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 151 - 160 of 268 Results
Topics
Sub Topics

City of Revelstoke Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw No. 1758

Topic(s): Food Production, Urban Agriculture

Sub-topic(s): urban chickens, livestock

Region: Columbia-Shuswap | Document Type: Regulatory Bylaw | Year: consolidated 2016

View policy:  HTML PDF

Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location

urban agriculture;

food production;

livestock;

urban chickens;

HENS

A. No person shall own, keep or possess any poultry, except for hens in areas designated for that use in the City’s Zoning Bylaw, as amended from time to time. Hens are permitted in conjunction with a single family dwelling.

B. An Owner who engages in hen-keeping must:

(i) be the registered owner of, and reside at, the property where the hens are kept or obtain written permission from the property owner;

(ii) keep no more than five hens on the property;

(iii) possess a valid hen-keeping license with the Municipality by completing and submitting a registration form and an application form issued by the Municipality

(iv) supply a Hen Enclosure at least 0.9 square metres (9.69 square feet) per hen with any combination of vegetated and bare earth located in a fenced rear yard and/or side yard of the property;

(v) not attach the Hen Enclosure to the Owner’s dwelling;

(vi) not situate the Hen Enclosure within 5 metres (16.4 feet) of a neighbouring dwelling’s window or doors;

(vii) ensure the Hen Enclosure is covered entirely on all sides and the top;

(viii) provide at least one Coop at 0.5 square metre (5.38 square feet) per hen of floor area and no more than 2 metres (6.56 feet) in height, within or connected to the Hen Enclosure. The Coop must contain one perch and one nest box for each hen;

(ix) ensure that the maximum size of the Coop and Hen Enclosure combined is 7.5 square metres (80.73 square feet) in area.

(x) provide each hen with food, water, shelter, light, ventilation, veterinary care, and opportunities for essential behaviours such as scratching, dust-bathing and roosting;

(xi) maintain each Hen Enclosure in good repair and keep the enclosure in sanitary condition, free from vermin and obnoxious smells and substances;

(xii) take steps to reduce wildlife attractants by ensuring feed is enclosed in an airtight container outside of the Hen Enclosure. Store such containers in a location not accessible by wildlife or other animals;

(xiii) eggs are only for personal consumption and not for resale; (xiv) not slaughter a hen on the property or release into the wild; and (xv) not bury a hen on the property.

C. Roosters shall not be kept within the Municipal boundary.

 section 6A - 6C

 

Township of Langley Zoning Bylaw No. 2500

Sub-topic(s): ALR, covenants, farm retail/farm gate sales, farm worker accommodation, farmers' markets, food processing, greenhouses, residential development, siting and coverage, zoning

Region: Metro Vancouver | Document Type: Zoning Bylaw | Year: consolidated 2016

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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 regulations for agricultural buildings and structures in Rural Zones.  201.6-201.7 and subsequent rural zones.
development and productive use of agricultural land;

farm worker accommodation;

residential development;

Temporary Farm Accommodation


The provision of temporary farm labourer accommodation is subject to the following:
a) Accommodations to be occupied between April 1st and November 30th in any calendar year shall be permitted on farms requiring seasonal help, subject to the units being occupied by an employee of the owner where such property is operated as a bona fide farm; provided, however, that the accommodation shall not be occupied by any person at any other time of the year;


b) The minimum lot size shall be 4.0 hectares.


c) Accommodation shall be at the ratio of 10 persons for each 4 hectares up to a maximum of 40 persons per bona fide farm; and


d) The maximum allowable floor area per occupant shall be 10 m2 of which the required floor area for sleeping accommodations shall be not less than 4.6 m2 and not more than 5 m2 per occupant.

 201.3
development and productive use of agricultural land;

farm worker accommodation;

residential development;

Migrant Agricultural Worker Accommodation

1) Migrant Agricultural Worker Accommodation shall be permitted on farms requiring farm help, subject to the following: Units being occupied by a migrant agricultural worker must be on parcels no less than four (4) hectares in size.


2) Accommodation shall be at a ratio of 1 migrant agricultural worker per 1000 m2 of principal farm building floor area for commercial greenhouses, mushroom and berry/vegetable processing operations up to a maximum of 130 persons per bona fide farm. All other farm commodities shall have a maximum allowance of up to 40 workers per farm.


3) The property owner shall register a restrictive covenant on the property stating that the new migrant agricultural worker accommodation will only be used by migrant agricultural workers and that the owner will remove the migrant agricultural worker accommodation and restore the land to agricultural use if the migrant agricultural worker accommodation is vacant for two (2) consecutive years. If an existing building is converted to migrant agricultural worker accommodation and is not used by migrant agricultural workers for two (2) consecutive years, the owner must either have the building removed or decommissioned so that it is no longer habitable at their own expense.


