City of Surrey Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 18020

Topic(s): Development and Productive use of Agricultural Land, Economic Development, Education, Food Processing, Storage & Distribution, Food Production, Food Sales, Access & Procurement, Land Access, 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): agri-tourism, agricultural impact assessment, agricultural industry services, ALR, ALR exclusion, ALR subdivision, BC environmental farm plan, buffer at agricultural edge, climate change and greenhouse gases, community food system education, community kitchen, crops, disclosure agreement, farm diversification, farm incubator, farm retail/farm gate sales, farm traffic, farmer training, farmers' markets, food distribution, food policy council, food processing, grocery stores, irrigation and drainage, leasing of land for agriculture, livestock, local food culture, new entrants to farming, nuisance complaints, partnerships/advocacy/liaising, pesticide and pest management, pilot project, pollinators, protection of farming development permit area, research and data collection, roads in agricultural land, soil, urban gardens/orchard, waste to energy, wildlife and ecosystem management

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
development and productive use of agricultural land;

ALR exclusion;

ALR subdivision;

ALR;

 Maintain the integrity of the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) and its existing boundaries. E3.1;  
development and productive use of agricultural land;

soil;

ALR;

 Protect and support the continued designation and use of agricultural land for agricultural purposes regardless of soil types and capabilities. Encourage locating non-soil based agricultural structures on less productive soils, where feasible, in order to fully utilize prime soil resources.
 		 E3.3; *
development on agricultural land;   Encourage the continued use of farmland located outside of the ALR for agriculture purposes, subject to the development of an approved secondary plan. E3.4;  
development and productive use of agricultural land;

ALR subdivision;

ALR;

 Avoid the fragmentation of ALR lands. Limit the subdivision of land within the ALR to greater than 4 ha (10 ac). Limit the subdivision of designated agriculture land outside the ALR to greater than 2 ha (5 ac). Encourage the amalgamation of lots in agricultural areas.
  		 E3.5; *
development and productive use of agricultural land;

ALR exclusion;

ALR;

agricultural impact assessment;

 Require 2 ha of land, within Surrey, of equivalent or better soil capacity, to be included into the ALR for each 1 ha of land excluded from the ALR with the submission of an Agricultural Impact Assessment detailing how this conversion provides a net benefit to agriculture in Surrey. E3.6; *
development and productive use of agricultural land;

roads in agricultural land;

ALR;

 Ensure that the potential fragmentation of agricultural lands by linear development such as new road construction, hydro corridors or pipeline or road upgrades, does not negatively impact the viability of farm operations or access to farm parcels.   E3.7; *
land access;

ALR;

leasing of land for agriculture;

 Maximize the productive utilization of agricultural land through such means as:
 Leasing City-owned ALR land to farmers
 Amending by-laws, policies and other regulations, as appropriate, to support agricultural production and innovation.
 		 E3.8; *
 

research and data collection;

 Support Surrey-based research and development of innovative production technologies and practices, such as ‘vertical farming’, roof-top farming and advanced irrigation and fertilization systems.
 		 E3.9;  

economic development;

food production;

farm diversification;

crops;

 Encourage the diversification of agricultural operations and the production of new crops and commodities, particularly high-value crops and those serving new markets with growth potential.
 		 E3.10;  
waste management; waste to energy; Encourage innovation in the management and recycling of agriculture and food waste, including waste-to-energy projects in the agri-food sector such as anaerobic digestions and other means of converting waste into a resource. E3.12; *
land access;

farm incubator;

new entrants to farming;

  Support programs that help new farmers overcome financial and other barriers to accessing land (includes but is not limited to incubator farms). E3.13; *
education;

community food system education;

farmer training;

 Work with local secondary and postsecondary institutions to support training and education programs in agriculture and food systems.
 		 E3.14;  
education;

research and data collection;

farmer training;

 Work with post-secondary institutions to facilitate agricultural research partnerships and technology transfer to local farmers.
 		 E3.15; *
education; local food culture; Support public awareness programs and events to highlight the importance of agriculture to Surrey’s economy. Showcase local producers and increase public awareness of farming practices.  E3.16; *
 

roads in agricultural land;

farm traffic;

 Ensure Surrey has a safe and convenient transportation network that supports agriculture, including access between farms and markets, farm vehicle travel routes and direct access between fields and farm operations.
 		 E3.17; *

water management; 

food processing, storage and distribution;

food production;

irrigation and drainage;

crops;

food processing;

livestock;

