City of Abbotsford Agriculture Strategy

Topic(s): Development and Productive use of Agricultural Land, Economic Development, Education, Food Processing, Storage & Distribution, Food Sales, Access & Procurement, Land Access, Policy Partnerships, Advocacy & Development, Urban - Agriculture Conflict & Edge Planning, Urban Agriculture, Waste Management, Water Management, Wildlife/Environmental/Pest Management

Sub-topic(s): water rate for agriculture, zoning, ALR, tax mechanisms, new entrants to farming, agricultural industry services, climate change and greenhouse gases, agri-tourism, agricultural impact assessment, gravel extraction, leasing of land for agriculture, waste to energy, composting, 'benefit to agriculture' language, roads in agricultural land, farm traffic, wildlife and ecosystem management, BC environmental farm plan, partnerships/advocacy/liaising, community food system education, signage in agricultural areas, irrigation and drainage, research and data collection, siting and coverage, farmers' markets, farm worker accommodation, residential development, urban gardens/orchard

Region: Fraser Valley | Document Type: Agriculture Area Plan/Strategy | Year: 2011

View policy:  HTML PDF

Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location
water management;

water rate for agriculture;

ALR;

 Decouple rural servicing rates to non-agricultural farmland uses in the ALR from
preferential rates in support of agriculture		 5.1 ( c)
  zoning; tax mechanisms; Develop a more contemporary definition of agriculture, with taxation implications, to
support market opportunities in the peri-urban region		 5.1 (d)
education; new entrants to farming;  Pursue initiatives to train young people and attract new entrants into agriculture 5.1 (g)

food processing, storage and distribution;

development and productive use of agricultural land;

agricultural industry services;

ALR;

 Facilitate ancillary developments on agricultural lands in the ALR 5.1 (h)
waste management; education;

climate change and greenhouse gases;

research and data collection;

 Pursue research into processes and technology innovations that address agricultural issues including: management of agricultural by-products, energy production, agricultural responses to climate change, agronomic impacts of gravel extraction, eco-industrial technologies and solutions, agriculture-related problems and science based solutions 5.1 (i)
economic development; research and data collection; Utilize the City’s Agricultural Trust fund to further agricultural investment, research and innovation 5.1 (j)

Food sales, access and procurement;

economic development;

farmers' markets;

agri-tourism;

 Pursue strategies to promote the local food system, such as the development of a permanent Farmers Market and other marketing facilities, and integrating agro-tourism into the City’s tourism theme 5.1 (k)
 

farm worker accommodation;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

 Work with industry and government agencies to support the employment of seasonal and foreign agricultural workers, with respect to working conditions, accommodations, cultural services and accessibility to workers. 5.1 (l)
 

agricultural impact assessment;

gravel extraction; 

 Require agricultural impact assessments and reclamation plans for gravel extraction
projects, to be submitted to the City prior to extraction		 5.2 (b)
land access; leasing of land for agriculture; Support the leasing of farmland (including the existing MLS system) with additional
mechanisms (agreement templates, websites and incentives) that identify potential
landlords and tenants.		 5.2 (c )
development and productive use of agricultural land;

roads in agriclutural land;

siting and coverage;

 Consider ways of reducing wasteful use of agricultural land for excessive building footprints, access roads, and inappropriate siting 5.2 (f)
development and productive use of agricultural land;

tax mechanisms;

residential development;

 nvestigate creating a tax classification to tax rural residential at urban residential rates 5.2 (g)
development and productive use of agricultural land; residential development;  Consider ways of tightening rural residential eligibility for farm classification. 5.2 (h)
waste management; agricultural industry services; Consider centralized sites for pursuing industry solutions and enabling farm and
processing (organic and non-organic) wastes to be handled together		 5.3 (a)
waste management; waste to energy; Explore synergies between waste management and energy production 5.3 (b)
waste management;

composting;

'net benefit to agriculture' language;

waste to energy;

 Support cost efficient waste management solutions (such as anaerobic digestion,
gasification, composting, recycling, etc.), provided these solutions offer a net benefit to
agriculture and do not negatively impact the environment.		 5.3 (c )
waste management;  research and data collection; Encourage and attract research and investigation into eco-industrial technologies and
solutions. 		 5.3 (d)
  agricultural industry services; Continue to attract agri-industrial investment to industrial-business lands 5.4 (a)
development and productive use of agricultural land; agricultural industry services; In consultation with the ALC, investigate the feasibility of developing agri-industrial uses
in the ALR in relation to farms, servicing and transportation infrastructure, and City-led
agri-industrial investment policies and initiatives		 5.4 (c )
economic development; research and data collection; Explore opportunities to attract agri-industrial research, technology, expertise, and
funding into the City		 5.4 (d)
  agricultural industry services; Pursue the development of an agri-food technology cluster in the City directly connected
to the agricultural production base. 		 5.4 (g)
water management; irrigation and drainage;  Encourage farmers to develop irrigation plans to quantify water needs and assist the City
in water supply planning		 5.5 (a)

urban-agriculture conflict and edge planning;

development and productive use of agricultural land;

road in agricultural land; farm traffic;

ALR;

 Plan transportation corridors in the ALR to facilitate access to farmland, minimize
disruptions to farming operations and reducing vehicle conflicts		 5.5 (b)
  irrigation and drainage; Investigate providing infrastructure bundles (water, sewer, electrical, hook-up to the grid)
to areas suited/targeted for certain types of agriculture		 5.5 (c)
water management; irrigation and drainage; Improve the ability of drainage systems to eliminate flooding of agricultural lands from
upland storm water runoff. 		 5.5 (g)
wildlife/environmental/pest management;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

BC environmental farm plan;

 Promote and support completion of environmental farm plans and use of Beneficial
Management Practices (BMPs) to improve agricultural operations and provide
environmental benefits		 5.6 (a)

water management;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

irrigation and drainage;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;;

  Continue to promote farmer’s interests with agencies regulating maintenance of
drainage, irrigation and flood control systems		 5.6 (b)
policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;;

 Designate City staff positions to strengthen understandings and relationships between
farmers and government (economic development officer for agriculture, agricultural
liaisons)		 5.6 (c)

water management;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;;

 Involve the City in reviews and processes dealing with agency regulations affecting
agriculture and in developing more ‘agriculture-friendly’ protocols for ditch and drainage
maintenance		 5.6 (d)
education; partnerships/advocacy/liaising; Raise awareness of farmers on the requirements of senior legislation (e.g., provide
presentations to DDI and ASCA AGMs, prepare brochures, etc.)		 5.6 (e)
water management; irrigation and drainage; Develop agriculture-friendly scheduling processes to minimize impacts on agriculture
and facilitate City access onto private land for the purposes of ditch and drainage
maintenance		 5.6 (f)

policy partnerships,

advocacy and development;

 partnerships/advocacy/liaising;; Create an agricultural variance committee to deal with special circumstances where the City of Abbotsford has jurisdiction 5.6 (g)
education; community food system education; Enhance agriculture education at schools 5.7 (a)

urban agriculture;

education;

urban gardens/orchard;

community food systems education;

 Support community gardens and/or urban agriculture demonstration projects and programs that promote agricultural awareness among City residents 5.7 (b)
education; community food systems education; Improve local business awareness of agriculture 5.7 (c)

education;

economic development;

signage in agricultural areas;

community food systems education;

agri-tourism;

