urban agriculture;

food sales, access, and procurement;

farmers' markets;

urban gardens/orchard;

food production;

FARM ANIMALS

5.1 No person shall keep or harbour any farm animal except an equine on any parcel of land zoned Residential, unless said parcel is at least 4000 square metres in area. Where a parcel has an area of more than 4000 square metres, but less than 8000 square metres, one farm animal may be kept. Where a parcel exceeds 8000 square metres, two farm animals may be kept.

5.2 No person shall keep or harbour an equine on any parcel of land zoned Residential, unless said parcel is at least 3400 square metres in area. Where a parcel has an area of at least 3400 square metres, but less than 6000 square metres, two animals of the equine family may be kept. Where a parcel exceeds 6000 square metres, four animals of the equine family may be kept. BL 1291

5.3 No person shall keep or harbour any farm animal on land situated in the following zones:...

See document for additional regulations related to farm animals.

food production;

urban agriculture;

livestock;

urban chickens;

POULTRY

9.1 No person shall keep more than the number of head of poultry specified in the following table in a Residential Zone:

See document for additional regulations regarding the keeping of poultry.

food production;

beekeeping/apiculture;

pollinators;

livesotck;

BEES

13.1 No person shall place any hive or other device for the housing of bees on any parcel of land unless the said hive or device is located at least 20 feet from any property line, except where such hive or device for the housing of bees is used in conjunction with the operation of a greenhouse.

water management;

policy partnerships, advocacy, and development;

irrigation and drainage;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

development and productive use of agricultural land;

development and productive use of agricultural land;

land access;

roads in agricultural land;

research and data collection;

livestock;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

Attain sustainable use of communal pasture and hay lands by:

· Establishing a system of pasture management to manage these resources for the benefit of Citizens and the community;

· Limiting herd population in the communal area to a sustainable level based on an assessment of what the land can provide;

· Setting up a system to allocate pasture quota fairly to animal owners;

· Implementing a plan to rehabilitate the grass lands, including a fencing plan;

· Preparing a capital and financing plan for managing the pasture, possibly including a user fee system to cover repair and maintenance.

demonstration farm;

community food system education;

farmer training;

urban agriculture;

First Nations and indigenous food systems;

education;

waste management;

education;

nutrition and public health;

education;

livestock;

research and data collection;

food sales, access and procurement;

economic development;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

education;

urban agriculture;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

First Nations and indigenous food systems;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

agricultural advisory committee;

USES PERMITTED IN ALL ZONES

The following uses are permitted in all zones:
... f) Community Garden

urban agriculture;

food production;

USES PERMITTED IN ALL ZONES

...6.1.3 An urban food garden shall be permitted in all zones provided that:

a) The total area which may be under cultivation on any given parcel shall not exceed more than 600m 2 in area except where the lot size is greater than 2,400m2 , in which case an urban food garden shall not exceed 25% of the lot area.

b) Production shall be limited the growing and harvesting of fruits, vegetables and edible plants, but specifically excludes the growing of mushrooms.

c) On-site sales of edible plants shall be permitted within roadside stands for products grown on site provided that: i. the size of the roadside stand does not exceed a Gross Floor Area of 9m 2 ; ii. no more than 5 vehicle trips per day are generated by sales related to the urban food garden; iii. on-site sales and roadside stands are limited to no more than 60 days within a calendar year; and iv. the roadside stand is located on the property and does not impede sight lines from the driveway. (4500.012; 2012-APR-16)

d) No artificial lighting shall be used.

e) No pesticides or herbicides shall be used.

f) The urban food garden does not create noise, dust, vibration, odour, smoke, glare, fire hazard, or any other hazard or nuisance, to any greater or more frequent extent than that usually experienced in the applicable zone under normal circumstances wherein no urban food garden exists.

g) The location and siting of the urban food garden meets all the watercourse setting requirements, as specified in Section 6.3 of this Bylaw.

h) An urban food garden shall not be permitted where a farm defined under the Assessment Act is permitted.

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

food sales, access and procurement;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

food sales, access and procurement;

nutrition and public health;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

food sales, access and procurement;

local procurement;

local food culture;

urban agriculture;

wildlife/environmental/pest management;

edible landscaping;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

urban agriculture;

food self reliance;

urban gardens/orchard;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

leasing of land for agriculture;

waste management;

wildlife/environmental/pest management;

composting;

soil;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

food production;

urban agriculture;

water management;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

land access;

urban agriculture;

education;

research and data collection;

leasing of land for agriculture;

ALR;

Increase Access to Underutilized Agricultural Land.