 Support land owners and senior levels of government to improve access to an adequate and safe water supply for agricultural operations such as livestock watering, crop irrigation, produce washing and food processing uses.
 		 E3.18; *
economic development; agricultural industry services; Support the development of ancillary agricultural services necessary for the viability of agricultural operations, in appropriate locations.
 		 E3.20;  

food processing, storage and distribution;

 

food processing;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

 Partner with senior levels of government, commodity groups and industry associations to maintain and grow the food packaging and processing industries in Surrey. E3.21;  
urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning; nuisance complaints; Protect farming and agri-food operations from adjacent urban impacts such as traffic, flooding, nuisance complaints, trespassing and noxious substances.
 		 E3.22;  
urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning;

protection of farming development permit area;

buffer at agricultural edge;

ALR;

 Protect and enhance the interface between urban areas and the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) by using fencing, landscaping buffers and building separations between urban and agricultural lands, in accordance with DP4 of the Implementation Section of this OCP.
 		 E3.23; *

urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning;

wildlife/environmental/pest management;

protection of farming development permit area;

buffer at agricultural edge;

ALR;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

Support density increases in areas adjacent to the ALR, as part of a comprehensively planned neighbourhood, where the required agricultural buffers are widened proportionally to the increase in density (see DP4 of the Implementation Section of this OCP), where cluster housing is used and where natural features such as watercourses, steep slopes, tree preservation, valuable ecosystems and sensitive soils are accommodated.

 E3.24; *

food sales, access and procurement;

farmers' markets;

farm retail/farm gate sales;

 

 Support the growth and development of farm markets and stands selling local products directly to consumers.
 		 E3.25;  
urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning; buffer at agricultural edge; Carefully plan public areas and recreational trails in areas adjacent to farmland. Provide sufficient separation and physical barriers such as fencing, plantings and topographic features, to reduce conflicts between recreational uses and farming.
 		 E3.26; *
urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning; disclosure agreement; Use Agricultural Disclosure Agreements, at various stages of development, adjacent to agricultural areas to increase awareness of owners about the presence and implications of living near agricultural activity. E3.27; *
education;

local food culture;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising

 Raise public awareness and promote and celebrate local agriculture in Surrey through initiatives such as farm tours, media materials, community events, and by encouraging partnerships with producer associations and grocery stores to promote local farm products.
 		 E3.28; *

food sales, access and procurement;

economic development;

farm retail/farm gate sales;

agri-tourism;

 Explore agri-tourism opportunities for producers to diversify their farm operations, create an identifiable brand, and sell more products and services directly to consumers. E3.29; *
wildlife/environmental/pest management;

BC environmental farm plan;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

 Encourage sound environmental agricultural and farm practices by working with farmers to participate in the Provincial Environmental Farm Plan program in order to promote clean and healthy air, water and soils.
 		 E3.30;  
waste management;   Encourage the management and recycling of manure and agricultural wastes in a sustainable manner. E3.31;  
wildlife/environmental/pest management; pollinators; Support programs and opportunities that help support pollinators and their valuable role in the continued viability of farming operations.
 		 E3.32;  
wildlife/environmental/pest management; wildlife and ecosystem management; Encourage Best Management Practices for riparian areas and streams in agricultural areas in order to support fish populations in accordance with the requirements of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and the Provincial Water Act, as amended. E3.33;  
waste management;

pilot project;

climate change and greenhouse gases;

waste to energy;

 Explore opportunities related to recovering heat, generating clean energy and other resources and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by recycling food wastes and other organic materials through pilot projects and partnerships.  E3.34;  

food sales, access and procurement;

urban agriculture;

farmers' markets;

urban gardens/orchard;

 grocery stores;

community kitchen;

 Improve access to healthy and affordable food, particularly in lower-income neighbourhoods,through the planning and implementation of community gardens,farmer’s markets, urban agriculture projects,community kitchens, neighbourhood grocery stores and food assistance programs, as appropriate.
 		 F5.1; *
policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

food policy council;

 Create a Food Policy Council and Surrey Food Charter to help develop formalized structures for tackling food security issues. Work in conjunction with the Agricultural and Food Security Advisory Committee. F5.2; *

food sales, access and procurement;

food processing, storage and distribution;

farmers' markets;

farm retail/farm gate sales;