 Create signage that identifies agricultural sub-areas or “neighbourhoods” within the City,
what is grown there, among other things, provides directional signage for agri-tourism,
and directs motorists to respect farm traffic		 5.7 (d)

City of Pitt Meadows Agricultural Plan

Topic(s): Development and Productive use of Agricultural Land, Economic Development, Education, Food Processing, Storage & Distribution, Policy Partnerships, Advocacy & Development, Urban - Agriculture Conflict & Edge Planning, Wildlife/Environmental/Pest Management

Sub-topic(s): 'benefit to agriculture' language, agricultural advisory committee, ALR, ALR subdivision, disclosure agreement, farm home plate, partnerships/advocacy/liaising, recreational use of agricultural land, research and data collection, residential development, wildlife and ecosystem management

Region: Metro Vancouver | Document Type: Agriculture Area Plan/Strategy | Year: 2000

View policy:  HTML PDF

Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location
policy partnerships, advocacy and development; agricultural advisory committee;
partnerships/advocacy/liaising;		 Establish a Standing Agricultural Advisory Committee of Council. Suggested membership on the Committee includes a member of Council as liaison, two representatives nominated from the Pitt Meadows Farmers Institute, two representatives from the farming community at large, a representative representing agri-tourism interests, one member representing the Chamber of Copmmerce, one member representing ecological interests, one member representing the Katzie First Nation as a non-voting member.     
 		 4.1;

urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning;


education;

 disclosure agreement;
ALR;
residential development;		 Request the Real Estate Board to require realtors be adequately trained about the ALR and the Farm Practices Protection Act in order to properly inform potential purchasers of ALR land about living in an agricultural area and an appropriate disclosure statement be signed. The APSC also recommends Council confirm with the Real Estate Board their commitment to maintain all ALR land in the Reserve and that tools to assist realtors with education, such as the BCMAF publication “Countryside and You”, be made available.
 		 4.3;
economic development; agri-tourism;
agricultural advisory committee;
partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

 		 Support and encourage agri-tourism in Pitt Meadows and liaise with the Canadian Agri-Tourism Network and the Standing Agricultural Advisory Committee to develop a strategy for agri-tourism options consistent with already existing agricultural enterprises. 
 		 4.6;
development and productive use of agricultural land; ALR subdivision;
ALR;
' benefit to agriculture' language;		 Support subdivision of agricultural parcels only where the number of parcels does not increase, there are no parcels created that are less than 20 acres,  and there is a net benefit to agriculture, as determined by the local Approving Officer in consultation with the Standing Agricultural Advisory Committee, with the exception of home site severance for retiring farmers consistent with existing Agricultural  Land Commission policy. Whenever possible, actively look for ways to consolidate smaller parcels to larger ones. 4.8;
development and productive use of agricultural land; farm home plate;
residential development;		 Contain all future residential and farm-help dwellings within a strategically located building “envelope” in a manner that optimizes agricultural production in accordance with a policy to be developed by the District of Pitt Meadows in consultation with the Standing Agricultural Advisory Committee, the ALC and the BCMAF. 4.9;

development and productive use of agricultural land;


policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

 ALR;
residential development;
partnerships/advocacy/liaising;		 To maximize the agricultural land available for future agricultural uses, request the Province to review policies on non-resident ownership currently in place in other jurisdictions and consider implementing policies to encourage agricultural uses of all agricultural lands and reduce potential speculation on value of farmland. 4.11;
economic development; agricultural industry services; Investigate a suitable site for an Agricultural Industrial Park, to house value-added agricultural enterprise activities that do not meet the criteria as developed for value-added agricultural enterprise activities on a farm site....( The APSC recommends the site be selected in consultation with the Standing Agricultural Advisory Committee, Engineering and Development Services, the general public and other relevant groups. 4.13;
food processing, storage and distribution; zoning;
 		 Allow storage of farm inputs on a bona fide farm without further regulation, provided the farm input is not environmentally hazardous, is necessary for the farm operation, will be used in one growing year, and is safely stored at least 15 metres from natural watercourses, ditches or streams and is in accordance with established provincial legislation, regulation, and best practices guidelines.  4.17;
wildlife/environmental/pest management; wildlife and ecosystem management;
research and data collection;		 Have the Standing Agricultural Advisory Committee, in consultation with BCMAF, the Pitt Meadows Farmers Institute and others, encourage further research into, review of, and adoption of, alternative bird management practices that are less intrusive than bird cannons.  4.18;
wildlife/environmental/pest management; wildlife and ecosystem management;
research and data collection;
agricultural advisory committee;
partnerships/advocacy/liaising;		 Have the Standing Agricultural Advisory Committee, in cooperation with the Pitt Meadows Farmers Institute and the BCMAF, continually monitor, review and encourage the use of new technologies and practices which may limit the effects of wildlife on the agriculture industry. 4.21;
development and productive use of agricultural land; recreational use of agricultural land;
ALR;		 Do not allow any more golf courses or driving ranges on any ALR land in Pitt Meadows. 4.24;

 

Schedule A to Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014

Topic(s): Economic Development, Food Sales, Access & Procurement, Urban Agriculture, Wildlife/Environmental/Pest Management

Sub-topic(s): 'benefit to agriculture' language, agri-tourism, agricultural impact assessment, ALR, ALR subdivision, BC environmental farm plan, farmers' markets, local procurement, protection of farming development permit area, urban containment/growth boundary, wildlife and ecosystem management, zoning

Region: Metro Vancouver | Document Type: Official Community Plan | Year: 2014

View policy:  HTML PDF

Topic Sub-Topic  Policy or policy Excerpt Document Location Language Rating
wildlife/environmental/pest management;

wildlife and ecosystem management;


BC environmental farm plan;

 In recognition of the role that agriculture has on the natural environment and community values, Maple Ridge will work in cooperation with the Agricultural Land Commission to foster and maintain the  agricultural land base. The District will also encourage local farmers to prepare Environmental Farm Plans to enhance sustainable agriculture and minimize potential adverse impacts to the natural environment. 5.17  

food sales, access and procurement;


economic development;;

farmers' markets;


agri-tourism;

local procurement;

 Maple Ridge will work cooperatively with senior levels of government and other agencies to promote agricultural business opportunities by:
a) aligning land use bylaws to permit supportive non-farm uses such as   agro-tourism, bed and breakfasts, 
and on-farm sales;
b) assisting agricultural landowners to identify and develop agricultural opportunities (e.g. value added, agri -tourism, bed and breakfast, recreation);
c) identifying and encouraging access by agricultural landowners to agricultural programs;
d) promoting the demand for, and sale of, local agricultural products within the community (e.g. farmer’s  market, on-farm marketing, District food and plant material procurement policies); 
e) developing a small lot agricultural initiative tailored to Maple Ridge conditions.		 6-8 *
development and productive use of agricultural land;

urban containment/growth boundary;


ALR;

 Maple Ridge will strive to maintain its agricultural land base in Maple Ridge through the following 
mechanisms:
a) supporting the Metro Vancouver Regional Growth Strategy, which includes designated agricultural land;
b) respecting the integrity of the urban area boundary by establishing a distinct separation between rural  and urban designated areas;
c) designating all lands outside of the Urban Area Boundary that are within the ALR as Agriculture in the  Official Community Plan.  Non-farm uses approved by the Agricultural Land Commission and the District  will be permitted on all land designated Agricultural;
d) striving for a balance between farming activity and conservation lands.

