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 71 - 80 of 268 Results
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Sub Topics

lil xemit tems swiya nelh mes stutula: A Strategic Land Use Plan for the Shíshálh Nation

Topic(s): First Nations and Indigenous Food Systems, Land Access, Water Management, Wildlife/Environmental/Pest Management

Sub-topic(s): hunting/fishing/gathering, research and data collection, wildlife and ecosystem management

Region: Sunshine Coast | Document Type: Other | Year: 2007

View policy:  HTML PDF

Topic Subtopic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location
first nations and indigenous food systems; wildlife and ecosystem management;

hunting/fishing/gathering;		 Ensure that the Shíshálh Nation has authority over planning and management for fish and fish habitat in the territory. table 4
wildlife/environmental/pest management;

first nations and indigenous food systems;		 wildlife and ecosystem management;

hunting/fishing/gathering;		 Maintain the structural and functional integrity of watersheds (e.g., streams, stream channels, lakes, riparian areas, and other aquatic habitat areas) across the Shíshálh Nation territory in perpetuity. table 4
wildlife/environmental/pest management;

first nations and indigenous food systems;		 wildlife and ecosystem management;

hunting/fishing/gathering;		 Maintain, protect, and restore fish species and habitat or populations of management concern throughout the territory so as to ensure continued opportunities for sustainable harvest by Shíshálh Nation members table 4
first nations and indigenous food systems; hunting/fishing/gathering;

research and data collection;		 Build and sustain Shíshálh Nation capacity in fisheries and fish habitat study and management. table 4
first nations and indigenous food systems; wildlife and ecosystem management;

hunting/fishing/gathering;		 Ensure that the Shíshálh Nation has authority over planning and management for wildlife and habitat in the territory. table 5
wildlife/environmental/pest management;

first nations and indigenous food systems;		 wildlife and ecosystem management;

hunting/fishing/gathering;		 Conserve biodiversity within the Shíshálh Nation territory, including an appropriate distribution of critical fish and wildlife habitats throughout the territory to ensure they continue to support viable populations over the long term. table 5
wildlife/environmental/pest management;

first nations and indigenous food systems;		 wildlife and ecosystem management;

hunting/fishing/gathering;		 Sustain, and where necessary restore, abundant populations of wildlife and other harvested species of social, cultural and economic importance to the Shíshálh Nation. table 5
wildlife/environmental/pest management;

first nations and indigenous food systems;		 wildlife and ecosystem management; Protect rare and/or high value habitats (e.g., wetlands, riparian forests) or critical habitats (e.g., ungulate winter range, calving areas, security habitat) in the Shíshálh Nation territory. table 5
wildlife/environmental/pest management;

first nations and indigenous food systems;		 wildlife and ecosystem management;
 		 Rehabilitate habitats in the Shíshálh Nation territory that have been degraded due to past industrial disturbance. table 5
wildlife/environmental/pest management;

first nations and indigenous food systems;		 wildlife and ecosystem management;

research and data collection;		 Build and sustain Shíshálh Nation capacity in wildlife study and management. table 5
first nations and indigenous food systems; hunting/fishing/gathering; Ensure that the Shíshálh Nation have management authority over the planning and management of cultural and commercial plant harvesting and cultivation in the territory. table 6
wildlife/environmental/pest management;

first nations and indigenous food systems;		 wildlife and ecosystem management;

