City of Kamloops Food and Urban Agriculture Plan

Topic(s): Economic Development, Education, Food Processing, Storage & Distribution, Food Production, Food Sales, Access & Procurement, Nutrition and Public Health, Policy Partnerships, Advocacy & Development, Urban Agriculture, Waste Management, Water Management

Sub-topic(s): community food system education, composting, farmers' markets, food processing, local food culture, local procurement, partnerships/advocacy/liaising, research and data collection, soil, zoning

Region: Thompson-Nicola | Document Type: Food Strategy | Year: 2015

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Topic

Subtopic

Policy or Policy Excerpt

Document Location

food production;

urban agriculture;

 

Utilize existing land and infrastructure for sustainable urban food production

5.1.1

food production;

urban agriculture;

zoning;

Review zoning and other regulations to support urban and local agriculture

5.1.2

food sales, access and procurement

 

Support increased accessibility of local food production

5.1.3

processing, storage & distribution; food sales, access and procurement;

food processing;

Support commercial and community-based food processing facilities

5.2.1

food sales, access and procurement;

local procurement;

Review regulations and policies to support local purchasing

5.3.1

economic development;

 

Expand networks to support the economic sustainability of the food system

5.3.2

food sales, access and procurement

farmers’ markets;

Promote farmers' markets and business models that provide fresh foods and support local producers

5.3.3

food sales, access and procurement;

nutrition and public health

 

Increase access to healthy, local food for food-insecure populations

5.3.5

education

local food culture;

Celebrate our agricultural heritage

5.4.1

education

local food culture;

 

Promote the local food system through place-making efforts

5.4.3

water management;

 

Pursue innovations in water usage

5.5.1

waste management;

composting;

Reduce and recycle food waste and build healthy soils

5.5.2

education;

community food systems education;

Promote and facilitate knowledge transfer and skill development

5.6.1

education;

community food systems education;

Utilize existing resources for food system education

5.6.2

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

Partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

Utilize partnerships to build capacity for food system health and sustainability

5.6.3

education;

community food systems education;

Promote food system education for specific population groups

5.6.4

education;

research and data collection;

Encourage food systems research

5.6.5

Calgary Regional Partnership Metropolitan Plan

Topic(s): Development and Productive use of Agricultural Land, Food Sales, Access & Procurement, Policy Partnerships, Advocacy & Development, Wildlife/Environmental/Pest Management

Sub-topic(s): partnerships/advocacy/liaising

Year: 2014

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Topic Subtopic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location
food access; sales and local procurement;
wildlife, environment and pest management;
policy partnerships advocacy & development		 policy partnerships, advocacy and liaising; Food security in a growing region. CRP and member municipalities recognize the need for strategies and collaborative actions to ensure continued access to safe, affordable and sustainably-produced food for the region’s population.
 		 3. b. 9
development and productive use of agricultural land; policy partnerships advocacy & development policy partnerships, advocacy and liaising; Sustain agricultural lands. Member municipalities will minimize the fragmentation and conversion of better agricultural lands to other land uses. 3. c. 1
development and productive use of agricultural land;
wildlife, environment and pest management;
policy partnerships advocacy & development		 policy partnerships, advocacy and liaising; Location of rural residential development. Rural residential growth will be
encouraged to be located and designed in a way as to minimize the impact on
the environmental processes and agricultural capability of the land.		 3. c. 4

 

Town of Sylvan Lake Municipal Development Plan

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

Sub-topic(s): community food system education, composting, farmers' markets, pesticide and pest management, urban gardens/orchard

Year: 2014

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Topic Subtopic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

nutrition & public health;

economic development;

   Food Security Encourage research, policies and programs that increase food security, improve health outcomes and create social and economic opportunities. CH-2.1

education;

urban agriculture;

food production;

community food systems education;

urban gardens/orchard;

 Greater Access to Community and Home Gardens Encourage where appropriate, the creation of new community gardens on public lands, as well as the retention of existing community gardens. Provide educational seminars for home gardening covering topics such as climate tolerant species and types of gardening beds. CH-2.2
waste management;

composting;

urban gardens/orchard;

