HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-07-05 Council Workshop Agenda and Reports Special Meeting.pdf
City of Maple Ridge
SPECIAL COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING AGENDA
July 5, 2016
3:00 p.m.
Blaney Room, 1st Floor, Municipal Hall
1.0 CALL TO ORDER
2.0 APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
3.0 UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
3.1 Agricultural Plan Priority Setting Workshop
Council discussion facilitated by Dr. Gordon McIntosh
See attached Information package
4.0 ADJOURN
Checked by: _________
Date: _____________
MEETING DECORUM
Council would like to remind all people present that serious issues are decided at
Council meetings which affect many people’s lives. Therefore, we ask that you act
with the appropriate decorum that a Council Meeting deserves. Commentary and
conversations by the public are distracting. Should anyone disrupt the Council
Meeting in any way, the meeting will be stopped and that person’s behavior will be
reprimanded. The meeting is live streamed and recorded by the City of Maple Ridge.
Special Council Workshop Meeting
July 5, 2015
Page 2 of 2
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CITY of MAPLE RIDGE
AGRICULTURAL PRIORITIES
Date: 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., TUESDAY, JULY 5, 2016
Location: Blaney Room
Participants: COUNCIL
Facilitator: Gordon A. McIntosh
PROPOSED AIM: To help Council provide direction on agricultural activities
within the City’s context by considering Agriculture Plan (2009) strategies and
related emerging topics.
AGENDA
1.0 STRATEGIC FOCUS (session scope & limitations)
1. Session Overview: Proposed Approach Presentation
2. Session Expectations Round Table
2.0 STRATEGIC EXPECTATIONS (Council views)
1. Potential Roles: Direct, Advocacy & Enabling Discussion
2. Strategic Criteria: Significance & Reality Discussion
Deliverables: Agriculture: City Roles & Strategic Priority Criteria
3.0 STRATEGIC POSSIBILITIES (using Priority Criteria)
1. Strategic Topics: using survey items Discussion
2. Changing Needs: emerging topics Discussion
3. Strategic Options for Strategic Topics Discussion
Deliverables: Agricultural Strategies: NOW, NEXT, LATER & NOT
AT ALL
4.0 STRATEGIC ACTIONS
1. ‘NOW’ Action Considerations: Reality & Urgency Discussion
2. Strategic Action Plan: Who, When and How Discussion
Deliverables: Identified Actions
5.0 NEXT STEPS
1. Workshop Outcomes Presentation
2. Follow-up Round Table
Deliverables: Workshop Follow-up
“Agricultural Strategies?” SESSION
PREPARATION WORKSHEET
On July 5, Council think about City efforts to support agricultural acitivities
within the City’s context by considering Agriculture Plan (2009) strategies and
related emerging topics.
What is the City’s role?
What actions do you think the City should focus on?
What are some emerging topics to be addressed (not in the 2009 plan)?
Other NOTES
Please bring this page with you to the Workshop.
Thanks! - Gordon McIntosh - Facilitator
Maple Ridge Agricultural Plan
December 15, 2009
Prepared by Zbeetnoff Agro-Environmental Consulting
and
Quadra Planning Consultants
in collaboration with
The Maple Ridge Agricultural Advisory Committee
Maple Ridge Agricultural Plan
2
Maple Ridge Agricultural Plan
3
Table of Contents
Table of Contents..................................................................................................3
A Long Term Vision for Agriculture in Maple Ridge ......................................................5
1.0 Introduction......................................................................................................6
2.0 Key Highlights of Maple Ridge Agriculture.........................................................8
2.1 Size of the Agricultural Land Base....................................................................................... 8
2.2 Use of the Agricultural Land Base....................................................................................... 8
2.3 Agricultural Economic and Employment Contribution......................................................... 8
2.4 Revenue Characteristics of Census Farmers ........................................................................ 8
2.5 Quality of the Resource Base.............................................................................................. 8
2.6 Lot Use and Farm Size Distribution..................................................................................... 9
2.7 Farm Investment................................................................................................................ 9
3.0 Findings of Investigations................................................................................10
3.1 Key Findings of the Situational Analysis: 2008 Update.......................................................10
3.2 Key Findings of the Report titled “Discussion of Issues and Preferred Options and
Recommended Actions Pertaining to the Maple Ridge Agricultural Planning Process – May
2009” ...............................................................................................................................10
3.2.1 Key Issues................................................................................................................................10
3.3 Purpose of the Agricultural Plan........................................................................................11
4.0 Planning Framework .......................................................................................12
4.1 Agricultural Principles and Policies of the Official Community Plan.....................................12
4.2 The Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC).......................................................................14
4.3 Guiding Principles Emerging from Agricultural Planning Process.........................................14
5.0 Agricultural Plan Recommendations – Action Framework................................15
5.1 Issue 1: Difficulty in Gaining Access to Underutilized Agricultural Land...............................15
Goal 1: Increase Access to Underutilized Agricultural Land.......................................................15
Recommendations......................................................................................................................15
5.2 Issue 2: Gaps in the Knowledge Base of Farmers................................................................16
Goal 2: Improve the Agricultural Knowledge Base of Farmers ..................................................16
Recommendations......................................................................................................................16
5.3 Issue 3: Gaps in the Knowledge Base of the Consumer Public.............................................16
Goal 3: Improve the Agricultural Knowledge Base of the Consumer Public..............................17
Recommendations......................................................................................................................17
5.4 Issue 4: Gaps in the Local Distribution and Marketing System ............................................17
Maple Ridge Agricultural Plan
4
Goal 4: Develop the Local Distribution and Marketing System..................................................17
Recommendations......................................................................................................................17
5.5 Issue 5: Loss of the Agricultural Land Base.........................................................................18
Goal 5: Protect the Agricultural Land Base.................................................................................18
Recommendations......................................................................................................................18
5.6 Issue 6: Deterioration of the Agricultural Infrastructure.....................................................19
Goal 6: Rehabilitate and Improve the Agricultural Infrastructure .............................................19
Recommendations......................................................................................................................19
5.7 Issue 7: Gaps in the Local Food System Infrastructure........................................................20
Goal 7: Develop Local Food System Infrastructure Capacity......................................................20
Recommendations......................................................................................................................20
5.8 Issue 8: Limited Diversity in Agricultural Activity................................................................20
Goal 8: Increase the Diversity of Agricultural Activity................................................................20
Recommendations......................................................................................................................21
5.9 Issue 9: Stress in the Agriculture-Residential Interface.......................................................21
Goal 9: Reduce Potential for Stress in the Agricultural-Residential Interface............................21
Recommendations......................................................................................................................21
5.10 Issue 10: Impacts of Agriculture on the Environment .........................................................22
Goal 10: Minimize the Impact of Agriculture on the Environment............................................22
Recommendations......................................................................................................................22
5.11 Issue 11: Agriculture Land Use-Wildlife Conflicts................................................................22
Goal 11: Reduce Agriculture–Wildlife Conflicts..........................................................................23
Recommendations......................................................................................................................23
5.12 Issue 12: Inconsistent Regulation of Agricultural Areas ......................................................23
Goal 12: Create a Regulatory Environment Friendly to Agriculture...........................................23
Recommendations......................................................................................................................23
5.13 Issue 13: Incompatible Land Use Zoning Context for the Agricultural Land Reserve.............23
Goal 13: Protect and Enhance the Agricultural Context of the Agricultural Land Reserve.......24
Recommendations......................................................................................................................24
6.0 Agricultural Plan Performance ....................................................................25
7.0 Acronyms Used in this Plan ........................................................................25
8.0 Glossary ...................................................................................................25
APPENDICES......................................................................................................28
Maple Ridge Agricultural Plan
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A Long Term Vision for Agriculture in Maple Ridge
A key objective of the Agricultural Plan process was to develop a vision for agriculture in Maple
Ridge. Based on consultations with area farmers and other stakeholders, a vision for the Year
2030 for Maple Ridge agriculture has been crafted to guide the planning process.
The Vision has four parts:
Sustainable agriculture is vibrant in Maple Ridge, making a vital contribution to the
District’s economy, health, environmental attributes, and quality of life.
Sustainable agriculture will possess three main characteristics that make the statement possible:
farm profitability creating economic viability, environmental stewardship resulting in ecological
soundness, and social justice - prosperity for all participants in the system.
Diverse agricultural activity occurs on farms of all sizes and uses many channels to
distribute agricultural products and services to the consumer public.
This statement envisions all scales of farming activity in Maple Ridge producing a diversity of
products and services using a range of business models from conventional full-time farming to
part-time, smaller scale and community based farming. It also recognizes that it is not a choice of
one type of farming over another. It is very possible that more than one business model will occur
on a property.
Sustainable farming engages local residents, attracts new entrants, and takes
profitable advantage of local marketing opportunities.
Sustainable farming will be characterized by the creation of a resilient food production system in
the community, providing food security (see Glossary) and beneficial agricultural land (see
Glossary) use in a variety of ways ranging from backyard gardening to community supported
agriculture to commercial ventures. In particular, agriculture will attract and support new and
young entrepreneurs.
The agricultural sector is fully supported by the community.
The key element of this statement is that the community will assist in protecting agriculture,
providing key agricultural infrastructure and protecting the resource base to ensure that the
conditions for working agriculture are maintained and enhanced. Most importantly, community
demand for local agricultural products and services will be strong and a well-developed local
storage, handling, distribution, processing, and marketing infrastructure is the cornerstone of the
local food system.
Maple Ridge Agricultural Plan
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1.0 Introduction
This Agricultural Plan was funded in part by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC
through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Advancing Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food (ACAAF)
program1. This funding assisted the District of Maple Ridge in commissioning Zbeetnoff Agro-
Environmental Consulting and Quadra Planning Consultants to produce this Agricultural Plan. The
purpose of the plan is to assist with the implementation of agricultural policies contained in the
municipality’s Official Community Plan (OCP).
The Terms of Reference for the work state the purpose of the Plan is to “…provide an overview of local
agriculture, identify opportunities, and recommend strategies to support and encourage agriculture.”
This Agricultural Plan was developed through a 3-step process. It provides recommendations and
strategies for pursuing actions identified and further explored in workshops held with agricultural
producers and other stakeholders in the winter of 2008-2009. These steps are listed below.
1. Situational Analysis: 2008 Update
2. Discussion of Issues, Preferred Options and Recommended Actions pertaining to the Maple
Ridge Agricultural Planning Process: May 2009
3. Maple Ridge Agricultural Plan (Draft)
A Public Open House was held on July 27, 2009 at the Municipal Offices to review and receive comments
on the Draft Agricultural Plan. Approximately 70 people attended the Open House and 22 written
responses were received. The majority of those who responded, by about a 2 to 1 ratio, were in support
of the Plan. The Agricultural Advisory Committee met and reviewed the responses and incorporated
some changes into the Plan.