4) The migrant agricultural worker accommodation can be used to house migrant agricultural workers employed on other farm operations in the Township of Langley provided a statutory declaration is filed with the Municipality describing the terms of the arrangement and there is a written agreement between the farm operations. The workers must be employed at least six (6) months of the year on the farm with the migrant agricultural worker accommodation.


5) A statutory declaration must be filed with the Municipality annually stating that the building will only be used for migrant agricultural worker accommodation for a specified period of time. The statutory declaration shall verify the following:... See document for additional regulations related to migrant agricultural worker accommodations.

201.5

food production;

water management;

greenhouses;

Requirements for Commercial Greenhouses

Prior to issuance of a building permit for commercial greenhouse, the following
shall be required:
a) a report from a recognized independent sound consultant certifying that noise from the proposed commercial greenhouse operation will not exceed levels permitted in the Noise Control Bylaw,


b) a storm water management plan in compliance with the Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw 2011 No. 4861 as amended, and


c) a water well test performed by a Professional Engineer to address the adequacy of the aquifer to supply the water required by the proposed commercial greenhouse operation and drawdown rates of wells on adjacent property.

 201.11
food processing, storage and distribution; food processing;

AGRICULTURAL PROCESSING ZONE
See document for regulations for Agricultural Processing Zone (RU -6).

 206
food sales, access and distribution;

farmers; markets;


farm retail/farm gate sales;

ALR;


covenants;

RURAL FARM MARKET ZONE

Uses Permitted
...rural farm markets in the Agricultural Land Reserve subject to:
a) the growing and sale of produce grown on-site remaining the principal permitted use;


b) the RU-14 site area being limited to a maximum size of 0.4 ha and not exceeding 5% of the total farm unit area;


c) the size of the rural farm market building (including outside storage and display) used for the sale of produce grown off-site being limited to a maximum of 130m2 .A restrictive covenant shall be registered guaranteeing that 75% of all produce sales be of B.C. origin with a maximum of 10% processed farm goods; that grocery and sundry items will not be sold from the farm market; and that the farm unit will have a
minimum size of 8.0 ha;


d) municipal sanitary sewer and municipal water services shall be available to every RU-14 development. Access to a Provincial Highway from an RU-14 development shall be from a municipal road or right of way.


4) rural farm markets not located in the Agricultural Land Reserve may sell produce grown on and off the farm unit, however the area used for the sale of grocery and sundry items shall not exceed 10% of the gross floor area of the farm market building.

 

See document for additional regulations for Rural Farm Market Zone (RU -14).

 214
food processing, storage and distribution; food processing;

RURAL BUTCHER SHOP ZONE RU-9
Uses Permitted

In the RU-9 Zone only the following uses are permitted and all other uses are prohibited:


...2) butcher shops limited to a maximum gross floor area of 450 m2...

See document for additional regulations for Rural Butcher Zone (RU-9).

 209

 

North Shore Food Charter

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

Sub-topic(s): food recovery/gleaning/donation, wildlife and ecosystem management, community food system education, local food culture, partnerships/advocacy/liaising

Region: Metro Vancouver | Document Type: Food Charter | Year: 2013

View policy:  HTML PDF

Topic Sub-Topic Policy or Policy Excerpt

food sales, access and procurement;

nutrition and public health;

  

We strive for everyone to have access to food choices that are:

-Safe, whole, fresh, minimally processed
-Of high quality across all North Shore jurisdictions
-Affordable for everyone
-Available with dignity and without barriers in all North Shore jurisdictions

waste management;

wildlife/environmental/pest management;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

food recovery/gleaning/donation;

We strive to:

-Support practices that protect or enhance natural ecosystems (land and water) through all stages of the food system.       -
Reclaim, recycle and re-purpose food to the greatest extent possible minimize the harmful environmental impact of food production and consumption (including transportation, packaging, processing etc.) whenever possible.
policy partnerships, advocacy and development; partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

We strive to:

-Inform the public about food security issues and support initiatives being pursued in other jurisdictions
-Advocate around food system issues regionally, provincially and nationally
-Consider and promote food security in the development of regulations and policies
economic development;;  

We strive to:

-Strengthen the local food sector’s growth and development
-Attract and promote innovative and viable food-centered enterprises
-Create jobs in our community by encouraging local food enterprise.

education;

nutrition and public health;

local food culture;

community food system education;

We strive to:

