Welcome to the B.C. and Alberta Food System Policy Database

This database is a centralized resource for planners, policy makers, community advocates, local organizations and the policy curious to search for policy precedents and to better understand how local government policy in B.C. and Alberta is addressing local food systems. Search by a range of characteristics to find food system policies that have been adopted by local governments across B.C and Alberta. For more information about using the database and how it was developed see How to use the Database. 

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Institute for Sustainable Food Systems
Displaying 131 - 140 of 268 Results
Topics
Sub Topics

Town of Gibsons Official Community Plan Smart Plan

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

Sub-topic(s): buffer at agricultural edge, food processing, food recovery/gleaning/donation

Region: Sunshine Coast | Document Type: Official Community Plan | Year: 2015

View policy:  HTML PDF

Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location Language Rating
waste management;

food recovery/gleaning/donation;

 Consider developing or supporting food recovery initiatives aimed at reducing food going to waste. part B 6.6.9  

food sales, access and procurement;

food processing, storage and distribution;

economic development;

 food processing; Encourage and support businesses and other initiatives that harvest, create, process and sell food from the Sunshine Coast. part B 11.2.8  
development and productive use of agricultural land;   Encourage farming operations to continue on land that is designated as Rural and Agricultural and within the Agricultural Land Reserve, west of Payne Road, as shown on Schedule B. Land designated as Rural and Agricultural shall be used for the farming of land, plants and animals and similar activities as provided by the Agricultural Land Commission Act. This includes compatible uses such as boarding stables, turf farms, and greenhouses. part B 11.6.1  
urban-agriculture conflict and edge planning;

 buffer at agricultural edge;

 Minimize urban-rural conflicts with existing or potential future agricultural operations along boundaries where non-agricultural lands within municipal boundaries adjoin lands within the ALR. Efforts to minimize urban-rural conflicts include:
  • the designation of non-farm lands with land uses that are compatible with farm use such as Greenbelt (e.g. designation along Gibson Creek)
  • the physical separation by a road or similar barrier between farm and non-farm uses (e.g. Reed Road, Payne Road); or Smart Plan – Page 64
  • suitable setback or buffering within non-farm areas (e.g. along the western municipal boundary north and south of Charman Creek) including ALR lands in the SCRD
 part B 11.6.4  

District of West Vancouver's Official Community Plan, Secton 2: Social Planning

Topic(s): Education, Food Sales, Access & Procurement, Urban Agriculture, Waste Management

Sub-topic(s): community food system education, food recovery/gleaning/donation, farmers' markets, urban gardens/orchard

Region: Metro Vancouver | Document Type: Official Community Plan | Year: 2004

View policy:  HTML PDF

Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location Language Rating
urban agriculture;

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)

  
waste management;

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)

  

 

District of Squamish Official Community Plan Bylaw 2100

Topic(s): Education, Food Processing, Storage & Distribution, Food Sales, Access & Procurement, Urban Agriculture

Sub-topic(s): food processing, food distribution, community food system education, farmers' markets, urban gardens/orchard

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

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 agriculture;

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;

  
education;

community food system education;

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

part 4, 26-6;

  

 

District of Kent Agricultural Area Plan (OCP Schedule E)

Topic(s): Development and Productive use of Agricultural Land, Economic Development, First Nations and Indigenous Food Systems, Food Sales, Access & Procurement, Policy Partnerships, Advocacy & Development, Urban - Agriculture Conflict & Edge Planning, Water Management

Sub-topic(s): recreational use of agricultural land, ALR, partnerships/advocacy/liaising, agricultural advisory committee, zoning, irrigation and drainage, local procurement, farm diversification, agri-tourism, agricultural impact assessment, farmers' markets, residential development

Region: Fraser Valley | Document Type: Agriculture Area Plan/Strategy | Year: 2010

View policy:  HTML PDF

Topic Sub-Topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location
urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning;   It is recommended the District of Kent, in situations where development may impact farm operations in any way, consider edge‐planning strategies as an effective option for protecting farmers from possible impact on their operations.   4.2.1 

development and productive use of agricultural land;

recreational use of agricultural land;

ALR;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

agricultural advisory committee;

 It is recommended the District of Kent, in all cases where recreational trails may be considered in, or adjacent to, agricultural land, have plans reviewed by the Kent Agricultural Advisory Committee and the Agricultural Land Commission where required, and involve the agricultural community in the planning and implementation of design standards and maintenance or operation plans, to take into consideration concerns of the agricultural community and to minimize conflict 4.3 
development and productive use of agricultural land; ALR; It is recommended the District of Kent encourage amalgamation of contiguous parcels owned by one land owner to the extent possible, but not if any non‐agricultural use of any part of the parcels is proposed as a condition of amalgamation. 4.4.1
development and productive use of agricultural land;

