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 251 - 260 of 268 Results
Topics
Sub Topics

City of North Vancouver Native Bee Pilot Project

Topic(s): Wildlife/Environmental/Pest Management

Sub-topic(s): pilot project, pollinators

Region: Metro Vancouver | Document Type: Pilot Program | Year: n.d.

View policy:  HTML

Pilot project in the City of North Vancouver places bee nesting boxes in areas of the City with good bee habitat in order to help measure native bee populations on the North Shore and supportconservation efforts.

City of Nelson Zoning Bylaw No. 3199, 2013

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

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

Region: Central Kootenay | Document Type: Zoning Bylaw | Year: consolidated 2013

View policy:  HTML PDF

topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy excerpt Document Location

urban agriculture;

 urban gardens/orchard;

Uses Permitted in All Zones

The following uses shall be permitted in all zones within this bylaw:

... d. Community Gardens...

 1.1.2 (d)
food procesing, storage and distribution;

food storage;

agricultural industry services;

food distribution;

 See document for regulations of Industrial Zones (M1) and Waterfront Mixed-Use Industrial & Commercial Zone (MU4), which permit food storage (warehousing).

7.1;

5.4;

 

Supplementary Information

 

Municipal Planner Interview with the City of Nelson Re: Zoning for Community Gardens and Food Storage

Nelson’s 2013 OCP and Zoning Bylaw update included accommodations to increase food storage and distribution in the City and permit community gardens in all zones.

Policy Development and Community Consultation

The OCP and zoning bylaw updates in 2013 were informed by Nelson’s Sustainability Plan (“Nelson Path to 2040”, 2011), which identified food security and agriculture as a focal area for future planning and development. This precedent in a high-level planning document facilitated the inclusion of food security/agricultural goals and policies within the OCP and Zoning Bylaw, including increased land use accommodations for warehousing and permitting community gardens throughout the City.

Both the OCP and the zoning bylaw included public engagement components in the form of open houses. At these forums, members of the public were invited to review and comment on the proposed bylaw and plan changes. The proposed changes to these policies were supported throughout the community consultation process.

Policy Adoption

The adoption of these particular zoning bylaw amendments resulted from discussions of how the City of Nelson can best support local food security. Recognizing the importance of agriculture and food production in the region, and the limited land base available within the City to support food production, Nelson adopted policies within its OCP and zoning bylaw to allow community gardens in all zones as well as support the storage and distribution of food from the surrounding agricultural region.

Policy Outcomes and Recommendations

Since the policies were adopted, one community garden has been established in a residential area of Nelson. The community garden project, proposed by a local food charity called the Nelson Food Cupboard, provides fresh produce and skills training to community members.

Now that the changes allowing warehousing and commercial storage in the City have been put in place, the City of Nelson aspires to play a more significant role as a distribution hub for the region’s agricultural sector.  With these provisions in the City’s zoning bylaw, and a food policy council currently being formed in the region, Nelson is anticipating identifying and enhancing its role in the regional food system.

 

References

City of Nelson, Development Services and Engineering, personal communication, October 2016

 

 

City of Kelowna Zoning Bylaw No. 8000

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

Sub-topic(s): agri-tourism, ALR, ALR subdivision, farm home plate, farm retail/farm gate sales, farm worker accommodation, farmers' markets, food processing, greenhouses, home occupation/home based businesses, livestock, residential development, siting and coverage, urban gardens/orchard, zoning

Region: Central Okanagan | Document Type: Zoning Bylaw | Year: consolidated 2019

View policy:  HTML PDF

Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location

food production;

urban agriculture;

zoning;

greenhouses;

Urban Agriculture

Where food is produced for consumption by residents of the subject parcel only, and is
in association with an existing principal use – single family dwelling,urban agriculture
must comply with the following:
a) greenhouses are permitted to a maximum of 30m2 in total floor area;
b) greenhouses, accessory buildings or structures associated with urban agriculture
shall conform to the applicable zoning requirements for accessory buildings or
structures and the relevant zone. A greenhouse is not included in the calculation
of site coverage for accessory buildings or structures;...