hunting/fishing/gathering;		 Protect and where necessary restore the integrity of Shíshálh Nation plant gathering areas and subsistence gathering opportunities table 6
first nations and indigenous food systems; hunting/fishing/gathering; Provide limited opportunities for commercial harvesting of NTFPs by the Shíshálh Nation where considered culturally appropriate and ecologically sustainable. table 6
first nations and indigenous food systems; hunting/fishing/gathering; Ensure that the intellectual property rights of the Shíshálh Nation are respected and protected in the management, use, and development of plants and NTFPs. table 6
first nations and indigenous food systems; hunting/fishing/gathering Build and sustain Shíshálh Nation capacity for planning and management of gathering activities. table 6
first nations and indigenous food systems; hunting/fishing/gathering; Exercise management authority over, and participate directly in, the planning and management of hunting and trapping in Shíshálh Nation territory table 7
first nations and indigenous food systems; hunting/fishing/gathering; Maintain access to a full range of opportunities to hunt and trap in the territory for food, social, ceremonial, and commercial purposes, in accordance with Shíshálh Nation customary laws and conservation principles. table 7
first nations and indigenous food systems; hunting/fishing/gathering; Ensure commercial and recreational hunting is conducted in accordance with Shíshálh Nation customs and values. table 7
wildlife/environmental/pest management;

first nations and indigenous food systems;		 hunting/fishing/gathering; Sustain healthy populations of all wildlife species that are hunted and trapped throughout Shíshálh territory. table 7
first nations and indigenous food systems; hunting/fishing/gathering; Build and sustain Shíshálh Nation capacity for planning and management of hunting and trapping activities. table 7

 

water management;

first nations and indigenous food systems;

 wildlife and ecosystem management; Ensure that the Shíshálh Nation has authority over the planning and management of water resources in the territory. table 8

water management;

wildlife/environmental/pest management;

first nations and indigenous food systems;

 wildlife and ecosystem management; Ensure that the planning and management of water in the territory addresses current and future drinking water requirements for the Shíshálh Nation and the need to maintain ecosystem health. table 8

water management;

first nations and indigenous food systems;

   Conserve the quality, quantity and timing of flow for all surface water and groundwater resources in the territory and ensure that impacts on freshwater resources from development projects approved by the Shíshálh Nation, including access routes, are avoided or mitigated to the full extent. table 8

water management;

first nations and indigenous food systems;

   Prohibit prospecting or commercialization of freshwater resources from the territory unless approved by the Shíshálh Nation. table 8

water management;

first nations and indigenous food systems;

   Build and sustain Shíshálh Nation capacity for planning and management of water resources. table 8
first nations and indigenous food systems; wildlife and ecosystem management; Ensure that the Shíshálh Nation have authority over the planning and management of Inter-tidal resources. table 9
wildlife/environmental/pest management;

land access;

first nations and indigenous food systems;		 hunting/fishing/gathering; Maintain access to inter-tidal areas and beaches for food and cultural harvesting and to ensure resource conservation. table 9
first nations and indigenous food systems; hunting/fishing/gathering;

aquaculture;		 Prohibit further privatization of foreshore and marine areas from the issuance of commercial leases for shellfish aquaculture or for other purposes, until such time as the interests of the Shíshálh Nation have been satisfactorily addressed through compensation or accommodation. table 9
wildlife/environmental/pest management;

first nations and indigenous food systems;		 wildlife and ecosystem management; Protect and where necessary restore degraded inter-tidal habitats and resources in the Shíshálh territory. table 9
wildlife/environmental/pest management;

first nations and indigenous food systems;		 wildlife and ecosystem management;

hunting/fishing/gathering;

aquaculture;		 Capitalize on commercial opportunities in shellfish aquaculture where considered culturally appropriate and sustainable, and providing these activities do no infringe on Shíshálh Nation opportunities to harvest these resources now or in the future. table 9
first nations and indigenous food systems; wildlife and ecosystem management; Build and sustain Shíshálh Nation capacity for planning and management of inter-tidal resources. table 9
wildlife/environmental/pest management;

first nations and indigenous food systems;		 wildlife and ecosystem management;

aquaculture;		 Ensure that the Shíshálh Nation have management authority over the planning and management of finfish aquaculture in the territory. table 10
wildlife/environmental/pest management;

first nations and indigenous food systems;		 aquaculture; Reduce or eliminate risks to the natural environment from finfish aquaculture in the territory. table 10
wildlife/environmental/pest management;

first nations and indigenous food systems;		 wildlife and ecosystem management;

