TOWNSHIP OF LAURENTIAN VALLEY
COUNCIL
TO: Mayor Wilson and Council FROM: Lauree J. Armstrong, MCIP, RPP, Township Planner
CC: Dean Sauriol, CAO/Clerk
DATE: April 10, 2014
RE: Request to Premier Wynne to Establish 2-Year Moratorium on Closure of Kemptville College to Allow for Fall 2014 Enrollment and Time for the Kemptville College Renewal Task Force to Develop a Solution SUBJECT: Planning Memorandum No. 1
RECOMMENDATION: That Council adopt the Resolution as attached to this Report Requesting a 2-year moratorium on closure of Kemptville College to allow for Fall 2014 Enrollment and Time for Kemptville College Renewal Task Force to develop a solution.
COMMENTS:
Further to a special meeting of the County of Renfrew Agriculture Economic Development Committee on which the Township Planner/Economic Development Officer regularly participates and to which the Mayor was invited to attend to discuss the particular issue of concern to the agricultural community of Renfrew County, a recommendation came forward that the County and other municipalities in Renfrew County support efforts to stop the closure of Kemptville College. One of the key issues that was identified was the need to ensure that enrollment continues for the next two years so that students could be assured of completing the programs and also to not lose the momentum of attendance at the College while a solution is developed. The Kemptville College Renewal Task Force has been struck which includes representatives from the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Algonquin College, St. Lawrence College, public and private leaders and representatives. There appears to be a real opportunity to develop a solution but given the surprise timing of the closure announcement by the University of Guelph, the moratorium is required to work out how this can happen.
The importance of the training offered by Kemptville College in the food, fuel and bio-technology sectors was noted and in particular the impact the presence of such an institution in Eastern Ontario has on the economy of Renfrew County in terms of providing opportunities to provide training to youth in the area that would assist in retaining them in Eastern Ontario rather than losing them to other areas of the province. The programs at the College also include an active agricultural component that provides hands-on training. Programs for diesel equipment mechanics are also important in the growing industry and to provide skills for youth. With the increasing complexity of farming as a business, having somewhere to gain skills and training nearby on agri-business provides an opportunity for young farmers to be better prepared to have sustainable operations that are cost effective. The growing fuel and bio-technology sectors are also important and again contribute to having opportunities for youth to acquire training and for Renfrew County to tap in to a pool of skilled employees. The loss of Kemptville College and what it offers in Eastern Ontario would impact jobs, the sustainability of farming
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COUNCIL RE: Request to Premier Wynne to Establish 2-Year Moratorium on Closure of Kemptville College to Allow for Fall 2014 Enrollment and Time for the Kemptville College Renewal Task Force to Develop a Solution SUBJECT: Planning Memorandum No. 1
operations and agri-business and opportunities for youth retention in area with an aging demographic in the work force.
The issue is also be put forward to the Eastern Ontario Wardens Caucus to also assist in supporting the efforts to develop solutions to keep Kemptville College and what it has to offer in Eastern Ontario. The County of Renfrew and other Renfrew County municipalities will be considering a similar resolution.
SUMMARY
Staff recommends Council adopts the Resolution as attached to this report.
PEOPLE CONSULTED:
Mayor Wilson and County of Renfrew Agriculture Economic Development Committee
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
N/A
ATTACHMENTS: 1. Draft Resolution for Adoption. 2. Presentation by Ray Pender, Councillor Township of Admaston/Bromley and Member of County of Renfrew Agriculture Economic Development Committee 3. Media Articles related to Closure of Kemptville College
Respectfully Submitted Township of Laurentian Valley
“ORIGINAL SIGNED BY”
Lauree J. Armstrong, MCIP, RPP Township Planner
Page 2 of 2
Corporation of the Township of Laurentian Valley
Council Resolution Form
Moved By: ______
Seconded By: ______
BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
WHEREAS on October 7, 2013, the Premier, in her capacity as Minister of Agriculture and Food, challenged the agriculture and agri-food sector to double its growth rate and create 120,000 new jobs in Ontario by 2020;
AND WHEREAS on March 12, 2014, the University of Guelph announced the relocation of academic and research programs from its Kemptville Campus to the Guelph and Ridgetown Campuses, effectively ending a 97 year tradition of excellence in agricultural education, research and innovation in Eastern Ontario;
AND WHEREAS the closure of the Kemptville campus denies access to post- secondary agricultural training east of Guelph, and reduces the number of skilled trades program seats in Eastern Ontario;
AND WHEREAS as a result of this relocation of academic programs, intake to these programs at the Kemptville campus has been suspended for the fall 2014 semester;
AND WHEREAS the decision by the University of Guelph, supported the Province of Ontario, will result in the elimination of over 100 jobs at the Kemptville Campus;
AND WHEREAS local stakeholders were not afforded the opportunity to participate in developing alternative solutions to the closure of the Kemptville Campus by the end of 2015;
AND WHEREAS at a meeting held on March 15, 2014, upwards of 400 local stakeholders asserted the critical importance of the Kemptville Campus to the continued success of the food, fuel and agri-food industry, skilled trades and overall economic development in Eastern Ontario;
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AND WHEREAS access to research facilities and expertise is necessary for the food, fuel and bio-technology sector to innovate and succeed in the global economy and maintain networks that have allowed food producers and the processors to keep pace in an industry that is continuously changing;
AND WHEREAS the continued access to food, fuel and bio-technology sector training opportunities within Eastern Ontario is critical to the economic health and sustainability of the agri-business sector, related jobs and the retention of youth in Renfrew County and rural Eastern Ontario;
AND WHEREAS in a News Release on March 27, 2014, on the Ontario Government’s initiative to help more students pursue post-secondary education as part of the Ontario Government’s economic plan, Premier Wynne stated “We are committed to helping more students get the postsecondary education they need to succeed. We want to bridge Ontario’s skills gap, and ensure that young people are equipped with all the right skills no matter where they live.”