All members of the Agricultural Advisory Committee are recognized for their valuable contributions in
the preparation of this Plan. They include:
• Candace Gordon, Community at Large, Chair
• Councillor Linda King, Council Liaison
• Councillor Cheryl Ashlie, Council Liaison
• Lorraine Bates, Agricultural Fair Board
• Christian Cowley, Community at Large, Vice Chair
• Margaret Daskis, Maple Ridge Representative to the Metro Vancouver (see Glossary)
Agricultural Advisory Committee
• Heather Laity, Non-Food Producing Agricultural Sector
• Tony Pellet, Agricultural Land Commission
• Steve Pelton, Economic Advisory Committee
• Steve Wynnyk, Food Producing Agricultural Sector
• Chris Zabek, Regional Agrologist, Ministry of Agriculture and Lands
• Matt Buchanan, Haney Farmers Market
1 Agriculture and Agri‐Food Canada (AAFC) is pleased to participate in the production of this publication. AAFC
is committed to working with our industry partners and the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC to increase
public awareness of the importance of the agriculture and agri‐food industry to Canada. Opinions expressed in
this publication are those of the District of Maple Ridge and not necessarily AAFC’s.
Maple Ridge Agricultural Plan
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• Paula Panek, Haney Farmers Market
• Kerry Davison, Non-Food Producing Agricultural Sector
• Kevin Davison, Maple Ridge Representative to the Metro Vancouver AAC
• Matthew Laity, Food Production Sector
• Jo Anne ten Brink, Community at Large
• Diana Hall, Staff Liaison, Planning Department, Maple Ridge
In addition, members of the community made themselves available for interviews that provided insight
into agriculture challenges and opportunities in Maple Ridge. The Committee would also like to
acknowledge the valuable assistance provided by Jane Pickering and Christine Carter of the Maple Ridge
Planning Department.
Maple Ridge Agricultural Plan
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2.0 Key Highlights of Maple Ridge Agriculture
2.1 Size of the Agricultural Land Base
• Total land area in the Agricultural Land Reserve is 3,848.9 ha (9,509 acres) or 15% of Maple
Ridge's total area.
2.2 Use of the Agricultural Land Base
• In 2005, there were 213 farms in Maple Ridge
• The area of farms in Maple Ridge in 2005 was 1871 ha (4,752 acres)
• 73.3% of the farming area is in the Agricultural Land Reserve and 26.7% is outside the
Agricultural Land Reserve
• By area, 34.5% of the Agricultural Land Reserve has farm class tax assessment status
• One quarter (25.8%) of the Agricultural Land Reserve is forested
• 28.9% of the Agricultural Land Reserve is used to produce hay/pasture, often with horses
• 33% of the Agricultural Land Reserve is used for rural residential purposes.
2.3 Agricultural Economic and Employment Contribution
• In 2008, Maple Ridge agriculture generated at least $20 million in gross farm receipts, some $14
million lower than 2005, due to the closure of a major greenhouse operation
• In 2008, Maple Ridge farmers paid for 9,400 weeks of agricultural labour.
2.4 Revenue Characteristics of Census Farmers
• The Maple Ridge agricultural sector is comprised primarily of operators with part-time levels of
farm income
• In 2005, about 79% of farm operators grossed less than $25,000 annually
• Agro-tourism is playing an increasingly important role.
2.5 Quality of the Resource Base
• Ninety percent of the Maple Ridge Agricultural Land Reserve lands are classed as prime
farmland (improved land capability classes 1, 2, and 3)
• Maple Ridge has a higher proportion of soils that are more complex to manage, due primarily to
very low permeability (impervious sub soils), restricted drainage (due to low permeability or
location in un-dyked lowland areas), low moisture holding capacity where the surface soil is
coarse textured (gravely/sandy), and topography
• Access to water is an issue where the access to groundwater for irrigation is unreliable
• Drainage and flood control are significant issues in the Northwest and Albion Flats areas of the
agricultural lowland of Maple Ridge.
Maple Ridge Agricultural Plan
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2.6 Lot Use and Farm Size Distribution
• In 2005, over 93% of Maple Ridge farms were less than 28 ha (70 acres)
• Farm size in Maple Ridge averages 9.0 ha (23 acres)
• A significant proportion of Maple Ridge farms raise various types of domestic and specialty
animals
• Tame/seeded and natural pasture together accounted for about 33% of the farm area in Maple
Ridge
• Crops are grown on only 28.7% of the farming area.
2.7 Farm Investment
• The “average” Maple Ridge farm operator had a farm capital investment of about $1,000,000.
Maple Ridge Agricultural Plan
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3.0 Findings of Investigations
The information generated in the planning process has directed the content of the Agricultural Plan.
3.1 Key Findings of the Situational Analysis: 2008 Update
This Situational Analysis has revealed that the Maple Ridge agricultural sector wishes to see a concerted
effort to protect, enhance, and promote agriculture in the District. There is an expectation that
traditional farming models will not be as applicable in the future and that alternative models with new
and multiple objectives should be pursued. There are individuals within the Maple Ridge agricultural
sector who see a need for changes in how the agricultural sector currently interacts with the community
and are embracing new emerging food system options.
Key observations emerged from sector consultations that will guide the agricultural planning process.
Close proximity to a large urban population with increasing demand for local food and agricultural
products is the biggest strength of Maple Ridge agriculture. As such, there is considerable opportunity to
develop markets for a diverse range of high quality products that are fresher, safer, and healthier by
virtue of being local.
There was overall optimism identified during the consultation process that food trends could be
translated into profitable business opportunities regardless of the constraints posed by parcel size,
fragmentation of the land base, or resource characteristics. These proponents include both established
farmers and also relatively unseasoned operators with post-secondary educations, new ideas and
substantial amounts of capital who are just starting out. However, these new entrepreneurs often lack
basic agricultural knowledge and all farmers would have a greater prospect of success with targeted
assistance in creating the infrastructure.
The agriculture sector faces significant threats from deteriorating agricultural infrastructure (such as
gaps in the local marketing system and inadequate drainage and flood control), loss of agricultural land
to non-agricultural uses, and a declining knowledge base about agriculture. As such, there are gaps in
providing the necessary conditions for working agriculture focusing on the local food economy.
3.2 Key Findings of “Discussion of Issues and Preferred Options and
Recommended Actions Pertaining to the Maple Ridge Agricultural
Planning Process – May 2009”
This consisted of the prioritization of the key issues likely to be addressed in the Agricultural Plan and
development of a vision for Maple Ridge agriculture. Participants also identified preferred outcomes.
3.2.1 Key Issues
The key issues identified through the consultation process include the following:
• Loss of the agricultural land base
• Deterioration of the agricultural infrastructure
• Difficulty in gaining access to agricultural land
Maple Ridge Agricultural Plan
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• Limits to the agricultural knowledge base of farmers
• Limits to the agricultural knowledge base of the consumer public
• Gaps in the local distribution and marketing system
• Gaps in the local food system infrastructure
• Limits to the diversity in agricultural land use
• Discord in the agriculture-residential interface
• Impact of agriculture on the environment
• Conflicts between agricultural land use and wildlife
• Inconsistent regulation of agricultural areas
• Land use bylaws may be too restrictive on agricultural land with respect to setbacks, lot
coverage, or accessory buildings.
These issues are summarized in greater detail in Section 5.0.
3.3 Purpose of the Agricultural Plan
The Maple Ridge Agricultural Plan transforms the vision for agriculture and the issues into:
• A statement of goals of the Agricultural Plan to address the key issues
• Recommended actions to achieve the goals
• A timeframe for implementing actions and their relative priority
• Agent(s) with responsibility to implement the actions
• Recognition of the need for performance indicators to measure progress of the Agricultural
Plan.
Maple Ridge Agricultural Plan
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4.0 Planning Framework
The Agricultural Plan is guided by the policies and bylaws of Maple Ridge and the direction received
during the stakeholder consultations in the community. The Official Community Plan designates land
uses in the District including agricultural land.
4.1 Agricultural Principles and Policies of the Official Community Plan
The principles and policies for agriculture in Maple Ridge are articulated in the Official Community Plan.1
Specifically, the Official Community Plan has adopted principles to protect and enhance agriculture in
the community and devised broad policies to assist in meeting that goal.
• Principle 1: Protection of agricultural lands is considered a strong element of protecting
environmental values.
• Principle 2: Agriculture is an important part of the community’s character and economy. Citizens
value methods to enhance and protect a diversity of agriculture in Maple Ridge.
• Principle 3: A comprehensive assessment of the Agricultural Land Reserve is important to ensure
compatibility between municipal objectives and the objectives of the GVRD (see Glossary) (Metro
Vancouver) and the Agricultural Land Commission.
• Principle 24: The community recognizes the environmental contribution made by lands within the
Agricultural Land Reserve.
Section 6.2 of the Official Community Plan2 highlights an agricultural strategy that the District of Maple
Ridge intends to pursue. The strategy is based on Maple Ridge pursuing:
a) agricultural economic development, and
b) sustainable agriculture through the following policies
• Policy 6-5: Collaborate with other agencies, such as the Agricultural Land Commission, BCMAL
(British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture and Lands), and GVRD (Metro Vancouver), to promote
and foster agriculture.
• Policy 6-6: Develop an Agricultural Plan that:
a) maintains an inventory of local agricultural products and agricultural land use,
b) develops and maintains a database of farm businesses and operations,
c) promotes leasing opportunities of agricultural land,
d) promotes agricultural heritage initiatives,
e) identifies appropriate land uses within the agricultural areas and at the urban-rural interface,
promotes urban agriculture,
f) recognizes the positive role that agricultural lands have on the environment,
g) identifies mechanisms to assist farm operators and to protect agricultural lands (such as
creation of trusts, endowments, life-leases,
1http://www.mapleridge.org/assets/Default/Planning/OCP/pdfs/1.0_community_context.pdf
2 http://www.mapleridge.org/assets/Default/Planning/OCP/pdfs/6.0_employment.pdf
Maple Ridge Agricultural Plan
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h) includes an assessment of the agricultural land base, and
i) develops Development Permit area guidelines to direct non-agricultural development at the
urban-rural interface.
• Policy 6-7: Promote sustainable agriculture and consider the inclusion of agriculture in the
District’s Economic Development Strategy by:
a) increasing public awareness of farming values and practices,
b) emphasizing the local and regional importance of agriculture,
c) emphasizing the importance of preserving and supporting access to locally grown food,
d) encouraging farmers to implement Environmental Farm Plans, and
e) emphasizing the importance of agricultural land in the District’s social, economic, and
environmental values.