See document for additional regulations related to urban agriculture.

 9.10

food production;

urban agriculture;

zoning;

urban gardens and orchards;

Multi-residential Shared Garden

A Multi-residential shared garden must be solely for the use of the residents on
the parcel. Multi-residential shared gardens shall:
(a) be screened from adjacent streets and/or parking area by landscaping;
(b) be integrated into the overall landscape design;
(c) be located on a parcel where exposure to sunlight is optimal;...

See document for additional regulations related to multi-residential shared gardens.

 9.11

food production;

urban agriculture;

zoning;

urban gardens and orchards;

Community Gardens

In order to be permitted on a parcel a Community Garden shall:
(a) conform to the applicable zoning requirements for accessory buildings or
structures, or greenhouse when accommodating these structures in
conjunction with a community garden;
(b) be delineated from adjacent streets and/or parking areas by landscaping;
(c) have no or materials related to the community garden stored outside on the
parcel;...

See document for additional regulations related to community gardens.

 9.12
development and productive use of agricultural land;

zoning;

farm worker accommodation;

 See document for additional regulations related to temporary farm workers accommodations. 9.13
development and productive use of agricultural land;

ALR subdivision;

ALR;

Subdivision Regulations

(a) The minimum lot width is 40.0 m.
(b) The minimum lot area is 4.0 ha

 11.1.5
development and productive use of agricultural land;

siting and coverage;

ALR;

See document for siting and coverage regulations for buildings and structures in Agricultural Zones.

 11.1.6
development and productive use of agricultural land

farm home plate;

residential development;

 For lots 0.4 ha and greater, a residential footprint must be registered on title for any residential development triggered by a Farm Protection Develoment Permit.The
maximum residential footprint is 2,000 m2. A second residential footprint up to 1,000 m2 may be registered for a mobile home for immediate family where permitted.		 11.1.6 (c)
food processing, storage & distribution;

food processing;

siting and coverage

 Not withstanding subsections 11.1.6(a), confined livestock areas and/or buildings housing more than 4 animals, or used for the processing of animal products, shall not be located any closer than 30.0 m from the lot line where the lot line borders a residential zone. 11.1.6 (f)
food processing, storage and distribution;

home occupation/home based businesses;

food processing;

livestock;

ALR;

 

When a home based business, rural involves the cutting and wrapping of wild game
or any meat, the lot must have a minimum lot area greater than 0.33 ha.

 11.1.7 (a)
food sales, access and procurement;

farn retail/gate sales;

ALR;

 Agricultural and garden stands selling only 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 50.0 m². For sites within the Agricultural Land Reserve, the maximum gross floor area of agricultural and garden sales for produce produced off-site or off-farm products shall be the lesser of one-third of the total floor area of the agricultural and garden sales stand or 100.0 m². 11.1.7 (c)
economic development;

agri-tourism;

ALR;

residential development;

(j) Bed and breakfast homes or group homes, minor in combination with a secondary suite shall not be located on parcels less than 2.0 ha in size. 

 11.1.7 (j)
economic development;

agri-tourism;

ALR;

residential development;

The following uses are specifically prohibited in the A1 – Agriculture Zone, in accordance with the requirements of the ALC Regulations to prohibit explicitly: (a) agri-tourist accommodation, as defined by the ALC Regulation....