aquaculture;		 Build and sustain Shíshálh Nation capacity for planning and management of finfish aquaculture. table 10
wildlife/environmental/pest management;

first nations and indigenous food systems;		 wildlife and ecosystem management; Ensure that the Shíshálh Nation have authority over the planning and management of forest resources in the territory. table 13
wildlife/environmental/pest management

first nations and indigenous food systems;;		 hunting/fishing/gathering; Protect and restore the ecological integrity of Shíshálh forest ecosystems, particularly salmon-bearing streams. table 13
wildlife/environmental/pest management;

land access;

first nations and indigenous food systems;		 wildlife and ecosystem management;

hunting/fishing/gathering;		 Ensure Shíshálh access to forests and forest related resources such as trees, fish, aquatic resources, wildlife, and medicinal plants for personal, family, or community uses. table 13
wildlife/environmental/pest management;

first nations and indigenous food systems;		 wildlife and ecosystem management;

hunting/fishing/gathering;		 Build and sustain Shíshálh Nation capacity for planning and management of forestry. table 13

City of Cranbrook Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 3550

Topic(s): Education, Food Production, Food Sales, Access & Procurement, Policy Partnerships, Advocacy & Development, Urban - Agriculture Conflict & Edge Planning, Urban Agriculture, Waste Management, Water Management, Wildlife/Environmental/Pest Management

Sub-topic(s): buffer at agricultural edge, farmers' markets, irrigation and drainage, livestock, partnerships/advocacy/liaising, research and data collection, residential development, urban gardens/orchard, wildlife and ecosystem management

Region: East Kootenay | Document Type: Official Community Plan | Year: 2006 (consolidated 2016)

View policy:  HTML PDF

Topic Subtopic Policy or Policy excerpt Document Location Language Rating
urban-agriculture conflict & edge planning;

buffer at agricultural edge;

residential development;

Mitigate Impacts of New Development on Existing Agricultural Operations


Agricultural operations may, at times, have unpleasant side effects on neighbouring properties. Consideration shall be given to existing agricultural operations when new residential development is proposed in their vicinity. Appropriate measures including
fencing, vegetative buffering and building setbacks may be required as means to address the potential negative impacts on the existing agricultural operations.

 6.2 (i)  

waste management;

water management;

 irrigation and drainage;

Spray Irrigation

Continue the successful operation of the effluent spray irrigation program.

 9.2 (c)  

water management;

wildlife/environmental/pest management;

livestock;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

Livestock in Watershed

Work in cooperation with the Regional District of East Kootenay, senior government authorities and landowners to restrict the access of livestock to streams within the City’s watershed.

 9.2 (d)  

wildlife/ecosystem management;

education;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

 

wildlife and ecosystem management;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

 

Invasive/Noxious Plants

Work in cooperation with the Regional District of East Kootenay and senior government authorities to raise public awareness about the problems associated with invasive/noxious plants such as knapweed and precautionary steps that should be taken to prevent such infestation. Develop an overall Invasive Plant Management Strategy in cooperation with the RDEK.

 9.2 (e)   
urban-agriculture conflict & edge planning;

buffer at agricultural edge;

residential development;

Urban/Rural Interface

Consider impacts of proposed new residential development in urban/rural interface areas keeping in mind that agriculture is an industry that may, at times, have unpleasant impacts on nearby residences. Appropriate measures including fencing, vegetative buffering and building setbacks shall be considered for proposed residential subdivision interfacing with agricultural lands in the interest of mitigating potential negative impacts.

 9.2 (f)  

urban agriculture;

 

urban gardens/orchard;

research and data collection;

Urban Agricultural

encourage the expansion of urban agriculture in forms such as community gardens as a creative and productive use of parks and other underutilized green spaces. Conduct an inventory of potential lands.

 9.2 (g)  

food production;

food sales, access and procurement;

 farmers' market;

Local Agricultural 

continue to promote and support the Cranbrook’s Farmer’s Market and encourage other initiatives involved with local food production.