AND WHEREAS Premier Wynne confirmed on April 8, 2014, that the programs at the Kemptville Campus are not being cancelled and as such the Ontario Government is looking for local solutions;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council of the Township of Laurentian Valley urges in strongest possible way that the Honourable Kathleen Wynne, in both her capacity as Premier of Ontario and Minister of Agriculture and Food, immediately issue a 2-year moratorium on the closure of the University of Guelph's Kemptville Campus and reinstate the intake to academic programs for the fall 2014 semester;
AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council of the Township of Laurentian Valley supports the efforts of the Kemptville College Renewal Task Force and the absolute need for the moratorium on the closure to provide time to develop sustainable and viable solutions to preserve the delivery of existing academic and research programs at Kemptville College.
Carried: ______Defeated: ______Withdrawn: ______
Declaration of Interest: ______Recorded Vote: ______
Yea Voting Nay J. Wilson S. Bennett Mayor: ______J. Gauthier G. Hodgkinson Date: April 15, 2014 D. Robinson J. Sheedy Motion #: RM14-04- A. Wren Page 2 of 2 4/9/2014
Kemptville College Future Appears Grim
Ray Pender
Introduction
• What does Kemptville College mean to Eastern Ontario? • Kemptville College has approximately 550 Students • The college offers diverse training in Dairy, Equine, Horticulture, Heavy Equipment, Trades, Extension, Food & Nutrition.
1 4/9/2014
Dr. Claude Naud
• Appointed Director of College 2010 -First non-academic director in school history • Hired to improve the College's programs • He was very successful - Found Partners for certain courses - Improved many of the facilities • Mid-February he resigned for personal reasons
Help Wanted
• Ralph Pierce, production editor of The Country Guide, says farmers cannot wait 10 years to build a work force. • "More difficult for farmers to find the employees they need for their own farms as well as companies that farmers rely on (seed and chemical companies and equipment makers)"
2 4/9/2014
Quiet Revolution
• Mike Bachner, AgCall Human Resources Managing Partner and Recruiter for Eastern Canada - "Its alarming, and its already happening" - "Simply put, agriculture's traditional sources cannot meet the demand" - Name change from "Agri-Food Sector to the Agri-Food, Fuel and Biotech Sector" • What is the Solution? - With the sophistication and diversity of the industry, along with advanced technology there are different forces at play. - Changing Demographics
Where do we go from here?
• The agra-food sector is in need of qualified skilled workers. • "Agriculture is already suffering from the lack of attention to detail on the part of agra-buisness. If we don't deal with it, it is only going to get worse. It should be an easy sell especially to corporate agriculture, they're simply filling their own employment pipeline for the future. Maybe it should come back to industry, where Scotiabank or Monsanto or Dupont should step up. But they have to spin it so there is a cost benefit, and I don't think that would be that terribly hard to do." - Jay Cunningham, Agriculture Relations Manager with Scotiabank in Chatham Ontario
3 4/9/2014
Continued
• Mike Bachner says "We are in a segment of the economy that feeds the world and what's more important then that? We all need to inform and educate whether it be our youth, educators or politicians. Unfortunately that audience is increasingly removed from any ag or rural background, but as an industry, we need to get creative and, more importantly, active in an integrated communications strategy."