ALR;

residential development;

 It is recommended the District of Kent, as a matter of policy, discourage applications for additional residences in the Agricultural Land Reserve. 4.5.1
development and productive use of agricultural land;

zoning;

ALR;

residential development;

 It is recommended the District of Kent, after discouraging applications for additional permanent dwellings on agricultural land, consider removing the Rural Residential 1 and Rural Residential 2 zones from the Zoning Bylaw so that all agricultural land has as its main purpose to provide for agricultural and related rural development. 4.5.2
water management;

irrigation and drainage;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

 It is recommended the District of Kent work closely with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Fraser Valley Regional District, and the Province as required, to implement appropriate bank protection and encourage better dredging of the Fraser River. 4.6.2 

food sales, access and procurement;

local procurement;

farmers' markets;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

 It is recommended the District of Kent make every effort, in cooperation with the Kent Agricultural Advisory Committee, the local agricultural community and the Harrison Agassiz Chamber of Commerce where appropriate, to support District farmers in making their products available for local purchase either from the farm gate or through a farmers’ market or in cooperation with other local retailers. 4.7.1 
food sales, access and procurement;

farmers' markets;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

 It is recommended the District of Kent, in cooperation with interested local farmers and the local business community, and the Harrison Agassiz Chamber of Commerce if appropriate, review ways to encourage development of a local farmers’ market in the Agassiz and Harrison area.   4.7.2
economic development;

farm diversification;

agri-tourism;

 It is recommended the District of Kent support farmers considering value‐added, vertical integration, agri‐tourism, culinary tourism or other diversification efforts by continuing to provide a supportive regulatory environment for this to occur. 4.8.1

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

agricultural advisory committee;

 It is recommended the District of Kent continue to appoint a staff person as the designated first point of contact for agricultural issues and concerns, to attend all meetings of the Kent Agricultural Advisory Committee, and to prepare the background material and other items necessary for those meetings 5.1.1
development and productive use of agricultural land;

agricultural impact assessment;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

agricultural advisory committee;

 It is recommended the District of Kent, with input from the Kent Agricultural Advisory Committee and other appropriate bodies such as the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands and the Agricultural Land Commission, prepare an appropriate agricultural impact assessment process so that all situations involving land‐use20 District of Kent Agricultural Area Plan applications or other issues affecting agricultural land in the District of Kent may be addressed through a consistent process.    
5.3.2 
First Nations and indigenous food systems;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

 

 It is recommended the District of Kent continue to maintain positive relationships with First Nations communities by inviting representatives to participate in agricultural tours and other appropriate District agricultural events. 6.2.1 

Corporation of the District of Kent Official Community Plan Bylaw No 1508

Topic(s): Food Production, Food Sales, Access & Procurement

Sub-topic(s): food distribution, ALR exclusion, ALR subdivision, local food culture, ALR, farmers' markets, farm worker accommodation, residential development, urban gardens/orchard

Region: Fraser Valley | 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;

Fracturing or subdivision of agricultural parcels is not supported. However, the District may consider a homesite severance if approved by the Agricultural Land Commission and the minimum lot size requirements of the District’s Zoning Bylaw are met in relation to the remainder parcel;

 4.2.5 *

food production;

food sales, access and procurement;

urban agriculture;

farmers' markets;

food distribution;

urban gardens/orchard;

Support opportunities to strengthen food security and provide local and equal access to healthy foods, especially for vulnerable and disadvantaged populations. In the agricultural sector opportunities would include:

a. Retaining and enhancing existing community gardens and farmer’s market; and

b. Supporting local food production, sale and distribution.

 4.2.6 *
development and productive use of agricultural land;

farm worker accommodation;

ALR;

residential development;

Additional dwellings on land within the ALR should only be allowed when the property owner can demonstrate that there is need for additional farm employment and that the dwelling is required to house the farm employee(s); 

 

 4.2.13 *

food production;

food sales, access and procurement;

urban agriculture;

farmers' markets;

urban gardens/orchard;

local food culture;

 Encourage sustainable, local food systems through initiatives such as the promotion of local foods and food production on private property and the facilitation of community gardens and farmers markets 8.7 *

 

City of Powell River Sustainable Community Plan Bylaw 2370

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

Sub-topic(s): ALR, irrigation and drainage, ALR subdivision, buffer at agricultural edge, food processing, agricultural industry services, composting, community food system education, new entrants to farming, farmland trust, partnerships/advocacy/liaising, edible landscaping, livestock, food recovery/gleaning/donation, farmers' markets, residential development, urban gardens/orchard

Region: Powell River | Document Type: Official Community Plan | Year: 2013

View policy:  HTML PDF

Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location Language Rating

development and productive use of agricultural land;

 ALR;

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

4.3.2 (a)

  
water management;

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)

  
development and productive use of agricultural land;

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.