 		 6-10 *
development and productive use of agricultural land;

zoning;


ALR subdivision;


agricultural impact assessment;


buffer at agricultural edge;


ALR;


'benefit to agriculture' language;

 Maple Ridge will protect the productivity of its agricultural land by: 
a) adopting a guiding principle of ”positive benefit to agriculture” when  making land use decisions that could affect the agricultural land base, with favourable recognition of initiatives including but not limited to supportive non-farm uses, infrastructure improvements  for farmland, or the inclusion of land elsewhere in the Agricultural Land Reserve;
b) requiring agricultural impact assessments (AIAs) and Groundwater Impact Assessment of non-farm development and infrastructure projects and identifying measures to off-set impacts on agricultural capability; 
c) preserving larger farm units and areas by using appropriate buffers such as roads, topographic features, watercourses, ditching, fencing, or gradually reduced residential densities on properties adjacent to agricultural land;
d) discouraging the subdivision of agricultural land into smaller parcels, except where positive benefits to  agriculture can be demonstrated;
e) reinforcing the concept that the Agricultural Land Reserve is intended for agricultural use by increasing  the minimum lot size for ALR properties that are zoned Rural Residential;
f) encouraging the amalgamation of smaller parcels of farmland into larger, more cohesive parcels.		 6-12 *
urban agriculture;

protection of farming development permit area;


nuisance complaints;

As part of the Agricultural Planning process, Development Permit Area Guidelines for the protection  of farming will be developed to:
a) reduce impacts on farmland and maintain compatibility between farm and non-farm uses; 
b) guide the form and character of future adjacent non-farm development; 
c) place conditions on title to inform non-farming rural residents of normal incidents encountered when  living in an active agricultural area (e.g. noise, odours, crop spraying, traffic).

 6-13 *

 

Salt Spring Island Local Trust Committee Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 434, Volume 1: Land Use and Servicing Objectives

Topic(s): Development and Productive use of Agricultural Land, Economic Development, Food Processing, Storage & Distribution, Food Production, Policy Partnerships, Advocacy & Development, Urban - Agriculture Conflict & Edge Planning, Waste Management, Water Management, Wildlife/Environmental/Pest Management

Sub-topic(s): 'benefit to agriculture' language, agri-tourism, agricultural advisory committee, ALR, ALR exclusion, ALR subdivision, amenity density zoning/contributions, buffer at agricultural edge, climate change and greenhouse gases, commercial development, crops, demonstration farm, farm worker accommodation, farmers' markets, food processing, food storage, GE/GMO, irrigation and drainage, livestock, research and data collection, residential development, roads in agricultural land, seeds, transfer of development potential, wildlife and ecosystem management, zoning

Region: Islands Trust | Document Type: Official Community Plan | Year: consolidated 2015

View policy:  HTML PDF

Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location Language Rating
wildlife/environmental/pest management; climate change and greenhouse gases; The Local Trust Committee should support local food production as a significant factor in reducing food transportation costs and greenhouse gas emissions. A.6.2.15  
policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

zoning;

agricultural advisory committee;

agricultural-government liaising;

 The Local Trust Committee should maintain an Agricultural Advisory Committee to:
a. provide community advice about bylaw changes, applications for rezoning or subdivision, and applications to the Agricultural Land Commission. b. help in developing and interpreting local policies about farming. c. identify other ways that the Local Trust Committee can encourage and support farming in the community.		 B.6.2.2.1  

food processing,storage and distribution;

development and productive use of agricultural land;

zoning;

food processing;

food storage;

ALR;

 The Local Trust Committee will not make changes to local bylaws to prohibit or restrict farming in the Agricultural Land Reserve or in areas where farming is now allowed, or that are obstacles to the creation of local abattoirs, cold storage facilities, or other facilities that would improve local food security. B.6.2.2.6 *

food processing,storage and distribution;

food sales, access and procurement;

food production;

economic development;

zoning;

farmers' markets;

food processing;

food storage;

farm worker accommodation;

ALR;

residential development;

agri-tourism;

agricultural advisory committee;

research and data collection;

livestock;

 On the advice of the Agricultural Advisory Committee, the Local Trust Committee should continue to support local farming by:
a. addressing the need for additional housing on agricultural land.
b. permitting appropriate farm uses as defined by the Agricultural Land Reserve Act and Regulations.
c. recognizing the traditional uses of the property owned by the Salt Spring Island Farmer's
Institute on Rainbow Road.
d. allowing for the processing and warehousing of island farm products on the Institute's
property.
e. supporting zoning that would allow various forms of community farming activities.
f. supporting the development of farmers' markets.
g. considering changes to the Land Use Bylaw, based on the objectives of the Area Farm Plan
and in consultation with the Agricultural Land Commission and the Ministry of Agriculture and
Lands, to permit additional dwellings for farm workers.
h. considering changes to the Land Use Bylaw to further support agri-tourism.
i. supporting all efforts to ensure a viable local livestock industry.
j. updating agricultural information, monitoring changes in the agricultural sector and helping to
identify unused or available farmland.		 B.6.2.2.7 *
development and productive use of agricultural land;

zoning;

ALR subdivision;

ALR;

 'benefit to agriculture' language;

 The minimum average size of lots that can be created by subdivision in the Agriculture and Watershed-Agriculture Designation will remain the same as permitted by existing zoning. The Local Trust Committee could consider amending the minimum size of individual lots, if such a change would benefit local farming or protect agricultural land by allowing clustered development. Background Note: The minimum parcel sizes and minimum average parcel sizes outlined in the Land Use Bylaw apply only when land is:
a. excluded from the Agricultural Land Reserve, or
b. approved for subdivision by the Agricultural Land Commission. An exception to the minimum lot sizes can be made where a home site is being created for a relative as outlined in Section 946 of the Local Government Act. Such subdivisions must also be approved by the Agricultural Land Commission.		 B.6.2.2.8 *

food processing, storage and distribution;

economic development;

waste management;

zoning;

food processing;

demonstration farm;

agri-tourism;

ALR;

 The Local Trust Committee could consider changing zoning to permit the following land uses, where permitted by the Agricultural Land Reserve Act or regulations, on individual properties in the Agriculture Designation: small-scale processing and sales of island-grown forest products; farming schools; farm-based tourist accommodation; waste management facilities. Such uses should only be allowed where farming capability is minimal and the planned use would not interfere with land productivity. Preference should be given to proposals that would improve the viability of an existing farm operation. B.6.2.2.9  
development and productive use of agricultural land;

zoning;

transfer of development potential;

 The Local Trust Committee should consider rezoning applications from property owners with productive agricultural land outside the Agricultural Land Reserve who wish to transfer their development potential to maintain their farm. Such Land could be considered a Development Potential Donor Area, despite the development potential transfer status of the Designation it is in. Such applications should follow the guidelines in Appendix 4.  B.6.2.2.10  
food processing, storage and distribution;

zoning;

food processing;

food storage;

amenity density zoning/contributions;