-Promote the connection between food and mental, physical and spiritual health
-Celebrate and support food cultures
-Support information sharing, education and training for children and adults that builds awareness, skills and capacity for food literacy

 

City of Pitt Meadows Agricultural Plan

Topic(s): Development and Productive use of Agricultural Land, Economic Development, Education, Food Processing, Storage & Distribution, Policy Partnerships, Advocacy & Development, Urban - Agriculture Conflict & Edge Planning, Wildlife/Environmental/Pest Management

Sub-topic(s): 'benefit to agriculture' language, agricultural advisory committee, ALR, ALR subdivision, disclosure agreement, farm home plate, partnerships/advocacy/liaising, recreational use of agricultural land, research and data collection, residential development, wildlife and ecosystem management

Region: Metro Vancouver | Document Type: Agriculture Area Plan/Strategy | Year: 2000

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Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location
policy partnerships, advocacy and development; agricultural advisory committee;
partnerships/advocacy/liaising;		 Establish a Standing Agricultural Advisory Committee of Council. Suggested membership on the Committee includes a member of Council as liaison, two representatives nominated from the Pitt Meadows Farmers Institute, two representatives from the farming community at large, a representative representing agri-tourism interests, one member representing the Chamber of Copmmerce, one member representing ecological interests, one member representing the Katzie First Nation as a non-voting member.     
 		 4.1;

urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning;


education;

 disclosure agreement;
ALR;
residential development;		 Request the Real Estate Board to require realtors be adequately trained about the ALR and the Farm Practices Protection Act in order to properly inform potential purchasers of ALR land about living in an agricultural area and an appropriate disclosure statement be signed. The APSC also recommends Council confirm with the Real Estate Board their commitment to maintain all ALR land in the Reserve and that tools to assist realtors with education, such as the BCMAF publication “Countryside and You”, be made available.
 		 4.3;
economic development; agri-tourism;
agricultural advisory committee;
partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

 		 Support and encourage agri-tourism in Pitt Meadows and liaise with the Canadian Agri-Tourism Network and the Standing Agricultural Advisory Committee to develop a strategy for agri-tourism options consistent with already existing agricultural enterprises. 
 		 4.6;
development and productive use of agricultural land; ALR subdivision;
ALR;
' benefit to agriculture' language;		 Support subdivision of agricultural parcels only where the number of parcels does not increase, there are no parcels created that are less than 20 acres,  and there is a net benefit to agriculture, as determined by the local Approving Officer in consultation with the Standing Agricultural Advisory Committee, with the exception of home site severance for retiring farmers consistent with existing Agricultural  Land Commission policy. Whenever possible, actively look for ways to consolidate smaller parcels to larger ones. 4.8;
development and productive use of agricultural land; farm home plate;
residential development;		 Contain all future residential and farm-help dwellings within a strategically located building “envelope” in a manner that optimizes agricultural production in accordance with a policy to be developed by the District of Pitt Meadows in consultation with the Standing Agricultural Advisory Committee, the ALC and the BCMAF. 4.9;

development and productive use of agricultural land;


policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

 ALR;
residential development;
partnerships/advocacy/liaising;		 To maximize the agricultural land available for future agricultural uses, request the Province to review policies on non-resident ownership currently in place in other jurisdictions and consider implementing policies to encourage agricultural uses of all agricultural lands and reduce potential speculation on value of farmland. 4.11;
economic development; agricultural industry services; Investigate a suitable site for an Agricultural Industrial Park, to house value-added agricultural enterprise activities that do not meet the criteria as developed for value-added agricultural enterprise activities on a farm site....( The APSC recommends the site be selected in consultation with the Standing Agricultural Advisory Committee, Engineering and Development Services, the general public and other relevant groups. 4.13;
food processing, storage and distribution; zoning;
 		 Allow storage of farm inputs on a bona fide farm without further regulation, provided the farm input is not environmentally hazardous, is necessary for the farm operation, will be used in one growing year, and is safely stored at least 15 metres from natural watercourses, ditches or streams and is in accordance with established provincial legislation, regulation, and best practices guidelines.  4.17;
wildlife/environmental/pest management; wildlife and ecosystem management;
research and data collection;		 Have the Standing Agricultural Advisory Committee, in consultation with BCMAF, the Pitt Meadows Farmers Institute and others, encourage further research into, review of, and adoption of, alternative bird management practices that are less intrusive than bird cannons.  4.18;
wildlife/environmental/pest management; wildlife and ecosystem management;
research and data collection;
agricultural advisory committee;
partnerships/advocacy/liaising;		 Have the Standing Agricultural Advisory Committee, in cooperation with the Pitt Meadows Farmers Institute and the BCMAF, continually monitor, review and encourage the use of new technologies and practices which may limit the effects of wildlife on the agriculture industry. 4.21;
development and productive use of agricultural land; recreational use of agricultural land;
ALR;		 Do not allow any more golf courses or driving ranges on any ALR land in Pitt Meadows. 4.24;

