250-352-8165
plandept@rdck.bc.ca
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.
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) Complete: Areas F, I, J & K (July 20, 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 October 4 2023 at 3:24 AM