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 201 - 210 of 268 Results
Topics
Sub Topics

City of Victoria Pesticide Use Reduction Bylaw Amendment

Topic(s): Wildlife/Environmental/Pest Management

Sub-topic(s): urban farm, pesticide and pest management

Region: Capital | Document Type: Regulatory Bylaw | Year: amendment 2016

View policy:  HTML PDF

A bylaw is to protect the natural environment by regulating and reducing the non-essential use of pesticides.

From Pesticide Use Reduction Bylaw, City of Victoria, 2009.

City of Vancouver Health By-law No. 9536

Topic(s): Wildlife/Environmental/Pest Management

Sub-topic(s): pesticide and pest management

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

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Topic Sub-Topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location
wildlife/pest/environmental management; pesticide and pest management;

Ban on pesticides

2.9 A person must not apply, or suffer or allow the application of, a pesticide:

(a) that is a neonicotinoid; or

(b) that is a registered control product under the Pest Control Products Act (Canada); and that persons use directly or indirectly to control, destroy, attract, or repel a pest, being:

(i) an animal, plant, or other organism that is directly or indirectly injurious, noxious, or troublesome, or

(ii) an injurious, noxious, or troublesome condition or organic function of an animal, plant, or other organism, or to mitigate or prevent any injurious, noxious, or troublesome effects of a pest.

Exception to ban on pesticides

2.10 Despite section 2.9, a person may apply, or suffer or allow the application of, a pesticide other than a neonicotinoid:

(a) to disinfect swimming pools, whirlpools, spas, or wading pools;

(b) to purify water intended for the use of human beings or animals;

(c) within an enclosed building, being an area closed in by a roof or ceiling and walls with appropriate openings for ingress or egress equipped with doors which are kept closed except when actually in use for ingress or egress;

(d) to control termites;

(e) to control or destroy a health hazard;

(f) to control or destroy pests which have caused infestation to property, being the presence of pests in numbers or under conditions which involve an immediate or potential risk of substantial loss or damage;

(g) to exterminate or repel rodents;

(h) as a wood preservative;

(i) as an insecticide bait enclosed by the manufacturer in a plastic or metal container made in a way that prevents or minimizes access to the bait by human beings and pets;

(j) as an insect repellent for personal use; or

(k) that contains only one or more of the active ingredients set out in Schedule A to this By-law.

 2.9-2.10

 

City of Vancouver Administration of Community Food Markets Bulletin

Topic(s): Food Sales, Access & Procurement

Sub-topic(s): farmers' markets

Region: Metro Vancouver | Document Type: Other | Year: 2014

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City of Vancouver's policy outlining the administration of community food markets and criteria for which community food markets are permitted to operate without further land use approval.

City of Surrey Soil Conservation and Protection By-Law, 2007

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

Sub-topic(s): soil

Region: Metro Vancouver | Document Type: Regulatory Bylaw | Year: 2007

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A bylaw that regulates the removal and deposition of soil.

City of Prince George Zoning Bylaw No. 7850

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

Sub-topic(s): agri-tourism, ALR, ALR subdivision, buffer at agricultural edge, livestock, residential development, siting and coverage

Region: Fraser-Fort George | Document Type: Zoning Bylaw | Year: consolidated 2016

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Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location
economic development agri-tourism Agri-Tourist Accommodation: the accessory use of land, buildings and structures for shortterm overnight accommodation limited to 4 sleeping units, and seasonal campsites combined, where the total area for buildings, landscaping, and access for accommodation is less than 5% of the lot. 2.3 definitions
development and productive use of agricultural land;

ALR subdivision;

ALR;

 The minimum lot area and lot width provisions of this Bylaw shall not apply for AG, AF and AR lots where the purpose of a subdivision is to protect environmentally sensitive areas, recreational amenities, or agricultural land from development. Provided that the average subdivision area, including the parent parcel, is greater than or equal to the minimum subdivision area, the following applies: a) the owner registers a covenant pursuant to Section 219 of the Land Title Act in favour of the City at the time the subdivision is registered; b) this covenant shall restrict or prohibit the construction of buildings or structures, and/or the use of any lot; and, c) such covenant shall be satisfactory to the Approving Officer. 4.6.4

development and productive use of agricultural land;

economic development;

residential development;

agri-tourism;

 A secondary suite is not permitted in conjunction with an agri-tourist accommodation, bed & breakfast, community care facility, or a boarding or lodging house on the same site. 5.6.5

development and productive use of agricultural land;

economic development;

residential development;

agri-tourism;