Conclusion
• "Talent is needed at all levels of the career ladder, in both business and science streams, and unfortunately non-aggies just don't hear from us. - Mike Bachner • Hopefully Kemptville can remain a training center by partnering with ALL of the Agricultural Industry players to better reflect the realities to the market and the industry.
4 Pagel of2
CYJtCJ\kw~ lPosted: Mar 12, 2014 5:00AM ET Last Updated: Mar 12, 2014 7:06PM ET
The University of Guelph has confirmed it is closing its two eastem Ontario agricultural school campuses in KemptviHe and Alfred because of financial reasons.
The French. programs offered at the Alfred campus could be saved in partnerships with schools in Ottawa and Sudbury.
The university said Wednesday the academic and research programs at the two campuses will be "consolidated'' due to stalled enrolment and rising costs.
Both campuses will stop accepting new students in the fall of 2014, and classes and research programs will stop by the end of 2015. Guelph's Ridgetown campus will remain open and take in some of the Kemptville and Alfred research projects, the school said.
North Grenville Mayor David Gordon said the English Kemptville campus, which teaches around 180 students, is 11 the cornerstone of North Grenville."
The closures will eliminate at least 75 full-time positions at Kemptville and 37 at Alfred, as well part-time and casua l! workers, the university confirmed.
11 H was sprung on us rather quickly," Gordon said.
1OOth anniversary plans were in the works
Students said they're disappointed the school, known as Kemptville College until the University of Guelph took over in 1997, has only one year left. JKey dates in school history
o 1917: Kemptville College established o 1997: College begins affiliation with Guelph's Ontario Agricultural College o 2006: Guelph designates Kemptville as a campus o Feb. 14, 2014: Campus director Dr. Claude Naud announces he will step down May 30. o Feb. 26, 2014: School announces first two years of equine management program moving from Kemptville to Guelph, beginning in fall.
"I was a little shocked by it. I didn't expect it," said Nelson Becker. "But it is a little school, so you can expect Guelph would be doing something like this." http://www .cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/kemptville-alfred -agricul tural-schools-tc 7a Page /. of ?. ''(li'm) just maimly di~:appointed tlhey're not keeping this going, because mom m1d dad came here,," said Dylan XCirkhan1.
Gordon said fa rmen; across Eastern Ontario rely on the school for advice as specialists are 011 hand to answer question~~ abou t everything from crop management to dairy production.
The campus WhS tlhe first to develop automatic milking machines for cows, he said.
The Jl(emptvme carrmus opened in 1917 and plans were in the works for "a massive celebration of 100 years ira the community,il Gordon said.
There are 61 student~; registered at the French Alfred campus.
The University of Guelph said it is working with La Cite Col1egiale in Ottawa and College Bore:al in Sudbury, along with the province, to offer similar French programs for francophone students.
College BonSai has been offering its veterinary technician program in Alfred since 2000.
Lise Bourgeois, the president of La Cite Collegiale, said the Ottawa school is also considering 11tew online agricultural courses for francophone students.
http:/;www .cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/kemptville-alfred-agrdcul tural-schools-tc 1b Frequently Asked Questions I Ontario Agricultural College Page 3 of 4 ij__oWJID_3nY student~ are in the 'trades' programs at Kemptvme Camnus? There are approximately 170 full time and 290 part time 'trades' students.
Uth~.]!g_!!~ eitirollmei1lt was increasing? Enrollment in our mandated associate diploma programs at Kemptville Campus has been declining, and at Alfred enrollment has been stagnant and traditionally very low .
..'ffllty hasn 9t the University worked to boost enrollment at the campuses? There have been many efforts to grow enrollment through program redevelopment and considerable recruitment activities. Despite this, enrollment remains stagnant, making costs per student FfE substantially higher at these campuses.
'o/VIlrr_ is tl~e Universnty choosing to do this now? There are several reasons: Alfred and Kemptville continue to have declining and/or low enrolment; the University is facing $32.4-million funding gap over the next four years; academic programs and research at the campuse~. did poorly in reviews by the University; and many of the campus programs are offered elsewhere or will be. All of this makes it impossible to continue to sustain the current infrastructure and human resource capacity on four campuses, especially at campuses with low enrolment and program duplication. ·
wm this negatively impact student numbers? Our intention and efforts are to always grow program enrollments. Our plans around future alternate delivery and increased capacity at Ridgetown Campus are built on this intention.
Why is p1·ogram duplication such an issue, given that these campuses are physically so far from the Guelph and Ridgetown campuses? Duplication of programs at multiple campuses and the associated duplication of support costs, severely limit the reinvestment possibilities for instructional delivery or student services that are needed to maintain quality programs and meet regulatory requirements.
