ALC Policy: Placement of Fill for Soil Bound Agricultural Activities

Topic(s): Development and Productive use of Agricultural Land

Sub-topic(s): ALR, deposit of fill and dumping, soil

Document Type: Policy | Year: 2017

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ALC regulation and guidelines for non-farm use applications for fill placement in the ALR related to soil bound agriculture.

ALC Policy: Placement of Fill or Removal of Soil - Construction of Farm Buildings

Topic(s): Development and Productive use of Agricultural Land

Sub-topic(s): ALR, deposit of fill and dumping, soil

Document Type: Policy | Year: consolidated 2016

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ALC regulation and interpretation of the placement of fill or removal of soil for the construction of farm buildings in the ALR.

Salt Spring Island Removal and Deposit of Soil Bylaw no. 418

Topic(s): Development and Productive use of Agricultural Land

Sub-topic(s): soil, deposit of fill and dumping

Region: Islands Trust | Document Type: Regulatory Bylaw | Year: 2008

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A bylaw to regulate the removal and deposit of soil, rock and topsoil.

Corporation of Delta Agricultural Area Plan

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, Water Management, Wildlife/Environmental/Pest Management

Sub-topic(s): ALR, BC environmental farm plan, climate change and greenhouse gases, community food system education, covenants, crops, deposit of fill and dumping, disclosure agreement, farm diversification, farm traffic, farmland speculation, farmland trust, food processing, irrigation and drainage, leasing of land for agriculture, local food culture, new entrants to farming, nuisance complaints, partnerships/advocacy/liaising, recreational use of agricultural land, residential development, signage in agricultural areas, soil, tax mechanisms, urban gardens/orchard, water rate for agriculture, wildlife and ecosystem management

Region: Metro Vancouver | Document Type: Agriculture Area Plan/Strategy | Year: 2011

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Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location
food processing, storage and distribution;

food processing;

farm diversification;

 Encourage and facilitate local on-farm processing opportunities with on-farm regulatory processes and requirements that encourage diversification 5.1.1
food processing, storage and distribution; food processing;  Investigate the feasibility of attracting processors for local crops by providing financial incentives and serviced locations. Identify and target appropriate scale niche and value chain opportunities presented by the Delta agricultural sector 5.1.1
food processing, storage and distribution; food processing; tax mechanisms; Investigate the feasibility of attracting processors using a revitalization tax exemption program bylaw 5.1.1
policy partnerships, advocacy and development; partnerships/advocacy/liaising; Lobby for the incorporation of on-farm value-added as eligible farm income for farm tax assessment purposes. 5.1.1

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

water management

water rate for agriculture;

irrigation and drainage;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

 Advocate with Metro Vancouver for regional bulk water rates for agriculture (e.g., Capital Regional District) or otherwise reduce the cost of municipal water to farmers) 5.1.2
  climate change and greenhouse gases; Investigate the feasibility of alternative fuel technologies (e.g., cogeneration) to support farm operations and reduce GHG emissions 5.1.2
economic development;   Encourage farmer buying groups for inputs (fertilizer, lime, feed, other inputs) 5.1.2

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;;

land access;

leasing of land for agriculture;

farmland trust;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

  Advocate for a regional agricultural trust to acquire agricultural land and provide affordable long term leases to farmers. 5.1.2
policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

climate change and greenhouse gases;

 Lobby senior governments to investigate and research opportunities and create incentives for farmers to reduce GHG emissions. 5.1.2
policy partnerships, advocacy and development; tax mechanisms;   Lobby the Province to investigate farmstead provisions that would tax agricultural buildings and improvements of bona fide farmers at a lower agricultural rate or provide tax exemptions for farm improvements (e.g., New York State, North Dakota). 5.1.2
development and productive use of agricultural land; deposit of fill and dumping; Identify areas where dumping of waste on agricultural lands is occurring, improve frequency of clean-up, and  increase bylaw enforcement 5.1.3
education;

recreational use of agricultural land;

signage is agricultural areas;

 Review and maintain signage and provide education material to recreational users that they are in an agricultural area and that agricultural activities are acceptable 5.1.3
urban-agriculture conflict and edge planning;

nuisance complaints;

covenants;

residential development;

disclosure agreement;

 Require notification/disclosure on property transactions adjacent to agricultural lands that purchasers may expect normal farm practices, possibly  through a covenant 5.1.3
policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

farm diversification;