 A bed & breakfast is not permitted in conjunction with an agri-tourist accommodation, community care facility, boarding or lodging house, or secondary suite. 5.7.2
urban - agriculture conflict and edge planning;

buffer at agricultural edge;

ALR;

 A landscape buffer is required for all land abutting the Agricultural Land Reserve including non-farm developments on the Agricultural Land Reserve, regardless of zone, according to the requirements of the Agricultural Land Commission. 6.5.7
development and productive use of agricultural land; siting and coverage;

See document for siting and coverage regulations for development in Agriculture and Forestry Zone.

 9.2.5-9.2.6
food production; livestock;

The maximum number of poultry permitted on a lot is:

a. 0 on lots less than 2,000 m2;

b. 25 on lots that are 2,000 m2 or greater, but less than 1.0 ha;

c. 100 on lots that are 1.0 ha or greater, but less than 4.0 ha; and

d. On lots of 4.0 ha or greater, no limitations.

 9.2.7.6
food production; livestock;

7. The maximum number of livestock that may be bred, trained, ridden, kept, reared or boarded on a lot is:

a. 0 on lots less than 0.4 ha;

b. 2 on lots that are 0.4 ha or greater, but less than 1.2 ha;

c. On lots of 1.2 ha or more, but less than 4.0 ha, 1 for each 0.4 ha of portion thereof; and

d. On lots 4.0 ha or more, no limitations.

 9.2.7.7

 

City of Vernon Zoning Bylaw #5000, Agricultural Zones in ALR

Topic(s): Development and Productive use of Agricultural Land, Economic Development, Food Processing, Storage & Distribution, Food Sales, Access & Procurement

Sub-topic(s): agri-tourism, food processing, farm retail/farm gate sales, ALR, siting and coverage

Region: North Okanagan | Document Type: Zoning Bylaw | Year: 2003

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

siting and coverage;

ALR;

See document for coverage and siting regualtions in Agriculture Zones within the ALR.

 8.1.5
food procesing, storage and distribution;

food processing;

ALR;

 Farm and animal products processing is allowed provided that a minimum of 50% of the products are produced on-site. 8.1.6
food sales, access and procurement;

farm retail/gate sales;

ALR;

 Agricultural and garden stands selling produce grown on the site or another site operated by the same producer do not have a maximum area. The maximum gross floor area of stands selling produce that is produced off-site shall be 50.0m2 . For sites within the Agricultural Land Reserve, the maximum gross floor area of agricultural and garden sales for produce off-site shall be lesser of 33% of the total floor area of the agricultural or garden stand or 50.0m2 . 8.1.6
economic development; agri-tourism; Agri-tourist accommodation shall not be located on lots smaller than 2.0ha (5 acres) in size and shall not exceed 10 bedrooms, campsites or recreational vehicle pads.  8.1.6
       

Regulations included above are for section 8.1 Agriculture within the ALR (A1). See complete zoning bylaw for other agricultural zoning regulations including large and small holdings outside of the ALR (A2).

District of West Vancouver Animal Control and Licence Bylaw No. 4545, 2008

Topic(s): Food Production, Urban Agriculture

Sub-topic(s): urban chickens, livestock

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

View policy:  HTML PDF

Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location

food production;

urban agriculture;

urban chickens;

livestock 

Chickens

10.4.1 No person may:

(a) keep a rooster of any age;

(b) keep a chicken that is less than 4 months old;

(c) keep more than 6 chickens on any one lot, as defined by the Zoning Bylaw, despite the number of dwelling units permissible on that lot;

10.4.2 A person who keeps one or more chickens must:

(a) register the chickens with the District by filling out all fields of the chicken registration form and submitting it to the District;

(b) construct and maintain a chicken enclosure, including a chicken coop and a chicken run;

(c) provide and maintain a floor of any combination of vegetated or bare earth in each chicken enclosure;

(d) provide and maintain in the chicken coop at least one perch, for each chicken, that is at least 15 cm long, and at least one nest box per chicken coop;

(e) construct and maintain each chicken enclosure to prevent any rodent from harbouring underneath or within it or within its walls, and to prevent entrance by any other animal;

(f) secure all food containers indoors or in a manner to prevent access by vermin, wildlife and other animals;

(g) remove leftover feed, trash, and manure in a timely manner so as to prevent obnoxious odours, attraction of pests and wildlife, or conditions that could interfere with the health and well being of a chicken;