Why hasn't the University made this decision earlier? Recently, the Government of Ontario mandated that higher education institutions focus on their unique strengths and reduce duplication. As such, the Government of Ontario is investing in flexible learning opportunities and innovative technology, rather than traditional modes of program delivery. This, coupled with the fact that the University has been struggling for years to sustain the infrastructure and human resource capacity on multiple campuses, made it the right time for consolidation and for exploring alternate program delivery options.
is this decision the result of the PPP? The Program Prioritization Process (PPP) was one of many considerations that helped to inform the decision-making process by suggesting the need for restructuring of regional campus programs. The PPP was just one source of information used to help set budget targets for the University to address a projected funding gap of $32.4 million over the next three fiscal years. The budget reduction for the Ontario Agricultural College is $2.7 million.
Why isn~t the Rideetown Campus being closed? Diploma education in agriculture remains fundamental to Ontario's economy, and the Ridgetown Campus is needed to continue to deliver this important program. Ridgetown has continually maintained strong enrolment numbers with an average of 475 associate diploma students enrolled each year, for the last three years, and has been able to efficiently deliver the associate diploma in agriculture program. Ridgetown has also continually developed and enhanced their research and service to the agriculture and food sector.
Does thls mean Ridgetown Campus will accept more agriculture diploma students? Yes, and this will be a priority for the Ridgetown Campus in terms of resources and infrastructure. The movement of the bachelor of bio-resource management degree major in environmental management from Ridgetown Campus to the main Guelph Campus will also assist in creating more space for diploma students at Ridgetown. https :/ /www. uoguelph.ca/oac/consolidation/frequentl y -asked -questions l!~requently Asked Questions I Ontario Agricultural College Page tJ. of ~~ YV~!~tY¥Plllllll!~~Jll!eJJ!.J~~.. stafffJll.¥!
~VJhJ&l!ft ~.~@~~J~]~.~L~~~.!'!...M.Q&t~.P\~J!ffeJte. '1'he University Jnas been working closely with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the Ministry of Rural Affairs (OMAF-MRA), the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) and the Office of Francophone Affairs to explore future delivery opportunities for the French language programs that will no longer be delivered by the University of Guelph. The University wi11 be working with other Francophone institutions to explore opportunities to offer similar programs for Ontario students. https ://www. uoguelph.ca/oac/consolidation/frequently .. asked-questions QUALITY PRE-OWNED EQUIPMENT ·F~News LOW RATE FINANCING AVAilABLE Touring politicians raise Kemptville spirits Tlie group, including a Duguid took a look at the 97-ycar-old institution has to Kemptville College Renewal Cabinet minister, came three-year-old robotic dairy offer and how important it is TaskForcewaslonnallystruck away impressed with the research centre, some of the to students, staff and March20followingtheannual programs being offered agricultural classrooms, and community. meeting ofKcmptvilleCollcge the skilled trades program. "We can only hope· that Foundation that raises funds BY TOM VAN DUSEN Following the tour, the trio good things for our college's for cam pr s projects and Ontario Farmer met with campus director survival come from the tour." bursaries. Dr. Claude Naud, North Gren- Dtiguid's visil followed by Representing North Gren emptville- Placed on the ville Mayor David Gordon and only a lew days a bulletin from ville on the ~:ask Ioree is Carre Kchopping block by the municipal CEO Brain Carre to the minister announcing that who said the new committee University of Guelph, support discuss potential solutions for two community colleges are will coordinate efforts towards ers of Kemptville Campus the continuation of programs looking at solutions to retain continuing to provide special were buoyed by a visit March that "meets the needs of the programs now delivered at izcd and high-quality programs 25 from Training, Colleges students and agricultural sector Kemptville. Nothing firm is "to generations of agricultural and Universities Minister Brad of Ontario." yet in place. students in Eastern Ontario." Gtcqo WW\t .3c!t Ul' l·lt'lll cJI _ ~120 QIIlw11• 1 tl" Duguid. Kemptville College Founda- The colleges in question arc.' _,000 .... 