Agriculture Policy Review

Project Purpose

Significant changes have occurred in the past few years related to food systems and agriculture in the RDCK. The project will consider current legislation such as the Agricultural Land Commission Act, existing plans such as the RDCK Agricultural Plan, and best management documents as well as input from farmers, ranchers, farming organizations, and the public to update RDCK land use regulations with the goal of supporting farming and protecting farmland in the RDCK.

How can I be involved?
There are a number of engagement activities included in the project timeline. Information on how to get involved will posted here.

Areas D, E, H & G Referral
Have your say about the proposed changes. Provide written comments by email, mail or in person before 4:00 PM July 6th. Review the referral package here: 

• Applications in Progress

Project Backgrounders
Information is included below for topics being considered for RDCK land use regulation changes as part of this project.

• Residential Uses on Agricultural Land
• Built Footprints
• Lot Sizes
• Cannabis
• Farm Income Diversification
• Farm Product Processing
• Keeping of Farm Animals

Project Timeline

TASK	DESCRIPTION	STATUS
Board Endorsement	Staff report to Rural Affairs Committee: Agricultural Policy Review	Complete
Interviews and/or Focus Groups	Group or individual interviews with farming organizations and RDCK Commissions	Complete
Public Survey	Survey of options directed at farmers, ranchers, ALR land owners, and general public	Complete
Draft Amendments	Compile engagement results and draft proposed bylaw amendments: Engagement Results	Complete
Referral	Refer proposed bylaw amendments to internal departments and external agencies for 30 days	Complete: Areas A, B, C, F, I, J & K In progress: D, E, G & H
1st and 2nd Reading	Board consideration of proposed bylaw amendments: Staff Report	Complete: Areas A, B, C, F, I, J & K
Open Houses	Public presentations of the proposed bylaw amendments	Complete: Areas A, B, C, F, I, J & K
Public Hearing	Formal public hearing	Complete: Areas A, B, C, F, I, J & K
Refinement	Incorporate comments received and make any changes	Complete: Areas A, B, C, F, I, J & K
3rd Reading	Board consideration of bylaw amendments	Complete: Areas A, B, C, F, I, J & K
Adoption	Bylaws are implemented and in effect	Complete: Areas A, B & C (October 13, 2022) Pending for Areas F, I, J & K (Summer 2023)

 

Helpful Resources

• Agricultural Land Commission
  https://www.alc.gov.bc.ca/alc/content/home
• Secondary Residences in the ALR
  https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021AFF0043-001352
• RDCK Land Use Bylaws
  https://www.rdck.ca/EN/main/government/bylaws/land-use-planning.html
• RDCK Agricultural Plan
  https://www.rdck.ca/EN/main/services/sustainability-environmental-initiatives/agriculture-area-plan.html
• RDCK Agricultural Land Use Inventory
  https://www.rdck.ca/EN/main/services/sustainability-environmental-initiatives/agricultural-land-use-inventory.html
• RDCK Agriculture Water Demand Model
  https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/farming-natural-resources-and-industry/agriculture-and-seafood/agricultural-land-and-environment/water/agriculture-water-demand-model/500300-22_agric_water_demand_model_-_central_kootenay.pdf
• Central Kootenay Food Policy Council Evidence-Based Food Policy Development Project
  http://ckfoodpolicy.ca/evidence/
• Central Kootenay Food Policy Council Food Security Action Plan
  http://ckfoodpolicy.ca/central-kootenay-food-security-action-plan/
• Kootenay and Boundary Farm Advisors
  https://www.kbfa.ca/
• New Provincial Slaughter Licenses
  https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/food-safety/meat-inspection-licensing
• Farm Gate Cannabis Sales
  https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020PSSG0054-001830
• Ministry of Agriculture Guide for Bylaw Development in Farming Areas
  https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/farming-natural-resources-and-industry/agriculture-and-seafood/agricultural-land-and-environment/strengthening-farming/local-government-bylaw-standards/840000-1_guide_for_bylaw_development_in_farming_areas.pdf
• Ministry of Agriculture Guide to Edge Planning
  https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/farming-natural-resources-and-industry/agriculture-and-seafood/agricultural-land-and-environment/strengthening-farming/planning-for-agriculture/823100-3_edge_guide_2015.pdf
• Kootenay Boundary Region for the Climate Action Initiative by the Ministry of Agriculture
  https://www.climateagriculturebc.ca/library/kootenay-boundary-adaptation-strategies-plan/
• BC Food Systems Network Food Policy Toolkit
  https://gateway2.phabc.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/08/Food-Policy-Toolkit-FINAL-1.pdf

Contact

Stephanie Johnson, Planner
Tel: 250-352-8175
Email: sjohnson@rdck.bc.ca

The content on this page was last updated May 31 2023 at 4:47 AM

Back to top