By-Law - Tara Maguire, Director of Community Development The Director reviewed the history of a report from 1992 and the Public Hearing Held in December of 1996 regarding an amendment to the land Use By-Law regarding subdivision of properties where duplexes are located. The 1996 advertisement indicated the change would affect the (LR) zone and all commercial zones. She reviewed the by-law as it currently is indicating that the change was not reflected in the commercial zones and currently does not reflect what was intended. The Director of Community Development suggested that a report could be prepared and the correction made at the January 30, 2014 Public Hearing as a housekeeping amendment and she asked for Council’s direction. Following discussion, it was agreed that the original intent was to make the change to both the LR zone and the commercial zones to allow a duplex property to be subdivided so that both owners may own their portions. Councillor Armstrong asked if it should be reviewed by the Village Planning Advisory Committee first and it was indicated that the motion was made by Council at the recommendation of the Planning Advisory Committee so in this instance sending it back to the Committee would not be appropriate. The Director of Community Development was directed to prepare a report to present to the Public Hearing on January 30, 2014 regarding the housekeeping amendment. 7.2 Citizens Landfill Monitoring Committee – Councillor Church-Cornelius Committee of the Whole (Continued) 15 Thursday, January 23, 2014 Councillor Church-Cornelius asked the Committee for consideration of including another public member on the Citizens Landfill Monitoring Committee until advertisement of the next term. There are currently three public members and she is not sure how long they will remain on the Committee. The person who has shown interest is Ryan Cameron. 2014-023 MOVED by Councillor Church-Cornelius, SECONDED by Councillor Veinotte that the Committee of the Whole recommend to Council that Ryan Cameron be appointed as a member to the Citizens Landfill Monitoring Committee until the current term ends. CARRIED. 7.3 Vermicomposting – Councillor Veinotte Councillor Veinotte indicated that the Dalhousie Students are willing to make a presentation to Council on the vermicomposting project. It was suggested that the meeting be held at the Landfill site and a tour could be carried out following the meeting. Councillor Veinotte will get in touch with the Clerk on a date for the meeting. A break was held from 11:00 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. 2014-024 MOVED by Councillor Church-Cornelius, SECONDED by Deputy Warden the meeting convene “In Camera” to discuss contract negotiations. CARRIED. Following a short meeting held “In Camera” the meeting reconvened with all members present. 2014-025 MOVED by Deputy Warden Shatford, SECONDED by Councillor Myra that the Committee of the Whole recommend to Council to give notice to Christine Poirier to terminate the contract currently in place for video surveillance equipment located at her residence. CARRIED. 2014-026 MOVED by Councillor Myra, SECONDED by Councillor Church-Cornelius the meeting adjourn. CARRIED. (11:26 a.m.) ____________________________ ____________________________ Allen Webber Pamela Myra Warden Municipal Clerk We a t h e r S t a t i o n C o n f i g u r a t i o n … Ba c k g r o u n d : W H A T Ph a s e 1 2 0 1 1 t o 2 0 1 3 • Th i s P r o j e c t i s l o c a t e d i n N o v a S c o t i a ' s s o u t h e r n ec o n o m i c r e g i o n , w h i c h i s c o m p r i s e d o f 5 o f t h e Pr o v i n c e ' s 1 8 c o u n t i e s ( S h e l b u r n e , Y a r m o u t h , D i g b y , Qu e e n s , a n d L u n e n b u r g ) • Pu r c h a s e d 4 2 O n s e t w e a t h e r s t a t i o n s . A d d e d t o 1 4 al r e a d y i n v a l l e y . 1 8 m o r e a l s o a d d e d K i n g s & An n a p o l i s = 7 2 s i t e s d a t a c o l l e c t i o n . • Te m p e r a t u r e a n d s o l a r r a d i a t i o n m e a s u r e d e v e r y 1 0 se c o n d s , s t o r e d e v e r y 5 m i n s & t r a n s f e r r e d v i a c e l l ne t w o r k a n d i n t e r n e t . • In f o r m a t i o n a c c u m u l a t e d , a v a i l a b l e f o r p e o p l e f o r ag r i c u l t u r e , t o u r i s m , o t h e r p u r p o s e s . WH E R E ? Ba c k g r o u n d : H O W • In 2 0 1 1 t h r e e C o m m u n i t y B u s i n e s s De v e l o p m e n t C o r p o r a t i o n s ( C B D C s ) o f Ya r m o u t h , S h e l b u r n e , Q u e e n s - L u n e n b u r g . • Pr o j e c t b u d g e t $ 2 3 7 , 0 0 0 • Fu n d i n g f r o m m o r e t h a n a d o z e n s o u r c e s in c l u d i n g 7 m u n i c i p a l