Growing Opportunity: Brock Township seeks input on farm use amendments

DARRYL KNIGHT The Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

BROCK: Residents, farmers, and members of the agricultural community packed Council Chambers, recently, for a public meeting on proposed changes to the Township of Brock’s Official Plan and Zoning By-law. The amendments aim to make it easier for farmers to expand and diversify their operations, through new on-farm businesses, while maintaining protection for the area’s prime agricultural land, within the Greenbelt.

Robin Prentice, Brock’s Director of Development Services, presented an overview of the proposed amendments, explaining, the changes are the result of a multi-year collaboration with neighbouring municipalities and regional partners.

“In April 2024, Brock, Scugog, and Uxbridge partnered with WSP Canada Inc. to study agriculture-related and on-farm diversified uses,” Ms. Prentice said. “Our goal has been to develop a framework which supports farmers and contributes to the long-term viability of the agricultural system.”

Ms. Prentice noted, a large portion of Brock’s Greenbelt Protected Countryside is designated as prime agricultural area, which makes it essential to balance growth with farmland preservation.

“Agriculture is a cornerstone of Brock’s rural economy,” she said. “We want to make it easier for farmers to grow their businesses while protecting farmland for future generations. This is about encouraging local food production, supporting agri-tourism, and creating opportunities [which] keep farming sustainable.”

The proposed policy changes would permit agriculture-related uses, such as: farmer’s markets, research facilities, and grain elevators, as well as, on-farm diversified uses like: cafes, workshops, event spaces, and small-scale accommodations. Each proposal would be subject to size, scale, and compatibility criteria, to ensure it fits the surrounding area.

“These types of uses can help farmers supplement their income and bring more visitors to our community,” Ms. Prentice explained. “At the same time, the policies ensure these activities remain secondary to farming and maintain the rural character which defines Brock.”

Councillor Lynn Campbell, who represents a largely rural ward, said, the amendments are an important step in supporting Brock’s agricultural sector.

“This is about giving our farmers the flexibility they need to adapt and thrive,” Councillor Campbell noted. “Farming is changing, and we want to make sure our policies reflect that reality. We’re listening closely to our agricultural community to get this right.”

Councillor Campbell added, the public meeting was an important opportunity for residents to learn about the proposed amendments and provide feedback, before they return to Council.

“These discussions are crucial,” she said. “They help ensure what we put in place supports farmers, protects our rural landscapes, and benefits the entire township.”

The Township will continue to accept feedback from residents and agencies, before presenting final recommendations to Council in 2026. Those recommendations will include updated Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendments, as well as a revised Site Plan Control By-law to guide future proposals.

“Our goal is to strike the right balance,” Ms. Prentice said. “We’re committed to policies which protect farmland while giving the next generation of farmers the tools they need to succeed.”