A controversial plan to use satellites to monitor activities in the Agricultural Land Reserve has been put on hold pending consultation with landowners. A notice of intent to contract with Richmond-based MDA Systems Ltd., which the BC Ministry of Agriculture posted to BC Bid, the government’s procurement site, on November 13, disappeared November 18. The …
ALC
Housing tops concerns in Cranbrook
The province’s consultation on supporting farming in the Agricultural Land Reserve continued in Cranbrook on November 5, where 62 residents turned out to say the current system isn’t working for them. “It’s important that you start listening,” said Randy Reay, a rancher from Jaffray and land use chair with the Kootenay Livestock Association. The province …
Paton presents ALR petition
A petition seeking the repeal of recent legislation governing the activities of the Agricultural Land Commission and what’s allowed in the Agricultural Land Reserve was presented to the legislature on Monday. Delta South MLA and agriculture critic Ian Paton delivered the petition, signed by nearly 27,000 people, and asked agriculture minister Lana Popham on their …
ALC gets an earful
DELTA – Small-lot agriculture, secondary residences and the profound disconnect between farmers, local government and the Agricultural Land Commission are emerging as common themes at townhall sessions the province launched in September to figure out how it can support farming in the Agricultural Land Reserve. The four-hour sessions featured presentations by ALC chair Jennifer Dyson, …
ALC gets an earful
Small-lot agriculture, secondary residences and a general disconnect between farmers, local government and the Agricultural Land Commission are emerging as common themes at town hall sessions the province launched last month to figure out how it could do a better job of supporting farming in the Agricultural Land Reserve. The four-hour sessions feature presentations by …
Opposition to grill NDP
Darvonda Nurseries in Langley. Rusted Rake in Nanoose Bay. Maan Farms in Abbotsford. Fantasy Farms in Chilliwack. These and other operations in the province’s venerable Agricultural Land Reserve have all come under scrutiny in recent months as the Agricultural Land Commission has taken a “farming first” approach to applications and activities. While growers and property …