• Policy 6-8: Work cooperatively with senior levels of government and other agencies to
promote agricultural business opportunities by:
a) aligning land use bylaws to permit supportive non-farm uses such as agro-tourism, bed and
breakfast, and on-farm sale,
b) assisting agricultural landowners to identify and develop agricultural opportunities, such as
value-added, agro-tourism, bed and breakfast, recreational,
c) identifying and encouraging access by agricultural landowners to agricultural programs,
d) promoting the demand for, and sale of, local agricultural products within the community, such
as farmers’ markets, on-farm marketing, District food and plant material procurement
policies, and
e) Developing a small lot agriculture initiative tailored to Maple Ridge conditions.
• Policy 6-9: Support the policies and regulations of the ALC and the Farm Practices Review Act in
its land uses and review its bylaws affecting farmland and farm operations for consistency with
provincial acts, regulations and guidelines.
• Policy 6-10: Strive to maintain its agricultural land base in Maple Ridge through …
a) establishing a distinct separation between rural and urban designated areas,
b) designating all lands outside of the Urban Area Boundary that are within the Agricultural Land
Reserve as Agriculture,
c) establishment of an Agricultural Advisory Committee, and
d) striving for a balance between farming activity and conservation lands.
• Policy 6-11: Review policies and regulations to support and encourage small lot agriculture.
• Policy 6-12: Protect the productivity of its agricultural land by
a) adopting a “positive benefit to agriculture” guiding principle in making land use decisions
affecting agriculture,
b) requiring agricultural impact assessments and groundwater impact assessment of non-farm
development and infrastructure projects and identifying measures to off-set impacts to
agricultural capability,
c) preserving larger farm units by using buffers (see Glossary, topographic features,
watercourses, ditching, fencing, or reduced residential densities on properties adjacent to
agricultural land,
Maple Ridge Agricultural Plan
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d) discouraging subdivision of agricultural land into smaller parcels except where positive
benefits to agriculture can be demonstrated,
e) reinforcing the concept that the Agricultural Land Reserve is intended for agriculture by
increasing the minimum lot size for Agricultural Land Reserve properties that are zoned rural
residential, and
f) encouraging the amalgamation of smaller parcels of farmland into larger parcels.
• Policy 6-13: Develop Development Permit Area Guidelines for the protection of farming to:
a) reduce impacts on farmland and maintain compatibility between farm and non-farm uses,
b) guide the form and character of future adjacent non-farm development, and
c) place conditions on title to inform non-farming rural residents of normal incidents
encountered when living in an active agricultural area.
• Policy 6-14: Work with the Agricultural Land Commission to advance community services related
to proposed parks in the Agricultural Land Reserve.
4.2 The Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC)
The agricultural planning process has been guided by the Agricultural Advisory Committee. This
Committee is appointed by Council for the purpose of advising Council on agricultural matters and
undertaking and providing support for such activities as benefit and provide for the advancement of
agricultural activities in the District. The duties of the AAC include:
a) Develop and implement educational and public awareness programs related to agriculture in
the District;
b) Support projects that promote agriculture; and
c) Make recommendations on agricultural policies and advise Council on policy issues relating to
agricultural land and appropriate land uses in agricultural areas.
4.3 Guiding Principles Emerging from Agricultural Planning Process
In light of the issues that emerged from the workshops and consultations, several guiding principles
have been articulated to direct the agricultural plan and to assist with implementing the Long Term
Vision for Agriculture as identified through the agricultural planning process. They are also consistent
with the District's OCP and principles and policies identified above. These guiding principles are:
• Protection of the agricultural land base
• Support for regional drainage and flood control infrastructure to ensure that agricultural
capability is realized
• District commitment to regulatory reform to promote working agriculture
• Community support for agriculture.
•
These principles convey a need for active community participation in protecting and enhancing
agriculture in Maple Ridge. The principles also identify a requirement for direct involvement of the
District to ensure that the ability to perform agriculture is re-established and sustained. Finally, there is
a challenge to farmers to demonstrate through their efforts and actions that support for agriculture is
worthwhile.
Maple Ridge Agricultural Plan
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5.0 Agricultural Plan Recommendations – Action Framework
The sustainability and future viability of agriculture in the District of Maple Ridge is a shared
responsibility. The District, through its Official Community Plan and various bylaws plays a strong role in
some key areas related to the goals of the Agricultural Plan. In particular, through its OCP, the District
can help protect the resource base upon which agriculture depends. It can also assist with facilitating a
“sustainable agriculture” culture that benefits the entire community by protecting the resource base,
furthering economic viability, creating employment, and enhancing the rural character and
environmental attributes of the municipality. While the District can play an integral part in the
sustainability of agriculture, the community also faces external factors which it does not have control
over. These include regional growth pressures from the adjacent urban community, agricultural
commodity markets, and senior level government policies. Some issues that affect agriculture are a
result of historical settlement patterns and land use, such as small lots, Agricultural Land Reserve
boundaries, water drainage, and flood control boundaries.
Despite these challenges, agriculture continues to be an economic driver in the District. It is evident
through its policies and bylaws that the District values agriculture and the role it plays in the community.
Given its size and resources available to it, the District has a limited ability to initiate new programs or
projects. However, the District can act as a catalyst to initiate discussions, explore opportunities, and
work with other partners and interests in implementing the Agricultural Plan.
The following recommendations are meant to provide direction to the District of Maple Ridge in
implementing the Agricultural Plan. In some instances, the District will play a leading role, in others a
supporting role. More detail is provided in Appendix Table 1.
5.1 Issue 1: Difficulty in Gaining Access to Underutilized Agricultural Land
• Absentee landlords
• Agricultural land held in idle state
• Landless operators unable to find land to farm
• High land cost restricts access.
Goal 1: Increase Access to Underutilized Agricultural Land
There is interest in initiatives to encourage non-farming land owners to make idle land available
to farmers or to start farming it themselves. Of prime interest is the potential to re-emphasize
the role of agriculture in the Agricultural Land Reserve and to remove some of the perception
that the Agricultural Land Reserve is a land reserve for development in the District.
Recommendations
a) Develop a strategy to increase landowner awareness of farmland leasing options, taxation
benefits, and community demand for local production
b) Create a database of farmland available for leasing, including a database maintenance
strategy
c) Develop access to materials on lease/rental terms and sample agreements, possibly website
delivered
d) Create educational materials for agricultural property owners regarding stewardship of
agricultural land
Maple Ridge Agricultural Plan
16
e) Through various workshops and electronic media, initiate discussion on the role of small lot
property owners in enhancing local agriculture in the District (gaining access to land, pooling
of small lots, rent calculator, lessee responsibilities)
f) Identify and promote opportunities for development of urban agriculture.
5.2 Issue 2: Gaps in the Knowledge Base of Farmers
• Farm operators are aging rapidly
• Most established farmers not taking advantage of new trends
• Aspiring and new farmers lack farming knowledge
• The challenges of agricultural sustainability not understood by farmers
• Appropriate local extension services (See Glossary) not available.
Goal 2: Improve the Agricultural Knowledge Base of Farmers
There is a core of entrepreneurs attracted to the concept and economic potential of a local food
system providing safe food in a sustainable manner. These people crave agricultural knowledge.
The potential payback of agricultural extension services geared toward this market is
tremendous.
Recommendations
a) Partner with farmers to create apprenticeship opportunities and mentorships, and to
attract workers to agriculture in the area
b) Pursue options and opportunities to provide a hands-on training ground for aspiring farmers
c) Engage high schools and post-secondary institutions in local farmer training initiatives
d) Investigate innovative ways aspiring new farmers without land may be encouraged to
access agricultural land currently not in production
e) Through various workshops and electronic media, initiate information exchange on small lot
agriculture (production techniques, organic, equipment, pest management)
f) Develop information sharing and exchange networks and coalitions with like-minded groups
in other areas
g) Create a cross-commodity Farmers Institute (see Glossary) to coordinate and implement
the knowledge base initiatives identified in this Agricultural Plan
h) Develop awareness of educational initiatives in the local community.
5.3 Issue 3: Gaps in the Knowledge Base of the Consumer Public
• Consumer public unaware of where much of its food comes from or how it is produced
• The challenges of agricultural sustainability not understood by the general public
• Consumer public not fully aware of the quality of locally grown products
• Consumer purchasing decisions are not being connected to climate change, greenhouse gas
emissions, food security
• Benefit of supporting local farmers not appreciated
• There are limited channels to engage the local consumer.
Maple Ridge Agricultural Plan
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Goal 3: Improve the Agricultural Knowledge Base of the Consumer Public
Education of the consumer at all levels and through all channels is critical to successfully
developing the market for a local food system. People in the local food business are the most
attuned to food trends and should be partnered with to meet common food security goals.
Direct sales and farmers’ market producers already recognize that the market appeal of local
products will be found in the marketing of the taste, smell, colour, shape, and story of growing
local products, attuned to local preferences. Agricultural businesses and agro-tourism should be
highlighted through the District's website and publications and agriculture should be celebrated
in the community.
Recommendations
a) Develop an inventory of local agricultural land use and agricultural products produced
b) Create newspaper slot highlighting farming, seasonal recipes, farmer direct markets
c) Encourage retailers to advertise and identify locally produced and seasonal products
d) Partner with schools and the School District to communicate information about farming
e) Create more hands-on displays at District Fair
f) Host a “Taste of Maple Ridge” event annually
g) Engage local chefs to partner in local food promotion
h) Partner with schools to develop agricultural curriculum, including coordinating with the
Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation and the School Gardens project
i) Report on Agricultural Plan completion in the media
j) Report regularly in the media on progress and issues relating to implementing the
Agricultural Plan
k) Provide continued support for the Haney Farmers Market.
5.4 Issue 4: Gaps in the Local Distribution and Marketing System
• Limited number of local channels of food distribution and marketing
• Infrastructure to preserve food quality in the local system is missing
• Sectors of the agricultural community have not developed linkages to support one another
• Farmers are not organized to coordinate actions
• District has not yet included agriculture in its economic development strategy
Goal 4: Develop the Local Distribution and Marketing System
The preferred option is that the components of food distribution and marketing be fast tracked
to protect the integrity of local products. A local food system has need of the same types of
distribution and marketing functions as large food systems, albeit at a significantly smaller scale.
Maintaining the quality of the food product through proper handling, storage, and
transportation is critical and may be more challenging among small producers because of
potential gaps in supply and fluctuations in quality.