 The Local Trust Committee could consider rezoning applications to allow higher density in exchange for community owned farmland or land for community farm product processing or storage facilities. Such applications should follow the guidelines in Appendix 3. Such land is an
eligible community amenity, which could be exchanged for a higher density of development as outlined in Appendix 3.		 B.6.2.2.11  
development and productive use of agricultural land; ALR; The Local Trust Committee will support the inclusion of agricultural land within the Agricultural Land Reserve.
 		 B.6.2.2.12 *
development and productive use of agricultural land; ALr subdivision;  The Local Trust Committee could support applications to the Agricultural Land Commission to subdivide land within the Agricultural Land Reserve if:
a. the subdivision results in improved farming capability or production on all proposed lots in a way that would be impossible without subdivision.
b. the subdivision is to provide a house site up to 0.6 ha in size for an adult relative of the property owner, as defined by Section 946 of the Local Government Act and the parcel was held by that owner (or a blood relation) before the adoption of the Agricultural Land Commission Act on December 21,1972.
c. the subdivision is clearly in the public interest consistent with other objectives of this Plan		 B.6.2.2.13  
development and productive use of agricultural land; roads in agricultural land; The Local Trust Committee should only support the use of lands in the Agriculture or Watershed Agriculture Designations for road access to other lands if the proposed road does not interfere with farming capability.  B.6.2.2.14 *
development and productive use of agricultural land;

ALR exclusion;

ALR;

'benefit to agriculture' language;

 The Local Trust Committee could support applications to the Agricultural Land Commission for non-farm use or exclusion of land within the Agricultural Land Reserve in some situations where local farming or the greater community would benefit. Support for such applications should only be considered if the application has been referred to the Agricultural Advisory Committee and falls into one of the following categories:
a. the proposed non-farm use or exclusion would allow an active farm to diversify and broaden its income, but not decrease the farming capability of the property.
b. the proposed non-farm use or exclusion is consistent with local zoning or a land use designation or policy in this Plan, including policies B.3.3.2.10 and B.7.2.2.7.
c. in the instance of a proposed exclusion, the Local Trust Committee may consider an application that would result in inclusion of existing non-ALR farmland into the ALR.
d. the non-farm use or exclusion of property for essential community services, if the location of the service is limited by engineering constraints, or by strategic considerations such as those that determine the best location for an emergency response station, and the proponent has demonstrated that there is no suitable alternate, non-ALR property. Background Note: This policy suggests the types of applications to the Agricultural Land Commission which could be supported by the Local Trust Committee. However, the final decision regarding all such applications rests with the Commission.]		 B.6.2.2.15  
water management;

zoning;

irrigation and drainage;

agricultural advisory committee;

agricultural-government liaising;

 When it considers rezoning applications that are not related to farming, the Local Trust Committee will ensure the availability of water for farming would not be reduced because of a zoning change. If a rezoning application would result in an increase in water use, the Local Trust Committee will ask the Agricultural Advisory Committee for advice about the potential impacts on farming. B.6.2.2.16  

water management;

urban-agriculture conflict and edge planning;

stormwater management;

 The Local Trust Committee encourages subdivision layouts that reduce the potential for conflict with farming. When subdivisions are proposed for land that drains towards agricultural lands, the staff shall request that the Subdivision Approving Officer consider how changes to natural drainage patterns could affect agricultural activities. Such applications may be referred to the Agricultural Advisory Committee for advice and the Advisory Committee's suggestions for the protection of farming operations will be forwarded to the Subdivision Approving Officer for consideration.
 		 B.6.2.2.17  

water management;

urban-agriculture conflict and edge planning;

zoning;

stormwater management;

buffer at agricultural edge;

 When it considers rezoning applications for land that borders or drains into agricultural land, the Local Trust Committee will ensure that zoning changes are not made in a way that would have a negative effect on farming. For example, the Committee could require that a vegetation buffer be maintained on land that is being rezoned next to farm land, if the proposed use could result in conflicts with a farming operation. The Committee should also ensure that a zoning change would not result in detrimental changes to natural drainage or pollution of water supplies. The Agricultural Advisory Committee will be asked for advice about rezoning applications on land that borders or drains into agricultural land. B.6.2.2.18 8
development and productive use of agricultural land;

zoning;

commercial development;

institutional development;

residential development;

 Zoning changes should not be made to allow large new multi-family, industrial, institutional or commercial developments in the Agriculture or Watershed-Agriculture Designation. An exception could be considered for community facilities or limited industrial zoning that would provide broad
benefits to the community and are specifically mentioned in this Plan.		 B.6.2.2.19 *

food production;

GE/GMO;

seeds;

crops;

 The Local Trust Committee will support efforts to discourage the use of genetically engineered seeds or plants for locally grown products B.6.2.2.30  
water management;

zoning;

irrigation and drainage;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

 

 When considering rezoning applications, the Local Trust Committee should consider the impacts of the proposed new use on existing wells, springs, or other water supplies. If the proposed use is expected to need more water than the uses already allowed on the property, then the Committee should ask for evidence that wells or other water supplies in the neighbourhood would not be depleted. The Committee should also consider whether water use would affect agricultural activities or deplete any springs necessary to maintain fish habitat. Should a zoning change be proposed where groundwater supplies are not adequate, the applicant could be encouraged to find other means of supplying water. Rainwater catchment or a water conservation program could be considered. C.3.3.2.2  

 

 

 

City of Richmond Agricultural Viability Strategy

Topic(s): Development and Productive use of Agricultural Land, Economic Development, Education, Land Access, Policy Partnerships, Advocacy & Development, Urban - Agriculture Conflict & Edge Planning, Urban Agriculture, Water Management, Wildlife/Environmental/Pest Management

Sub-topic(s): agricultural advisory committee, partnerships/advocacy/liaising, ALR, ALR exclusion, ALR subdivision, 'benefit to agriculture' language, agricultural impact assessment, research and data collection, irrigation and drainage, signage in agricultural areas, farm traffic, roads in agricultural land, nuisance complaints, covenants, buffer at agricultural edge, wildlife and ecosystem management, local food culture, agricultural industry services, greenhouses, zoning, farm diversification, new entrants to farming

Region: Metro Vancouver | Document Type: Agriculture Area Plan/Strategy | Year: 2003

View policy:  HTML PDF

Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document location
policy partnerships. advocacy and development;;

agricultural advisory committee;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

 Establish a City Agricultural Advisory Committee of Council (AAC).
a) Have the AAC play the key advisory role in implementing the AVS;
b) Require all City departments to seek input from the AAC when major departmental initiatives are proposed as part of their planning strategy, where agriculture is affected;...See document for details.		 1
development and productive use of agricultural land;

ALR;

ALR subdivision;

ALR exclusion;

'benefit to agriculture' language;

 Maintain the existing ALR boundary and ALR land base in Richmond, and do not support a change to the ALR boundary or a loss of ALR land unless: 
•  there is a substantial net benefit to agriculture; and  
•  the agricultural stakeholders are fully consulted		 2
policy partnerships. advocacy and development;;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

 Designate various City Staff as Agricultural Liaisons (SALs), with the Policy Planning Department Liaison as the lead SAL to ensure coordination... See document for details. 3

development and productive use of agricultural land;

urban-agriculture conflict and edge planning;

agricultural impact assessment;

ALR;

 Introduce an Agricultural Impact Assessment process (AIA). 
a) Use the AIA for all proposed projects involving land use changes or development: 
i) Within the ALR; 
ii) Adjacent to the ALR;  
iii) Outside the ALR for projects which may have an impact on agriculture, such as transportation corridors, recreational trails, new residential developments, and others. 
b) Develop criteria, (e.g. drainage/irrigation implications, air quality, noise, transportation and traffic, and others), for the AIA in conjunction with BCMAFF, the ALC, the proposed AAC 
(see Recommendation 1), and others as appropriate		 4
  research and data collection;

Maintain an Agricultural Data System.

a) Update and expand the scope of the Agricultural Profile, the Agricultural Land Use Inventory, and the Geographic Information System every three years or sooner to maintain current information about the agricultural sector; ...See document for details.