 Food Waste Encourage food waste composting ranging from individual households to neighbourhood coordination with community gardens. NE-4.3

food sales, access and procurement;

education;

farmer's markets;

community food system education;

 Support for Farmer's Markets Encourage broad access to fresh foods through farmer’s markets and work with educational providers to increase awareness on the value of food. CH-2.4

nutrition & public health;

food sales, access and procurement;

   10 Community Health Access to Local Food The World Food Summit of 1996 defined food security as existing “when all people at all times have access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life”. Commonly, the concept of food security is defined as including both physical and economic access to food that meets people's dietary needs as well as their food preferences. Food security is built on three pillars: • Food availability: sufficient quantities of food available on a consistent basis; • Food access: having sufficient resources to obtain appropriate foods for a nutritious diet; and • Food use: appropriate use based on knowledge of basic nutrition and care, as well as adequate water and sanitation. Food security is a complex sustainable development issue, linked to health through malnutrition, but also to sustainable economic development, environment and trade. CH-2

wildlife/environmental/pest management;

urban agriculture;

pesticide and pest management;

urban gardens/orchard;

 Landscaping and Gardening Encourage environmentally responsible landscaping and gardening practices that reduce water use and water pollution, including the increased use of locally appropriate species and reduced use of fertilizers and pesticides NE-2.3

 

Town of Morinville Municipal Development Plan

Topic(s): Economic Development, Food Processing, Storage & Distribution, Food Production, Policy Partnerships, Advocacy & Development, Urban - Agriculture Conflict & Edge Planning, Urban Agriculture

Sub-topic(s): beekeeping/apiculture, food distribution, food processing, food storage, livestock, pollinators, urban chickens, urban gardens/orchard, zoning

Year: 2012 & 2013 (consolidated 2017)

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Topic Subtopic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location
food production;
urban agriculture		   Morinville shall support lawn alternatives.
 		 10.2
Urban Agriculture;
Food production;		 community gardens/orchards;
zoning		 Morinville shall encourage and support appropriate urban agricultural practices, including community gardens, in all land use districts. 10.4
food production;
urban agriculture		   Urban Agriculture:
Morinville shall support urban agricultural practices.
 		 10.18
food production;
urban agriculture;		 urban gardens/orchard; urban gardens/orchard 10.19
food production;
urban agriculture;		   Morinville shall encourage and support landowners of vacant, idle parcels of land to offer temporary use of their land for urban agricultural purposes by interested third parties.
 		 10.21
food production;
urban agriculture;		 livestock;
beekeeping/apiculture
urban chickens;
pollinators;		 Morinville shall investigate the feasibility of regulating limited urban animal husbandry as it pertains to food security and the keeping of backyard chickens, meat rabbits, bees and the like. 10.22
policy partnerships, advocacy and development;   Morinville shall support the collaborative development of a Regional Agricultural Master Plan
with the Capital Region Board and in partnership with its member municipalities for the
identification of prime agricultural lands.
 		 13.3
food production;
 		   Morinville shall support the continuation of existing agricultural uses within Morinville on lands
that are designated, planned or unplanned, yet undeveloped until such time as they become
developed and agricultural practises on the land are no longer feasible.
 		 13.4
economic development;
Food processing, storage and distribution;
urban-agricultural conflict and edge planning;		 food processing;
food storage;
food distribution;		 Morinville shall support the continued operation and diversification of agricultural businesses
and value-added agricultural production, processing, distribution, and marketing and supportive
infrastructure for the agricultural sector in the urban-rural/intermunicipal fringe area.
 