 Encourage and support the development of local on-farm markets and urban farmer’s markets for local, direct food distribution in appropriate locations.
 		 F5.3; *
urban agriculture; urban gardens/orchard; Examine means of how to integrate locally supported agriculture (e.g. community gardens, community orchards, urban agriculture and small farms) into existing neighbourhoods and new areas of urban development.
 		 F5.4;  

urban agriculture;

wildlife/environmental/pest management;

urban gardens/orchard;

pesticide and pest management;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

 Partner with local neighbourhood associations, school districts and non-profit groups to encourage, organize, develop and manage community gardens, rooftop farming, fruit trees and other edible landscapes on public and private lands, in suitable urban locations while also using appropriate, integrated pest management practices.  F5.6; *
food sales, access and procurement;

farmers' markets;

food distribution;

urban gardens/orchard;

 grocery stores;

 Encourage mixed-use neighbourhood design and redevelopment to include small and mid-size grocery stores (e.g. 300—1,850 sq. m), seasonal farmer’s markets and open space for community gardens.
 		 F5.7; *

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

nutrition and public health;

food access, sales and procurement;

 partnerships/advocacy/liaising; Support the efforts and programs of Fraser Health and other non -governmental organizations that promote access to healthy nutritious foods.
 		 F5.8;  

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

nutrition and public health;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

research and data collection;;

 Assist non-profit agencies and public/private non-profit partnerships engaging in anti-hunger, nutrition and agriculture activities by sharing data for planning and by implementing and evaluating programs.
 		 F5.9;  
food access, sales and procurement;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

 Work with non-profit organizations such as food banks, food agencies, food gleaners, and food hamper supporters to ensure healthy food options are available to all residents of Surrey regardless of location or income level. F.10;  

 

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 Food Charter

Topic(s): Education, Food Production, Food Sales, Access & Procurement, Nutrition and Public Health, Wildlife/Environmental/Pest Management

Sub-topic(s): local food culture, partnerships/advocacy/liaising, climate change and greenhouse gases, wildlife and ecosystem management

Region: Metro Vancouver | Document Type: Food Charter | Year: endorsed by council 2016

View policy:  HTML PDF

Topic Sub-Topic Policy or Policy Excerpt
food sales, access and procurement;   Work continually to improve access to food for all.
nutrition and public health;   Ensure our food supply is safe and healthy.
  local food culture; Celebrate our diversity by supporting and sharing food traditions.
 

education;

nutrition and public health;

 

 Provide education and support for food skills training, including gardening, healthy cooking, and safe food handling.
food production;

climatre change and greenhouse gases;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

 Preserve and strengthen land and water resources that support food production. Promote food industry practices that reduce environmental impacts and greenhouse gas emissions
food production;

local food culture;

 Foster a culture that values and supports farmers and farm workers.
 
  partnerships/advocacy/liaising; Collaborate with community groups, businesses, & all levels of governments to ensure a food secure future.

 

City of Kamloops Agriculture Area Plan: Draft Farm Business Incubator Memorandum of Understanding

Topic(s): Education

Sub-topic(s): farm incubator, farmer training

Region: Thompson-Nicola | Document Type: Other | Year: draft

View policy:  HTML PDF

Draft Memorandum of understanding  between the City of Kamloops and Community Futures Thompson Country for the lease of land and the delivery of Kamloops Farm Business Incubator Program.

See Appendix 5, pg 91 of Agriculture Area Plan.

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 Revelstoke Food Security Strategy

Topic(s): Development and Productive use of Agricultural Land, Economic Development, Education, Food Production, Food Sales, Access & Procurement, Land Access, Nutrition and Public Health, Policy Partnerships, Advocacy & Development, Urban Agriculture, Waste Management, Wildlife/Environmental/Pest Management

Sub-topic(s): climate change and greenhouse gases, food recovery/gleaning/donation, livestock, local food culture, partnerships/advocacy/liaising, research and data collection

Region: Columbia-Shuswap | Document Type: Food Strategy | Year: 2014

View policy:  HTML PDF

 

Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location

food sales, access and procurement;

public health and nutrition;

   Ensure that residents in need have dignified access to healthy and affordable foods. Goal 1, Objective 1

urban agriculture;

food production;