 9.2 (h)  

 

Vision Tofino Update Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1200

Topic(s): Economic Development, Food Self Reliance, Wildlife/Environmental/Pest Management

Sub-topic(s): climate change and greenhouse gases

Region: Alberni-Clayoquot | Document Type: Official Community Plan | Year: 2013

View policy:  HTML PDF

Topic Subtopic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location Language Rating
economic development;   To promote a local food economy.  3.3.1.17  

wildlife/environmenta;/pest management;

food self-reliance;

 climate change and greenhouse gases; Minimize reliance on imported food by supporting local food production and consumption. 3.5.3.12.2  

 

City of Victoria Business License Bylaw Bylaw No. 89-71

Topic(s): Food Sales, Access & Procurement

Sub-topic(s): urban farm

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

View policy:  HTML PDF

An amendment to the provisions of the Business Licence Bylaw to regulate small-scale commercial urban food production.

Note: The available consolidation of the Business Bylaw (last consolidated 2015) available here excludes these amendments.

City of Victoria Sign Bylaw NO. 14-097

Topic(s): Food Sales, Access & Procurement

Sub-topic(s): farmers' markets, signage in agricultural areas

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

View policy:  HTML PDF

An amendment to the Sign Bylaw allowing for permanent farmers market signage.

Note: The available consolidation of the Sign Bylaw (last consolidated 2015) available here excludes this amendment.

City of Revelstoke Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1950

Topic(s): Development and Productive use of Agricultural Land, Education, Food Production, Urban Agriculture

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

Region: Columbia-Shuswap | Document Type: Official Community Plan | Year: 2009

View policy:  HTML PDF

Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location Language Rating
education; community food system education; Increase community awareness of food security issues by encouraging local food production and purchasing, potentially creating local food co-ops. pg 41  

protection and productive use of agricultural land;

food production;

   Increase land use resilience by allowing and encouraging local food
production, local materials and services use, and protection of the local and regional agricultural lands.		 pg 56  

food production;

urban agriculture;

   Support production of locally grown food products and urban agriculture. pf 72-73  

urban agriculture;

food production;

 urban gardens/orchard; Support community gardens as a way of locally producing food. pg 72-73  

 

City of Vancouver Food Policy Council Terms of Reference

Topic(s): Policy Partnerships, Advocacy & Development

Sub-topic(s): food policy council

Region: Metro Vancouver | Document Type: Other

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Vancouver Food Policy Council Terms of Reference

 

Policy advice

The Policy Council:

  • Provides input to City Council and staff about issues of concern
  • Considers any matters which may be referred to the Policy Council by City Council or staff
  • May take positions on policy initiatives from other levels of government within the mandate of the Policy Council
  • Advises Council and staff on the Vancouver Food Strategy as it is developed, implemented and updated

Collaboration

The Policy Council:

  • Works co-operatively with other agencies whose activities affect constituent communities, including initiating and developing relevant projects
  • Acts as a resource for staff doing public involvement processes and civic events

Awareness and outreach

The Policy Council:

  • Exchanges information with the constituent communities and the general public about relevant programs and issues of interest
  • Engages in outreach to disseminate information and encourage participation from constituent communities
  • Supports groups developing projects to enhance the food system

Planning and reporting

The Policy Council:

  • Produces an annual work plan with specific objectives by no later than April of each year, in consultation with City Council and staff liaisons, for distribution to City Council and civic departments for information
  • Submits an annual report to City Council describing its accomplishments for the year, including reference to each objective set out in the work plan and any arising issues to which the Policy Council has responded

Meeting frequency

  • The Policy Council meets at least four times a year, but not more than 10 times a year. It does not meet in August.
  • Currently, the Policy Council meets on either the second or third Wednesday of each month at 6:00pm in the Town Hall Room, Main Floor, City Hall.
  • Members of the public are welcome to attend the meetings.

Time commitment

  • Outside of meetings, members should expect to spend at least 2 hours on email and other correspondence, report writing, and inspection rides. Preparation time for all meetings is required.