13.15
food production;
urban agriculture conflict and edge planning;		 livestock; Notwithstanding Policy 13.15, Morinville shall not support the creation or expansion of Confined
 13.16

 

 

City of Chestermere Municipal Development Plan

Topic(s): Development and Productive use of Agricultural Land, Policy Partnerships, Advocacy & Development, Urban - Agriculture Conflict & Edge Planning

Sub-topic(s): zoning

Year: 2016

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Topic Subtopic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location

development and productive use of agricultural land;

policy partnerships advocacy & development;

urban-agricultural conflict & edge planning;

 zoning; 3.3.5.2 Agricultural Operations Under Section 632(3)f of the MGA, the MDP is required to contain policies respecting the protection of agricultural operations. 3.3.5.2.1 The City should contribute to the protection of any existing agricultural operations by maintaining appropriate definitions and land use designations in the Land Use Bylaw. 3.3.5.2.2 The City should promote orderly and efficient urban expansion to prevent premature subdivision and fragmentation of agricultural land during development and future growth planning.

3.3.5.2.1;

3.3.5.2.2

 

Metro Vancouver Regional Food System Strategy & Action Plan

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

Sub-topic(s): ALR, aquaculture, climate change and greenhouse gases, community food system education, emergency preparedness, food distribution, food processing, food recovery/gleaning/donation, food storage, local food culture, local procurement, new entrants to farming, urban farm, wildlife and ecosystem management

Region: Metro Vancouver | Document Type: Food Strategy | Year: 2011

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Topic

 Subtopic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location Language Rating 
food production;
development and productive use of agricultural land;		 ALR; Protect agricultural land for
food production		 1.1  
wildlife/environmental/pest management; aquaculture;
wildlife and ecosystem management;		 Restore fish habitat and
protect sustainable sources of seafood		 1.2  
food production;
development and productive use of agricultural land;		   Enable expansion of agricultural production 1.3  
food production; new entrans to farming; Invest in a new generation of food producers 1.4  
food production;
urban agriculture;		 urban farm; Expand commercial food production in urban areas 1.5  
food processing, storage and distribution;
economic development;		 food processing;
food storage;
food distribution;		 Increase the capacity to process, warehouse and distribute local foods 2.1  

food sales, access and procurement;

economic development;

 local procurement; Include local foods in the purchasing policies of large public institutions 2.2  

food sales, access and procurement;

economic development;

   Increase direct marketing opportunities for local foods 2.3  
economic development;   Further develop value chains within the food sector 2.4  
policy partnerships, advocacy and development;   Review government policies and programs to ensure they enable the expansion of the local food sector 2.5  
nutrition and public health;   Enable residents to make healthy food choices 3.1  
education; community food systems education; Communicate how food choices support sustainability 3.2  
education; community food systems education; Enhance food literacy and skills in schools 3.3  
education; local food culture; Celebrate the taste of local foods and the diversity of cuisines 3.4  
food sales, access and procurement;
nutrition and public health;		 community food systems education; Improve access to nutritious food among vulnerable groups 4.1  
food production;
urban agriculture;		   Encourage urban agriculture 4.2  
food sales, access and procurement;
waste management;		 food recovery/gleaning/donation; Enable non-profit organizations to recover nutritious food 4.3  
wildlife/environmental/pest management; wildlife and ecosystem management; Protect and Enhance Ecosystem Goods and Services 5.1  
waste management;   Reduce waste in the food system 5.2  
wildlife/environmental/pest management; wildlife and ecosystem management; Facilitate adoption of environmentally sustainable practices 5.3  
  climate change and greenhouse gases; emergency preparedness; Prepare for the impacts of climate change 5.4  

 

Metro Vancouver's Regional Food System Action Plan adopted in 2016, outlines the actions that actions that local governments are planning to undertake in the next 3-5 years to advance implementation of the Regional Food System Strategy.

Download Metro Vancouver's Regional Food System Action Plan. 

See Metro Vancouver's website for more details.