   Facilitate broad-based participation in food sharing and production on private and public land. Goal 1, Objective 2
food sales, access and procurement;   Increase household and community-based food preservation, improving access to local food outside of the growing season. Goal 1, Objective 3
land access;   Identify areas suitable for food production within the region and connect potential “producers” with potential “landlords.” Goal 1, Objective 4
development on agricultural land;   Support land use planning that preserves regional farmlands and increases the use of arable land suitable for food production. Goal 1, Objective 5
food production; climate change and greenhouse gases; Increase local food production with emphasis on reducing the embodied energy of the food system (encourage organic growing methods, increase water efficiency, decreasing food miles, etc.) Goal 2, Objective 1
waste management; food recovery/gleaning/donation; Reduce food waste whereby organic waste products are used as valuable agricultural inputs and/or products that are still edible are recovered and redistributed. Goal 2, Objective 2
  hunting, fishing and gathering; Encourage responsible and sustainable harvesting of wild foods. Goal 2, Objective 3
wildlife/environmental/pest management; wildlife and ecosystem management; Manage food production in ways that are mindful of and reduce conflict with wildlife. Goal 2, Objective 4
food production; local food culture; Adopt food production as a proud part our local identity to encourage a thriving local food culture, and retain related knowledge and skills within the community. Goal 3, Objective 1
  local food culture; Celebrate the diversity of our food cultures and an appreciation for local, healthy cuisine. Goal 3, Objective 2
  local food culture; Recognize and support the importance of eating together as a family and community to our well-being (physical and mental health). Goal 3, Objective 3
economic development;

local food culture;

local procurement;

 Market and sell locally produced food to residents and visitors. Goal 4, Objective 1

economic development;

food production;

 partnerships and advocacy; Develop partnerships that increase local food production and ensure economic sustainability. Goal 4, Objective 2
economic development;   Encourage economic development opportunities related to local food production alongside a diversity of small, locally-owned business opportunities. Goal 4, Objective 3

education;

nutrition and public health;

   Provide educational events and materials explaining the benefits of healthy eating. Goal 5, Objective 1

education;

food production;

 local food culture; Conduct educational events and deliver materials to illuminate the benefits of local food production, an appreciation for local food and increase the ability of local residents to produce their own food in a sustainable manner. Goal 5, Objective 2
education;   Raise awareness around the true value of food and about the economic benefits of a local food system. Goal 5, Objective 3

education;

food production;

   Connect students and young adults with opportunities to explore career options in agriculture and participate in local food production through the formal education system. Goal 5, Objective 5
policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

research and data collection;

 Identify and promote the sharing of information and collaboration between local organizations and community and government agencies. Goal 5, Objective 7
food production;

local food culture;

livestock;

 Encourage the consumption of food that is ethically produced (supporting fair treatment of farmers as well as the humane treatment of animals). Goal 5, Objective 8

 

Electoral Area D Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1135

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

Sub-topic(s): agri-tourism, ALR, ALR exclusion, ALR subdivision, amenity density zoning/contributions, BC environmental farm plan, climate change and greenhouse gases, community food system education, community kitchen, composting, edible landscaping, farm retail/farm gate sales, farmland trust, food distribution, food processing, food storage, greenhouses, home occupation/home based businesses, leasing of land for agriculture, livestock, pesticide and pest management, protection of farming development permit area, residential development, urban gardens/orchard, wildlife and ecosystem management, zoning

Region: Squamish-Lillooet | Document Type: Official Community Plan | Year: consolidated 2016

View policy:  HTML PDF

Topic Sub-topic  Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location

Language Rating
wildlife/environmental/pest management;

BC environmental farm plan;

climate change and greenhouse gases;

As initial steps toward completing a comprehensive greenhouse gas
reduction strategy and ultimately reducing emissions, the following
elements are incorporated into this OCP...•Support for local agriculture...•.
Encourage the adoption  of Environmental  Farm plans & Whole Farm plans

 3.2.10;  
urban agriculture;  

Support the emergence of rural and planned communities with a
vibrant mix of uses combined with distributed renewable
power generation, agriculture, and green infrastructure.

 4.0.4;  

food processing, storage and distribution;

food access, sales and procurement;

urban agriculture;

food storage;

urban gardens/orchard;

amenity density zoning/contributions;

greenhouses;

community kitchen;

Support measures to ensure that all new development is designed 
with the ability to grow and store food,  including  the provision of 
community gardens, greenhouses or green roofs, and community kitchens. 