Recommendations
a) Work with producers to: investigate the potential for marketing cooperatives; brokerages;
machinery cooperatives; investigate community storage and handling options; learn about
marketing models; branding
Maple Ridge Agricultural Plan
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b) Hold workshops on local marketing and distribution systems
c) Enlist the participation of local expertise up-to-date on food marketing issues
d) Develop a strategy to assist the development of distribution and marketing options in the
District
e) Pursue the development of key components of a local distribution system, including
cooling, handling, and staging area for fresh produce (e.g., food terminal)
f) Investigate marketing needs of local farming community
5.5 Issue 5: Loss of the Agricultural Land Base
• Many small parcels
• High level of rural residential incursion into Agricultural Land Reserve
• Non-farmed areas of the Agricultural Land Reserve tend to be smaller parcels
• Limited availability of irrigation water
• Continued conversion pressure from the District of Maple Ridge’s urban growth
• Financial pressure on farming
Goal 5: Protect the Agricultural Land Base
In light of uncertainty attributable to food safety (see Glossary) and food security concerns and
climate change, most agree that developing a local food system must be a high priority goal of
the District’s Agricultural Plan. To this end, it is considered time to provide certainty that the
agricultural land base will not be undermined by short term decisions that result in agricultural
land being forever lost to development in Maple Ridge. In addition, there may be opportunities
for land inclusions into the Agricultural Land Reserve and owners of agricultural land should be
made aware of this opportunity.
Attempting to plan for the continuation of agriculture outside of the Agricultural Land Reserve is
difficult since keeping the land in agriculture is solely the property owner’s decision.
Nevertheless, the significance to District agriculture of activity outside the Agricultural Land
Reserve is considerable and there is interest in pursuing strategies that would keep this land in
agricultural production. Alternatively, the District should take stock of its agricultural situation
and provide mechanisms to ensure that the land base does not suffer further capability loss.
Recommendations
a) Continue to implement the OCP policies to protect the agricultural land base by creating
Development Permit Area guidelines to minimize non-agricultural encroachment on
agriculturally designated lands and farming activities
b) Continue to implement the OCP policies to protect the agricultural land base by creating
guidelines for reviewing applications for non-farm use, exclusions, fill applications,
transportation and utility applications, subdivisions, and government applications
c) Investigate federal, provincial, and Metro Vancouver support for agriculture irrigation water
supply expansion
d) Explore opportunities to protect agricultural land from development through a variety of
means such as donations of land, covenants, easements, agricultural use of municipal land,
consolidation of land, and other mechanisms that support agriculture
e) Support opportunities to provide land for community based agriculture
Maple Ridge Agricultural Plan
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f) Explore establishing an agricultural levy on agricultural land conversion developments to
ensure that capital is available to finance the agricultural strategy in this plan
g) Explore retention of lots 2 ha (5 acres) and larger in the Agricultural Land Reserve
h) Support and encourage applications to include lands in the Agricultural Land Reserve
5.6 Issue 6: Deterioration of the Agricultural Infrastructure
• Increased surface flows and degraded drainage systems in several agricultural areas
• Deteriorated flood control in the floodplains
• High water table and absence of freeboard in the floodplain
• Insufficient access to water for irrigation
Goal 6: Rehabilitate and Improve the Agricultural Infrastructure
It is difficult for the community to realize the potential of agricultural lands that are
compromised due to deteriorating infrastructure, and are less productive as a result. This
situation may contribute to pressures to convert this land to non-farm uses. In view of the fact
that a lower standard of infrastructure improvements is required to meet agricultural drainage
and flood control needs in the flood plain, it would appear to make sense to use this relationship
to the benefit of agriculture and the community as a whole. Other factors of production, such as
access to irrigation, are also essential to viable agricultural operations in Maple Ridge and water
should be managed with agriculture’s requirements in mind.
The primary goal with respect to larger established farming operations in Maple Ridge is to plan
for their retention as farms, rather than watch them languish and deteriorate, so that the
community can optimize the rewards and advantages of having agriculture in its midst.
Limited to highly specific situations, the secondary goal (if the primary goal is not feasible) is to
explore establishing a policy of compensation from development that enables funds to be
generated and expended so that the net agricultural capability of the District is enhanced by
investment elsewhere.
Recommendations
a) Investigate a watershed-based surface and groundwater irrigation strategy
b) Where a need is identified, undertake a water supply inventory for lands in the
Agricultural Land Reserve
c) Explore establishing a drainage and flood control levy
d) Require upland land owners and applicants to control storm water flows into the flood
plain
e) Undertake a feasibility study of drainage and flood control to rehabilitate affected areas
f) Continue to build relationship with the neighbouring municipality
g) Require compensation from unavoidable agricultural land conversion developments to be
used to increase net agricultural capability in the District
h) Encourage the Agricultural Land Commission to enforce agreements entered into with
proponents that allow applications to proceed on Agricultural Land Reserve land.
Maple Ridge Agricultural Plan
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5.7 Issue 7: Gaps in the Local Food System Infrastructure
• Food processing components of the food system are missing locally
• Small scale processing options are expensive to establish
• Regulations have created barriers to adopting small scale processing options
• Lack of regional coordination in mobilizing resources to address the gap
• Processing knowledge is inadequate.
Goal 7: Develop Local Food System Infrastructure Capacity
There is interest in developing locally the potential to process local food products. There is a
need for training of would-be processors, providing seasonal access to community or
demonstration facilities, and providing opportunities for consumers to learn processing
techniques. It is recognized that the capacities of the facilities could be small scale and linked
into the heath and food choice goals of a more accessible local food system and the economic
development planning of the District.
Recommendations
a) Work with producers and local entrepreneurs to explore the feasibility of an agro-
industrial infrastructure strategy that could include: shared industrial spaces; branding;
small scale processing facilities; community kitchens; mobile slaughter facilities.
5.8 Issue 8: Limited Diversity in Agricultural Activity
• Services tend to be oriented towards “conventional” agriculture
• Inconsistent approvals for all types of land uses permitted by the Agricultural Land
Commission, such as bed and breakfast operations
• Some “conventional” sectors are in financial stress
• Some “new trend” operations are thriving
• New agricultural management and production models are being demanded
• New community objectives for local agricultural activity are emerging
• Interdependence and service support among different land uses not appreciated
• Resilience as a desired characteristic of the local agricultural sector not understood.
Goal 8: Increase the Diversity of Agricultural Activity
Pursuing diversity in local agriculture is a way of ensuring that agricultural land use is capable of
adaptive response to, and recovery from, challenges to food security, and other amenities
valued by society. More diversity creates more ability for successful response and promotes
resiliency in agricultural land use. Diversified agricultural activity ( equestrian, agro-tourism) will
protect the land base through active use, create demand for services and workers, and support
the infrastructure also required for food production.
Maple Ridge Agricultural Plan
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Recommendations
a) Work with the AAC to promote and gauge the feasibility of alternative models of
community supported agriculture
b) Continue to acknowledge and incorporate agriculture into District economic development
strategies and plans
c) Explore the agro-tourism policies of the Agricultural Land Commission for their potential
to provide new and expanded opportunities for farmers and possible inclusion into District
bylaws.
d) Promote local agri-businesses and activities on District website and publications
e) Encourage linkages in the agricultural sector in Maple Ridge to identify cross-demand for
products and services
f) Identify a community work force for agriculture
g) Identify community demand and develop linkages for participatory food production
h) Provide opportunities for community gardening, allotments, and urban demonstration
plots.
5.9 Issue 9: Stress in the Agriculture-Residential Interface
• Agricultural Land Reserve land owners not supportive of agricultural activity adjacent to their
properties
• Agricultural Land Reserve rural residents not aware of agricultural status of their land
• Agricultural Land Reserve rural residents not tolerant of agricultural sights, sounds, smells,
and intensified activity
• No requirement to maintain land in Agricultural Land Reserve
• Noxious weeds allowed to grow on properties
• Vandalism, theft, trespass, and harassment
• Speculative pressures created by adjacent development.
Goal 9: Reduce Potential for Stress in the Agricultural-Residential Interface
In order for working agriculture to flourish, it must be provided with space, respect, and
understanding that farming operations employing good management practices are accepted in
the community. This goal is concerned with providing the information, edge planning, and
enforcement necessary to sustain economically viable agriculture in Maple Ridge.
Recommendations
a) Implement Development Permit Area guidelines to minimize non-agricultural
encroachment on agriculturally designated lands and farming activities, including specific
provisions for buffer zones, appropriate landscaping, subdivision design, and building
location
b) Create a cross-commodity Farmers Institute to implement agricultural initiatives identified
in this Plan
c) Require notices on title on properties adjacent to agricultural lands (disclosure statements)
to avoid neighbourhood conflicts
Maple Ridge Agricultural Plan
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d) Enforce noxious weed bylaw on idle land in the Agricultural Land Reserve, municipal rights-
of-way, and utility rights of way
e) Create respect for property rights of farmers respecting trespass, vandalism, and
harassment
f) Develop a neighbourhood community watch for stray dogs, animals, and trespass
g) Develop ongoing communication channels with non-farming landowners to promote “good
neighbour” relations
h) Educate landowners adjacent to agricultural land of potential for farming activities on
neighbouring properties.
5.10 Issue 10: Impacts of Agriculture on the Environment
• Concern over the environmental sustainability of farming practices
• Concern over agricultural waste management practices
• Lack of recognition of the environmental benefits provided by agriculture.
Goal 10: Minimize the Impact of Agriculture on the Environment
Sustainable agriculture, by definition, is based on the principle of ecological soundness to ensure
that farming does not cause negative impacts on the environment. The goal will be to adopt
agricultural practices that meet the competing needs for agricultural production and protection
of the environment.
Recommendations
a) Educate farmers about the benefits of completing and implementing Environmental Farm
Plans
b) Lobby to have the Environmental Farm Plan (see Glossary) program broadened to include
the equine sector, hobby farmers, and new farmers
c) Identify options for farmers to manage farm manures in a sustainable manner
d) Investigate and adopt new technologies to deal with farm wastes, alternative energy
sources, and generation of greenhouse gases
e) Develop interface, linkage, and communications with Department of Fisheries and Oceans
and BC Ministry of Environment to create workable solutions to agriculture-environment
issues in the District
f) Educate and inform the community about the ecological goods and services agriculture
provides in Maple Ridge
g) Promote the use of natural methods of controlling pests.
5.11 Issue 11: Agriculture Land Use - Wildlife Conflicts
• Roaming wildlife are causing damage to agricultural crops and property
• In some cases, farmers unable to control problem wildlife
• Farm losses not recoverable.
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Goal 11: Reduce Agriculture – Wildlife Conflicts
This goal will be reflected in the pursuit of an improved ability to provide habitat for wildlife on
agricultural land without creating unsustainable economic impacts on farm operators.
Recommendations
a) Keep channels of communication open to advise on issues before they become problems
b) Develop strategy to control populations of released domestic rabbits
c) Work with farmers experiencing depredation from bears and deer to channel movement
away from farms
d) Support research to develop repellents and barriers for problem wildlife
e) Identify opportunities and create incentives for land owners to participate in land
management systems that enhance wildlife habitat and support agriculture.
5.12 Issue 12: Inconsistent Regulation of Agricultural Areas
• Lack of consistency in regulation of agriculture in land use designations where agriculture is
permitted
• Discrepancy in regulatory requirements for agriculture between adjacent municipalities.