 

District of Saanich Soil Removal Bylaw No. 5576

Topic(s): Development and Productive use of Agricultural Land

Sub-topic(s): soil

Region: Capital | Document Type: Regulatory Bylaw | Year: 1986

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A bylaw to regulate or prohibit the removal of soil, sand, gravel rock or other substances of which land is composed from lands within the District of Saanich. From District of Saanich Soil Removal Bylaw No. 5576.

District of Saanich Deposit of Fill Bylaw No. 9233

Topic(s): Development and Productive use of Agricultural Land

Sub-topic(s): soil, ALR, deposit of fill and dumping

Region: Capital | Document Type: Regulatory Bylaw | Year: 2012

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 A bylaw,regulate, prohibit and impose requirements for the deposit of soil.

City of Campbell River Agriculture Now

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, Urban Agriculture, Waste Management, Water Management, Wildlife/Environmental/Pest Management

Sub-topic(s): aquaculture, BC environmental farm plan, climate change and greenhouse gases, composting, farm diversification, farm incubator, farmer training, farmers' markets, food distribution, greenhouses, irrigation and drainage, local food culture, new entrants to farming, pesticide and pest management, pilot project, research and data collection, urban gardens/orchard, waste to energy

Region: Strathcona | Document Type: Agriculture Area Plan/Strategy | Year: 2011

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Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location
food self reliance;   Targeting 10% food self-sufficiency by 2031. 3.5;
education;

farm incubator;

farmer training;


pilot project;

 Examine feasibility of facilitating establishment of an incubator or pilot farm site to generate interest in farming and capacity building. See document for detailed actions. 4.2.2.2;
 

greenhouses;


waste to energy;

 Consider or review opportunities for greenhouse production. See document for details. 4.2.2.3;
development and productive use of agricultural land;

urban containment/growth boundary;


roads in agricultural land;

  Support the development of agricultural nodes
  •  Designate strategically located lands outside of the Urban Containment Boundary as “Agriculture” on the land use map of the OCP.
  •  Consider opportunities to develop specific road and servicing standards and requirements for Agriculture Development Areas or incubation areas and/ or lands designated as “agriculture” on the land use map in the OCP.
 4.2.2.5;
education;

farm incubator;

farmer training;

 Support establishment of an incubator agricultural area. See document for details. 4.2.2.6;
food sales, access and procurement; farmers' markets; Encourage increased participation of agricultural product vendors at the Farmers’ Market and direct sales points for local foods. See document for details. 4.2.3.2;
food sales, access and procurement; local food culture; Support and promote community celebrations of agriculture and food. See document for details. 4.2.3.6;
economic development; new entrants to farming Recruit farmers from other areas based on local opportunities and strengths. See document for details. 4.2.3.7;

economic development;

food production;

farm diversification;


aquaculture;

 Support product diversification.
  •  Use communication and marketing strategies around food and agriculture in Campbell River to promote a unique identity for specialized crops as appropriate. 
  •  Collaborate with agencies and organizations to coordinate education initiatives in relation to land base opportunities and market feasibility of non-traditional crops such as mushrooms, salal, wild game, hops, bison etc. that may be suitable for ALR lands.
  •  Support where appropriate land-based aquaculture, production of herbaceous fish. 
 4.2.3.8;

economic development;


education;

   Promote Campbell River Agriculture as a media
focus and training and education...		 4.2.3.9;
water management; irrigation and drainage; Assess opportunities and constraints to provision of irrigation water from municipal system. See document for details. 4.2.4.9;

economic development;

education;

composting;

research and data collection;


waste to energy;

 Support the development of cost effective inputs to increase the competitiveness of local agricultural producers. See document for details. 4.2.4.10;

food sales, access and procurement;


food processing, storage and distribution;

farmers' markets;


food distribution;

 Support development of local food distribution facilities to increase the sale of agricultural products through the Farmers’ Market or others. See document for details. 4.2.4.11;
water management; irrigation and drainage; Assist with design of drainage systems.
  •  Identify situations where soil capability and cropping options can be significantly enhanced with drainage and where private infrastructure must be connected to City drainage systems.
  •  Ensure that capital drainage projects account for potential agricultural drainage areas where appropriate to ensure suitable long term pipe capacity.
 4.2.4.12;
wildlife/environmental/pest management;

climate change and greenhouse gases;