 

District of North Vancouver Official Community Plan Bylaw 790

Topic(s): Food Production, Food Sales, Access & Procurement, Policy Partnerships, Advocacy & Development, Urban Agriculture

Sub-topic(s): farmers' markets, partnerships/advocacy/liaising, urban gardens/orchard

Region: Metro Vancouver | Document Type: Official Community Plan | Year: 2011

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Topic Subtopic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location Language Rating

food production;

urban agriculture;

food sales, access and procurement;

urban gardens/orchard;

farmers' markets;

 Encourage sustainable, local food systems through initiatives such as promotion of healthy, local foods and food production, and the facilitation of community gardens, farmers markets, urban agriculture initiatives in appropriate locations.  pg 55 *

food production;

urban agriculture;

 urban gardens/orchard; Integrate opportunities for urban agriculture in planning Town and Village centres.  pg 55  

food access, sales and procurement;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

 partnerships/advocacy/liaising; Collaborate with Vancouver Coastal Health and other community partners in their efforts to provide increased access for all members of the community to safe, nutritious food pg 55  

 

City of Dawson Creek Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 4042

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

Sub-topic(s): ALR, ALR exclusion, aquaculture, beekeeping/apiculture, buffer at agricultural edge, commercial development, community kitchen, composting, edible landscaping, farmers' markets, food policy council, food processing, food recovery/gleaning/donation, food storage, grocery stores, institutional development, local food culture, local procurement, nuisance complaints, partnerships/advocacy/liaising, pilot project, residential development, tax mechanisms, urban gardens/orchard, zoning

Region: Peace River | Document Type: Official Community Plan | Year: revised 2010

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Topic Subtopic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location Language Rating
development & productive use of agricultural land; ALR; Encourage and support agricultural uses on ALR lands within and adjacent to the City boundary. 3.16.2  
development & productive use of agricultural land; ALR;
AlR exclusion;		 Discourage unnecessary extension of urban areas into agricultural lands by discouraging ALR exclusion applications. 3.16.3 *
development & productive use of agricultural land;
policy partnerships, advocacy & development;		 ALR:
residential development;
institutional development;
commercial development;
partnerships, advocacy/liaising;		 Collaborate with the ALC to ensure development of ALR land designated for future residential, commercial, and industrial uses occurs in an incremental, orderly manner. 3.17.1  
urban-agriculture conflict & edge planning;   Ensure agriculture is integrated with development at the City’s edge such that they are mutually-beneficial. Integration considerations include land uses, design strategies, and programs to increase the visibility and experience of urban and regional food systems for residents. 3.17.2  
urban-agriculture conflict & edge planning;
policy partnerships, advocacy & development;		 buffer at agricultural edge;
nuisance complaints;
ALR;
partnerships, advocacy/liaising;		 Collaborate with the ALC to ensure that the interface between urban and farm areas does not result in excessive trespass or complaints. Urban/rural interface design policies might include, but are not limited to, transitional densities, fencing, residential building setbacks, and vegetative buffering. 3.17.3 *
urban agriculture; edible landscaping;  Encourage planting of edible plant species in lieu of
landscaping in private developments, parks, utility corridors, and local
right-of-ways where appropriate, or require a portion of all
landscaping to include edible plant species. 		 9.1.1 *
urban-agriculture conflict & edge planning; buffer at agricultural edge;
urban gardens/orchard;		 Count food production elements, including but limited to:
allotment gardens, community gardens, green walls (i.e. vertical
landscaping), and green roofs toward or in lieu of landscaping or
screening requirements. 		 9.1.2 *
food production;
urban agriculture;		 zoning;
urban gardens/orchard;
aquaculture;
beekeeping/apiculture;		 Permit community gardens, apiculture, and aquaculture
uses in all land uses. 		 9.1.3 *
food production;
urban agriculture;		 urban gardens/orchard; Permit temporary or permanent use of City-owned
vacant lots for community gardens. 		 9.1.4 *
water management; urban gardens/orchard;  Provide water hook-up and secure supply storage area
for community gardening groups on public land. 		 9.1.5 *
food production;
urban agriculture;		 pilot project;
edible landscaping;		   Investigate the feasibility of piloting an edible green roof
project on a municipal building. 		 9.1.6  
food processing storage & distribution; food storage; Provide space in community centres for drop-off and storage of food for Community Supported Agriculture initiatives. 9.2.1 *
food sales, access and procurement; farmers' markets; Support and promote the existing Farmer’s Market, and work toward securing a long-term location for it. 9.2.2 *
food processing storage & distribution; food processing; Provide site selection support for food processors considering locating in the community. 9.3.1 *
food processing storage & distribution;
food sales, access and procurement;		 zoning;
food processing;
community kitchen;		 Encourage small-scale community kitchens, food processing facilities, and outdoor community ovens through permissive zoning. 9.3.2 *
food sales, access and procurement; grocery stores; Encourage the establishment of neighbourhood-scale food vendors, including grocery stores and eating establishments. 9.4.1  
food sales, access and procurement; local procurement;
food recovery/gleaning/donation;		 Support links between Dawson Creek’s food emergency organization and local producers. 9.4.3  
food sales, access and procurement; tax mechanisms; Provide incentives such as partial tax exemptions to emergency food organizations to increase their viability and efficacy. 9.4.5 *
  local food culture; Support food fairs and other food-related public events in community facilities, parks, and right-of-ways (e.g. car-free street fairs, as per the Dawson Creek Temporary Road Closure and Event Manual.) 9.5.1  
economic development; local food culture; Continue ongoing support of the “Branding of the Peace” marketing strategy to promote the region and its agricultural products. 9.6.1  
waste management; composting;
residential development;
commercial development;
institutional development;		 Provide multi-season compost facilities in all multi-family developments, and in all commercial, institutional, and industrial developments where food is consumed. 9.7.1 *
waste management;
education;		 composting; Develop a public education and awareness campaign on the importance and benefits of composting. Campaigns should use plain, accessible language. 9.7.2 *
policy partnerships, advocacy & development; food policy council; Where possible, work with the community to develop a Food Policy Council made up of local experts and members of the community, which will advise Council on matters dealing with the local food system. 9.8.1 *
food sales, access and procurement; local procurement; Where possible, develop and adopt a food procurement policy, which requires that all of the City’s facilities and services involving food include organic, local, healthy, and fair-trade options. 9.8.2  

