A deputation with good intentions has been a hot topic for several community groups.
Back in November, a presentation was made asking Norfolk County to update the Forest Conservation By-law as it currently has outdated wording and potentially hefty fines for farmers working in their fields.
They were also looking for the new by-law to include protections for “normal farm practices”, which could include edging a field or doing ditch work.
Several letters and emails are on this week’s agenda package expressing some concern over the matter, wanting to make sure there is a proper time for public debate on the matter.
Several groups, including Nature Conservancy of Canada and Norfolk Woodlot Owners Association, penned letters to this effect not agreeing with some of the swooping changes suggested in the Niagara bylaw which was given to the council as an example for where the county could go.
With that, an update from staff was to be presented tonight (Tuesday) but has been pushed to 2020.
While staff in a memo to council does agree that an update is due – the undertaking of one will take some time.
As these letters were received as communication, it will be up to council on whether they wish to discuss them in public or simply receive them as information moving forward.