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Agriculture has significant impact on our local economy continued from p.20 According to a related report, the Rural Agricultural Strategy recommends building on the principles of establishing and sustaining a regional agricultural system, protecting the integrity of the rural area, enhancing rural and agricultural prosperity, and supporting vibrant rural communities through five pillars: · Grow the cluster -- Establish a regional agricultural system incorporating the components required for agriculture to prosper. This looks at the planning tools, economic development programs and infrastructure required to strengthen the agricultural system; · Link food, farming and health -- Work closely with a broad range of stakeholders to educate and inform the public about the benefits of sustaining a healthy food and farming sector in Halton. Key actions relate to education and connecting consumers and farmers, with one of the key actions being the expansion of the Simply Local program; · Foster innovation -- Promote innovation and entrepreneurship related to agriculture and food as an economic development focus in Halton region. Action items relate to driving innovation and removing barriers; · Enable the cluster -- Develop rural based policies and regulations that are co-ordinated across the region and designed to encourage and support appropriate rural development and expedite approvals; · Cultivating new approaches -- Be a leader in implementing innovative policies that define, establish and support an agricultural system based on a vibrant rural economy. Walton said it's important the agriculture and rural communities continue to be an essential part of the region. Not only is it the right climate with the right soil, but there's a large area of greenbelt to support it, she noted. "Local food and healthy lifestyles have growing interest to all your residents, be it urban or rural, and so we need to have a way to continue to allow them the experiences they can get by driving out into your rural areas," she said. It also has great agri-tourism opportunities, which contributes to the local economy. "When we looked at the gross farm receipts that were generated in 2011, they had a total impact on the regional economy of $453 million," said Walton. "So, really, it's in the interest of Halton residents to continue to keep this component of land use." After some heavy discussion, which highlighted growth pressures that sees Halton's population growing to 780,000 people and 390,000 jobs by 2031, committee members supported endorsing the Rural Agricultural Strategy. The related report was set to go before Regional Council Wednesday (Oct. 12) for approval before an implementation plan is developed that will prioritize actions and objectives and establish timeframes for achieving the goals. To view the Rural Agricultural Strategy, visit halton. ca. For more news, visit oakvillebeaver.com As a Maid Right owner you have my quality guarantee with every clean. 21 | Thursday, October 13, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com FREE Save $25 off your Schedule 3 cleans, 1st regular service clean $ and 50 off your 4th get the 4th free* SM SPECIAL $ * 75 Off CLEAN *Receive the 4th of four cleans at no charge up to $125 Not valid on prior services. *Not valid value. on prior services. Not redeemable for redeemable cash. Applies to cash. new customers only. Not for Applies to new customers only. SPRING CLEANING FALL CLEANING SPECIAL OFFER: 289.809.9823 (XXX) XXX-XXXX localurladdressgoeshere.com Oakville.MaidRight.com Same Reliable Owners Clean Every Visit Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products Colour-Coded Cloths Reduce Cross Contamination EnviroShield® Whole Home Disinfecting Strongest Guarantee In the Industry ©2015 Maid Right Franchising LLC. Maid Right and JAN-PRO International are subsidiaries of Premium Franchise Brands LLC. Are you open to your money doing better to turn fulltime into me-time? We are and so is our new branch in North Oakville. We're not just about money, we are about your money doing better...So you get better rates, products and personal service for all your investment needs. Talk to us first about a better way of banking. 2.00 2.20 2.30 %* %* Conditions apply. Rates are subject to change. *Rates apply to registered and non-registered products - new money only. Rates available at our Oakville branches only. 1 YEAR TERM GIC 30 MONTH TERM GIC 4 YEAR TERM GIC %* Now open at 505 Dundas St W Call us at 1-800-616-8878 or visit FirstOntario.com