 Assist farmers to navigate the regulatory requirements in pursuing innovative projects (e.g., energy and waste management technologies), on-farm value added and diversification 5.1.4
  climate change and greenhouse gases;  Work with farmers to develop technological and land based solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with agricultural practices and to make farm business more resilient to future impacts of climate change by investing in adaptation strategies for agriculture. 5.1.4
policy partnerships, advocacy and development; partnerships/advocacy/liaising;  Support farmers in dealings with federal and provincial agencies, such as the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and BC Ministry of Environment, to ensure that conditions for efficient agriculture are enhanced, and specifically work toward “agriculture-friendly” protocols for ditch and dike maintenance that protect the environment and are timely, reasonable and feasible from an agricultural perspective 5.1.5
policy partnerships, advocacy and development; partnerships/advocacy/liaising; Build agricultural understanding in municipal Hall with agriculturally qualified staff (e.g., professional agrologist), information sessions, tours and dialogue 5.1.5
wildlife, environmental and pest management; BC environmental farm plan; Encourage environmental farm planning, the adoption of beneficial management practices, and other environmental initiatives to reduce environmental risks and regulatory compliance costs 5.1.5
water management;

crops;

food processing;

irrigation and drainage;

 Ensure municipal water is accessible to support high valued crops production and on-farm processing. 5.2.1
water management; irrigation and drainage; Continue to improve agricultural drainage and irrigation  5.2.1
urban-agriculture conflict and edge planning; farm traffic; Continue to work with the farming community to explore options to improve agricultural vehicle movement (e.g., through the Highways Bylaw) 5.2.2
economic development;

new entrants to farming;

farm diversification;
In collaboration with Metro Vancouver, neighbouring municipalities and BCMA, investigate options for providing agrologist services to assist start up farmers and identify funding sources to pursue new business ideas.		 5.3.1
education;

new entrants to farming;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

 Enhance relationships with Delta farmers, secondary and post-secondary education institutions, agricultural academies, ministries and associations to facilitate events and initiatives to provide new/young farmers with training, mentoring, technical expertise, production knowledge, and access to agricultural programs that would promote knowledge transfer and build capacity in smaller scale farming 5.3.1
economic development; farm diversification;  Explore and support farming models that develop stronger connections between the farming community and the local marketplace and encourage new types of agricultural enterprise, such as community supported agriculture, cooperatives, local food alliances, and community networks. 5.3.1
education; new entrants to farming; Support on-farm internship programs (e.g., Canadian Farm Business Management Council, CRAFTOntario program, WWOOF Canada
 		 5.3.1
policy partnerships, advocacy and development; partnerships/advocacy/liaising; Lobby senior governments for the development of family trust legislation to facilitate transfer of farmland between generations 5.3.1
land access;

leasing of agricultural land;

new entrants to farming;

 Investigate incentives to encourage active farmland use, by improving access by aspiring and landless farmers, spurring existing non-farming farmland owners to lease out their land, exploring agricultural trusts, and encouraging longer lease terms. 5.3.2
land access;

leasing of agricultural land;

new entrants to farming;

 Make municipal and Crown land available for farming under lease to young farmers and new entrants. 5.3.2
land access; farmland trust; Explore new relationships with existing land trusts (e.g., Ducks Unlimited, The Land Conservancy), to increase access to farmland by farmers. 5.3.2
development and productive use of agricultural land;

soil;

ALR;

deposit of fill and dumping;

 Improve enforcement of existing regulations in farming areas including soil filling, storage, waste dumping, and maintenance of agricultural properties, engaging the AAC to assist in spotting violations and problem areas 5.3.3
development and productive use of agricultural land;

farmland speculation;

ALR;

 Explore financial mechanisms to address farmland speculation and deter non-agricultural development on farmland. 5.3.3

urban-agriculture conflict and edge planning;

education;

nuisance complaints;

ALR;

residential development;

 Educate rural-residential property owners about normal impacts associated with adjacent agricultural operations and create awareness among realtors and non-agricultural property purchasers of farming activities in the ALR 5.3.3
land access;

covenants

farmland trust

 Encourage agricultural and other land trusts to make their farmland available to Delta famers without covenants that restrict its agricultural use. 5.3.3
education;

local food culture;

community food system education;