 4.0.8; *
food access, sales and procurement

amenity densityzoning/contributions; 

community kitchen;

residential development;

Support measures to ensure that shared facilities are provided in new 
multi family developments, such as meeting  and work space, and 
community kitchens/ovens in order to support food preservation.

 4.0.9; *
food processing, storage and distribution;

zoning;

food processing;

Support measures that are consistent with Agricultural Land Commission 
Regulations, to ensure that all local agricultural zoning bylaws allow for local 
processing of food to reduce transportation requirements. 

 4.0.10; *
education; community food system education;

Support initiatives to build capacity for local food production and will consider
working with member municipalities, non-profits, and the School Districts to 
provide food preservation education using publicly accessible facilities. 

 4.0.11; *
urban agriculture;

urban gardens/orchard; 

edible landscaping; 

 Support the planting of public streets with species that can provide nutrition 
or medicinal health benefits that are not necessarily attractive to bears. 		 4.0.12; *
food processing, storage and distribution;

zoning;

food processing; 

food storage;

 Encourage innovation with regard to land use and policies that support growing, 
processing, preserving, and storing food. 		 4.0.13; *
    Lands designated for agricultural use are indicated on Map 1. These lands shall be managed to retain their agricultural potential.    5.5.6; *
development and productive use of agricultural land; farmland trust;  The use of tools and approaches such as Agricultural Land or Farmland Trusts, and the Community Farms Program (administered by Farm Folk/City Folk in collaboration with The Land Conservancy of BC) is supported. 5.5.7;  
development and productive use of agricultural land;

zoning;

ALR;

residential development;

 Consider regulating the siting and size of residential uses in the ALR, through the implementing bylaw. 5.5.9;  
development and productive use of agricultural land;

ALR exclusion;

ALR subdivision;

ALR;

 Subdivision and exclusion of land for non‐farm purposes from the Agricultural Land Reserve is discouraged. 5.5.10;  
development and productive use of agricultural land;   Paved and unpaved helipads and airstrips are discouraged on agricultural lands 5.5.12  
land access; leasing of land for agriculture;

The owners of agricultural lands are encouraged to facilitate the use of the land for agriculture by actively farming, leasing or loaning their lands to persons that would undertake active farming

 5.5.13  

economic development;

food sales, access and procurement;

farm retail/gate sales;

agri-tourism;

home occupation/home based business;

 The Board encourages economic diversification initiatives accessory to and compatible with farming that add value to locally produced farm products by:

 Supporting the development of farm outlets for the sale of local agricultural products;

 Permitting roadside stands for farm gate sales of agricultural products;

 Permitting bed and breakfasts in agricultural areas and guest houses/small scale agritourism operations that feature farm vacations and farming related activities;and,

 Supporting home occupations that produce value added products from locally produced agricultural products.

 5.5.14 *
economic development;

zoning;

residential development;

agri-tourism;

 Agritourism accommodation may be permitted by way of rezoning, and only to a maximum of 10 sleeping units per farm operation. 5.5.15; *
wildlife/pest/environmental management; wildlife and ecosystem management;

Farmers are encouraged to identify ecologically significant areas such as wetlands, abandoned watercourses and other sensitive areas, and avoid practices that would cause negative impacts to those areas

5.5.18

  
wildlife/pest/environmental management;

BC environmental farm plan;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

Farmers are encouraged to prepare Environmental Farm Plans to assess how they may operate in a manner that sustains farming as well as protects wildlife, protects against soil erosion and degradation, maintains water quality, and supports natural ecosystems.

 5.5.19  
wildlife/pest/environmental management;

pesticide and pest management;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

The development of farms that follow organic and natural farming practices that do not rely on pesticides is supported.

 5.5.20  

food production;

food processing, storage and distribution;

food sales, access and procurement;

waste management;

education;

nutrition and public health;

urban agriculture;

development and productive use of agricultural land;

food distribution;

edible landscaping;

composting;

community kitchen;

farmland trust;

livestock;

 Food security should be supported through community gardens and agricultural land trusts, public edible landscaping, responsible composting and animal rearing, preservation and appropriate use of the Agriculture Land Reserve, support of local food growers and community kitchens, food distribution and cooking programs and food and nutrition education. 5.5.21; *
urban-agriculture conflict and edge planning protection of farming development permit area; See document for guidelines for Protection of Farming Development Permit Area Guidelines. 7.7  

City of Campbell River Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 3475, 2012

