"The recent rapid expansion in vegetable greenhouse farming is expected to slow as availability and costs associated with the needed gas, hydro and water fluctuate." Back in 2011 that was the vision on the horticultural expansion in Kingsville, Ontario. With the recent developments in the market and the towns rules to be adjusted to these developments, it is time to renew the plan and a draft is sent out to let people review the plans.
"Growth in the greenhouse sector remains consistent from year to year. Availability and cost of services will remain the key factors in future growth", says the draft.
"Agriculture and related development will remain the primary economic activity of the Town", is what the draft reads. "The main agricultural uses in Kingsville are field crops and greenhouse farming (primarily vegetable production and limited flower and plant greenhouses). "Secondary agricultural uses include mushroom production, raising of livestock and the recent introduction of commercial cannabis for medical and recreational use. Growth in the greenhouse sector remains consistent from year to year. Availability and cost of services will remain the key factors in future growth", they conclude.
In order to keep up with this developing and changing market, they are updating other greenhouse policies as well, including updating the rules from medical marijuana growing to general cannabis growing, loading requirements with greenhouse enterprises and housing of temporary employees.
The proposal for the new greenhouse policy can be found here. The proposal was discussed last month and the committee is open for more insights.