Goal 12: Create a Regulatory Environment Friendly to Agriculture
Regulation in lands designated for agriculture should be sensitive to the conditions necessary for
working agriculture in order to promote it. The goal of regulatory review should be to create
science-based regulations that protect the rights of all residents while promoting the
agricultural interests of the local community.
Recommendations
a) Continue to retain the AAC to advise Council on issues affecting agriculture
b) Develop results-based approach to new regulation, so that targets and effects are assessed
before regulatory policy is implemented.
c) Monitor proposed regulations to ensure they are not unnecessarily onerous on producers
and agro-development
d) Advocate for region-wide policies for agricultural areas.
5.13 Issue 13: Incompatible Land Use Zoning Context for the Agricultural
Land Reserve
• Zoning bylaw for land in the Agricultural Land Reserve not geared toward conserving
agricultural land or ensuring appropriate farm use.
• Zoning bylaw for land in the Agricultural Land Reserve not geared toward promoting
agricultural activity (e.g., prohibitive setback requirements)
• Rural Residential zoning within the Agricultural Land Reserve conveys a message that
agricultural is not the primary use.
Maple Ridge Agricultural Plan
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Goal 13: Protect and Enhance the Agricultural Context of the Agricultural Land
Reserve
The goal is to ensure that land use designations in the Agricultural Land Reserve reflect the
primacy of agriculture as the highest and preferred land use.
Recommendations
a) Continue to implement OCP by concentrating growth to within the urban area boundary
b) Create a code of good land stewardship in the Agricultural Land Reserve (abandoned cars,
trailers, machinery, trash, obsolete signage, dumped soil) to prevent contamination and
visual pollution (batteries, crankcase oil, unproductive fill)
c) Encourage property owners to build in a fashion to conserve the land base and minimize
potential for conflict with agricultural activity
d) Explore changes in the RS-3 (One Family Rural Residential) zone as it applies to land in the
Agricultural Land Reserve with respect to restrictions such as setbacks, lot coverage, and
accessory buildings.
Maple Ridge Agricultural Plan
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6.0 Agricultural Plan Performance
Indicators are proposed as a means to measure the progress of the implementation of the Plan over the
next five years. These indicators will be project specific and established as appropriate through the
business planning process.
7.0 Acronyms Used in this Plan
AAC – Agricultural Advisory Committee
ALC – Agricultural Land Commission
ALR – Agricultural Land Reserve
BCAC – BC Agriculture Council
EFP – Environmental Farm Plans
MAL – Ministry of Agriculture and Lands
MOE – Ministry of the Environment
OCP – Official Community Plan
8.0 Glossary
Agri- tourism
As defined in the Maple Ridge Official Community Plan, agri-tourism is a form of tourism that attracts
visitors who are interested in experiencing forms of agriculture and agriculturally related aspects of an
area. The Agricultural Land Commission has developed supportive policies to encourage agri-tourism as
a means to improve farm incomes, that may be accessed at the following link:
http://www.alc.gov.bc.ca/legislation/policies/Pol4-03_agri-tourism.htm
Sometimes referred to as “agro-tourism”.
Agricultural Land
Land is considered agricultural if: the site is zoned to permit agriculture uses; the site is designated
agricultural, or the site is within the Agricultural Land Reserve.
Buffer
The Agricultural Land Commission has developed landscape buffer specifications in recognition of
increasingly complex land use patterns and the relationship between agricultural and non-farm uses.
Landscape buffers are intended to avoid the conflicts that many agricultural producers are concerned
with. Trespass and vandalism to farm crops and equipment, complaints about early morning farm
vehicle noise, the drifting of dust and sprays from field operations and smells from the application of
manures and composts, are some of the more commonly expressed concerns. it is important to note
that these buffer areas are intended to be established on the non-farm property rather than coming off
of the farm properties. Buffers are often made a requirement by the Commission when considering the
approval of applications under the Agricultural Land Commission Act. In addition, the Commission’s
specifications provide a practical guide for councils, regional boards and other agencies where the
opportunity exists to create or improve the buffer between agriculture and non-agricultural lands. The
Maple Ridge Agricultural Plan
26
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan requires that landscape buffers be provided on properties
adjacent to agricultural land.
Climate Change
The Maple Ridge Official Community Plan notes that global climate change, likely caused by human
activity, can have an adverse effect on agricultural production. As most Canadians rely increasingly on
international sources for their food supply, local food security may be affected by a diminished global
supply.
Environmental Farm Plan
As defined in the Maple Ridge Official Community Plan, an Environmental Farm Plan is a management
tool that producers can use to increase their awareness of environmental issues, to examine their
current production practices, to identify potential risks, and to develop a practical plan to manage those
risks on their farm operation.
Farmers Institute
As per the Farmers and Women’s Institutes Act, a Farmers Institute is incorporated under the Act for
one or more of the following purposes: (a) to improve conditions of rural life so that settlement may be
permanent and prosperous; (b) to promote the theory and practice of agriculture; (c) to arrange on
behalf of its members for the purchase, distribution or sale of commodities, supplies or products; (d) to
act generally on behalf of its members in all matters incidental to agricultural pursuits and rural
development. Membership is voluntary.
The goal of Farmers Institutes is therefore to advance general agricultural interests rather than specific
types of operations. Within the context of Maple Ridge, which is characterized by diverse agricultural
operations, this cross - commodity organization can be especially beneficial for providing a key link
between the diverse producers across the sector.
Food Safety
The World Health Organization defines food safety as the assurance that food will not cause harm to the
consumer when it is prepared and/or eaten according to its intended use.
Food Security
The World Food Summit (Rome, 1996) states: Food security exists when all people, at all times have
physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food
preferences for an active and healthy life.
GVRD
Greater Vancouver Regional District. For most of regional planning purposes, this organisation has been
renamed Metro Vancouver, which is the federation of 22 member municipalities in the western portion
of the Lower Mainland. However, the GVRD is still a recognized entity for certain regional functions,
such as parks planning.
Land Trusts
a private, non-profit organization that, as all or part of its mission, actively works to conserve land by
undertaking or assisting in land or conservation easement acquisition, or by providing stewardship of
such land or easements. Local examples include The Land Conservancy, or the Delta Farmland and
Wildlife Trust.
Maple Ridge Agricultural Plan
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Local extension services
Refers to technical expertise that traditionally had been available to farmers through agencies such as
universities or the Ministry of Agriculture.
Metro Vancouver
See GVRD, above.
Right of Way
A strip of land protected by law in perpetuity for transportation or infrastructure purposes.
Sustainable Agriculture
Sustainable agriculture is agriculture which supports a triple bottom line approach by providing social,
economic, and environmental benefits.
Maple Ridge Agricultural Plan
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APPENDICES
29
Appendix Table 1: Agricultural Plan – Recommended Action Plan
1 Appendix Table 1: Agricultural Plan – Recommended Action Plan Goal Recommended Actions Who? Resources Required a) Develop a strategy to increase landowner awareness of farmland leasing options, taxation benefits, and community demand for local production AAC District Farmers Institute Minimal Hire a co-op student to assist or consultant to develop strategy b) Create a database of farmland available for leasing, including a database maintenance strategy AAC District, Farmers Institute, Ministry of Agriculture And Lands Minimal Hire a co-op student to assist c) Develop access to materials on lease/rental terms and sample agreements, possibly website delivered AAC District, Farmers Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Lands Minimal Hire a co-op student to assist d) Create educational materials for agricultural property owners regarding stewardship of agricultural land Farmers Institute, AAC Support from Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, Metro Vancouver Minimal Utilize existing materials and modify; production and distribution costs e) Through various workshops and electronic media, initiate discussion on the role of small lot property owners in enhancing local agriculture in the District (gaining access to land, pooling of small lots, rent calculator, lessee responsibilities). Farmers Institute AAC Support from Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, Metro Vancouver Minimal Invite Ministry of Agriculture and Lands staff to assist Goal 1: Increase Access to Underutilized Agricultural Land f) Identify and promote opportunities for development of urban agriculture Farmers Institute, AAC, Community Kitchens, District Minimal
2 Goal Recommended Actions Who? Resources Required a) Partner with farmers to create apprenticeship opportunities and mentorships, and to attract workers to agriculture in the area Farmers Institute Commodity Associations, District, Educational institutions Moderate b) Pursue options and opportunities to provide a hands-on training ground for aspiring farmers Farmers Institute with support from Agricultural Land Commission, District Moderate c) Engage high schools and post-secondary institutions in local farmer training initiatives Farmers Institute Support from Agricultural Land Commission, District, School District Minimal Invite presenters within the industry d) Investigate innovative ways aspiring new farmers without land may be encouraged to access agricultural land currently not in production Farmers Institute Support from Agricultural Land Commission, District Minimal e) Through various workshops and electronic media, initiate information exchange on small lot agriculture (production techniques, organic, equipment, pest management) Farmers Institute Support from Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, Metro Vancouver Minimal Invite presenters from within the agricultural industry. Add to Lower Mainland Horticultural curriculum f) Develop information sharing and exchange networks and coalitions with like-minded groups in other areas Farmers Institute Minimal g) Create a cross-commodity Farmers Institute to coordinate and implement the knowledge base initiatives identified in this Agricultural Plan AAC could take lead with assistance from other organizations Moderate Goal 2: Improve the Knowledge Base of Farmers h) Develop awareness of educational initiatives in the local community Farmers Institute Minimal
3 Goal Recommended Actions Who? Resources Required a) Develop an inventory of local agricultural land use and agricultural products produced Farmers Institute Moderate b) Create newspaper slot highlighting farming, seasonal recipes, farmer direct markets Farmers Institute; community kitchen Community newspaper Farmers Market Minimal c) Encourage retailers to advertize and identify locally produced seasonal products. Farmers Institute AAC Minimal d) Partner with schools and the School District to communicate information about farming AAC District Minimal e) Create more hands-on displays at District Fair Farmers Institute Ministry of Agriculture and Lands Minimal Partner with commodity associations f) Host a “Taste of Maple Ridge” event annually Farmers Institute AAC Minimal User pay and donations g) Engage local chefs to partner in local food promotion Farmers Institute Minimal User pay and donated h) Partner with schools to develop agricultural curriculum, including coordinating with the Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation and the School Gardens project Ministry of Agriculture and Lands Ag in the Classroom BC Agriculture Council Minimal Already existing i) Report on Agricultural Plan completion in the media District Minimal j) Report regularly in the media on progress and issues relating to implementing the Agricultural Plan District Minimal Goal 3: Improve the Knowledge Base of the Consumer Public k) Provide continued support for the Haney Farmers Market District Farmers Institute Minimal Location, advertising, promotion