 Build on existing farmer-supported agricultural awareness events such as “Farm Hike by Bike” (Earthwise) or “A Day at the Farm”, Delta Farm Tours, and “Meet Your Maker” events, work with local tourism/hospitality industry to initiate ‘taste of Delta’ food promotions at Delta restaurants and hotels, and other opportunities for the public to experience local food and agriculture 5.4.1
education; community food system education; Develop a multi-partner communications plan to engage farm groups e.g. by creating contact lists of farmers and farmers organizations
willing to educate the public, distributing a “Champions of Farming” speakers list to the Rotary Club, Delta Chamber of Commerce and other groups, encouraging presentations on agricultural issues and to engage the public, (e.g., agricultural awareness events, newspaper coverage, crop information, and farm field identification.		 5.4.1

urban agriculture;

education;

community food system education;

urban gardens/orchard;

 Support and expand opportunities for community gardens/urban agriculture demonstrations to promote agricultural awareness, through additional funding , supportive bylaws and provision of land 5.4.1
economic development; research and data collection; Encourage reports and research that show what the returns to farmers are on agricultural products, where the food dollar goes in the food chain, and the cost of food in relation to other staples in the community 5.4.1

education;

urban-agriculture conflict and edge planning;

signage in agricultural areas;

farm traffic;

 Review and expand signage to identify agricultural areas, what is grown in those areas, and indicate respect for farm traffic. 5.4.1
wildlife, environmental and pest management;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

 Engage with the Delta Farmland and Wildlife Trust (DFWT) to promote initiatives to foster public awareness of how farmland sustains wildlife and habitat and to build support for more equitable sharing of the costs of providing ecological goods and services. 5.4.2

wildlife, environmental and pest management;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

wildlife nad ecosystem management;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

 Lobby senior governments for programs to compensate farmers for wildlife crop damage, through participation in federal –provincial waterfowl damage compensation programs. 5.4.2

development and productive use of agricultural land;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

partnerships and advocacy;

 Lobby the ALC, provincial ministries, BC EAO and CEAA to develop a better framework for addressing loss of land base due to public infrastructure works, transportation projects, land claims, wildlife and fisheries policy, incorporating compensation and mitigation to offset the negative impact on agriculture. 5.4.2
wildlife, environmental and pest management;

research and data collection;

wildlife and ecosystem management; 

 Support research into integrated farm-level strategies to mitigate the potential for damages from waterfowl.  5.4.2

wildlife, environmental and pest management;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

 Advocate with Metro Vancouver to establish a program to compensate farmers for ecological goods and services that agricultural land provides (e.g. creating a regional levy) 5.4.2

wildlife, environmental and pest management;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

 Work with environmental agencies to develop effective ways of managing agriculturally sustainable wildlife populations 5.4.2
economic development; local food culture; 

Work with Metro Vancouver and other lower Mainland municipalities to investigate the feasibility of regional branding for agricultural products, developing a “buy regional” policy for local governments, and engaging businesses, schools, government agencies, and institutions to participate.

 5.4.3
 

climate change and greenhouse gases;

research and development ;

crops;

 Pursue opportunities to re-instate on-farm field trials function, specifically in relation to crops grown in Delta and responses to cope with impending climate change 5.4.3
economic development;

tax mechanisms;

climate change and greenhouse gases;

 Explore on-farm carbon tax and sequestration responses that would provide economic benefits to farming. 5.4.3

District of Saanich Deposit of Fill Bylaw No. 9233

Topic(s): Development and Productive use of Agricultural Land

Sub-topic(s): soil, ALR, deposit of fill and dumping

Region: Capital | Document Type: Regulatory Bylaw | Year: 2012

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 A bylaw,regulate, prohibit and impose requirements for the deposit of soil.

Bowen Island Municipality Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 282, 2010 Schedule A – OCP Text

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

Sub-topic(s): agri-tourism, ALR, ALR exclusion, ALR subdivision, buffer at agricultural edge, climate change and greenhouse gases, deposit of fill and dumping, farm retail/farm gate sales, farmers' markets, farmland trust, home occupation/home based businesses, irrigation and drainage, leasing of land for agriculture, residential development, roads in agricultural land, soil, transfer of development potential, water restrictions and conservation, wildlife and ecosystem management, zoning

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

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Topic Sub-Topic Policy or Policy Exceprt Document Location Language Rating

wildlife/environmental/pest management;

food production;

 climate change and greenhouse gases; The Municipality will work with other agencies, stakeholders and the community to achieve emissions reductions targets and energy conservation goals. Specifically, the Municipality will: …support local food production as a factor in reducing food  transportation costs an greenhouse gas emissions... 31  
food production; ALR; Productive and domestic agricultural use is encouraged in areas  with agricultural capability; including the ALR as shown on  Schedules C and C – 1. Domestic agriculture is acceptable on any property. 209  
development and productive use of agricultural land;

ALR exclusion;

ALR subdivision;

ALR;

Where land is in the ALR, a minimum parcel size will only apply  when that land is: • excluded from the ALR;

• approved for subdivision within the ALR pursuant to the  Agricultural Land Commission regulations or orders of the  Commission; and

• exempted by the Agricultural Land Commission regulations  or orders of the Commission.