 4.3.2 (d) *
development and productive use of agricultural land;

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.

 4.3.2 (e) *
development and productive use of agricultural land;

ALR subdivision;

ALR;

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

 4.3.2 (f) *
urban-ag conflict/edge planning;

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

 4.3.2 (g) *
economic development;

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.

 4.3.2 (i)  
waste management; composting;

Investigate opportunities to use local waste products as agricultural inputs.

 4.3.2 (j)  
education;

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.

 4.3.2 (l)  
land access;

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.

 4.3.2 (m)  
economic development;

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.

 4.3.2 (n) *

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

 partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

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

 4.3.2 (o)  

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.

 4.3.2 (p) *
urban agriculture;

edible landscaping;

residential development;

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

 4.3.2 (q) *
urban agriculture;

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.

 4.3.2 (r) *
food production;

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 sales, access and procurement;

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)

  

 

City of Richmond Business Licence Bylaw NO. 7360

Topic(s): Food Sales, Access & Procurement

Sub-topic(s): farm retail/farm gate sales, farmers' markets

Region: Metro Vancouver | Document Type: Regulatory Bylaw | Year: 2002

View policy:  HTML PDF

Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location
food sales, access and procurement; farm retail/farm gate sales;

Roadside Stands 

.1 General Provisions

(a) Every roadside stand applicant must: (i) satisfy the Licence Inspector that such applicant is operating a farm in the City; (ii) indicate the class of roadside stand for which a licence is being sought; and (iii) satisfy the Licence Inspector that such roadside stand: - will not create a traffic hazard; and - has been granted any required arterial highway access approval, in writing, from the Province of British Columbia.

(b) The Licence Inspector must not issue more than one roadside stand licence for any one legal parcel which is a farm....See document for additional regulations related to roadside stands.

 2.1.21
food sales, access and procurement; farmers' markets;

Farmers’ Market

Every farmers’ market applicant must:

(a) if the operation is on land other than land owned by the applicant, to provide evidence of permission by the owner to use the land for the purpose of a farmers’ market;

(b) permit only the display and sale of any of the following:

(i) fruit, vegetables, nuts, honey, syrups, dairy products, eggs, poultry, meat, flowers, herbs, and any products derived there from, that are produced in the Province of British Columbia and prepared for market in accordance with applicable laws;

(ii) artwork or handcrafted items that are designed, created, produced and assembled in the Province of British Columbia; and

(iii) baked or handmade foods produced in British Columbia;

(c) before allowing the sale of any goods mentioned in paragraph (b), provide evidence that all vendors intending to sell food products have been granted a health permit for that purpose; and ...See document for additional regulations related to farmers' markets.

 2.1.30

 

Nelson Path to 2040 Sustainability Strategy

Topic(s): Education, Food Processing, Storage & Distribution, Food Production, Food Sales, Access & Procurement, Land Access, Nutrition and Public Health, Urban Agriculture

Sub-topic(s): community food system education, food processing, food storage, urban gardens/orchard

Region: Central Kootenay | Document Type: Other | Year: 2010

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Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location Language Rating

food sales, access and procurement;

nutrition and public health;

  

Ensure availability and accessibility of nutritious whole foods.

 Objectives, pg 15  
land access;  

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.

 Objectives, pg 15  

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.

 Objectives, pg 15  
education; community food system education;

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

 Objectives, pg 15  

 

City of Coquitlam Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 3479,

Topic(s): Development and Productive use of Agricultural Land, Wildlife/Environmental/Pest Management

Sub-topic(s): wildlife and ecosystem management, farmland trust

Region: Metro Vancouver | Document Type: Official Community Plan | Year: 2002

View policy:  HTML PDF

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

Promote the continued farming of existing agricultural lands. Uphold current agricultural land use designations

 section 5.8 objective 2 (b)  
wildlife/environmental/pest management;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

farmland trust;

Support the continued role of agricultural lands for supporting migratory birds such as raptors and waterfowl. This may be achieved by:

- working with the GVRD to promote habitat enhancements and the preservation of open green space at Colony farm; and

- investigating the feasibility of various land trust activities.

section 5.8 objective 2 (d)

  

 

Guide to Edge Planning

Topic(s): Urban - Agriculture Conflict & Edge Planning

Document Type: Guideline | Year: 2015

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BCMA guidelines for edge planning adjacent to the ALR.