Recommendations

a) Develop a strategy to increase landowner awareness of farmland leasing options, taxation benefits, and community demand for local production  
b) Create a database of farmland available for leasing, including a database maintenance strategy 
c) Develop access to materials on lease/rental terms and sample agreements, possibly website delivered  
d) Create educational materials for agricultural property owners regarding stewardship of agricultural land 
e) Through various workshops and electronic media, initiate discussion on the role of small lot property owners in enhancing local agriculture in the District (gaining access to land, pooling of small lots, rent calculator, lessee responsibilities) 
f) Identify and promote opportunities for development of urban agriculture

education;

land access;

new entrants to farming;

community food system education;

farmer training;

Improve the Agricultural Knowledge Base of Farmers.

Recommendations.

a) Partner with farmers to create apprenticeship opportunities and mentorships, and to attract workers to agriculture in the area
b) Pursue options and opportunities to provide a hands-on training ground for aspiring farmers
c) Engage high schools and post-secondary institutions in local farmer training initiatives
d) Investigate innovative ways aspiring new farmers without land may be encouraged to access agricultural land currently not in production
e) Through various workshops and electronic media, initiate information exchange on small lot agriculture (production techniques, organic, equipment, pest management)
f) Develop information sharing and exchange networks and coalitions with like-minded groups in other areas
g) Create a cross-commodity Farmers Institute (see Glossary) to coordinate and implement the knowledge base initiatives identified in this Agricultural Plan
h) Develop awareness of educational initiatives in the local community. 
 

research and data collection;

local food culture;

community food system education;

Improve the Agricultural Knowledge Base of the Consumer Public.

Recommendations.

a) Develop an inventory of local agricultural land use and agricultural products produced
b) Create newspaper slot highlighting farming, seasonal recipes, farmer direct markets
c) Encourage retailers to advertise and identify locally produced and seasonal products
d) Partner with schools and the School District to communicate information about farming
e) Create more hands-on displays at District Fair
f) Host a “Taste of Maple Ridge” event annually
g) Engage local chefs to partner in local food promotion
h) Partner with schools to develop agricultural curriculum, including coordinating with the Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation and the School Gardens project
i) Report on Agricultural Plan completion in the media
j) Report regularly in the media on progress and issues relating to implementing the Agricultural Plan
k) Provide continued support for the Haney Farmers Market. 
 

food processing, storage and distribution;

food sales, access and procurement

food storage;

food distribution;

Develop the Local Distribution and Marketing System.

Recommendations.

a) Work with producers to: investigate the potential for marketing cooperatives; brokerages; machinery cooperatives; investigate community storage and handling options; learn about marketing models; branding  
b) Hold workshops on local marketing and distribution systems  
c) Enlist the participation of local expertise up-to-date on food marketing  issues  
d) Develop a strategy to assist the development of distribution and marketing options in the District 
e) Pursue the development of  key components of a local distribution system, including cooling, handling, and staging area for fresh produce (e.g., food terminal) 
f) Investigate marketing needs of local farming community

development and productive use of agricultural land;

ALR;

protection of farming development permit area;

Protect the Agricultural Land Base.

Recommendations 
a) Continue to implement the OCP policies to protect the agricultural land base by creating Development Permit Area guidelines to minimize non-agricultural encroachment on agriculturally designated lands and farming activities 
b) Continue to implement the OCP policies to protect the agricultural land base by creating guidelines for reviewing applications for non-farm use, exclusions, fill applications, 
transportation and utility applications, subdivisions, and government applications 
c) Investigate federal, provincial, and Metro Vancouver support for agriculture irrigation water supply expansion 
d) Explore opportunities to protect agricultural land from development through a variety of means such as donations of land, covenants, easements, agricultural use of municipal land, consolidation of land, and other mechanisms that support agriculture  
e) Support opportunities to provide land for community based agriculture    
f) Explore establishing an agricultural levy on agricultural land conversion developments to ensure that capital is available to finance the agricultural strategy in this plan 
g) Explore retention of lots 2 ha (5 acres) and larger in the Agricultural Land Reserve 
h) Support and encourage applications to include lands in the Agricultural Land Reserve

ALR;

irrigation and drainage;

stormwater management;

Rehabilitate and Improve the Agricultural Infrastructure.

Recommendations

a) Investigate a watershed-based surface and groundwater irrigation strategy 
b) Where a need is identified, undertake a water supply inventory for lands in the Agricultural Land Reserve 
c) Explore establishing a drainage and flood control levy  
d) Require upland land owners and  applicants to control storm water flows into the flood plain 
e) Undertake a feasibility study of drainage and flood control to rehabilitate affected areas 
f) Continue to build relationship with the neighbouring municipality 
g) Require compensation from unavoidable agricultural land conversion developments to be used to increase net agricultural capability in the District 
h) Encourage the Agricultural Land Commission to enforce agreements entered into with proponents that allow applications to proceed on  Agricultural Land Reserve land

food processing;

agricultural industry services;

Develop Local Food System Infrastructure Capacity.

a) Work with producers and local entrepreneurs to explore the feasibility of an agroindustrial infrastructure strategy that could include: shared industrial spaces; branding; small scale processing facilities; community kitchens; mobile slaughter facilities

agri-tourism;

urban gardens/orchards

Increase the Diversity of Agricultural Activity.  