 211 *
development and productive use of agricultural land; ALR exclusion; Any proposal for subdivision of agriculture designated lands outside the ALR will maintain arable units of land.  212 *
development and productive use of agricultural land;

zoning;

transfer of development potential;

leasing of land for agriculture;

farmland trust;

The protection and use of land for agriculture is encouraged through:

• donation of agricultural lands to the Islands Trust Fund or  conservancy groups that would support agriculture;

• adoption of the Agricultural Land Commission Community  Planning Guidelines;

• formation of a non-profit society that acquires agricultural  lands;

• establishment of agriculture zoning regulations on lands suitable for productive agriculture;

• re-allocating density from agricultural lands to other non  agricultural lands;

• owners of agricultural lands actively farming, or leasing  /loaning their lands to persons that would undertake active  farming; and

• acquisition of lands for the community.

 213 *

development nad productive use of agricultural land;

economic development;

food sales, access and procurement;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

farmers' markets;

farm retail/gate sales;

home occupation/home based businesses;

farm retail/farm gate sales;

agri-tourism;

agricultural advisory committee;

agricultural-government liaising;

Agriculture will be supported on Bowen Island by:

• creating an Advisory Committee that reports to Council on agricultural related matters;

• encouraging a public market for sale of local food products;

• supporting the development of farmers’ outlets for the sale of  Bowen Island produced agricultural products;

• permitting roadside stands for farm gate sales of agricultural products;

• encouraging neighbourhoods and other groups to promote  and support local food production;

• encouraging community initiatives to promote local food production, food safety and sales;

• permitting Bed and Breakfast in agricultural areas and guest houses which feature a farm vacation and retreat centres that provide opportunities for guests to contribute to agricultural activity when permitted in accordance with tourist commercial land use management policies; and

• encouraging home based businesses that produce value added products from locally produced agricultural products. 

 214 *
wildlife/environmental/pest management;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

pesticide and pest management;

 Organic farming or regenerative methods are encouraged through development of low impact farming. Operators of farms will be encouraged to avoid the use of pesticides and herbicides. If used, pesticides and herbicides will be applied in a manner that minimizes damage to adjoining and drainage areas. 215  
water managmenent;

water restrictions and conservation;

irrigation and drainage;

 Collection of rainwater for irrigation purposes is encouraged.  217  
development nad productive use of agricultural land

deposit of fill and dumping;

soil;

 Removal or deposit of soil from a parcel may be subject to  regulation by bylaw. 218  
wildlife/environmental/pest management;

soil;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

 Production methods that maintain soil quality and minimize impacts on adjacent lands and the environment are encouraged. 219  
urban-agriculture conflict and edge planning;

buffer at agricultural edge;

residential development;

 The use of fencing, hedges, and other buffers and the use of increased building setbacks on adjacent residential properties will be considered to allow for adequate separation between residential and agricultural land uses. 220  

development and productive use of agricultural land;

wildlife/environmental/pest management;

roads in agricultural land;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

 New roads should not fragment agricultural lands or areas of environmental sensitivity such as wetlands and wildlife migration corridors. 271  

development and productive use of agricultural land;

food production;

 

new entrants to farming;

 Existing farms and orchards should be protected, and new farms encouraged, especially to propagate a variety of heritage fruit trees, as a means to enhance rural and historic aspects of the island. 398  

 

 

 

District of Saanich Sustainable Saanich Official Community Plan

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

Sub-topic(s): ALR, ALR exclusion, ALR subdivision, BC environmental farm plan, buffer at agricultural edge, crops, deposit of fill and dumping, farm diversification, farmers' markets, irrigation and drainage, soil, urban containment/growth boundary, urban gardens/orchard, water rate for agriculture, wildlife and ecosystem management, zoning

Region: Capital | Document Type: Official Community Plan | Year: 2008

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Topic Sub-topic  Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location Language Rating
development and productive use of agricultural land; urban containment/growth boundary;

Maintain the Urban Containment Boundary as the principal tool for growth management in Saanich, and encourage all new development to locate within the Urban Containment Boundary.