Topic(s): Development and Productive use of Agricultural Land, Education, Food Processing, Storage & Distribution, Food Production, Food Sales, Access & Procurement, Food Self Reliance, Urban - Agriculture Conflict & Edge Planning, Urban Agriculture, Waste Management, Water Management

Sub-topic(s): amenity density zoning/contributions, food processing, food distribution, food storage, zoning, water rate for agriculture, composting, urban chickens, beekeeping/apiculture, pollinators, ALR exclusion, ALR subdivision, protection of farming development permit area, buffer at agricultural edge, ALR, community food system education, local procurement, local food culture, partnerships/advocacy/liaising, livestock, farmers' markets, urban gardens/orchard, residential development

Region: Strathcona | Document Type: Official Community Plan | Year: 2012

View policy:  HTML PDF

 

Topic Sub-topic  Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location Language Rating
development and productive use of agricultural land; ALR; The Agriculture Land Reserve (ALR) is recognized as a vital mechanism for preserving the agricultural land base and protecting opportunities for food security. 4.26.1  
  ALR; It is recognized that the ALR boundary may require refining in specific locations in the community based on site specific information pertaining to agricultural capability or suitability demonstrating that specific lands are precluded from soil bound or non soil bound forms of agriculture. In this context, ALR applications will be considered on a case by case basis. 4.26.2 *
development and productive use of agricultural land;

ALR exclusion;

ALR;

 Applications to exclude lands from the Agriculture Land Reserve (ALR) will be discouraged, except in circumstances where land has demonstrated limited agricultural capability or suitability and where exclusion would be consistent with the goals, objectives and policies of the Campbell River Agricultural Plan. 4.26.3 *
 

ALR exclusion;

ALR subdivision;

ALR;

 Requests to exclude lands from or subdivide lands within the ALR will require an assessment by of a Professional Agrologist to confirm the limited agricultural capability or suitability of the lands, the impact of the proposal on agriculture or potential agriculture in the area and should be identified for the long term development needs of the City. 4.26.4 *
urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning;

buffer at agricultural edge;

ALR;

 The City will work closely with the Agricultural Land Commission to plan proactively for agricuture and manage"edge" conditions. 4.26.5  
food self reliance;   Campbell River will have capacity to be at least 10% self-sufficient in food. chapter 12 desired outcome 2020  
food self reliance;   Campbell River will have capacity to be 50% self-sufficient in food. This entails having the capacity for a largely self-reliant agriculture and food system, with the majority of food consumed locally being produced, raised and/or produced on Vancouver Island. chapter 12 desired outcome 2060  
food processing, storage & distribution; food sales access, and procurement;

zoning

farmers' markets;

food processing;

food storage;

food distribution;

 Initiatives that help build local food infrastructure capacity will be promoted and supported. This may include an abattoir, apermanent Farmers' market, and other food processing, storage, packaging, and distribution facilities. This can include strategic provisions in the Zoning Bylaw. 12.1.2 *

food production;

urban agriulture;

urban chickens;

beekeeping/apiculture

pollinators;

livestock;

 The keeping of poultry and bees in the City is generally supported. Reviewing and amending zoning regulations may be undertaken to support keeping of poultry and bees. 12.2.3  
urban agriculture; urban gardens/orchard; Community orchards, community and demonstration gardens, and outdoor kitchens will be planted where feasible and appropriate in the public realm including parks, rights-of-way, boulevards, and vacant lots. 12.2.4 *
urban agriculture;   Food and agricultural spaces will be designed to provide optimal accessibility. 12.2.5 *
urban agriculture; urban gardens/orchard; Residential gardens and other urban agriculture opportunities in the private realm will be supported through education and awareness raising campaigns and events. 12.2.6 *
water management; water rate for agriculture; Irrigation water can be a key component of agricultural operations and establishing specific rates for agriculture water use in areas where the water system has capacity without impacting demand may be considered. 12.2.29  
urban agriculture;

urban gardens/orchard;

residential development;