urban agriculture;

food production;

 urban gardens/orchard;

Community gardens shall be a permitted use in Neighbourhood Parks if organized by a local or neighbourhood society or adjacent institution (school, seniors centre, etc.) and as approved by the City Parks & Recreation Department. If desired by residents, dedicated space for growing food shall be permanent, viable, and determined as follows:

Table 3.

Density (dwelling units/acre)

Dedicated Growing Space m2 (sq ft.)
7 to 14 18 (200sqft.)
> 14 and ≤ 22 9 (100sqft.)
> 22 and ≤ 28 7.5 (80sqft.)
> 28 and ≤ 35 6.5 (70sqft.)
> 35 ) 5.5 (60sqft.
or approx. 3m2 or 40sqft. for each person interested in growing

Appendix 2: Harvest View – Sunset Ridge Neighbourhood Plan

6.10

 *

City of Cranbrook Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 3550

Topic(s): Education, Food Production, Food Sales, Access & Procurement, Policy Partnerships, Advocacy & Development, Urban - Agriculture Conflict & Edge Planning, Urban Agriculture, Waste Management, Water Management, Wildlife/Environmental/Pest Management

Sub-topic(s): buffer at agricultural edge, farmers' markets, irrigation and drainage, livestock, partnerships/advocacy/liaising, research and data collection, residential development, urban gardens/orchard, wildlife and ecosystem management

Region: East Kootenay | Document Type: Official Community Plan | Year: 2006 (consolidated 2016)

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Topic Subtopic Policy or Policy excerpt Document Location Language Rating
urban-agriculture conflict & edge planning;

buffer at agricultural edge;

residential development;

Mitigate Impacts of New Development on Existing Agricultural Operations


Agricultural operations may, at times, have unpleasant side effects on neighbouring properties. Consideration shall be given to existing agricultural operations when new residential development is proposed in their vicinity. Appropriate measures including
fencing, vegetative buffering and building setbacks may be required as means to address the potential negative impacts on the existing agricultural operations.

