| OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, October 13, 2016 Rule changes crimping agri-tourism business continued from p.18 The farm is also open to the public. Visitors have an agri- tourism experience in which they see the process of making essential oils and learn how lavender is grown. The farm also offers an outdoor yoga area, unique farm store, honey house and an equestrian demonstration ring. Baird explained his family has built a strong market for the business, but it hasn't come without roadblocks. Although Terre Bleu hoped to host a lavender festival, similar to others across North America, it has run into zoning issues. | 20 Y o u g e t ju s t o n e fu n e ra l. Make it the one you want. You are unique. Your life is unlike any other. By pre-planning your final arrangem ents now, you can choose the options that reflect how you w ant to be remembered. W hat's more, you can save thousands of dollars and protect family from uncertainty about your wishes. We were featured on the front of Food & Drink magazine this year and featured in the magazine on how to cook with lavender, all shot on our farm... we're not allowed to do that. All of this is now considered inappropriate activity for an agricultural tourism operation in Milton, y y Ian Baird Terre Bleu Lavender Farm Take the first step: Ask us about your FREE Planning Kit! 905-257-1100 glenoaks.ca }ar>ninq If-.. « J m Look for us on Facebook © Glen Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery b y A rb o r M e m o ria l 3164 Ninth Line (403 & Dundas St.), Miss./Oakville, ON Arbor Memorial Inc. Family Owned. Proudly Canadian. He said, according to the Town of Milton, he's not allowed to do certain things. "We were featured on the front of Food & Drink magazine this year and featured in the magazine on how to cook with lavender, all shot on our farm -- were not allowed to do that," he said. Nor are cooking demonstrations, yoga classes or equestrian demonstrations allowed at an agri-tourism business in Milton. "All of this is now considered inappropriate activity for an agricultural tourism operation in Milton," said Baird. "And so, when I see what you're discussing today I'm thrilled. The plans that talk about the vision for agri-tourism for the region, it's wonderful...." He said he plans to stay in Halton and if the recommendations from the Rural Agricultural Strategy are adopted, he can see his business grow. Baird said this year was the first year Terre Bleu was profitable, but noted it has tripled its lavender and honey production, outsourced local companies to create its products, and quadrupled its workforce to 30-40 seasonal and part-time workers. It has tens of thousands of visitors and has become the largest lavender farm in Ontario, Baird said. He urged committee members to support the Rural Agricultural Strategy. As of now, he's been given direction by Town of Milton planners that he needs to apply for rezoning. "W hen I talked to the Ontario Federation of Agriculture they said, you're crazy to do that because once you do that you no longer have the advantages of being a farm, you cannot manage your business in the same way you would a farm and furthermore, that's not what I'm after," he said. "I'm not trying to be anything other than a farm, but I'm trying to find a way to bring my products to market." see Agriculture on p.21 www.insideHALTON.com ALL YOU CAN EAT a u g u st sh EARN up to $3000! NE IN FORALLYOU CAN E A T Are you a Healthy Male or Female between 18 and 55 years of age? If so, we want to hear from you! Apotex is currently recruiting healthy non-smoking men and women to participate in a clinical study. w i l l 3 280 North Service Road W.@ Dorval 905-338-6228 or Call: Toll Free: www.august8.ca 416.741.4256 1.877.APO.CLNC ( 1.877.276 .2562 ) m onday to APOTEX A D V A N C IN G G E N E R IC S H o u rs : 8 : 30am to 5 pm F r id a y