 11.1.10.
urban agriculture;

urban gardens/orchard;

residential development;

 Urban agriculture permitted in all urban residential zones. section 13
food sales, access & procurement;

farmers' markets;

 Purpose
The purpose is to provide for an agribusiness and agritourism zone that meets local and tourist demand for agricultural products, services and experiences. Due to the seasonal nature of agriculture, this zone also provides for a flexible range of secondary uses which serve local residents on a year round basis.		 Section 18, Schedule B, CD23

 

City of Kelowna Agribusiness/Agritourism Comprehensive Development Zone

Topic(s): Food Sales, Access & Procurement

Sub-topic(s): zoning

Region: Central Okanagan | Document Type: Zoning Bylaw | Year: 2009

View policy:  HTML PDF

Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location
food sales, access and procurement; farmers' market;

Purpose

The purpose is to provide for an agribusiness and agritourism zone that meets local and tourist demand for agricultural products, services and experiences. Due to the seasonal nature of agriculture, this zone also provides for a flexible range of secondary uses which serve local residents on a year round basis.... See document for regulations for Public Market and Open-Air Market Comprehensive Development Zones (CD23).

 Section18, Schedule B, CD23

 

City of Kelowna Farm Protection Development Permit Guidelines

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

Sub-topic(s): protection of farming development permit area

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

View policy:  HTML PDF

See Chapter 15 of the City of Kelowna's Official Community Plan for Farm Protection Development Permit Guidelines.

City of Kelowna Official Community Plan 2030 Bylaw No. 10501

Topic(s): Development and Productive use of Agricultural Land, Economic Development, Food Sales, Access & Procurement, Urban - Agriculture Conflict & Edge Planning, Urban Agriculture, Wildlife/Environmental/Pest Management

Sub-topic(s): 'benefit to agriculture' language, agri-tourism, agricultural industry services, ALR, ALR exclusion, ALR subdivision, buffer at agricultural edge, covenants, edible landscaping, farm home plate, farm traffic, farm worker accommodation, farmers' markets, protection of farming development permit area, residential development, roads in agricultural land, urban containment/growth boundary, urban gardens/orchard, wildlife and ecosystem management, zoning

Region: Central Okanagan | 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;

agricultural industry services;

zoning;

ALR exclusion;

ALR;

farmers' markets;

 Agri-business Land use Designation: Rural land preserved for agriculture and agriculture-related businesses that support local farming and farmers... Agriculture related commercial uses (retail and office) necessary to support a farmers’ market and public market may be considered within this designation. Limited residential uses may be supported within this designation and include a single caretaker’s unit and accessory live/work accommodation which support the agriculture-related business function. Despite the potential for “non-farm use” activities, lands within this designation will not be supported for exclusion from the ALR and only non-farm uses approved by the Agricultural Land Commission will be permitted. An example of appropriate zoning within this designation is Comprehensive Development (CD) zone CD2. 4.2 *

food sales, access and procurement;

economic development;

 urban containment /growth boundary; Lands within the permanent growth boundary may be considered for urbanuses within the 20 year planning horizon ending 2030. Lands designated as Future Urban Reserve within the permanent growth boundary may be considered for urban uses beyond 2030. Lands outside the permanent growth boundary will not be supported for urban uses. Non-ALR land outside the Permanent Growth Boundary will not be supported for any further parcelization. 4.7 *

urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning;

wildlife/environmental/pest management;

 wildlife and ecosystem management; Integrate land use approaches wherever possible to improve opportunities for biodiversity, ecosystem connectivity, recreation, agriculture and local food production, while reducing conflicts. 5.2.5 *

food sales, access and procurement;

development and productive use ofagricultural land;

farmers' markets;

ALR;

 Support the development of farmer’s markets on non-ALR sites. ALR sites located near the urban – rural edge, in accessible, central locations may be considered if a non-ALR alternative cannot be secured. 5.13.1 *
urban agriculture; edible landscaping; Encourage the use of building setback, backyards and landscaped areas, for growing edible plants. 5.13.2 *
urban agriculture; urban gardens/ orchard; Encourage private and non-profit sector universally-accessible community gardening. Where appropriate, consider the use of city-owned land for use as community gardens. 5.13.3  
urban agriculture;

urban gardens/orchard ;

residential development;