Recommendations

a) Work with the AAC to promote and gauge the feasibility of alternative models of community supported agriculture 
b) Continue to acknowledge and incorporate agriculture into District economic development strategies and plans 
c) Explore  the agro-tourism policies of the Agricultural Land Commission for their potential to provide new and expanded opportunities for farmers and possible inclusion into District bylaws. 
d) Promote local agri-businesses and activities on District website and publications 
e) Encourage linkages in the agricultural sector in Maple Ridge to identify cross-demand for products  and services  
f) Identify a community work force for agriculture 
g) Identify community demand and develop linkages for participatory food production 
h) Provide opportunities for community gardening, allotments, and urban demonstration plots

buffer at agricultural edge;

protection fo farming development permit area;

disclosure agreement;

nuisance complaints;

Reduce Potential for Stress in the Agricultural-Residential Interface.

a) Implement Development Permit Area guidelines to minimize non-agricultural  encroachment on agriculturally designated lands and farming activities, including specific provisions for buffer zones, appropriate landscaping, subdivision design, and building location 
b) Create a cross-commodity Farmers Institute to implement agricultural initiatives identified in this Plan 
c) Require notices on title on properties adjacent to agricultural lands (disclosure statements) to avoid neighbourhood conflicts   
d) Enforce noxious weed bylaw on idle land in the  Agricultural Land Reserve, municipal rights of-way, and utility rights of way 
e) Create respect for property rights of farmers respecting trespass, vandalism, and harassment 
f) Develop a neighbourhood community watch for stray dogs, animals, and trespass 
g) Develop ongoing communication channels with non-farming landowners to promote “good  neighbour” relations 
h) Educate landowners adjacent to agricultural land of potential for farming activities on neighbouring properties. 

wildlife and ecosystem management;

BC environmental farm plan;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

pesticide and pest management;

climate change and greenhouse gases;

Minimize the Impact of Agriculture on the Environment

Recommendations 
a) Educate farmers about the benefits of completing and implementing Environmental Farm Plans 
b) Lobby to have the Environmental Farm Plan (see Glossary)  program broadened to include the equine sector, hobby farmers, and new farmers 
c) Identify options for farmers to manage farm manures in a sustainable manner 
d) Investigate and adopt new technologies to deal with farm wastes, alternative energy sources, and generation of greenhouse gases 
e) Develop interface,  linkage, and communications with Department of Fisheries and Oceans and BC Ministry of Environment to create workable solutions to agriculture-environment issues in the District 
f) Educate and inform the community about the ecological goods and services agriculture provides in Maple Ridge 
g) Promote the use of natural methods of controlling pests

wildlife and ecosystem management;

Reduce Agriculture – Wildlife Conflict.

Recommendations 
a) Keep channels of communication open to advise on issues before they become problems  
b) Develop strategy to control populations of released domestic rabbits 
c) Work with farmers experiencing depredation from bears and deer to channel movement away from farms 
d) Support research to develop repellents and barriers for problem wildlife 
e) Identify opportunities and create incentives for land owners to participate in land management systems that enhance wildlife habitat and support agriculture

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

agricultural advisory committee;

Create a Regulatory Environment Friendly to Agriculture

Recommendations 
a) Continue to retain the AAC to advise Council on issues affecting agriculture  
b) Develop results-based approach to new regulation, so that targets and effects are assessed before regulatory policy is implemented.  
c) Monitor proposed regulations to ensure they are not unnecessarily onerous on producers and agro-development 
d) Advocate for region-wide policies for agricultural area

zoning;

ALR;

Protect and Enhance the Agricultural Context of the Agricultural Land Reserve (to address incompatible land use zoning for ALR).