4 Goal Recommended Actions Who? Resources Required a) Work with producers to: investigate the potential for marketing cooperatives, brokerages; machinery cooperatives; investigate community storage and handling options; learn about marketing models; branding Farmers Institute Support from Ministry of Agriculture and Lands Commodity groups Moderate Seek IAF funding to explore options b) Hold workshops on local marketing and distribution systems Farmers Institute Support from Metro Vancouver Minimal Invite existing local marketers c) Enlist the participation of local expertise up-to-date on food marketing issues Farmers Institute Support from AAC, Metro Vancouver, District Minimal Invite presenters from Fraser Health Authority, Food security groups, Organic associations, Direct marketing associations d) Develop a strategy to assist the development of distribution and marketing options in the District Farmers Institute Assistance from Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, Metro Vancouver Moderate Seek IAF funding to explore options e) Pursue the development of key components of a local distribution system, including cooling, handling and staging area for fresh produce (e.g., food terminal) Farmers Institute Moderate Seek IAF funding to explore options Goal 4: Develop the Local Distribution and Marketing System f) Investigate marketing needs of local farming community. Farmers Institute Assistance from District, Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, Metro Vancouver Moderate
5 Goal Recommended Actions Who? Resources Required a) Continue to implement the OCP policies to protect the agricultural land base by creating Development Permit Area guidelines to minimize non-agricultural encroachment on agriculturally designated lands and farming activities District Minimal b) Continue to implement the OCP policies to protect the agricultural land base by creating guidelines for reviewing applications for non-farm use, exclusions, fill applications, transportation and utility applications, subdivisions, and government applications District Minimal c) Investigate federal, provincial and Metro Vancouver support for agriculture irrigation water supply expansion District Minimal to moderate d) Explore opportunities to protect agricultural land from development through a variety of means such as donations of land, covenants, easements, agricultural use of municipal land, consolidation of land, and other mechanisms that support agriculture. AAC District Minimal to moderate e) Support opportunities to provide land for community based agriculture. AAC District Land Trusts Minimal to moderate f) Explore establishing an agricultural levy on agricultural land conversion developments to ensure that capital is available to finance the agricultural strategy in this Plan District Minimal g) Explore retention of lots 2 ha (5 acres) and larger in the Agricultural Land Reserve. District Minimal Goal 5: Protect the Agricultural Land Base h) Support and encourage applications to include lands in the Agricultural Land Reserve AAC District Farmers Institute Minimal
6 Goal Recommended Actions Who? Resources Required a) Investigate a watershed-based surface and groundwater irrigation strategy District Metro Vancouver Min. of Ag and Lands Moderate b) Where a need is identified, undertake a water supply inventory for lands in the Agricultural Land Reserve District Min. of Ag and Lands Metro Vancouver Moderate c) Explore establishing a drainage and flood control levy District Minimal d) Require upland landowners and applicants to control storm water flows into the flood plain District Minimal e) Undertake a feasibility study of drainage and flood control to rehabilitate affected areas. District Support from Ministry of Agriculture and Lands Moderate f) Continue to build relationship with neighbouring municipality District Minimal g) Require compensation from unavoidable agricultural land conversion developments to be used to increase net agricultural capability in the District District Minimal Goal 6: Rehabilitate and Improve the Agricultural Infrastructure h) Encourage the Agricultural Land Commission to enforce agreements entered into with proponents that allow applications to proceed on Agricultural Land Reserve land. District Minimal Goal 7: Develop Local Food System Infrastructure Capacity a) Work with producers & local entrepreneurs to explore the feasibility of an agro-industrial infrastructure strategy that could include: shared industrial space; branding; small scale processing facilities; community kitchen; mobile slaughter facilities Farmers Institute Support from District, Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, Metro Vancouver Moderate Seek IAF funding to explore options
7 Goal Recommended Actions Who? Resources Required a) Work with the AAC to promote and gauge the feasibility of alternative models of community supported agriculture AAC Support from Farmers Institute and other community organizations Moderate b) Continue to acknowledge and incorporate agriculture into District economic development strategies and plans. District Minimal c) Explore the agro-tourism policies of the Agricultural Land Commission for their potential to provide new and expanded opportunities for farmers and their possible inclusion into District bylaws. District Minimal d) Promote local agri-businesses and activities on District website and publications District Minimal e) Encourage linkages among the agricultural sector in Maple Ridge agriculture to identify cross-demand for products and services Farmers Institute Minimal f) Identify a community work force for agriculture AAC District Coordinate with Farmers Institute, Social Services, community organizations Minimal g) Identify community demand and develop linkages for participatory food production Farmers Institute Support from District, community organizations Moderate Goal 8: Increase the Diversity of Agricultural Activity h) Provide opportunities for community gardening, allotments; and urban demonstration plots District Support from Farmers Institute, realtors, Minimal to moderate
8 Goal Recommended Actions Who? Resources Required a) Implement Development Permit Area guidelines to minimize non-agricultural encroachment on agriculturally designated lands and farming activities, including specific provisions for buffer zones, appropriate landscaping, subdivision design, and building location District AAC Minimal b) Create a cross commodity Farmers Institute to implement agricultural initiatives identified in this Plan AAC, Metro, Ministry of Agriculture and Lands Minimal c) Require notices on title on properties adjacent to agricultural lands (disclosure statements) to avoid neighbhourhood conflicts District Realtors Minimal d) Enforce noxious weed bylaw on idle land in the ALR, municipal rights-of-way and utility rights-of-way. District Minimal to moderate e) Create respect for property rights of farmers respecting trespass, vandalism, and harassment Farmers Institute AAC, District, Metro Vancouver Minimal f) Develop a neighbourhood community watch for stray dogs, animals, and trespass ACC, Farmers Institute District Minimal g) Develop ongoing communication channels with non-farming landowners to promote “good neighbour” relations Farmers Institute Minimal Goal 9: Reduce Potential for Stress in the Agricultural-Residential Interface h) Educate landowners adjacent to agricultural land of potential for farming activities on neighbouring properties District, AAC Farmers Institute Minimal
9 Goal Recommended Actions Who? Resources Required a) Educate farmers about the benefits of completing and implementing Environmental Farm Plans Farmers Institute AAC Minimal b) Lobby to have the Environmental Farm Plan program broadened to include the equine sector, hobby farmers, and new farmers Farmers institute AAC Minimal c) Identify options for farmers to manage manures in a sustainable manner Ministry of Agriculture and Lands Farmers Institute Minimal d) Investigate and adopt new technologies to deal with farm wastes, alternative energy sources, and generation of greenhouse gases Ministry of Agriculture and Lands Ministry of the Environment Metro Vancouver Farmers Moderate to major Seek Investment Agriculture Foundation funding to explore options e) Develop interface, linkage, and communications with Department of Fisheries and Oceans and BC Ministry of Environment to create workable solutions to agriculture-environment issues in the District District AAC Farmers Institute Minimal f) Educate and inform the community about the ecological goods and services agriculture provides in Maple Ridge District AAC Farmers Institute Moderate Goal 10: Minimize Impact of Agriculture on the Environment g) Promote the use of natural methods of controlling pests Farmers Institute District. Ministry of Agriculture and Lands. Metro Vancouver Moderate a) Keep channels of communication open to advise on issues before they become problems AAC Minimal b) Develop strategy to control populations of released domestic rabbits District Moderate c) Work with farmers experiencing depredation from bears and deer to channel movement away from farms Ministry of the Environment District Moderate d) Support research to develop repellents and barriers for problem wildlife Farmers Institute Minimal Seek Investment Agriculture Foundation funding to explore options Goal 11: Reduce Agriculture–Wildlife Conflicts e) Identify opportunities and create incentives for land owners to participate in land management systems that enhance wildlife habitat and support agriculture Farmer's Institute AAC, District , Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, Metro Vancouver Moderate
10 Goal Recommended Actions Who? Resources Required a) Continue to retain the AAC to advise Council on issues affecting agriculture District Minimal b) Develop results-based approach to new regulation, so that targets and effects are assessed before regulatory policy is implemented. District, AAC, Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, Agricultural Land Commission Minimal c) Monitor proposed regulations to ensure they are not unnecessarily onerous on producers and agro-development District, AAC Minimal Goal 12: Create a Regulatory Environment Friendly to Agriculture d) Advocate for Region-wide policies for agricultural areas AAC District , Farmers Institute Minimal a) Continue to implement OCP by concentrating growth to within the urban area boundary District Minimal b) Create a Code of good land stewardship in the Agricultural Land Reserve (abandoned cars, trailers, machinery, trash, obsolete signage, dumped soil) to prevent contamination and visual pollution (batteries, crankcase oil, unproductive fill) District AAC Agricultural Land Commission Minimal c) Encourage property owners to build in a fashion to conserve the land base and minimize potential for conflict with agricultural activity District Agricultural Land Commission Minimal Goal 13: Protect and Enhance the Agricultural Context of the Agricultural Land Reserve. d) Explore changes to the RS-3 (One Family Rural Residential Zone) as it applies to the Agricultural Land Reserve with respect to restrictions such as setbacks, lot coverage, and accessory buildings. District Minimal
Appendix Figure 1
RS-3 Properties in the ALR
1
City of Maple Ridge
TO: Her Worship Mayor Nicole Read MEETING DATE: January 11, 2016
and Members of Council
FROM: Chief Administrative Officer MEETING: Council Workshop
SUBJECT: Agricultural Plan Questionnaire Results
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
At the June 16, 2015 Special Council Workshop, Council was given an overview of the Agricultural
Plan, which was endorsed December, 2009. Council noted interest in undertaking a priority-setting
process for the Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC), through a review of the Agricultural Plan and
passed the following resolution:
R/2015-260: “That staff be directed to prepare a survey to enable Council to prioritize the
goals within the Agricultural Plan.”
A questionnaire was developed for this purpose and was completed by all Councillors November 23,
2015. Pursuant with the above resolution the results of the questionnaire are attached as Appendix
A.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the report titled “Agricultural Plan Questionnaire Results” dated January 11, 2016 be
received for information.
BACKGROUND:
The Agricultural Plan was endorsed in 2009 and contains 13 goals and associated recommended
actions. The goals are provided here for reference. A complete list of the Agricultural Plan’s goals
and actions are attached as Appendix B.
Goal 1: Increase Access to Underutilized Agricultural Land
Goal 2: Improve the Agricultural Knowledge Base of Farmers
Goal 3: Improve the Agricultural Knowledge Base of the Consumer Public
Goal 4: Develop the Local Distribution and Marketing System
Goal 5: Protect the Agricultural Land Base
Goal 6: Rehabilitate and Improve the Agricultural Infrastructure
Goal 7: Develop Local Food System Infrastructure Capacity
Goal 8: Increase the Diversity of Agricultural Activity
Goal 9: Reduce Potential for Stress in the Agricultural-Residential Interface
Goal 10: Minimize the Impact of Agriculture on the Environment
Goal 11: Reduce Agriculture – Wildlife Conflicts
Goal 12: Create a Regulatory Environment Friendly to Agriculture
Goal 13: Protect and Enhance the Agricultural Context of the Agricultural Land Reserve
2
It is noted that no clear patterns emerged from the results, although there were some goals and
actions that were supported by 4 or 5 Council members which may be helpful in shaping work plan
priorities for the AAC.