 5
policy partnerships. advocacy and development; parnterships.advocacy/liaising; Encourage regular communication among the agricultural sector and the City, provincial and federal servicing and infrastructure departments by formalizing the City Staff-Farmer Drainage Committee and by establishing terms of reference and involving the agricultural sector, Engineering and Public Works Division, and others as appropriate (e.g. Policy Planning, Environmental Programs, Transportation, etc.).  6
water management;

ALR;

irrigation and drainage;

 Support the City’s Master Drainage Plan.
a) Identify and ensure that drainage improvements to the ALR occur in order of priority and according to ARDSA performance standards;
b) Ensure that drainage improvements are considered in a comprehensive manner in consultation with the agricultural community and relevant City departments;
c) Encourage sufficient notification to the agricultural sector of ditch-cleaning plans in order to achieve beneficial, effective and timely agricultural drainage;
d) Encourage the agricultural sector to cooperate with ditch-cleaning practices by providing appropriate right-of-ways;
e) Encourage the agricultural sector to support ditch-sidecasting activity where it does not interfere with normal farm practices and/or agricultural capability of the soils;
f) Require the proposed AIA (see Recommendation 4) be completed for all servicing and infrastructure projects. 		 7
urban-agriculture conflict and edge planning;

signage in agricultural areas;

roads in agricultural land;

farm traffic;

ALR;

 Review and designate “farm travel” routes for travel between agricultural areas: 
a) Use recognizable signage to endorse these routes for farm vehicles; 
b) Review the wording of “Respect Slow Moving Farm Vehicles” signs and consider “Yield To Farm Vehicles”; 
c) Develop new road design guidelines to ensure that the outermost lane and shoulder in combination have a minimum of 4.3 meters (14 feet) in lateral clearance to accommodate 
the width of farm vehicles; 
d) Review options to minimize the impact of farm traffic on non-farm traffic by providing safe turn-offs for farm vehicles on identified agricultural corridors carrying high volumes of traffic. 		 9
economic development;

agrocultural advisory committee;

agricultural impact aseesement;

ALR;

 Ensure that all proposed City policies and bylaws relating to the agricultural sector and ALR encourage agricultural viability:
a) Refer proposed policies and bylaws to the proposed AAC (see Recommendation 1) for comment prior to their adoption;
b) Ensure that policies and bylaws, prior to adoption, are subject to the Agricultural Impact Assessment (see Recommendation 4) where appropriate. 		 11
urban-agriculture conflict and edge planning; nuisance complaints; Encourage a cooperative and partnership approach to avoid and address nuisance complaints (e.g. spraying, noise, odour, dust, pesticide application, burning, etc.)  17
urban-agriculture conflict and edge planning;

covenants;

buffer at agricultural edge;

residential development;

ALR;

 For new development adjacent to the ALR: 
a) Require the preparation of an agricultural edge plan, including buffering on the urban side, at the expense of the developer; and 
b) Require the registration of restrictive covenants, where possible. The intent of the covenant would be to: i) Inform prospective buyers of residential properties of the occurrence of normal farm practices on adjacent farmland (e.g. spraying, noise, odours, dust, pesticide application, burning, etc.); and ii) Minimize urban-rural conflict		 21

policy partnerships. advocacy and development;

wildlife, environmental and pest management;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

agricultural advisory committee;;

The Agricultural Advisory Committee, farming community, City staff and other stakeholders shall work together to study, analyze, form options and strategies to address the following issues of concern around ESAs and the environment, as well as other issues that may arise that are of interest to the farming community:

• land use

• drainage, irrigation and ditch maintenance

• land clearing

• weed control

• crop loss due to wildlife and birds

 24

education;

wildlife, environmental and pest management;

 wildlife and ecosystem mangement; Provide information to all farmers related to best management practices and encourage them to adopt beneficial environmental guidelines. 
 		 28
education;

community food system education;

signs in agricultural areas;

local food culture;

 

Institute an information program to increase public awareness and commitment for agriculture, in consultation with the agricultural community, the Agriculture Awareness Coordinator (BC Agriculture Council), Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation, and others:

a) Develop appropriate materials to share with all residents (e.g. publications, via the City website) to provide them with information about agricultural activity in their area, including...See document for details.

b) Develop an agricultural signage program...See document for details.

c) Encourage the ALC to develop signs to indicate the location and extent of the ALR. An example may be “You are now in the Agricultural Land Reserve. Please respect farmland.”

d) Develop a brochure that celebrates the City’s agricultural tradition and history....See document for details.

e) Encourage linkages and partnerships between the agricultural community and the media to facilitate public education and awareness;

f) Create an agricultural business profile to provide information on agriculture as a business opportunity;

g) Develop an information package for farmers about agricultural policies and bylaws, heritage policies that support the preservation of buildings, lands and methods, and make this package available to the RFI and the public and place it on the City website (see Recommendation 16);

h) Explore the opportunities for holding a special event (e.g. Harvest Festival) or regular seasonal activity (e.g. summer weekend Farmer’s Market) to promote local produce and celebrate the City’s agricultural tradition and history.

 30
education;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

agricultural advisory committee;

 Create opportunities for Council, City staff and others to tour the agricultural lands and learn about the role agriculture plays in the City.  The proposed AAC (see Recommendation 1) may facilitate this activity.  31
urban-agriculture conflict and edge planning;

covenants;

ALR;

 It is recommended that the proposed AAC (see Recommendation 1) review the option of introducing a Restrictive Covenant for properties within, and adjacent to, the ALR to address issues of conflict (e.g. noise, odours) related to agricultural uses. Example: Covenant used by City of Surrey for subdivisions bordering the ALR. 
 		 32
economic development; agricultural indistry services;  Develop a strategy to encourage agricultural support services and social infrastructure (such as agricultural research, agricultural banking and financing, industrial technologies, agricultural  marketing, specialized suppliers of agricultural materials and equipment) to locate in Richmond, in cooperation with the agricultural sector, Business Liaison and Development, BCMAFF, and others as appropriate. 34

development and productive use of agricultural land;

land access;

 

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

zoning;

greenhouses;

ALR;

leasing of land for agriculture;

Maximize the agricultural land available for agricultural uses:

 
a) Review the feasibility of amalgamating smaller lots to larger ones wherever possible. These parcels could then be sold as farmland or leased to farmers; 

b) Request the Province to review the policies on non-resident land ownership in BC and in other jurisdictions to determine how land owned by non-residents may be more fully farmed; 

c) Establish guidelines for parcel sizes suitable for farming, including options for smaller parcels of 2 acres or less; 

d) Encourage longer-term lease opportunities for farmers: i) Discourage non-farm uses of the ALR land (see Recommendation 18); ii) Develop a City-based Agricultural Land Registry to assist farmers to find agricultural land available for leasing. 

e) Explore the rezoning of selected non-ALR land (currently zoned for light industrial use) to “Light Industrial/Agricultural” to provide for the inclusion of greenhouses as a use and to encourage greenhouse development on non-ALR land wherever possible;

f) Encourage non-ALR “multiple-use” industrial buildings that will attract partnerships such as allowing greenhouse development on the tops of some industrial buildings as a possible pilot project. 

g) Review the costs and benefits of selling or leasing the City-owned nursery to local farmers in order to minimize City competition with the agricultural sector.

