Have Your Say: Residence size and location in the ALR

The places we live and work are important to all of us, but possibly none more so than communities with a rich agricultural tradition.

These communities produce the food British Columbian families rely on, contribute to jobs we depend on, and are home to countless families, friends and neighbours. And like all communities, residents in them are concerned about how their neighbourhoods look and feel, and want to ensure potential developments lead to positive change.

The Ministry of Agriculture is inviting British Columbians to comment on possible guidelines for residence size and location on properties in the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR). We have been consulting with local governments, farmers, producers, and realtors on the matter, and also want to hear from you.

For an easy way to provide your opinion on whether residences and their amenities in the ALR should be subject to size and location limits, visit: http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/resmgmt/sf/residential_uses_in_ALR_consultation/index.htm

Your feedback is part of a process to help develop a provincial standard that will help guide local governments throughout the province.

Although the ALR is a provincially designated zone, the regulation of residential buildings within it is primarily determined by the city or municipality in which it lies. A provincial guideline would provide a foundation for consistent decision making, while leaving enough flexibility for local governments to consider their community’s specific issues and needs or the details of a specific property.

With a rapidly growing population and a quality of life in B.C. among the highest in the world, ALR land near our largest urban centres is under increasing pressure for uses other than farming. Both local and provincial governments want to hear your views regarding large estate-style homes on property designated as ALR land.

One school of thought suggests this type of home should be strategically placed so as to maintain the agricultural potential of the land. Others feel property owners can do as they please. What are your views?

We all benefit from sharing ideas and working together, which is why open government and citizen engagement is so important. I encourage you to participate in the ALR Residential Guidelines Survey because we want to hear your thoughts and opinions.

You can participate by visiting the Internet address above, or by clicking on the “ALR Residential Guidelines Survey” button in the top right corner of this website: www.agf.gov.bc.ca

The survey is open until Thursday, July 14.

Hon. Don McRae
Minister of Agriculture