Alanna Hnatiw says growing up in a small town, part of a 4th generation family farm, helped shape the values she brings to RAMP, particularly the importance of creating a frame around agriculture that builds opportunity and not constraint for the community. Farm life is a true collaboration that often demands commitment from whole families; where all contributions are vital; and where traditions are valued but new ways embraced, because it’s a long-term, complicated, and expensive commitment. Representing the level of government that is closest to the farm’s gate, Mayor Hnatiw sees RAMP as an opportunity to listen to producers and understand the challenges they face. We need to consider the land, the economy and the people, balancing the needs of agriculture and development in a land use framework for the future. Some things, she says, once done cannot be undone, underscoring the importance of broad regional engagement and education throughout the process.