 35

economic development;

farm diversification;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

Encourage farmers to diversify their agricultural operations, by:
a) Liaising with support agencies such as BCMAFF, AAFC, GVRD and the ALC to gather information and identify resources to clarify diversification opportunities (e.g. new crop production and development, value-added production, etc.);

b) Encouraging partnerships between farmers and
i) Other farmers that haven’t been historically involved with the RFI and the proposed AAC; ii) Local businesses and industry, such as the hospitality sector, Chamber of Commerce, and others;iii) City Departments and City agencies, such as Business Liaison and Development, Tourism Richmond, Chamber of Commerce, and others; iv) Provincial and Federal ministries and agencies for projects which may make growth and diversification opportunities more easily attainable; v) Others to carefully locate and manage allotment gardens (community gardens) on agricultural lands. 

 36
economic development; local food culture; Develop a “Buy Local” marketing initiative to increase demand for locally grown agricultural products, in cooperation with Business Liaison and Development, Tourism Richmond, Chamber of Commerce, the RFI, and others. See document for details. 37

economic development;

education;

 new entrants to farming;

Encourage new farmers to enter the agricultural sector by:
a) Creating an agricultural business profile to provide information on agriculture as a business opportunity (see Recommendation 29 f);


b) Encouraging retiring farmers to apprentice new ones;


c) Investigating and publishing options for new farmers to obtain management skills training
from local educational institutions and private trainers;


d) Assisting local young people to find job opportunities in agriculture wherever possible,including co-operative education opportunities with area educational institutions such as
Kwantlen University College, University of British Columbia, and area secondary schools. 

 39

 

City of Richmond Official Community Plan

Topic(s): Development and Productive use of Agricultural Land, Economic Development, Education, Food Processing, Storage & Distribution, Food Production, Food Sales, Access & Procurement, Food Self Reliance, Nutrition and Public Health, Policy Partnerships, Advocacy & Development, Urban - Agriculture Conflict & Edge Planning, Urban Agriculture, Waste Management, Water Management, Wildlife/Environmental/Pest Management

Sub-topic(s): 'benefit to agriculture' language, agricultural advisory committee, ALR, ALR exclusion, ALR subdivision, BC environmental farm plan, buffer at agricultural edge, climate change and greenhouse gases, commercial development, community food system education, edible landscaping, farm diversification, farm incubator, farm worker accommodation, farmer training, food distribution, food recovery/gleaning/donation, irrigation and drainage, livestock, local food culture, mobile/street food vending, new entrants to farming, partnerships/advocacy/liaising, protection of farming development permit area, recreational use of agricultural land, residential development, roads in agricultural land, urban gardens/orchard, wildlife and ecosystem management, zoning

Region: Metro Vancouver | Document Type: Official Community Plan | Year: 2012

View policy:  HTML PDF

Topic Sub-topic  Policy or Policy Excerpt Document location Language Rating

wildlife/environmental/pest management;

food self reliance;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

climate change and greenhouse gases;

 Strengthen community resilience to projected global changes by increasing local self reliance and resource security (e.g., food security, energy security, groundwater security, intertidal ecological security). pg 2-7  
development and productive use of agricultural land;

ALR;

ALR exclusion;

ALR subdivision;

'benefit to agriculture' language;

 Maintain the existing ALR boundary and do not support a loss of ALR land unless there is a substantial net benefit to agriculture and the agricultural community is consulted; pg 7-2 *
education; community food system education; Increase public awareness of farming practises, farm products and support educational programs that provide information on agriculture and its importance to the local economy and local food systems. pg 7-3  
policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

agricultural advisory committee;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

 Build strong alliances with farmers and work with the City’s Agricultural Advisory Committee so that issues and policies that affect agriculture and impact farmers are addressed; pg 7-4  
economic development; new entrants to farming; Pursue incentives to increase actively farmed agricultural land and encourage new farmers; pg 7-4  
economic development; farm diversification; encourage value-added business initiatives; pg 7-4  
nutrition and public health;   Support farm activities which follow normal farm practices and do not create health hazards; pg 7-4  

economic development;

development and productive use of agricultural land;

 residential development; Consider agricultural projects which achieve viable farming while avoiding residential development as a principal use; pg 7-4  
development and productive use of agricultural land;

ALR;

roads in agricultural land;

 Discourage, wherever possible, roads in the ALR, except as noted on the Existing Status of Road Improvements in the ALR Map; pg 7-4  
urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning;

buffer at agricultural edge;

ALR;

 Ensure that land uses adjacent to, but outside of, the ALR are compatible with farming by establishing effective buffers on the non-agricultural lands; pg 7-4 *
urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning;

ALR;

protection of farming development permit area;

 Designate all parcels abutting, but outside of, the ALR boundary as Development Permit Areas with Guidelines for the purpose of protecting farming; pg 7-5 *
urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning;

ALR;

buffer at agricultural edge;

roads in agricultural land;

zoning;

residential development;

institutional development;

commercial development;

 Where there is an intervening road between the ALR and the non-ALR lands:• encourage appropriate landscaping within the road right-of-way in front of the non-agricultural lands (e.g., between the road curb, any sidewalk and the property line) through the servicing agreement process;• encourage an appropriate landscaped setback on the non-agricultural lands (e.g., 3 m or 9.84 ft. to parking and 6 m or 19.68 ft. to buildings) through the: - Rezoning and/or Building Permit process for industrial and institutional uses; - Rezoning and/or Development Permit process for commercial and multiple family residential sites; - Rezoning and/or Subdivision process for single family residential sites; pg 7-5 *
urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning; recreational use of agricultural land; Minimize conflicts among agricultural, recreation, conservation and urban activities; pg 7-5  
urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning;

ALR;

residential development;

 Continue to encourage the use of the ALR land for farming and discourage non-farm uses (e.g., residential); pg 7-5  
development and productive use of agricultural land;

ALR;

ALR subdivision;

'benefit to agriculture' language;

 Limit the subdivision of agricultural land into smaller parcels, except where possible benefit ts to agriculture can be demonstrated; pg 7-5 *
development and productive use of agricultural land;

ALR;

farm worker accommodation;

 Seasonal farm labour accommodation, as an additional residential use, may be considered so long as the accommodation is accessory to the principal agricultural purpose and helps to support a farm operation in the Agricultural Land Reserve; pg 7-5 *
water management; irrigation and drainage; Facilitate the improvement of irrigation and drainage infrastructure to provide secure and affordable water supplies that support the agricultural sector; pg 7-5 *
wildlife/environmental/pest management;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

BC environmental farm plan;

 Explore with farmers ways to protect the Ecological Network values of their lands such as:• explore programs contained in the 2012 Environmentally Sensitive Area Management Strategy;• encourage environmentally sound agricultural practices by promoting the BC Environmental Farm Program;• explore the viability of leasing agricultural lands that have important environmental values from farmers to manage these lands for both agricultural and environmental goals;• explore mechanisms that compensate farmers for the loss of cultivation to maintain key ecological objectives. pg 7-6  
urban agriculture;

urban gardens/orchard;

edible landscaping;

 Continue to seek out opportunities to collaborate with others to increase urban agriculture, the number of community gardens, edible landscape and food-bearing trees; pg 7-8  

urban agriculture;

food production;

urban gardens/orchard;

edible landscaping;

residential development;

 Encourage the retention of open space for food production (e.g., edible landscaping, gardens, rooftop gardens, food bearing trees) for the use of residents in new residential developments; pg 7-8 *
education;

farm incubator;

farmer training;