Recommendations.

a) Continue to implement OCP by concentrating growth to within the urban area boundary 
b) Create a code of good land stewardship in the  Agricultural Land Reserve (abandoned cars, trailers, machinery, trash, obsolete signage, dumped soil) to prevent contamination and visual pollution (batteries, crankcase oil, unproductive fill) 
c) Encourage property owners to build in a fashion to conserve the land base and minimize potential for conflict with agricultural activity 
d) Explore changes in the RS-3 (One Family Rural Residential) zone as it applies to land in the  Agricultural Land Reserve with respect to restrictions such as setbacks, lot coverage, and accessory buildings.

urban gardens/orchard;

Locate community gardens in municipal parks and at community centres, and support local residents in sharing garden initiatives;

sp 10 (a)

food sales, access and procurement;

farmers' markets;

Encourage local farmers’ markets;

sp 10 (b)

food recovery/gleaning/donation;

Support food collection and support local retailers who divert food from the waste stream for distribution to local agencies; and

sp 10 (c)

education;

urban agriculture;

community food system education;

Encourage education in urban agriculture.

sp 10 (d)

food sales, access and procurement; 

farmers' markets;

The District will continue to support activities that promote local food production and provide opportunities for the sale of produce and other local food products such as the seasonal Farmers Market or similar opportunities.

part 4, 21-48;

urban gardens/orchard;

Urban agriculture is encouraged as a method to assist in providing daily food items.

part 4, 26-4;

food sales, access and procurement; 

food processing, storage and distribution;

food processing;

food distribution;

The District supports the production, processing, distribution and sale of locally grown products.

part 4, 26-5;

community food system education;

Public education efforts concerning the value of urban agriculture, forestry, composting, and water conservation are supported.

part 4, 26-6;

development and productive use of agricultural land;

Maintain land with agricultural potential in the ALR for future agricultural uses.

4.3.2 (a)

irrigation and drainage;

Support development of on-farm water infrastructure (e.g. storage facilities, holding tanks, ponds, and drainage) on agricultural lands.

4.3.2 (c)

ALR subdivision;

ALR;

The subdivision of lands within the ALR where lot area or layout will impede or fragment agricultural potential or viability is not supported.

ALR subdivision;

ALR;

Encourage a minimum lot size of 8.0 ha in accordance with the provincial standard. Neither an approving officer nor the ALC is obliged to approve applications for subdivision that meet minimum lot size specifications.

ALR subdivision;

ALR;

Encourage consolidation of small parcels to create larger farm units for agricultural use where agricultural viability will be enhanced.

buffer at agricultural edge;

ALR;

In order to protect ALR from incompatible or inconsistent uses, development of lands adjacent to, or within, Agricultural Land Reserve lands will be required to:

a. Minimize impacts to the natural and human-made physical features of the area, and

b. Include a buffer zone on the non-agricultural side of the parcel boundary adjacent to agricultural land

food processing;

agricultural industry services;

Consider and support initiatives to address key gaps or weaknesses in the agriculture industry’s capacity, such as food processing facilities, a commercial abattoir, marketing, communications and input costs.

Investigate opportunities to use local waste products as agricultural inputs.

community food system education;

new entrants to farming;

Consider use of public lands for activities that contribute to enhanced food security, agricultural awareness and attracting new farmers to the region.

new entrants to farming;

farmland trust;

Consider and support innovative land and mentorship access models to support new farmers in gaining access to agricultural land for production, such as farmland trusts and `Start-Up Farms` programs.

ALR;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

Support local organizations to acquire private land, including parcels in the ALR, for the purpose of enhancing agricultural use and farm business viability.

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

Support initiatives by local organizations and individuals to enhance agricultural capacity in the region, such as the "Full Circle Farm" project.

food sales, access and procurement;

farmers' markets;

Farmer's Markets are supported as a direct marketing opportunity for farmers to provide fresh locally produced fruits, vegetables, livestock, poultry and dairy products to consumers.

edible landscaping;

residential development;

Encourage growing edible plants in residential building setback areas and backyards.

edible landscaping;

ALR;

Encourage community gardens in various forms including consideration of a garden bed box program, support for community gardens on private land such as multi-family sites, and use of vacant City or undeveloped land in the ALR land by a not for profit organization.

zoning;

livestock;

residential development;

Agricultural use in the Suburban Residential designation is encouraged (although such lands are not within the ALR) but shall exclude intensive operations such as feed lots, piggeries, poultry farms, mushroom farms, all subject to Provincial Right to Farm legislation. 

4.5.1 (d)

food recovery/gleaning/donation;

The City supports the local food bank and other food security initiatives for community members dependent upon this service.

6.3.2 (a)

food production;

economic development;

urban agriculture;

urban gardens/orchard;

livestock;

Council will support the investigation and development of specific food production opportunities within the community. 

8.1.2 (h)

food sales, access and procurement;

nutrition and public health;

Ensure availability and accessibility of nutritious whole foods.

Participate in a coordinated approach to support farmers’ access to the land and resources they need in order to maximize regional food production, processing and distribution.

food production;

food processing, storage and distribution;

urban agriculture;

food processing;

food storage;

urban gardens/orchard;

Support and encourage food production, processing and storage within city limits at both the commercial level and individual level.

Inspire a greater understanding of the local / global food system and available resources to build community capacity and to foster more informed, ethical choices.