 Encourage new development to include contiguous space intended for garden space for residents. 5.13.4  
development and productive use ofagricultural land; ALR; Retain the agricultural land base by supporting the ALR and by protecting agricultural lands from development, except as otherwise noted in the City of Kelowna Agricultural Plan. Ensure that the primary use of agricultural land is agriculture, regardless of parcel size. 5.33.1 *
development and productive use ofagricultural land; ALR exclusion;ALR; The City of Kelowna will not support ALR exclusion applications to the ALC except in extraordinary circumstances where such exclusions are otherwise consistent with the goals, objectives and other policies of this OCP. Soil capability alone should not be used as justification for exclusion. 5.33.2 *
development and productive use ofagricultural land; urban containment/growth boundary; Direct urban uses to lands within the urban portion of the Permanent Growth Boundary, in the interest of reducing development and speculative pressure on agricultural lands. 5.33.3 *

urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning;

urban agriculture;

 buffer at agricultural edge; Consider complementary agricultural land uses such as urban agriculture (as defined in the Zoning Bylaw) along the urban-rural interface that act as a transition between existing urban development and farming operations. 5.33.4 *

economic development;

development and productive use ofagricultural land;

farm gate/farm retail sales;

ALR;

agri-tourism;

 Support agritourism uses that can be proven to be in aid of and directly associated with established farm operations. Permit wineries, cideries and farm retail sales (inside and outside the ALR) only where consistent with existing ALC policies and regulations. 5.33.5 *
development and productive use ofagricultural land;

ALR;

'benefit to agriculture' language;

  Support non-farm use applications on agricultural lands only where approved by the ALC and where the proposed uses:• are consistent with the Zoning Bylaw and OCP;• provide significant benefits to local agriculture;• can be accommodated using existing municipal infrastructure;• minimize impacts on productive agricultural lands;• will not preclude future use of the lands for agriculture;• will not harm adjacent farm operations. 5.33.6 *
development and productive use ofagricultural land;

ALR subdivision;

ALR;

'net benefit to agriculture' language;

 Maximize potential for the use of farmland by not allowing the subdivision of agricultural land into smaller parcels (with the exception of Homesite Severances approved by the ALC) except where significant positive benefits to agriculture can be demonstrated. 5.33.7 *
development and productive use ofagricultural land;

ALR;

residential development;

 Discourage residential development (both expansions and new developments) in areas isolated within agricultural environments (both ALR and non-ALR). 5.33.8 *
development and productive use ofagricultural land;

ALR;

residential development;

  Encourage secondary suites on agricultural land to be located within a permitted principal dwelling. 5.34.1 *
development and productive use ofagricultural land;

farm worker accommodation;

residential development;

ALR;

 Accommodation for farm help on the same agricultural parcel will be considered only where: agriculture is the principal use on the parcel, and the applicant demonstrates that the additional housing is necessary to accommodate farm employee(s) whose residence on the farm property is considered critical to the overall operation of the farm. The primary consideration is whether the scale of the farm operation is large enough that permanent help is deemed necessary. Temporary farm worker housing (e.g. bunkhouse accommodation on non-permanent foundations) is the preferred solution where the need for farm worker housing is justified. 5.34.2 *
development and productive use ofagricultural land;

farm home plate;

ALR;

residential development;

 Locate buildings and structures, including farm help housing and farm retail sales area and structures, on agricultural parcels in close proximity to one another and where appropriate, near the existing road frontage. The goal should be to maximize use of existing infrastructure and reduce impacts on productive agricultural lands. 5.34.3 *
development and productive use ofagricultural land;

ALR;

institutional development; 