Attendance requirement

  • Members may miss no more than four consecutive meetings without obtaining leave of absence from the Policy Council. Membership will be terminated following the fourth such absence.

taken from http://vancouver.ca/your-government/vancouver-food-policy-council.aspx, March 3rd, 2017.

Note: Vancouver Food Policy Council is embedded within the local government, and therefore the terms of reference have been included within the scope of this database. 

Gitanmaax Comprehensive Community Plan: 2012-2017

Topic(s): Education, First Nations and Indigenous Food Systems, Food Sales, Access & Procurement, Nutrition and Public Health

Sub-topic(s): community food system education

Region: Kitimat-Stikine | Document Type: Comprehensive Community Plan (gitanmaax) | Year: 2012

View policy:  HTML PDF

Topic Subtopic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location

food sales, access and procurement;

nutrition and public health;

first nations and indigenous food systems;

   Continue to enhance the implementation of the meals on wheels and in-home care services for Elders. 2.3

food access, sales and procurement;

education;

first nations and indigenous food systems;

 community food system education; Deliver community workshops on food knowledge and food preparation and preservation skills. 2.4

 

City of Victoria Food Tree Stewardship Pilot Program

Topic(s): Food Production, Urban Agriculture

Sub-topic(s): pilot project, urban gardens/orchard

Region: Capital | Document Type: Pilot Program | Year: 2016

View policy:  HTML PDF

Under the Food Tree Stewardship pilot program residents can apply to partner with community organization to plant food trees on  City parks & green spaces. See attached guide for details.

Setting Our Table Capital Regional District Food & Agriculture Strategy

Topic(s): Economic Development, Education, First Nations and Indigenous Food Systems, Policy Partnerships, Advocacy & Development, Water Management, Wildlife/Environmental/Pest Management

Sub-topic(s): soil, research and data collection, water rate for agriculture, pollinators, wildlife and ecosystem management, irrigation and drainage, farmland trust, agri-tourism, partnerships/advocacy/liaising

Region: Capital | Document Type: Food Strategy | Year: 2016

View policy:  HTML PDF

Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location
policy partnerships, advocacy and development;   Establish a Regional Food and Agriculture (RFA) Task Force to develop an organizational structure that supports regional collaboration and strategic decision-making.  5.1
education;   Develop food and agricultural education, experience and expertise.  5.2 (i)
policy partnerships, advocacy and development;   Embed food and agricultural experience
and expertise within the CRD.		 5.2 (ii)
  research and data collection;  iii) Maintain and improve regional food and
agriculture data.		 5.2 (iii)
wildlife/environmental/pest management; soil; Consider food and agriculture interests with a goal of improving the region’s soils. 5.3
water management; irrigation and drainage; Where possible, support municipal efforts towards watershed management with a goal to address drainage issues impacting the region’s most fertile soils. 5.4
wildlife/environmental/pest management; wildlife and ecosystem management; i) Continue to consider food and agriculture interests in regional wildlife management discussions and projects.  5.5(i)
wildlife/environmental/pest management;

pollinators;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

 ii) Consider emerging wildlife and
environmental issues e.g. beneficial
species (pollinators), invasive and
problematic species. 		 5.5 (ii)
water management; water rate for agriculture; Continue to provide affordable water rates for rural farm operations, and through direction from the water commissions, consider extending them to urban agriculture operations. 5.6

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

First Nations and indigenous food systems;

 partnerships/ advocacy/liaising; Continue to develop meaningful relationships with Aboriginal communities through regional food and agriculture discussions and activities. 5.7

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

First Nations and indigenous food systems;

 partnerships/ advocacy/liaising; Pursue regional food and agriculture related partnerships and activities between Aboriginal and non-aboriginal communities, agencies and groups. 5.8
  farmland trust; Initiate a process to establish a regional food and farmland trust. 5.9
economic development; agri-tourism;  ii) Support strategic business development initiatives for the region’s food and
agriculture sector including agri-tourism.		 5.10 (ii)