BX Ranchlands Development Plan Project
The BX Ranchlands project was a collaboration between the Regional District of the North Okanagan (RDNO), the North Okanagan Land to Table Network (L2T) and the Institute for Sustainable Food Systems at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (ISFS KPU). The project aims to present a vision for the 132 acre BX Ranchlands remainder parcel in the Regional District of North Okanagan, that centers agriculture, education, community, sustainability and reconciliation.
About
The BX Ranchlands is a large parcel of undeveloped agricultural land in the Agricultural Land Reserve in the North Okanagan region of BC, near the city of Vernon. The lands form part of the traditional, unceded territories of the Okanagan Indian Band of the Syilx Okanagan Nation, and Splatsin Band of the Secwépemc Nation.
Historically, the property provided pasture and hay for horses of the BX Express stagecoach service which served the province through the movement of people, goods, and communications. In 2016 the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) purchased the land to create a perimeter trail, and discussed subdividing and selling the remaining section. At this time, there was much community support expressed in favour of keeping the lands in public hands, for community agricultural uses, in keeping with the agricultural history of the land and as an important piece of remaining habitat and greenspace in the region.
In January 2021, the RDNO Board resolved to sell the remaining section to Electoral Areas B and C, effectively keeping the land in public hands and allowing the exploration of agricultural and educational opportunities. There remains keen public interest in the potential use and development of the lands. Under the direction of the RDNO, the ISFS worked with the Land to Table Network of the North Okanagan and a working group of community stakeholders to prepare a proposal for a five-year development plan for the 132 acre BX Ranchlands property to establish agriculture education and extension programs. In collaboration with the Land to Table Network of the North Okanagan (L2T), the project was conducted between Oct 2021 to June 2022.
Project Reports
Project Support
Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Institute for Sustainable Food Systems (KPU ISFS), North Okanagan Land to Table Network (L2T), The Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO).
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