1111.,.,_,_,_ Accompanied by Glengarry tion past-president Dave Algonquin in Ottawa with DESPITE THE political C1H4200~ W'OJaw Prescott-Russell MPP Grant Morrow reported later that regional campuses in Perth overtones of the closure dcci Crack, pari iamentary secre Duguid and entourage were and Pembroke, and St. Law- sion, Morrow advised other tary to Agriculture Minister impressed with the look and renee with existing locations in foundation members against Kathleen Wynne, and by Steve conditionofthecampusinside Kingston, Brockville and alienating the provincial Clark, Progressive Conserva and out and left with a "good Cornwall. The model of two government or U of G. USED TRACTORS tive MPP for Leeds-Grenvi lie, attitude" about what the community colleges stepping "We must all work together CM"-t•WD.C*pllf.t\lll - ..lt.M,GOO in to continue operations is for an acceptable solution to CIHMilfi'IVIltfOO WD .,_,tlflt~ l l. :nttJI _,_,_ 1111!,0:0 already underway at AI fred keeping our college open, via Cwtfl'llfiiii1NW:D.~ .11UJ lt:lot,OOO CampusthatUofGalsoplans ble and growing," Morrow CIHio\atl"""!tllllllfl),lt.,.._,._c:ltlllr..l ttti,OOO Roll up the " JOHN DEERE to cut loose. ' said. "If thi~ can be done with C~H.W-. OID..&NO UII,IOO That satellite is in Crack's help from the community col .. ,....,.... lfOW.'I:.IIIflllDI IUOO savings on select hay tools CUI MX Z10 l;illt, MrD, UOO ~,-. fiOflt a"'d riding. Boreal College in leges, then great; if nol, then f\Mf OLI I"'I ,SM.DQO Get 0% APR for months on quality John Deere select hay tool. Sudbury and La Cite Colle it's up to ;.II of us to find I!D!!Ctl!i879 .-.d~-- t 11,1k10 Disk mowers, mower-conditioners, square balers, and round balers giate in Ottawa were already another wa~1 and it's impera lkl6c:ttl11JD ,,od.dS..,lfl11 ...... are ready to roll during our Green Fever Sales Event. Catch it while IHR4R\\'D.JQ'S $.1.1101) you can. Don't wait. Call or come in today. deeply involved at Alfred when tive that it's accomplished 11lA ,...._~ U,1ei0 the closure announcement was soon." c.lltr.IIWtP!I CJM. MfO lft,otiO O%APRfur60 JohnO..ruJ~/Ag A made March 12; Kemptvillc, Current KCF president Mac IH.:KII .FM.Itl'l 1'*1 ....., Johnston presented an ;mony O.IHTr.!O O•h lW[J on the other hand, was USED CORNHEAOS blindsided. mous emai I from a former & GRAINH EAD S - Fall 2014 student intake is Centralia College teacher who JO 643 6R-30" r<*f CIH nd~p~cr !i12,900 being processed at AI fred said everything was done 20 CIH 2020 30' Cr.'lry a'r reeL...... $29,900 while it's currently being redi years ago t•) try to keep the CIH320S6R·30", i01{t ... - ,.._, ...... IJ.4, 1100 rected from Kemptvillc to Exeter institution open, includ CIH20203Ct'flex tii•J --- ~ JD 458., net wrap, onty 10,000 bales, JD 946, 2011 mo-co, low acres, Riclgctown Campus. ing launchir g of a class action CIH 10 ~ !10' e~~~m l tt.~d U~ News that Algonquin and St. suit against OM A F. .. all to no CIH 1020- !117 fRiltlnd..-·- ·--··-··'111,.500 ..,... ~ ... ~.. t!i Lawrence colleges might play avail. Whilt-Ma t:A..:IO"Comlloo!J _____ ,. ~ a role came a day after the "It was such a long year 01Htfm n.S~Qiwd « around the financial incllicicn lege open r as mushroomed "We can only hope that good things for our college's survival cics given as the main reason across the c;1st end of the prov come from the tour." - Dave Morrow Kcmptville was being closed. ince, from the Eastern Ontario He insisted that any inefficien Warden's Caucus, to the United cies aren't about the campus Counties of Leeds and Gren ville, to other municipalities that his entire staff is being itself but about the funding waiting for closure to happen. sickening situation!" and fann organizations. Many dismissed in a year's time. model applied by head office. And absolutely nothing came Also speaking at the KCF rcprcsentati vcs and thci r fam Naud said among his main Over his three and a half to the college~ it has been left meeting was Naud who had years as director, Naud said ily members are graduates of to ruin and again there's talk of previously announced his priorities are to make sure his local surpluses were realized what used to be known as it being demolished. Just a departure as Kemptville direc 100 employees are compen that were leveraged into $1.6 Kcmptville College of Agri tor hy May 30. Naud described sated and receive help in locat million in improvements at the cultural Technology, the interval since the closure ing their next postings, and college. Meanwhile, he said, "There's 100 per cent Hardeman calls announcement as "hellish". that studenls complete their enrolment had been growing. support," said North Grenville It's a unique situation when programs. Support for keeping the col- Mayor David Gordon. economy job one a college director learns Naud described confusion BY ANNE HOWDEN THOMPSON