On November 16th, the Greater Toronto Area Agriculture Action Committee (GTA AAC) reflected back on the past 11 years over a special dinner at Black Creek Pioneer Village, in celebration of their final meeting and dissolution. Though it was the GTA AAC’s final meeting, Toronto food pioneer Fiona Nelson, the second last speaker of the evening, explained that this was not an ending, but a beginning.
In an effort to reduce duplication between groups, the GTA AAC passed a motion that the Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Alliance (GHFFA) continue to implement the Action Plan in all areas across the Golden Horseshoe, including the areas formerly covered by the GTA AAC.
Gathered at the final meeting were past and present working group members, representatives from the 4 GTA’s Federations of Agriculture, municipal and regional representatives, farmers, past and present Chairs, and other supporters that have been involved in the committee since its start in 2005. The evening saw rich discussion and reflection on how it all began, and what was achieved in those 11 years in strengthening agricultural land use guidelines and viability. Avia Eek, Chair of GTA AAC, emceed the evening, offering her heartfelt thoughts between the evening’s speakers.
Not only was the dedication and passion for food and farming in the GTA palpable that evening, but so too was the love between the people there. After all, many of these individuals are key leaders in the sector, and so have been working together in some fashion for decades. It was a time to celebrate food and farming, and the exceptional people involved.
The GTA AAC launched in 2005 at Matson’s Winery as a result of the foresight and funding from the provincial government and the four regional municipalities. This foundation for support was built from a strategic collaboration among the 4 GTA Federations of Agriculture (Toronto, York, Durham and Halton). The Federations had just completed an economic impact study that proved the need for something like GTA AAC, and the regional support from the Regional Chairs gave traction for provincial support.
The committee has played a prominent role as an organization advancing food and farming issues in a rapidly developing near urban environment. From its beginning, it was a unique collaboration like no other, with regional, municipal, provincial and federal representatives that worked together to advance food and farming issues and bridge the rural and urban divide.
Meaningful collaboration, along with an integrated vision for a healthy farming economy, vibrant communities and a protected land base will ensure a strong food and farming sector into the future, despite development pressure. It is essential that we keep the communication flowing between all levels of decision makers. This is about driving an economic agenda forward for an entire area, not just one Region, and that’s what the GHFFA will continue to do.
Jamie Reaume, Chair of the GHFFA, concluded the evening stating his admiration for the efforts of everyone in the room, and the knowledge and experience they have brought to the table. The GHFFA will continue to provide a space at the table for the same diversity of voices.
A final report of the GTA AAC will be sent to all municipalities documenting the GTA AAC’s accomplishments.
GTA AAC’s final meeting at Black Creek Pioneer Village
David Lyons, first Chair of GTA AAC in 2005
Fiona Nelson talks about the rise in local food support
Avia Eek, Chair of GTA AAC, and Jamie Reaume, Chair of the GHFFA