Master Plan Update
The Kemptville Campus Master Plan is in its final stages of completion. A Draft Plan was prepared following extensive public and stakeholder consultation earlier this year, and underwent careful review over the summer by Campus staff, Board members and Campus Advisory Committee. The Plan was posted to the Campus website, and members of the public were invited to provide input and comments. Comments received will now be assessed and considered for inclusion in the final Plan.
The Master Plan will provide a vision, guidelines, and direction for the future development of the Campus. The Draft Plan is still available for viewing at www.kemptvillecampus.ca/regen. A final Plan is expected early in the New Year.
Campus Governance and Board Chair Selection
The Municipality of North Grenville received a report in September from the consulting firm Strategy Corp recommending a new governance structure for the Campus. The Campus Board of directors is currently composed of three members: Mayor Nancy Peckford (Chair), Deputy Mayor Jim McManaman, and Stéphane Vachon, Business Superintendent for Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario (CEPEO). This transition board, along with three staff members, have been managing the operation of the Campus since the Municipality of North Grenville acquired the Campus in 2018.
Strategy Corp’s recommendation proposes an operational board with 7-11 members, with various skills and expertise related to the mandate of the Campus. North Grenville Council has endorsed the governance report as a key road map for moving forward, ensuring that the Campus will be sustainable and accountable to the Municipality and the public. Notably, Council has retained the authority to appoint the Campus Board Chair. Board members will be chosen from the community and the region and will no longer have Council participation. For complete details regarding the report and recommendations relating to the Campus governance, administration, and committee structures, refer to the Strategy Corp Report.
The Municipality has advertised the position of Board Chair since mid-November, accepting applications until November 30. A review team has been convened, and an announcement will be made by the New Year.
Agroforestry Update
The Maple Sugar bush at the southern edge of the Campus lands has seen some work done these last few months. Sugar bush operator Frank Heerkins has been busy clearing dead trees and limbs from the bush in preparation for the installation of new maple syrup tubing. Other new equipment to aid in the continued production of maple syrup has also been installed under his supervision. For those looking for a unique Christmas gift, Campus Maple Syrup is now for sale locally at the B&H Grocer in Kemptville, and through My Local Markets.
Sadly, longtime Campus employee and forester Peter Wensink unexpectedly passed away this past summer. Peter created a Forestry Management Plan for the Campus, which allowed the Campus forests to achieve Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) Certification through the Eastern Ontario Model Forest’s Forest Certification Program. Peter was a strong ambassador for the Campus, and was deeply committed to realizing the Agroforestry Centre’s full potential. His commitment to sustainable forest management of the Campus Maple Forest will ensure its proper management and maintenance for future generations. The Campus will be honouring Peter’s contributions and legacy in the near future.
Other Campus Activities
The Greenhouses are open again, offering several workshops through November. Under the supervision of greenhouse manager and former Kemptville College Horticulture manager, Claude Smith, the greenhouses will continue to be open twice a week to the public, as long as it remains in line with pandemic restrictions. Claude hopes that uses for the Campus’ greenhouses will keep growing and expanding, and she is open to any suggestions from the public. Claude may be reached at claude431@cogeco.ca.
The Campus Board has approved the final stage of the Campus branding strategy: the inclusion of a graphic symbol with the bilingual version of the Campus name. The graphic, which consists of a circle around three leaves, represents continuity surrounding the three Campus pillars. The colours were chosen to represent the environment, nature, growing, hope and the future. The revised logo already appears on the Campus website as well as the main sign on Prescott Street.
The Campus administration offices are still closed to the public, however staff are available by appointment and reachable via phone and email on the Campus website.
