AGRICULTURAL INNOVATION AND CLIMATE OPPORTUNITY Agriculture drives West Nipissing’s economy through sophisticated operations that rival any in southern Ontario. “We have operations that are right on the cutting edge of technology, and it’s really great to see,” Mayor Rochon says. “Parsons Farm does dairy and they have fully automated smartphone tags on their cows and the milking machines that are unbelievable what they do as far as collecting data and making the operations more efficient.” The cooperative model amplifies individual farm capabilities. “The cooperative now, which serves many members, has a large location based out of Verner with grain silos and fuel operations,” the mayor explains. “It is the farmers getting together to be more efficient in their business and they offer all kinds of support and benefits for their members that really help to strengthen and create a solid foundation for agricultural business.” Climate change presents unexpected opportunities for northern agriculture. Rising temperatures and increased heat units enable crops previously impossible at this latitude. “We’re seeing the production capacity of our land increase as we experience warmer climate,” Mayor Rochon notes. “Our district is really ripe for investment in agriculture. Again, we’re located between two large markets with easy access to the US.”The combination of expanding growing possibilities, strategic location, and established agricultural infrastructure positions West Nipissing to capitalize on shifting agricultural patterns affecting Canadian farming. MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS Four major infrastructure projects define West Nipissing’s capital agenda, each addressing decadeslong community needs. “The Champlain Bridge is the bridge that goes over Highway 17 just outside of our downtown core,” Mayor Rochon explains.“It is scheduled for full replacement. It’s going to be a big 7 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 WEST NIPISSING, ON
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