 Continue to support incubator farms in order to help new farmers develop the necessary skills and their businesses; pg 7-9 *

food production;

 livestock; Explore the keeping of small animals (e.g., poultry and bees) on a limited basis on small agricultural parcels, in consultation with the AAC, ALC and Vancouver Coastal Health pg 7-9  
food sales, access and procurement; mobile/street food vending;  Explore local street vending opportunities. pg 7-9  

food processing, storage and distribution;;

food production;

policy partnerships, advocacy and liaising;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

food distribution;

 Promote available programs and continue to support community organizations involved with food production/distribution (e.g., Richmond Local Food Guide). pg 7-9  

economic development;

food sales, access and procurement;

 local food culture; Develop a “Buy Local” marketing initiative to increase the demand for locally grown agricultural products, in partnership with Tourism Richmond, Chamber of Commerce, the RFI, and others. pg 7-10 *

education;

nutrition and public health;

 community food system education; Continue to support programs that promote healthy eating and increase food-related skills and knowledge about sustainable food systems; pg 7-10  

food sales, access and procurement;

urban agriculture;

 food recovery/gleaning/donation; Encourage local gardeners to grow extra produce or distribute produce they don’t use to the Richmond Food Bank or other community groups; pg 7-10 *

education;

nutrition and public health;

 community food system education Support programs that encourage children and families to learn healthy eating habits. pg 7-10  

food sales, access and procurement;

waste management;

 food recovery/gleaning/donation; Support the efforts of community groups and the private sector to establish initiatives that divert recoverable food from the pre-waste stream for redistribution to local food banks; pg 7-11  
waste management;

composting;

residential development;

commercial development;

 Develop strategies to encourage organic waste diversion from multifamily housing and commercial properties; pg 7-11  
waste management; composting; Support the recycling and re-use of organic waste; pg 7-11  

 

City of Prince George Official Community Plan Bylaw 8383

Topic(s): Development and Productive use of Agricultural Land, Economic Development, Education, Food Processing, Storage & Distribution, Food Production, Food Sales, Access & Procurement, Food Self Reliance, Nutrition and Public Health, Policy Partnerships, Advocacy & Development, Urban - Agriculture Conflict & Edge Planning, Urban Agriculture, Wildlife/Environmental/Pest Management

Sub-topic(s): 'benefit to agriculture' language, agri-tourism, ALR, ALR exclusion, ALR subdivision, amenity density zoning/contributions, community food system education, community kitchen, farmers' markets, food distribution, food storage, greenhouses, grocery stores, research and data collection, residential development, urban gardens/orchard, wildlife and ecosystem management

Region: Fraser-Fort George | Document Type: Official Community Plan | Year: 2011

View policy:  HTML PDF

Topic Sub-topic  Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location Language Rating

food sales, access and procurement;

nutrition and public health;

 grocery stores; Support increased consumer access to local and healthy food through local food institutions and retail markets throughout the community. 7.3.5 *
nutrition and public health;   Encourage fast food outlets to locate a minimum distance from youth-oriented facilities such as schools and playgrounds. 7.3.6  

food self reliance;

   Support agricultural and food systems planning to improve the current state of food systems and to encourage local food self reliance. 7.3.7  

food sales, access and procurement;

   Ensure that food and agricultural spaces are accessible to all people. 7.3.8  
policy partnerships, advocacy and development;   Ensure existing policies and bylaws help eliminate barriers to sustainable food and agriculture systems. 7.3.9  
food sales, access and procurement;

farmers' markets;

grocery stores;

 Support improvements to public transportation to make grocery stores and farmer’s markets accessible to all residents. 7.3.10  
education; community food system education; Support food and agricultural opportunities in education and community facilities, parks and open spaces. 7.3.11  
urban agriculture; urban gardens/orchard; Support the development of community gardens and community kitchens. 7.3.12 *
urban agriculture; urban gardens/orchard; Promote attractive agricultural and community gardens in highly visible public or semi-private spaces, ensuring balance with wildlife considerations.  7.3.13  

education;

food self reliance;

food production;

 research and data collection; Encourage research and education on local food production and self-reliance 7.3.15  

food sales, access and procurement;

urban agriculture;

 residential development; Encourage provision of affordable food sources such as on site growing spaces in new affordable housing developments. 7.5.12  
urban-agriculture conflict and edge planning;   The City should encourage development on the urban edge to consider integration of urban and agricultural uses and activities through design and layout. 8.2.19  
urban agriculture;

amenity density zoning/contributions;

residential development;

 The City should encourage neighbourhood development projects with green space larger than 0.5 ha to integrate urban agriculture in their design and programming. 8.2.20 *

food sales, access and procurement;

urban agriculture;

urban gardens/orchard;

community kitchen;

residential development;

 The City should require new multiple residential development applications to consider a sustainable food system approach, for example providing growing space, providing community kitchen amenities and/or allocation of funds toward such community amenities. 8.2.21 *
urban agriculture; urban gardens/orchard; The City should facilitate community gardens in Growth Priority Areas. The City should consider providing land, working with organizers for community gardens based on community interest and initiative, and designating a staff liaison to facilitate this role. 8.2.22 *
urban agriculture; wildlife and ecosystem management; The City should ensure urban agriculture implementation does not conflict with Urban Interface Policies (human-bear conflict) and is consistent with Health and Safety regulations. 8.2.23 *

food sales, access and procurement;

urban agriculture;

food processing, storage and distribution;

 food distribution;urban gardens/orchard;  The City should allocate space within City parks, open space, school yards, rights-of-way, City owned facilities, surplus properties, and redevelopment parcels for growing and distributing/selling food. Prioritize vacant, underutilized or derelict sites as identified within the SGOG, Public Works: Civic Improvements section. 8.2.24 *

food processing, storage and distribution;

food production;

urban agriculture;

food storage;

urban gardens/orchard;

greenhouses;

residential development;

 The City should encourage community greenhouses and gardens and ensure that small-scale food production and storage buildings and structures (e.g., root cellars) are permitted in residential areas. 8.2.25 *
economic development;

agri-tourism;

residential development;

 The City should consider permitting agri-tourism uses ancillary to agricultural operations. These may include for example accommodations similar in scale to B&B’s, food sales, farm tours, and farm-based recreation. 8.3.115  
development and productive use of agricultural land;

ALR exclusion;

ALR subdivision;

ALR;

'benefit to agriculture' language;

 The City should support ALR designations within the City’s boundaries. Changes to the designation should be supported only if land is shown by a qualified professional to have limited agricultural suitability and where land use changes work to support food and agriculture systems (e.g., farmland dedications of equal or greater value for community trust and/or upgrades to farming or farmland infrastructure). 8.3.116 *
development and productive use of agricultural land;   The City should direct incompatible land uses away from land identified with high agricultural capability. 8.3.117 *

City of Kelowna Official Community Plan 2030 Bylaw No. 10501

Topic(s): Development and Productive use of Agricultural Land, Economic Development, Food Sales, Access & Procurement, Urban - Agriculture Conflict & Edge Planning, Urban Agriculture, Wildlife/Environmental/Pest Management

Sub-topic(s): 'benefit to agriculture' language, agri-tourism, agricultural industry services, ALR, ALR exclusion, ALR subdivision, buffer at agricultural edge, covenants, edible landscaping, farm home plate, farm traffic, farm worker accommodation, farmers' markets, protection of farming development permit area, residential development, roads in agricultural land, urban containment/growth boundary, urban gardens/orchard, wildlife and ecosystem management, zoning