 Collaborate with the development industry to identify opportunities to provide food production opportunities in new multi-family developments. This can include developing a Food and Agriculture Checklist or guidelines that establish a framework that facilitates functional and accessible growing space. 12.3.1 *
urban agriculture;   Development on the urban edge should consider integration of urban and agricultural uses and activities through siting, programming, governance structure, and design. 12.3.2  
urban agriculture; amenity density zoning/contributions; The City will consider establishing density bonus criteria for projects that provide significant food and agriculture production area with the development. 12.3.3  
education; community food system education; Both community education and promotion programs will be supported to raise awareness about various scale and forms of agriculture, backyard composting, extending the growing season, container gardening, where to find local foods, and more. Schools, senior'S centres and other community organizations will be targeted. 12.4.1 *
  local food culture; The City will assess opportunities to host at least one food celebration event per year. 12.4.2  
  local procurement; Promote demand for and sale of agricultural products within the community such as City food and plant procurement. 12.4.5 *
  partnerships/advocacy/liaising; Promote opportunities for education in cooperation with agencies such as the Ministry of Agriculture, BC Institute of Agrologists or post secondary institutions. 12.4.6 *
  ALR; Strategically manage the land base to create opportunities for the establishment of agricultural nodes focused on lands and locations within the City having the highest agricultural capability and suitability. 12.4.7 *
  zoning;ALR; Consider the impacts on existing or potential agriculture in governance and land use decisions. 12.4.9  
urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning; protection of farming development permit area; Establish development permit guidelines for agricultural interface lands.  12.4.12 *
waste management; composting; Participation in recycling and composting collection or drop-off service is required for all major ICI developments. 15.2.5 *
waste management; composting;  Three-stream waste separation (recyclables, organics/ compostables, and residual garbage) shall be provided in new ICI developments and multi-family buildings. 15.2.7 *
waste management; composting; The City will work with the Regional District to establish long-term and local disposal capacity, a regional compost facility that is capable of accepting food waste, and enhanced services for hazardous material disposal. 15.3.8  

 

District of Saanich Zoning Bylaw 8200

Topic(s): Development and Productive use of Agricultural Land, Education, Food Processing, Storage & Distribution, Food Sales, Access & Procurement

Sub-topic(s): demonstration farm, farmers' markets, food distribution, food processing, food storage, siting and coverage, zoning

Region: Capital | Document Type: Zoning Bylaw | Year: 2003

View policy:  HTML PDF

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

See document for siting and coverage of buildings and structures for agriculture, single family dwelling and accessory uses. 1 

 101.3 - 101.7 ; 125.4-125.8
education demonstration farm; See document for regulations of Rural Demonstration Farm Zone (A-1DF).2 schedule 103
food sales, access and procurement; farmers' markets See document for regulations of Rural Zone Farm Market Zone (A-3). schedule 120

food processing, storage and distribution;

food sales, access and procurement;

food distribution;

food storage5;

 See document for regulations of Rural Commercial Zone (C-1R).3 schedule 812
food processing, storage and distribution;

food storage5;

food processing;

 See document for regulations of Food Processing Zone (M-5).4  schedule 925

1 The majority of rural parcels in the District of Saanich are covered in the A1 and A4 zones, section 101 and 125 respectively. Reference:Food and Agriculture Policies and Regulations,  District of Saanich, retrieved December 2016 from http://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/agriculture-food-security/policies-regulations.html

2 " In 2006, the Capital Regional District transferred a piece of land zoned Utility (P-2) to the District of Saanich for the purpose of local sustainable agriculture. The District of Saanich rezoned the piece of land as Rural Zone (Demonstration Farm)(A-1DF). This land is now leased to the Haliburton Community Organic Farm Society, and is home to the Haliburton Community Organic Farm. The Society rents land to three farm businesses."  Reference: The Land Conservancy of BC, BC’s Farming and Food Future: Local Government Toolkit for Sustainable Food Production, published December 2009, retrieved December 2016.

3 "The C-18 Rural Commercial Zone was created to recognize the activities required for the sale and distribution of local agricultural products to the community."  Reference:Food and Agriculture Policies and Regulations,  District of Saanich, retrieved December 2016 from http://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/agriculture-food-security/policies-regulations.html

4 "The zoning bylaw permits food processing (and warehousing) in the M-5 Zone but not Rural Zones. "  Reference:Food and Agriculture Policies and Regulations,  District of Saanich, retrieved December 2016 from http://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/agriculture-food-security/policies-regulations.html

5 Warehousing is a permitted use in most industrial zones as well as select commercial zones. Reference:Food and Agriculture Policies and Regulations,  District of Saanich, retrieved December 2016 from http://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/agriculture-food-security/policies-regulations.html 

 

 

Subscribe to Education