BC environmental farm plan;


pesticide and pest management;

 Support environmentally sustainable farm practices. See document for details. 4.2.4.13;
waste management;

waste to energy;


pilot project;


greenhouses;

 Explore the feasibility of connecting greenhouses to waste heat sources such as the co-generation plant to create a unique competitive advantage in Campbell River. See document for details. 4.2.4.14;

education;


urban agriculture;

urban gardens/orchard;

 Support development of urban agriculture and community gardens as “hands on” learning to increase interest in local production. See document for details. 4.2.5.1;

 

City of Nelson Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 3247, 2013, Schedule A

Topic(s): Food Processing, Storage & Distribution, Land Access, Urban Agriculture

Sub-topic(s): food distribution, food processing, food storage, urban gardens/orchard, zoning

Region: Central Kootenay | Document Type: Official Community Plan | Year: 2013

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

food processing, storage & distribution;


urban agriculture;


land access;

zoning;


food processing;


food storage; food distribution;


urban gardens/orchard;

The City will explore ways to ensure availability and accessibility of nutritious whole foods including:


•  Permitting community gardens throughout the City, in all land use designation categories.


•  Working with the Regional District of Central Kootenay and members of the agricultural community to support farmers’ access to the land and resources they need in order to maximize regional food production, processing and distribution.


•  Supporting and encouraging food production, processing and storage within city limits at both the commercial and individual level. 

 4.4.14; *

See City of Nelson Zoning Bylaw for related policies permitting community gardens, warehousing and processing within the City. 

City of Langley Official Community Plan Bylaw, 2005, No. 256

Topic(s): Food Production, Urban - Agriculture Conflict & Edge Planning, Water Management

Sub-topic(s): irrigation and drainage, partnerships/advocacy/liaising, ALR

Region: Metro Vancouver | Document Type: Official Community Plan | Year: 2005

View policy:  HTML PDF

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

food production;

   Agricultural uses with an emphasis on food production shall be encouraged.  16.9.2;  
water management;

irrigation and drainage;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

 Support infrastructure improvements (drainage, irrigation, transportation) for agriculture in  collaboration with other governments and agencies. 16.9.3;  
urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning; ALR; Urban land uses shall respect the integrity of adjacent ALR lands inside and outside of the City.  16.9.4;  

 

City of Kamloops OCP Kamplan 2004

Topic(s): Economic Development, Education, Food Sales, Access & Procurement, Food Self Reliance, Policy Partnerships, Advocacy & Development, Urban Agriculture, Waste Management, Water Management

Sub-topic(s): irrigation and drainage, food distribution, community food system education, food policy council, partnerships/advocacy/liaising, composting, urban gardens/orchard, recreational use of agricultural land, water restrictions and conservation

Region: Thompson-Nicola | Document Type: Official Community Plan | Year: 2004

View policy:  HTML PDF

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

recreational use of agricultural land;

irrigation and drainage;

water restrictions and conservation;

 The City will not permit the use of domestic water sources for irrigation purposes. section iii, 8.2; *
urban agriculture; 

food distribution;

urban gardens/orchard;

 Consider the use of City parks, school yards, rights-of-way, surplus properties, and redevelopment parcels at least in part for food production and distribution.  section iv, 5.2.6;  

food self reliance;

urban agriculture; 

urban gardens/orchard;

community kitchen;

 Encourage initiatives aimed at local food self-reliance such as community kitchens and community gardens. section iv, 5.2.7;  

food sales, access and procurement;

education;

 community food system education; Continue to promote agriculture in all schools, with emphasis on food production in the local region and school gardens to train children in growing skills and provide food for school meals. section iv, 5.2.10;  

education;

 community food system education; Continue to provide nutrition and food preparation courses, with emphasis on the importance of a sound diet and environmentally friendly growing, including "Food Safe" as elements of school curricula section iv, 5.2.11; *

economic development;

food sales, access and procurement;

 partnerships/advocacy/liaising; Promote the development of new businesses and the expansion of existing businesses that improve access to locally produced, affordable, and nutritious food. This could be done in partnership with business improvement associations, Community Futures, and Venture Kamloops. section iv, 5.2.17;  
policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

food policy council;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;;

 Recognize the Kamloops Food Policy Council as the lead agency in the development of food policies.
 		 section iv, 5.2.19; *
waste management;  composting; The City shall continue to pursue the goal of a 50% reduction in the amount of solid waste going to landfills, in accordance with provincial guidelines and the Regional Waste Management Plan. The City will continue to use a variety of approaches including:...encouraging home composting ... Section VI 6.2 *