u n i t s . • Ag r a P o i n t ( P e r e n n i a ) a n d A p p l i e d G e o m a t i c s Re s e a r c h G r o u p ( A G R G ) c o n t r a c t e d t o p e r f o r m th e w o r k . Ba c k g r o u n d : H O W • Mu n i c i p a l i t i e s p a r t i c i p a t e d P h a s e 1 , $ 1 , 5 0 0 / y r : 1. M u n i c i p a l i t y o f D i s t r i c t o f L u n e n b u r g 2. M u n i c i p a l i t y o f C h e s t e r , 3. R e g i o n o f Q u e e n s M u n i c i p a l i t y 4. M u n i c i p a l i t y o f D i s t r i c t o f Y a r m o u t h 5. M u n i c i p a l i t y o f A r g y l e 6. M u n i c i p a l i t y o f S h e l b u r n e 7. M u n i c i p a l i t y o f B a r r i n g t o n PH A S E 2 P R O P O S E D Ja n 2 0 1 4 t o J u n e 2 0 1 6 • Co n t i n u e d a t a c o l l e c t i o n t e m p e r a t u r e & s o l a r ra d i a t i o n t o o b t a i n 5 y e a r s o f d a t a . • Ad d a d d i t i o n a l s e n s o r s t o e a c h w e a t h e r s t a t i o n co n f i g u r a t i o n , n a m e l y : – an e m o m e t e r ( f o r m o n i t o r i n g w i n d speed and di r e c t i o n ) – ra i n g a u g e – re l a t i v e h u m i d i t y s e n s o r . • Ma r k e t i n g : b e g i n t o i d e n t i f y a b r a n d a n d d e v e l o p an i n i t i a l w e b s i t e t o b e u s e d a s a n a t t r a c t i o n t o t he da t a PH A S E 2 P R O P O S E D Ja n 2 0 1 4 t o J u n e 2 0 1 6 • Ma r k e t i n g p r o p o s e d t a s k s o f c o n s u l t a n t : – Id e n t i f y i n d u s t r i e s w h o w i l l u s e t h e d a t a a n d p r i o r i t i z e t h e in d u s t r i e s f o r t h o s e t h a t w i l l c r e a t e t h e m o s t e c o n o m i c i m pact. – Id e n t i f y i f t h e r e a r e g a p s i n t h e c u r r e n t d a t a b e i n g c o llected (eg. so i l ) – Wh o i s t h e t a r g e t m a r k e t f o r t h e h i g h p r i o r i t y i n d u s t r i e s and wh e r e a r e t h e y l o c a t e d ? – Su c c e s s i o n p l a n , e x i t s t r a t e g y f o r t h e c b d c ' s , i n c l u d i n g equipment us e a n d w e b s i t e s u p p o r t . – Tr a i n i n g a n d s k i l l s d e v e l o p m e n t t o s u p p o r t t h e i n d u s t r y g r owth • Qu a r t e r l y m e e t i n g s , i n p e r s o n , w i t h m u n i c i p a l i t y s taff and ot h e r s t a k e h o l d e r s t o d e v e l o p a s t r a t e g y f o r c o - o p e rative, pr a c t i c a l u s e o f t h e d a t a c o l l e c t e d . PH A S E 2 P R O P O S E D Ja n 2 0 1 4 t o J u n e 2 0 1 6 • To t a l b u d g e t $ 3 4 8 , 0 0 0 • Pr o p o s e d s o u r c e s o f c a s h : – CB D C ' s ( 3 ) $ 1 5 , 0 0 0 – Mu n i c i p a l u n i t s S o u t h w e s t N S $ 5 2 , 5 0 0 – NS E c o n o m i c a n d R u r a l D e v e l o p m e n t $ 5 4 , 3 6 8 – AC O A $ 2 2 6 , 3 2 5 PH A S E 2 P R O P O S E D • Mu n i c i p a l i t i e s a s k i n g P h a s e 2 : 1. M u n i c i p a l i t y o f D i s t r i c t o f L u n e n b u r g 2. M u n i c i p a l i t y o f C h e s t e r , 3. R e g i o n o f Q u e e n s M u n i c i p a l i t y 4. M u n i c i p a l i t y o f D i s t r i c t o f Y a r m o u t h 5. M u n i c i p a l i t y o f A r g y l e 6. M u n i c i p a l i t y o f S h e l b u r n e 7. M u n i c i p a l i t y o f B a r r i n g t o n 8. T o w n o f L u n e n b u r g ( n e w ) 9. T o w n o f M a h o n e B a y ( n e w ) 10 . T o w n o f Y a r m o u t h ( n e w ) 11 . M u n i c i p a l i t y o f C l a i r e ( n e w ) 12 . T o w n o f S h e l b u r n e ( n e w ) 13 . T o w n o f B a r r i n g t o n ( n e w ) 14 . T o w n o f L o c k e p o r t ( n e w ) Th e O p p o r t u n i t y • We u n d e r s t a n d f r o m P e r e n n i a a n d o t h e r o r g a n i z a t i o n s wo r k i n g w i t h a g r i c u l t u r e d e v e l o p m e n t i n t h e P r o v i n c e th a t t h e y c o n t i n u e t o r e c e i v e n u m e r o u s r e q u e s t s an n u a l l y e x p r e s s i n g a n i n t e r e s t i n i n v e s t i n g i n t h e area. As a d i r e c t r e s u l t o f d a t a c o l l e c t e d t o d a t e t h e l o cal CB D C s a n d m u n i c i p a l u n i t s c o n f i r m t h e y h a v e b e g u n t o re c e i v e i n q u i r i e s a n d e x p r e s s i o n s o f i n t e r e s t i n l o cal de v e l o p m e n t . B e c a u s e i t t a k e s t i m e a n d s u b s t a n t i a l co s t t o o b t a i n t h i s d a t a i n d u s t r y l o o k i n g t o e x p a n d will lo o k a t a r e a s w h e r e c l i m a t e d a t a i s r e a d i l y a v a i l a b le an d o f f e r s m o s t p o t e n t i a l f o r s u c c e s s f u l i n v e s t m e n t . It is u n l i k e l y t h e y w i l l t a k e t h e r i s k o f g u e s s w o r k t o in v e s t i n a n a r e a w i t h o u t n e c e s s a r y d a t a . WH E R E ?