Del O’Brien standing in front of his airplane with Jamie Bramburger on a fall day. Photo credit: Algonquin College Pembroke
The County of Renfrew has recognized Del O’Brien for being inducted into the Ontario Agriculture Hall of Fame.
O’Brien has been a part of the legal, business and agricultural community. In 1966 he started a law firm in Pembroke and was appointed acting crown attorney. O’Brien operated the Pembroke and Area Airport for over 32-years.
O’Brien has had an impact on the evolution of tile drainage in Ontario. In 1975 he was asked to establish and chair the Ontario Drainage Tribunal that looked after disputes regarding water management on farm land. In 1984 he become the founder and chair of the Ontario Agriculture Council and in 1990 he was federally and provincially appointed to conduct hearings under the acreage reduction program. In 1994, O’Brien was appointed the official drainage referee for Ontario and conducted hearings until 2006.
O’Brien has been presented a bronze plaque by the Ontario Federation of Agriculture for his years of stability and integrity while handling issues under the Ontario tile drainage act. He has also received certificates of appreciation from drainage engineers of Ontario and several Ministers of Agriculture.
O’Brien is now retired and operates a 500 acre organic farm along the Ottawa River with his sons.
While presenting to County Council, O’Brien urged the elected officials to update planning policies to make it easier for severances. O’Brien says as a result of the pandemic, life in the city is difficult and people are wanting to move to the country. He adds Renfrew County is inviting and has a lot to offer.
O’Brien says the mad cow disease has almost wiped out the beef industry with many famers turning to cash crops. O’Brien says the demand for lots is high and adds farmers in Renfrew County would be willing to sell lots to buy a new combine.
He adds the planning policies haven’t recognized the changes in the farming industry and that must be brought up to date to allow severances to move quickly.