 Discourage the use of agricultural lands for public or institutional uses such as schools, parks and churches except as identified in the OCP. 5.34.4 *
wildlife/environmental/pest management; wildlife and ecosystem management; Maintain and improve biodiversity through the establishment of corridors (connectivity) and where appropriate, through the integration of wild species within agricultural landscapes. 5.35.1 *
wildlife/environmental/pest management;

covenants;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

 Promote the use of conservation covenants on agricultural land. Conservation covenants will:• balance both agricultural and environmental values and recognize the complex relationships between some agricultural use and areas of environmental interest;• protect environmental values identified through current statutory provisions (e.g. Species at Risk) and values identified through current federal, provincial and local inventory programs;• place only reasonable restrictions on agriculture in order to protect important environmental values;• allow for specified farm activities in locations that will not unduly impact or diminish the identified environmental values; and• focus on those areas specifically identified as containing important environmental values, and should not unduly restrict agriculture elsewhere on the property. 5.35.2 *
development and productive use ofagricultural land;

farm traffic;

roads in agricultural land;

 Minimize the impact of penetration of road and utility corridors through agricultural lands, utilizing only those lands necessary and to the maximum capacity prior to seeking new corridors. Provision should be made for farm traffic to cross major roads. 7.5.1 *

urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning;

urban agriculture;

protection of farming development permit area;

ALR;

buffer at agricultural edge;

 See document for farm protection development permit guidelines. chapter 15 *

 

City of Kamloops Animal Control Bylaw No. 34-11

Topic(s): Food Production, Urban Agriculture

Sub-topic(s): urban chickens, beekeeping/apiculture, pollinators, livestock

Region: Thompson-Nicola | Document Type: Regulatory Bylaw | Year: 2006-2014

View policy:  HTML PDF

Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Section

urban agriculture;

food production;

 livestock;

FARM ANIMALS

3.1 No person shall keep or harbour any farm animal on any parcel of land in the City unless the said parcel has an area of not less than 0.4047 ha (one acre).

3.2 No person shall keep or harbour more than two farm animals per 0.4047 ha (one acre) on any parcel of land within the City.

3.3 No person shall keep or harbour any farm animal on any parcel of land in the City which is zoned commercial or industrial as set out in the City Zoning Bylaw, provided that this subsection shall not apply to a person who is engaged in the operation of a veterinary clinic, animal hospital, pound or stockyards in an area permitted by the City Zoning Bylaw.

3.4 No person shall keep or harbour swine on any parcel of land in the City unless such lands are a minimum size of 8 ha. (19.768 acres) or are zoned A 1. (34-18)

3.4A Vietnamese pot bellied pigs may be kept as a pet on any parcel of land within the City provided that certification is produced upon request to verify the breed as a Vietnamese pot bellied pig

 section 3;

urban agriculture;

food production;

livestock;

urban chickens;

 

POULTRY

 9.1 Permitted Number of Poultry

9.1.1 No property owner or person shall own, keep, or harbour any poultry on any parcel of land in the City, except in the number and type permitted according to property size, land use, and restrictions described in the following table and otherwise in this bylaw:

Table 9.1.1 - Permitted Number of Poultry

Land Use

Land Restrictions

 Type of Poultry Maximum Poultry Permitted
Minimum 370 m2 (.037 ha) up to 4,000 m2 (0.4047 ha or 1 ac.) Residential zoned property with a permitted use of single-family or two-family residential, subject to siting, registration, and other requirements s Hens only, no roosters and no chicks Minimum two (2) hens to a maximum of five (5) hen
Minimum 4,000 m2 (0.4047 ha or 1 ac.) or greater In zones other than A1-(Agricultural), commercial poultry farming is not permitted Any poultry, as defined in Section 1.2 Up to 30 head of poultry
Minimum 4,000 m2 (0.4047 ha or 1 ac.) or greater A-1 (Agricultural) zones only Any poultry, as defined in Section 1.2 Unlimited number of poultry

 

See document for additional regulations related to the keeping of poultry.

 

 section 9;

urban agriculture;

food production;

beekeeping/apiculture;

pollinators;

livestock;

BEES

12.1 No person shall keep or harbour bees on any parcel of land unless:

(a) The parcel of land is located in one of the following: (i) Zone Areas A-1, FD, CR-1, CR-2, CR-3, RS-1, RS-1S, RS-2, RS-2A, RS-3, RS-4, RS-5, RT-1, RT-2, or RT-3; (ii) Zone Areas P-1, P-2, P-3, P-4, or P-8 and associated with a community garden or educational program; or (iii) As specifically permitted by the City of Kamloops Zoning Bylaw on individual lots.