 4.2.1.2 *
development and productive use of agricultural land; urban containment/growth boundary;

Do not consider major changes to the Urban Containment Boundary except as an outcome of a comprehensive fi ve year review of the Regional Growth Strategy.

 4.2.1.3 *
development and productive use of agricultural land; urban containment/growth boundary;

Do not adopt any bylaw or resolution providing for a major expansion to the Urban Containment Boundary without first obtaining the assent of the electors through a referendum or plebiscite.

 4.2.1.4 *
development and productive use of agricultural land;

urban containment/growth boundary;

ALR;

 Support the retention of rural and farm lands through adherence to the Urban Containment Boundary policy and preservation of the Agricultural Land Reserve (Map 19). 4.2.5.1;  
development and productive use of agricultural land; zoning; Maintain farming, food production, and large lot residential as the predominant land use on rural lands.  4.2.5.2; *
development and productive use of agricultural land;

ALR subdivision;

ALR;

 Maintain a minimum parcel area of 2.0 ha for the A-1 (Rural) zone and 4.0 ha for the A-4 (Rural) zone. 4.2.5.3; *
urban agriculture; urban gardens/orchard; Consider opportunities to incorporate food producing community gardens into parks and other public open spaces, where appropriate. 4.2.8.14;  
development and productive use of agricultural land;

ALR exclusion;

ALR;

 Do not support applications to exclude land from the Agricultural Land Reserve,unless: a qualified professional agrologist provides evidence that the property is incorrectly designated; and exclusion would not adversely affect the long term agricultural value of the adjoining land within the Reserve. 5.1.1.2; *
development and productive use of agricultural land;

ALR subdivision;

ALR;

 Do not forward applications to the Agricultural Land Commission to subdivide land within the Agricultural Land Reserve ( Map 19) unless: the owner has continuously owned and occupied the property as a principal residence since December 21, 1972 and no subdivision has occurred since that date; or there are already two dwellings on the parcel; or it would facilitate changes to an existing public institution; or ƒit would increase the agricultural capability of an existing farm as defined by the BC Assessment Authority and there is on-site evidence of keeping animals or land cultivation at a commercial level. 5.1.1.3; *

food sales, access and procurement;

economic development;

 farmers' markets; Support innovative farming and local marketing techniques such as pocket farm markets, which help improve the economic viability of food production in the community. 5.1.1.7; *

food production;

water management;

irrigation and drainage;

crops;

livestock;

 Support efforts of farm operators and other agencies to enhance farmland and increase crop yield, by improving water supply and undertaking drainage improvements and improving soil capabilities, while considering environmental impact. 5.1.1.8; *
wildlife/environmental/pest management; BC environmental farm plan; Encourage environmentally sound agricultural practices by promoting the BC Environmental Farm Program. 5.1.1.9; *

food production;

economic development;

farm diversification;

crops;

 Support the development and operation of specialty crop farms to diversify farm production, increase economic development, increase local food production, and improve farm income. 5.1.1.10; *
urban agriculture; urban gardens/orchard; Strengthen local sustainable agriculture by supporting “backyard gardening” and community garden initiatives. 5.1.1.12; *

urban- ag conflict/edge planning;

development and productive use of agricultural land;

 urban containment/growth boundary; Support small-scale agricultural initiatives on lands inside the Urban Containment Boundary, while balancing the need of neighbouring residents. 5.1.1.13; *
urban- ag conflict/edge planning; buffer at agricultural edge; Buffer rural and agricultural lands from adjacent urban residential development as part of redevelopment and subdivision proposals, where appropriate. 5.1.1.14; *
water management; water rate for agriculture; Continue to support a special water rate for agriculture. 5.1.1.15; *

 

development and productive use of agricultural land;

soil;

ALR;

deposit of fill and dumping;

 Encourage the Agricultural Land Commission to review current deposit of fill practices on ALR lands, in order to preserve the agricultural capability of ALR lands. 5.1.1.16; *
development and productive use of agricultural land;

soil; 

ALR;

deposit of fill and dumping;

 Discourage the deposit of fill on rural and ALR lands that results in the soil’s agricultural capability being diminished. 5.1.1.17; *
wildlife/environmental/pest management;

soil;

ALR;

 Support the preservation and enhancement of the soil’s agricultural capability on rural and ALR lands. 5.1.1.18;  

wildlife/environmental/pest management;

food production;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

 Encourage the development of a Property Assessment policy that primarily supports local food production, and does not inadvertently result in ecological degradation. 5.1.1.19;  

 

 

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