CONCLUSION
Pursuant with Council direction a questionnaire was prepared and completed to assist Council with
prioritization of items for inclusion in the AAC 2016 work program. The findings are attached as
information.
“Original signed by Siobhan Murphy”
_______________________________________________
Prepared by: Siobhan Murphy, MA, MCIP, RPP
Planner 2
“Original signed by Christine Carter”
_______________________________________________
Approved by: Christine Carter, M.PL, MCIP, RPP
Director of Planning
“Original signed by Frank Quinn”
_______________________________________________
Approved by Frank Quinn, MBA, P. Eng.
General Manager, Public Works and
Development Services
“Original signed by Ted Swabey”
_______________________________________________
Concurrence: Ted Swabey
Chief Administrative Officer
Appendix A – Agricultural Plan Questionnaire Results
Appendix B - Agricultural Plan Goals and Actions
3
5
4
3
2 2 2 2
1 1 1 1 1 1
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
1 5 2 4 6 7 8 3 9 10 11 12 13
Appendix A – Agricultural Plan Questionnaire Results
Seven questionnaires were completed in either online or hard copy format. It is noted that some of
the respondents did not choose to rank the goals and actions and provided only comments. As a
result, all of the rankings have a total response rate of five or six as a maximum.
Results of Goal Ranking:
No clear pattern emerged from the results.
Goal 1 was ranked as highest priority by 3 of 7 members of Council. (see chart below)
Goal 2 was ranked second by two members of Council and all other goals had one response
as a top five priority. (see chart below)
The chart below identifies which goals were selected most frequently.
The top five goals with the most responses are Goals 1, 5, and 2 with 5, 4, and 3 responses
respectively.
Results of Action Ranking:
It is noted that although there is no pattern with respect to prioritizing the goals of the Agricultural
Plan, ranking priority actions resulted in a more discernible pattern. The table beginning on the next
page shows the actions that were selected as highest priority (number 1) and of those selected; the
second highest priority is also provided. When both the top priority and the second priority are
provided, several of the actions have a total of 5 responses, indicating a level of support by Council.
Agricultural Plan Goal Numbers
N
u
m
b
e
r
o
f
R
e
s
p
o
n
s
e
s
Ranking of Goals by Frequency
4
Actions ranked as top two priorities by number of responses
Goal Action Top Priority
Responses
Second Priority
Responses
Total
Goal 11: Reduce
Agriculture –
Wildlife Conflicts
e) Identify opportunities and
create incentives for land
owners to participate in land
management systems that
enhance wildlife habitat and
support agriculture.
4
1
5
Goal 1: Increase
Access to
Underutilized
Agricultural Land
b) Create a database of
farmland available for leasing,
including a database
maintenance strategy
3 0 3
Goal 2: Improve the
Agricultural
Knowledge Base of
Farmers
c) Engage high schools and
post-secondary institutions in
local farmer training initiatives
3 1 4
Goal 3: Improve the
Agricultural
Knowledge Base of
the Consumer
Public
a) Develop an inventory of local
agricultural land use and
agricultural products produced
3 0 3
Goal 5: Protect the
Agricultural Land
Base
a) Continue to implement the
OCP policies to protect the
agricultural land base by
creating Development Permit
Area guidelines to minimize
non-agricultural encroachment
on agriculturally designated
lands and farming activities
3 1 4
Goal 9: Reduce
Potential for Stress
in the Agricultural-
Residential
Interface
a) Implement Development
Permit Area guidelines to
minimize non-agricultural
encroachment on agriculturally
designated lands and farming
activities, including specific
provisions for buffer zones,
appropriate landscaping,
subdivision design, and building
location
3 2 5
Goal 10: Minimize
the Impact of
Agriculture on the
Environment
d) Investigate and adopt new
technologies to deal with farm
wastes, alternative energy
sources, and generation of
greenhouse gases
3 1 4
Goal 12: Create a
Regulatory
Environment
Friendly to
Agriculture
a) Continue to retain the AAC to
advise Council on issues
affecting agriculture
3 2 5
Goal 13: Protect
and Enhance the
Agricultural Context
of the Agricultural
Land Reserve
a) Continue to implement OCP
by concentrating growth to
within the urban area boundary
3 1 4
5
Additional Comments:
Respondents were given the option to provide additional written comments at the end of each
ranking question. All of the comments are included in Appendix A.
Responses to Individual Actions by Goal Number – highest priority is shaded.
Goal 1: Increase Access to Underutilized
Agricultural Land
Priority Ranking
Actions 1 2 3 4 5 6
Total
Responses
a) Develop a strategy to increase landowner
awareness of farmland leasing options,
taxation benefits, and community demand
for local production
2 3 0 0 0 1 6
b) Create a database of farmland available
for leasing, including a database
maintenance strategy
3 0 1 2 0 0 6
c) Develop access to materials on
lease/rental terms and sample agreements,
possibly website delivered
0 1 1 2 1 0 5
d) Create educational materials for
agricultural property owners regarding
stewardship of agricultural land
0 0 1 0 2 2 5
e) Through various workshops and electronic
media, initiate discussion on the role of small
lot property owners in enhancing local
agriculture in the City (gaining access to land,
pooling of small lots, rent calculator, lessee
responsibilities)
0 1 0 1 1 2 5
f) Identify and promote opportunities for
development of urban agriculture. 0 0 1 0 1 3 5
Goal 2: Improve the Agricultural
Knowledge Base of Farmers
Priority Ranking
Actions 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Total
Responses
a) Partner with farmers to create
apprenticeship opportunities and
mentorships, and to attract workers
to agriculture in the area
2 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 5
b) Pursue options and
opportunities to provide a hands-on
training ground for aspiring farmers
0 3 0 0 0 1 1 0 5
6
c) Engage high schools and post-
secondary institutions in local
farmer training initiatives
3 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 6
d) Investigate innovative ways
aspiring new farmers without land
may be encouraged to access
agricultural land currently not in
production
0 1 3 0 1 0 0 0 5
e) Through various workshops and
electronic media, initiate
information exchange on small lot
agriculture (production techniques,
organic, equipment, pest
management)
1 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 5
f) Develop information sharing and
exchange networks and coalitions
with like-minded groups in other
areas
0 0 0 0 2 1 1 1 5
g) Create a cross-commodity
Farmers Institute to coordinate and
implement the knowledge base
initiatives identified in this
Agricultural Plan
0 0 0 1 1 0 1 2 5
h) Develop awareness of
educational initiatives in the local
community.
0 1 0 2 0 2 0 1 6
Goal 3: Improve the Agricultural
Knowledge Base of the Consumer
Public
Priority Ranking
Actions 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Total
Responses
a) Develop an inventory of local
agricultural land use and agricultural
products produced
3 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 6
b) Create newspaper slot
highlighting farming, seasonal
recipes, farmer direct markets
0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 3 5
c) Encourage retailers to advertise
and identify locally produced and
seasonal products
1 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 5
d) Partner with schools and the
School District to communicate
information about farming
0 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 6
e) Create more hands-on displays at
City Fair 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 2 1 0 6
7
f) Host a “Taste of Maple Ridge”
event annually 0 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 5
g) Engage local chefs to partner in
local food promotion 0 0 1 3 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 6
h) Partner with schools to develop
agricultural curriculum, including
coordinating with the Agriculture in
the Classroom Foundation and the
School Gardens project
0 0 1 1 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 5
i) Report on Agricultural Plan
completion in the media 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 3 0 6
j) Report regularly in the media on
progress and issues relating to
implementing the Agricultural Plan
0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 5
k) Provide continued support for the
Haney Farmers Market. 2 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 1 0 6
Goal 4: Develop the Local Distribution
and Marketing System
Priority Ranking
Actions 1 2 3 4 5 6 Total
Responses
a) Work with producers to: investigate
the potential for marketing
cooperatives; brokerages; machinery
cooperatives; investigate community
storage and handling options; learn
about marketing models; branding
2 0 2 1 0 0 5
b) Hold workshops on local marketing
and distribution systems 0 0 0 0 1 4 5
c) Enlist the participation of local
expertise up-to-date on food marketing
issues
1 2 2 0 1 0 6
d) Develop a strategy to assist the
development of distribution and
marketing options in the City
1 1 0 1 2 0 5
e) Pursue the development of key
components of a local distribution
system, including cooling, handling, and
staging area for fresh produce (e.g.,
food terminal)
1 1 1 1 0 1 5
f) Investigate marketing needs of local
farming community 1 1 0 2 1 0 5
8
Goal 5: Protect the Agricultural Land
Base
Priority Ranking
Actions 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Total
Responses
a) Continue to implement the OCP
policies to protect the agricultural land
base by creating Development Permit
Area guidelines to minimize non-
agricultural encroachment on
agriculturally designated lands and
farming activities
3 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 6
b) Continue to implement the OCP
policies to protect the agricultural land
base by creating guidelines for
reviewing applications for non-farm
use, exclusions, fill applications,
transportation and utility applications,
subdivisions, and government
applications
1 3 0 0 2 0 0 0 6
c) Investigate federal, provincial, and
Metro Vancouver support for
agriculture irrigation water supply
expansion
2 0 2 0 0 1 1 0 6
d) Explore opportunities to protect
agricultural land from development
through a variety of means such as
donations of land, covenants,
easements, agricultural use of
municipal land, consolidation of land,
and other mechanisms that support
agriculture
0 1 0 1 1 2 1 0 6
e) Support opportunities to provide
land for community based agriculture 0 0 2 1 0 0 1 1 5
f) Explore establishing an agricultural
levy on agricultural land conversion
developments to ensure that capital is
available to finance the agricultural
strategy in this plan
0 0 2 0 0 0 0 3 5
g) Explore retention of lots 2 ha (5
acres) and larger in the Agricultural
Land Reserve
0 1 0 2 1 0 1 0 5
h) Support and encourage applications
to include lands in the Agricultural
Land Reserve
0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 5
9
Goal 6: Rehabilitate and Improve
the Agricultural Infrastructure
Priority Ranking
Actions 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Total
Responses
a) Investigate a watershed-based
surface and groundwater irrigation
strategy
0 0 1 1 0 2 1 1 6
b) Where a need is identified,
undertake a water supply
inventory for lands in the
Agricultural Land Reserve
2 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 5
c) Explore establishing a drainage
and flood control levy 2 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 6
d) Require upland land owners and
applicants to control storm water
flows into the flood plain
1 3 0 1 1 0 0 0 6
e) Undertake a feasibility study of
drainage and flood control to
rehabilitate affected areas
0 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 5
f) Continue to build relationship
with the neighbouring municipality 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 2 5
g) Require compensation from
unavoidable agricultural land
conversion developments to be
used to increase net agricultural
capability in the City
1 0 2 1 1 0 0 1 6
h) Encourage the Agricultural Land
Commission to enforce agreements
entered into with proponents that
allow applications to proceed on
Agricultural Land Reserve land.