(b) The parcel of land is equal to or greater than 370 m2 .

(c) In the case of residentially zoned properties, any beehive is located in the rear yard of the property.

(d) Any beehive is oriented to face away from adjacent properties, lanes, and streets and is sited so as to allow a clear flight path of at least 7.5 m straight ahead from the front of the beehive to any property line and 3.0 m from the side and rear of the beehive to any property line, except where the beehive is: (i) Sited behind a solid fence or hedge that is at least 1.8 m in height, in which case the 7.5 m setback may be reduced to 6.0 m and the 3.0 m setback may be reduced to 1.0 m; or (ii) Elevated such that the underside of the beehive is raised a minimum of 2.5 m above ground level, in which case the 7.5 m setback may be reduced to 3.0 m.

12.2 The maximum number of beehives/colonies and nucleus colonies permitted is as follows:

(a) Two (2) beehives/colonies and two (2) nucleus colonies on any parcel of land that is less than 929 m2 .

(b) Four (4) beehives/colonies and four (4) nucleus colonies on any parcel of land that is equal to or greater than 929 m2 and less than 1,858 m2.

(c) Six (6) beehives/colonies and six (6) nucleus colonies on parcels equal to or greater than 1,858 m2 and less than 0.8 ha. BYLAW NO. 34-11 PAGE 20 12. BEES (Continued)

(d) Ten (10) beehives/colonies and ten (10) nucleus colonies on parcels equal to or greater than 0.8 ha and less than 2.0 ha.

(e) Unlimited beehives/colonies and nucleus colonies on parcels equal to or greater than 2.0 ha.

12.3 Every person keeping bees must:

(a) Comply with the Bee Act.

(b) Provide a water supply to prevent the bees from seeking water from other sources, such as neighbourhood birdbaths, pool decks, ponds or other sources of water.

(c) Take all reasonable measures to prevent and manage swarming or defensive behaviour by the bees."
section 12;
 

 

City of Duncan Zoning Bylaw 1540, 1988

Topic(s): Food Production, Urban Agriculture

Sub-topic(s): zoning, urban chickens, greenhouses, livestock, residential development

Region: Cowichan Valley | Document Type: Zoning Bylaw | Year: consolidated 2016

View policy:  HTML PDF

Topic Sub-Topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Section

urban agriculture;

food production;

greenhouses;

residential development;

Accessory Buildings and Structures:

...(e) One greenhouse not exceeding 25 square m in floor area shall be permitted per parcel as an accessory residential structure. Greenhouses exceeding 25 square m in floor area shall be considered as agricultural buildings and shall respect the relevant agricultural building setbacks from parcel lines.

 5.10 (e)

food production;

urban agriculture;

urban chickens;

livestock;

Backyard Hen Enclosure

In the zones permitted, a Backyard Hen Enclosure must:

(a) be an accessory use conducted by a resident of the parcel;

(b) consist of at most six (6) hens kept for personal egg consumption;

(c) be located in a backyard such that the dwelling unit is between the Backyard Hen Enclosure and the front parcel line;

(d) use only a Pen and a Coop as each of those terms are defined by the Animal and Poultry Regulation and Animal Pound Bylaw, and no other structures; Page 19 of 55 City of Duncan Zoning Bylaw 1540 (Consolidated January 4, 2016)

(e) have a Coop no larger than 8 square metres in floor area and no higher than 3 metres;

(f) have the Coop and the Pen placed at least: (i) 2.5 metres from the exterior side parcel line, the interior side parcel line and the rear parcel line; (ii) 17.5 metres from the front parcel line; and (iii) have the Coop and the Pen placed at least 7.5 metres from every road, laneway, and public path.

