The Creemore
Echo
Friday, October 7, 2016 Vol. 16 No. 41
www.creemore.com
News and views in and around Creemore
Inside the Echo
Ride to Hounds
Small Halls, Rural Routes Tour stops at Jordan Gun Club
Thanksgiving in Creemore
PAGE 5
PAGE 13
Publications Mail Agreement # 40024973
Steer rezoning approved
Staff photo: Trina Berlo
Mark Madill helps bring in the harvest at McArthur Apples near Stayner.
Weather made for sweet apples by Trina Berlo Heat and sun are said to be making for a delicious fall apple harvest. While the summer’s drought has left other crops stunted, the Ontario Apple Growers association says the success of some apple crops is in the sunshine, that’s what elevates the sugars in the fruit. Earl McArthur and his crew are working to bring in the harvest over at McArthur Apples on Fairgrounds Road near Stayner. The theory, according to McArthur, is that mature apple trees can handle a little stress. “Apple trees under stress seek out moisture,” said McArthur. “The flavour is good because of the heat, and lots of
sun is excellent.” McArthur’s family has been growing apples for almost a century. He says he has seen a change in the way people buy apples. While there is a trend toward farm-to-table and farmgate sales, McArthur said in his experience fewer people are buying apples in bulk due to a reduction in the number of people who make preserves, the way they used to. They tend to buy apples year-round and consume them right away, he said. McArthur said it used to be that half of his business was farmgate sales and now it makes for a quarter of all sales, and that sector is decreasing all the time. The rest goes to processing and pack-out. Grocery stores want fruit no
smaller than two-and-a-half inches in diameter and with almost no flaws. The rest go to food processors for juice. McArthur is the third generation to work his farm. He took over the farm from his father, Gordon, in 1979. He said each generation has focused on their personal interests. Having a passion for apples, McArthur has overhauled and expanded the orchard. He now grows about 10 varieties. At Giffen’s in Glen Huron, Bob Giffen says, early in the season, they were a bit worried about the lack of rain. “It was better than we thought it was going to be,” said Giffen. “The drought certainly was having an effect on them (See “Fruit” on page 9)
by Trina Berlo Clearview council approved a zoning change Monday that will allow Steer Enterprises to relocate to Cashtown Corners. Council approved the agriculturally related commercial exception zone even though not all council members are convinced it is the best location. Thom Paterson, the only councillor to oppose the zoning change, started off the conversation by saying this has been a difficult decision for him. “I am disappointed that we find ourselves in this position,” he said. “Everyone supports Steer.” He recommended council defeat the rezoning and work together with Steer to find a location that is mutually beneficial. The previous council developed industrial lands in Stayner, said Paterson, but this council has not focussed on economic development as it said it would. He said the decision should not be based on an exception to good planning advice. In speaking with the provincial Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, he learned that half of Steer’s business being agriculturally related is not enough. “It has to be a primary activity, it can’t be 50 per cent. The test is higher than what the justification says,” said Paterson. Councillor Shawn Davidson said he agreed somewhat but he was willing to support the staff recommendation “Some decisions have laid the foundations to continue on this path,” he said, referring to other development in the area that has set precedent. Through the site plan process, Davidson said, buffering, along with good management, would ensure that, (See “Elwood” on page 3)
Taking care of buyers and sellers in Mulmur and the Creemore hills for 40 years
RCR Realty. Brokerage
Ginny MacEachern
B.A., Broker
The Town & Country Agent with the City Connections 1-800-360-5821• 705-466-2607 • maceachern.ginny@gmail.com www.ginnymaceachern.com