(h) follow bio-security procedures recommended by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency;

(i) keep chickens for personal use only, and not sell, trade or barter eggs, manure, meat, or other products derived from the chickens;

(j) not slaughter, or attempt to euthanize, a chicken on the property;

(k) not bury a chicken on the property;

(l) not dispose of a chicken except by delivering it to the pound keeper, or to a farm, abattoir, veterinarian, or other facility that has the ability to dispose of chickens lawfully;

(m) not keep a chicken in a cage other than a chicken enclosure unless for the purpose of transport;

(n) ensure that all chickens are kept within a secure and locked coop from dusk until dawn or from 9:00 p.m. where dusk falls later than 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. where dawn occurs earlier than 7:00 a.m.;

(o) ensure that each chicken remains at all other times in the chicken enclosure;

(p) not deposit manure in the municipal sewage or storm drain system.

 10.4

 

District of Saanich Zoning Bylaw 8200

Topic(s): Development and Productive use of Agricultural Land, Education, Food Processing, Storage & Distribution, Food Sales, Access & Procurement

Sub-topic(s): demonstration farm, farmers' markets, food distribution, food processing, food storage, siting and coverage, zoning

Region: Capital | Document Type: Zoning Bylaw | Year: 2003

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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 of buildings and structures for agriculture, single family dwelling and accessory uses. 1 

 101.3 - 101.7 ; 125.4-125.8
education demonstration farm; See document for regulations of Rural Demonstration Farm Zone (A-1DF).2 schedule 103
food sales, access and procurement; farmers' markets See document for regulations of Rural Zone Farm Market Zone (A-3). schedule 120

food processing, storage and distribution;

food sales, access and procurement;

food distribution;

food storage5;

 See document for regulations of Rural Commercial Zone (C-1R).3 schedule 812
food processing, storage and distribution;

food storage5;

food processing;

 See document for regulations of Food Processing Zone (M-5).4  schedule 925

1 The majority of rural parcels in the District of Saanich are covered in the A1 and A4 zones, section 101 and 125 respectively. Reference:Food and Agriculture Policies and Regulations,  District of Saanich, retrieved December 2016 from http://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/agriculture-food-security/policies-regulations.html

2 " In 2006, the Capital Regional District transferred a piece of land zoned Utility (P-2) to the District of Saanich for the purpose of local sustainable agriculture. The District of Saanich rezoned the piece of land as Rural Zone (Demonstration Farm)(A-1DF). This land is now leased to the Haliburton Community Organic Farm Society, and is home to the Haliburton Community Organic Farm. The Society rents land to three farm businesses."  Reference: The Land Conservancy of BC, BC’s Farming and Food Future: Local Government Toolkit for Sustainable Food Production, published December 2009, retrieved December 2016.

3 "The C-18 Rural Commercial Zone was created to recognize the activities required for the sale and distribution of local agricultural products to the community."  Reference:Food and Agriculture Policies and Regulations,  District of Saanich, retrieved December 2016 from http://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/agriculture-food-security/policies-regulations.html

4 "The zoning bylaw permits food processing (and warehousing) in the M-5 Zone but not Rural Zones. "  Reference:Food and Agriculture Policies and Regulations,  District of Saanich, retrieved December 2016 from http://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/agriculture-food-security/policies-regulations.html

5 Warehousing is a permitted use in most industrial zones as well as select commercial zones. Reference:Food and Agriculture Policies and Regulations,  District of Saanich, retrieved December 2016 from http://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/agriculture-food-security/policies-regulations.html 

 

 

District of Saanich Local Food Procurement Policy

Topic(s): Food Sales, Access & Procurement

Sub-topic(s): local procurement

Region: Capital | Document Type: Policy | Year: 2012

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A policy outlining that all District of Saanich Divisions engaged in the purchase of food for operational needs, or engaged in leasing Saanich owned space to operators of food concessions, will ensure that when practical, both operationally and economically, 40% of purchases shall be local.

 

from http://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/local-government/bylaws.html#letter-l

District of Saanich Water Utility Bylaw

Topic(s): Water Management

Sub-topic(s): water rate for agriculture

Region: Capital | Document Type: Regulatory Bylaw | Year: 2000

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The Water Utility Bytlaw outlines reduced rates for agricultural water service connection and water service connection to land that is classified as farm.

 

From http://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/agriculture-food-security/polic…