Region: Central Okanagan | Document Type: Official Community Plan | Year: 2013

View policy:  HTML PDF

Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location Language Rating
development and productive use of agricultural land;

agricultural industry services;

zoning;

ALR exclusion;

ALR;

farmers' markets;

 Agri-business Land use Designation: Rural land preserved for agriculture and agriculture-related businesses that support local farming and farmers... Agriculture related commercial uses (retail and office) necessary to support a farmers’ market and public market may be considered within this designation. Limited residential uses may be supported within this designation and include a single caretaker’s unit and accessory live/work accommodation which support the agriculture-related business function. Despite the potential for “non-farm use” activities, lands within this designation will not be supported for exclusion from the ALR and only non-farm uses approved by the Agricultural Land Commission will be permitted. An example of appropriate zoning within this designation is Comprehensive Development (CD) zone CD2. 4.2 *

food sales, access and procurement;

economic development;

 urban containment /growth boundary; Lands within the permanent growth boundary may be considered for urbanuses within the 20 year planning horizon ending 2030. Lands designated as Future Urban Reserve within the permanent growth boundary may be considered for urban uses beyond 2030. Lands outside the permanent growth boundary will not be supported for urban uses. Non-ALR land outside the Permanent Growth Boundary will not be supported for any further parcelization. 4.7 *

urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning;

wildlife/environmental/pest management;

 wildlife and ecosystem management; Integrate land use approaches wherever possible to improve opportunities for biodiversity, ecosystem connectivity, recreation, agriculture and local food production, while reducing conflicts. 5.2.5 *

food sales, access and procurement;

development and productive use ofagricultural land;

farmers' markets;

ALR;

 Support the development of farmer’s markets on non-ALR sites. ALR sites located near the urban – rural edge, in accessible, central locations may be considered if a non-ALR alternative cannot be secured. 5.13.1 *
urban agriculture; edible landscaping; Encourage the use of building setback, backyards and landscaped areas, for growing edible plants. 5.13.2 *
urban agriculture; urban gardens/ orchard; Encourage private and non-profit sector universally-accessible community gardening. Where appropriate, consider the use of city-owned land for use as community gardens. 5.13.3  
urban agriculture;

urban gardens/orchard ;

residential development;

 Encourage new development to include contiguous space intended for garden space for residents. 5.13.4  
development and productive use ofagricultural land; ALR; Retain the agricultural land base by supporting the ALR and by protecting agricultural lands from development, except as otherwise noted in the City of Kelowna Agricultural Plan. Ensure that the primary use of agricultural land is agriculture, regardless of parcel size. 5.33.1 *
development and productive use ofagricultural land; ALR exclusion;ALR; The City of Kelowna will not support ALR exclusion applications to the ALC except in extraordinary circumstances where such exclusions are otherwise consistent with the goals, objectives and other policies of this OCP. Soil capability alone should not be used as justification for exclusion. 5.33.2 *
development and productive use ofagricultural land; urban containment/growth boundary; Direct urban uses to lands within the urban portion of the Permanent Growth Boundary, in the interest of reducing development and speculative pressure on agricultural lands. 5.33.3 *

urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning;

urban agriculture;

 buffer at agricultural edge; Consider complementary agricultural land uses such as urban agriculture (as defined in the Zoning Bylaw) along the urban-rural interface that act as a transition between existing urban development and farming operations. 5.33.4 *

economic development;

development and productive use ofagricultural land;

farm gate/farm retail sales;

ALR;

agri-tourism;

 Support agritourism uses that can be proven to be in aid of and directly associated with established farm operations. Permit wineries, cideries and farm retail sales (inside and outside the ALR) only where consistent with existing ALC policies and regulations. 5.33.5 *
development and productive use ofagricultural land;

ALR;

'benefit to agriculture' language;

  Support non-farm use applications on agricultural lands only where approved by the ALC and where the proposed uses:• are consistent with the Zoning Bylaw and OCP;• provide significant benefits to local agriculture;• can be accommodated using existing municipal infrastructure;• minimize impacts on productive agricultural lands;• will not preclude future use of the lands for agriculture;• will not harm adjacent farm operations. 5.33.6 *
development and productive use ofagricultural land;

ALR subdivision;

ALR;

'net benefit to agriculture' language;

 Maximize potential for the use of farmland by not allowing the subdivision of agricultural land into smaller parcels (with the exception of Homesite Severances approved by the ALC) except where significant positive benefits to agriculture can be demonstrated. 5.33.7 *
development and productive use ofagricultural land;

ALR;

residential development;

 Discourage residential development (both expansions and new developments) in areas isolated within agricultural environments (both ALR and non-ALR). 5.33.8 *
development and productive use ofagricultural land;

ALR;

residential development;

  Encourage secondary suites on agricultural land to be located within a permitted principal dwelling. 5.34.1 *
development and productive use ofagricultural land;

farm worker accommodation;

residential development;

ALR;

 Accommodation for farm help on the same agricultural parcel will be considered only where: agriculture is the principal use on the parcel, and the applicant demonstrates that the additional housing is necessary to accommodate farm employee(s) whose residence on the farm property is considered critical to the overall operation of the farm. The primary consideration is whether the scale of the farm operation is large enough that permanent help is deemed necessary. Temporary farm worker housing (e.g. bunkhouse accommodation on non-permanent foundations) is the preferred solution where the need for farm worker housing is justified. 5.34.2 *
development and productive use ofagricultural land;

farm home plate;

ALR;

residential development;

 Locate buildings and structures, including farm help housing and farm retail sales area and structures, on agricultural parcels in close proximity to one another and where appropriate, near the existing road frontage. The goal should be to maximize use of existing infrastructure and reduce impacts on productive agricultural lands. 5.34.3 *
development and productive use ofagricultural land;

ALR;

institutional development; 

 Discourage the use of agricultural lands for public or institutional uses such as schools, parks and churches except as identified in the OCP. 5.34.4 *
wildlife/environmental/pest management; wildlife and ecosystem management; Maintain and improve biodiversity through the establishment of corridors (connectivity) and where appropriate, through the integration of wild species within agricultural landscapes. 5.35.1 *
wildlife/environmental/pest management;

covenants;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

 Promote the use of conservation covenants on agricultural land. Conservation covenants will:• balance both agricultural and environmental values and recognize the complex relationships between some agricultural use and areas of environmental interest;• protect environmental values identified through current statutory provisions (e.g. Species at Risk) and values identified through current federal, provincial and local inventory programs;• place only reasonable restrictions on agriculture in order to protect important environmental values;• allow for specified farm activities in locations that will not unduly impact or diminish the identified environmental values; and• focus on those areas specifically identified as containing important environmental values, and should not unduly restrict agriculture elsewhere on the property. 5.35.2 *
development and productive use ofagricultural land;

farm traffic;

roads in agricultural land;

 Minimize the impact of penetration of road and utility corridors through agricultural lands, utilizing only those lands necessary and to the maximum capacity prior to seeking new corridors. Provision should be made for farm traffic to cross major roads. 7.5.1 *

urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning;

urban agriculture;

protection of farming development permit area;

ALR;

buffer at agricultural edge;

 See document for farm protection development permit guidelines. chapter 15 *

 

Subscribe to 'benefit to agriculture' language