 6.2 (i)  

waste management;

water management;

 irrigation and drainage;

Spray Irrigation

Continue the successful operation of the effluent spray irrigation program.

 9.2 (c)  

water management;

wildlife/environmental/pest management;

livestock;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

Livestock in Watershed

Work in cooperation with the Regional District of East Kootenay, senior government authorities and landowners to restrict the access of livestock to streams within the City’s watershed.

 9.2 (d)  

wildlife/ecosystem management;

education;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

 

wildlife and ecosystem management;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

 

Invasive/Noxious Plants

Work in cooperation with the Regional District of East Kootenay and senior government authorities to raise public awareness about the problems associated with invasive/noxious plants such as knapweed and precautionary steps that should be taken to prevent such infestation. Develop an overall Invasive Plant Management Strategy in cooperation with the RDEK.

 9.2 (e)   
urban-agriculture conflict & edge planning;

buffer at agricultural edge;

residential development;

Urban/Rural Interface

Consider impacts of proposed new residential development in urban/rural interface areas keeping in mind that agriculture is an industry that may, at times, have unpleasant impacts on nearby residences. Appropriate measures including fencing, vegetative buffering and building setbacks shall be considered for proposed residential subdivision interfacing with agricultural lands in the interest of mitigating potential negative impacts.

 9.2 (f)  

urban agriculture;

 

urban gardens/orchard;

research and data collection;

Urban Agricultural

encourage the expansion of urban agriculture in forms such as community gardens as a creative and productive use of parks and other underutilized green spaces. Conduct an inventory of potential lands.

 9.2 (g)  

food production;

food sales, access and procurement;

 farmers' market;

Local Agricultural 

continue to promote and support the Cranbrook’s Farmer’s Market and encourage other initiatives involved with local food production.

 9.2 (h)  

 

City of Vancouver Food Policy Council Terms of Reference

Topic(s): Policy Partnerships, Advocacy & Development

Sub-topic(s): food policy council

Region: Metro Vancouver | Document Type: Other

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Vancouver Food Policy Council Terms of Reference

 

Policy advice

The Policy Council:

  • Provides input to City Council and staff about issues of concern
  • Considers any matters which may be referred to the Policy Council by City Council or staff
  • May take positions on policy initiatives from other levels of government within the mandate of the Policy Council
  • Advises Council and staff on the Vancouver Food Strategy as it is developed, implemented and updated

Collaboration

The Policy Council:

  • Works co-operatively with other agencies whose activities affect constituent communities, including initiating and developing relevant projects
  • Acts as a resource for staff doing public involvement processes and civic events

Awareness and outreach

The Policy Council:

  • Exchanges information with the constituent communities and the general public about relevant programs and issues of interest
  • Engages in outreach to disseminate information and encourage participation from constituent communities
  • Supports groups developing projects to enhance the food system

Planning and reporting

The Policy Council:

  • Produces an annual work plan with specific objectives by no later than April of each year, in consultation with City Council and staff liaisons, for distribution to City Council and civic departments for information
  • Submits an annual report to City Council describing its accomplishments for the year, including reference to each objective set out in the work plan and any arising issues to which the Policy Council has responded

Meeting frequency

  • The Policy Council meets at least four times a year, but not more than 10 times a year. It does not meet in August.
  • Currently, the Policy Council meets on either the second or third Wednesday of each month at 6:00pm in the Town Hall Room, Main Floor, City Hall.
  • Members of the public are welcome to attend the meetings.

Time commitment

  • Outside of meetings, members should expect to spend at least 2 hours on email and other correspondence, report writing, and inspection rides. Preparation time for all meetings is required.

Attendance requirement

  • Members may miss no more than four consecutive meetings without obtaining leave of absence from the Policy Council. Membership will be terminated following the fourth such absence.

taken from http://vancouver.ca/your-government/vancouver-food-policy-council.aspx, March 3rd, 2017.

Note: Vancouver Food Policy Council is embedded within the local government, and therefore the terms of reference have been included within the scope of this database. 

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