 5.20

 

City of Duncan Animal Regulation and Impounding Bylaw No. 3139, 2015

Topic(s): Food Production, Urban Agriculture

Sub-topic(s): beekeeping/apiculture, livestock, pollinators, urban chickens

Region: Cowichan Valley | 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;

Possession of Animals

...(c) any Poultry or roosters, other than up to six (6) Hens if each Hen is kept in accordance with this Bylaw; and the Person holds a valid licence issued pursuant to this Bylaw.

 4 (c)

urban agriculture;

food production;

beekeeping/apiculture;

pollinators;

livestock;

Requirements for keeping bees

37. A Person who keeps bees must: (a) provide adequate water for the bees on the Person’s property (b) maintain the bees in a condition that will reasonably prevent swarming, and (c) keep hives at least 7.6m away from each property line, unless there is a solid fence or hedge at least 1.8 m tall parallel to the property line.

 Section 37;

urban agriculture;

food production;

livestock;

urban chickens;;

Hen Licensing

48. A Person may apply for a licence for one or more Hens by:

(a) Reading the information on keeping Hens prepared by the City from time to time Animal Regulation and Impounding Bylaw No. 3139, 2015 - 12 -

(b) Completing and submitting an application in the form prescribed by the City, whether on-line or in paper form, and including all of the following information: (i) the date; (ii) the applicant’s name, address and postal code; (iii) the specific number and type of Hens to be licensed; (iv) confirmation that the Person resides on the property whether he or she will be keeping the Hens; and (v) confirmation that the Person has read the information required under Section 49; and

(c) Providing, upon the request of the City Planner, evidence that the licence holder will be able to keep Hens in compliance with Section 49 of this Bylaw

See document for additional regulations relating to the Licensing of Hens.

 Section 48-53;

City of Duncan Genetically Engineered Crops & Foods Policy

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

Sub-topic(s): crops, GE/GMO, local procurement

Region: Cowichan Valley | Document Type: Policy | Year: 2014

View policy:  HTML PDF

A policy stating that the City of Duncan does not support the use or cultivation of genetically engineered (GE) crops and animals by abstaining from purchasing GE plants or trees for City operations.

 

Supplementary Information

 

Interview with the City of Duncan Re: Genetically Engineered (GE) Crops and Foods Policy

The City of Duncan’s Genetically Engineered (GE) Crops and Foods  policy opposes the cultivation of GE crops and foods within the City and, where reasonable, the purchase of GE foods for City events.

Policy Development and Adoption

The development of the policy was motivated by the Municipality’s Community Sustainability Plan, which included a suggestion to consider the adoption of a policy addressing GE crops and foods. 

The policy was developed by Council’s Environment Committee after a series of discussions and presentations from professionals and community advocates. These considered both arguments for and against the use and cultivation of GE crops and foods as Council actively sought information from both sides of the debate prior to adopting the policy, which was approved in 2014.

The policy language was developed with the intent of adopting an educational stance, rather than a prescriptive one.

Policy Implementation

Since there is very little opportunity for the purchase of genetically engineered plants, trees or seeds for use in the City of Duncan, the policy’s implementation did not impact the purchasing practices of the City’s public works department.

To implement the policy for City events, the municipality asks caterers to identify the genetically engineered food products that they use. The goal of this practice is to maintain and update records of the provision of GE foods at City events. In this way, the City aims to use the policy as an informative tool. 

Policy Outcomes and Recommendations

To date, the policy has not been as effective as intended.  As a result of staff turnover and other factors, implementation of the policy has been given varying levels of attention.  Since revisiting the policy in order to provide information for this database, the City aims to increase its efforts to request and display information from caterers regarding their use of GE foods. 

One possible way in which the City is considering re-tooling the policy to increase awareness of the use of GE foods in City events is by assembling an accessible booklet of GE information retrieved from caterers. This booklet would be kept near the food at events catered for City Council so that information could be easily accessed.

 

References

City of Duncan, personal communication, November 2016