0 1 0 1 1 0 2 0 5
10
Goal 7: Develop Local Food System Infrastructure Capacity
Note: there is only one choice for Goal 7. Frequency of response for Goal 7 is provided on page 1.
Goal 8: Increase the Diversity of
Agricultural Activity
Priority Ranking
Actions
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Total
Responses
a) Work with the AAC to promote
and gauge the feasibility of
alternative models of community
supported agriculture 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 5
b) Continue to acknowledge and
incorporate agriculture into City
economic development strategies
and plans 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 5
c) Explore the agro-tourism
policies of the Agricultural Land
Commission for their potential to
provide new and expanded
opportunities for farmers and
possible inclusion into City bylaws. 2 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 6
d) Promote local agri-businesses
and activities on City website and
publications 1 2 1 1 1 0 0 0 6
e) Encourage linkages in the
agricultural sector in Maple Ridge
to identify cross-demand for
products and services 0 1 0 1 3 0 1 0 6
f) Identify a community work force
for agriculture 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 2 5
g) Identify community demand
and develop linkages for
participatory food production 0 1 2 0 0 3 0 0 6
h) Provide opportunities for
community gardening, allotments,
and urban demonstration plots. 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 5
11
Goal 9: Reduce Potential for Stress in
the Agricultural-Residential Interface
Priority Ranking
Actions 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Total
Responses
a) Implement Development Permit Area
guidelines to minimize non-agricultural
encroachment on agriculturally
designated lands and farming activities,
including specific provisions for buffer
zones, appropriate landscaping,
subdivision design, and building location 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 6
b) Create a cross-commodity Farmers
Institute to implement agricultural
initiatives identified in this Plan 1 0 1 1 0 0 2 0 5
c) Require notices on title on properties
adjacent to agricultural lands (disclosure
statements) to avoid neighbourhood
conflicts 1 2 1 0 1 0 0 1 6
d) Enforce noxious weed bylaw on idle
land in the Agricultural Land Reserve,
municipal rights-of-way, and utility
rights of way 1 2 2 1 0 0 0 0 6
e) Create respect for property rights of
farmers respecting trespass, vandalism,
and harassment 0 0 0 0 2 2 1 0 5
f) Develop a neighbourhood community
watch for stray dogs, animals, and
trespass 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 3 5
g) Develop ongoing communication
channels with non-farming landowners
to promote “good neighbour” relations 0 0 0 3 0 2 1 0 6
h) Educate landowners adjacent to
agricultural land of potential for farming
activities on neighbouring properties. 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 5
Goal 10: Minimize the Impact of
Agriculture on the Environment
Priority Ranking
Actions 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Total
Responses
a) Educate farmers about the benefits
of completing and implementing
Environmental Farm Plans 1 0 1 0 2 1 0 5
12
b) Lobby to have the Environmental
Farm Plan program broadened to
include the equine sector, hobby
farmers, and new farmers 0 0 1 2 1 1 0 5
c) Identify options for farmers to
manage farm manures in a sustainable
manner 0 1 2 1 1 0 0 5
d) Investigate and adopt new
technologies to deal with farm wastes,
alternative energy sources, and
generation of greenhouse gases 3 1 1 0 0 1 0 6
e) Develop interface, linkage, and
communications with Department of
Fisheries and Oceans and BC Ministry
of Environment to create workable
solutions to agriculture-environment
issues in the City 0 3 0 1 0 0 1 5
f) Educate and inform the community
about the ecological goods and
services agriculture provides in Maple
Ridge 0 0 0 1 0 0 4 5
g) Promote the use of natural methods
of controlling pests. 2 1 0 0 1 2 0 6
Goal 11: Reduce Agriculture – Wildlife
Conflicts Priority Ranking
Actions 1 2 3 4 5 Total
Responses
a) Keep channels of communication open to
advise on issues before they become
problems
1 1 0 1 2 5
b) Develop strategy to control populations of
released domestic rabbits 0 0 1 2 2 5
c) Work with farmers experiencing
depredation from bears and deer to channel
movement away from farms
1 2 2 0 1 6
d) Support research to develop repellents and
barriers for problem wildlife 0 1 2 2 0 5
e) Identify opportunities and create
incentives for land owners to participate in
land management systems that enhance
wildlife habitat and support agriculture.
4 1 0 0 0 5
13
Goal 12: Create a Regulatory
Environment Friendly to Agriculture Priority Ranking
Actions 1 2 3 4 Total
Responses
a) Continue to retain the AAC to advise
Council on issues affecting agriculture 3 2 1 0 6
b) Develop results-based approach to
new regulation, so that targets and
effects are assessed before regulatory
policy is implemented.
1 1 1 2 5
c) Monitor proposed regulations to
ensure they are not unnecessarily
onerous on producers and agro-
development
0 1 3 2 6
d) Advocate for region-wide policies for
agricultural areas. 2 2 1 1 6
Goal 13: Protect and Enhance the Agricultural
Context of the Agricultural Land Reserve Priority Ranking
Actions 1 2 3 4 Total
Responses
a) Continue to implement OCP by concentrating
growth to within the urban area boundary 3 1 0 1 5
b) Create a code of good land stewardship in the
Agricultural Land Reserve (abandoned cars, trailers,
machinery, trash, obsolete signage, dumped soil) to
prevent contamination and visual pollution
(batteries, crankcase oil, unproductive fill)
1 3 2 0 6
c) Encourage property owners to build in a fashion
to conserve the land base and minimize potential
for conflict with agricultural activity
2 0 2 1 5
d) Explore changes in the RS-3 (One Family Rural
Residential) zone as it applies to land in the
Agricultural Land Reserve with respect to
restrictions such as setbacks, lot coverage, and
accessory buildings.
0 2 1 3 6
Questionnaire Comments:
Goal 1 Actions
I have prioritized; however, I think these are actions that should be resourced (or at least
funded) by the Province.
Some of these actions will be easier than others but for me (a) is the most important. I think
a carrot and stick approach will be needed because of the lack of motivation of long term
14
speculative business plans of some owners.
Soil testing first.
I've been told we have soil reports. Where are they?
Goal 2 Actions
Under a) we should consider mentorship opportunities in partnership with university
courses so students receive credits for their work and are more enticed to participate.
Studies also show that students often return to where they completed mentorship
programs.
I have prioritized only six actions and I am not certain I feel these actions are the
responsibility of local government. The survey made me prioritize 7 and 8.
Again most of these actions have similar needs. One of the pieces could be a list of
contractors and farmers who are able to prep fallow land for farming.
I don't believe there is an economic case study to support this. I support this in support
of healthy living and having a local food supply for when a disaster hits.
How many jobs should the City do?
Goal 3 Actions
The inventory work referred to in ' a) ' has already mostly been done re: Chris Zabek.
f) Is an ongoing "completed" Ag goal, it is the Golden Harvest so perhaps it does not need
to be on this list?
I have prioritized the four actions I'm comfortable prioritizing. I'm not convinced we
should be partnering with the school district on curriculum based actions. We don't
necessarily pay to advertise about other Plans. I don't think it's appropriate to include
ongoing support for the Haney Farmers Market as an action item. Note that the system
made me add priorities for all.
Any Ag inventory will be by nature transient and difficult to keep track of. Better a self-
reporting structure that would be refreshed yearly. We need to maintain the relationships
we have and build upon them while making more contacts and partners.
Need a food truck license bylaw. Moving promotion!
Cost of print is expensive.
Not our job.
Goal 4 Actions
This is private industry and I'm not certain the City should expend tax dollars on these
actions. Food security is important and I would like to see distribution networks
developed, but these action items promote very hands on role for the City.
Most of this action would work in parallel building toward the establishment of a HUB for
processing, distribution and marketing.
You’re kidding.
Goal 5 Actions
I don't support establishing a levy to fund this plan, but the system made me prioritize it
as eight.
This goal has internal and external actions, in my view we need to do the work we can do
while not ignoring the external relationships that will cover many of the big picture issues.
15
Goal 6 Actions
Why don't we draw water from the Fraser for agricultural needs?
I have prioritized what I am comfortable prioritizing which was priorities 1 through 4. The
system made me prioritize the rest.
For agriculture everything is about water, either too much or too little. Being able to
control natural systems so that water is available when needed and drained when it isn't
is every farmer’s biggest issue. We need to do better at addressing water issues
throughout the year.
BC needs updated flood maps. Let's start advocating supporting this works there's a
flood committee. Contact City Councillor Jason Lum from Chilliwack.
Goal 7 Actions
The Kwantlen University Bioregional Food Sustainability project personnel should be
consulted on all of this. I don't support any additional staff time going into this work.
I support Economic Development exploring this.
Any system needs to be sized correctly for local conditions with the ability to ramp up or
down throughout the season and as new products and markets emerge.
Goal 8 Actions
None of these are a priority for me.
This is one sector where we can have a direct effect on its growth. I see a pent up
demand for new products and new farmers with a variety of business plans. Our land
divisions are perfect for niche products.
We outlaw agriculture.
Goal 9 Actions
I have prioritized what I am comfortable prioritizing, which was priorities 1 through 4. The
system made me prioritize the rest.
Sometimes fallow land becomes someone’s benign view over many years and when that
land is activated all of a sudden there are noises and smells that can offend. An
educational program would help residential neighbours be more accepting.
Referring to h) why is this not the responsibility of landowners?
Goal 10 Actions
I had to add priorities 6 and 7.
Again education around seasonal effects of agriculture so that people aren't surprised
when farming occurs. Having a program that can be employed when there is a cluster of
complaints.
Goal 11 Actions
There are no open-ended responses to this question.
Goal 12 Actions
Again we need to educate farmers about what the present rules allow and restrict. Then
lobby senior government for practical changes that would help agriculture to be more
viable.
16
Goal 13 Actions
These are all important and we need to add farm plate restrictions.
Referring to "Continue to implement OCP by concentrating growth to within the urban
area boundary." This depends, is the land farmable?
Additional Comments
At the beginning of Council we’d decided Ag wasn't going to be a priority for our staff
resources. I look forward to being given clear direction if this is changing. I was waiting
for the Committee review report because discussion of the future of this table was to be
a part of that review. Thank you for waiting for my response. I was waiting for direction.
The ball was dropped by Council.
Mill Rate – High. Water cost. Soil Analysis as base. Please get to reality. If you want to
control someone else's property, buy it.
17
Appendix B – Goals and Actions of the Agricultural Plan
Goal 1: Increase Access to Underutilized Agricultural Land
Actions:
a) Develop a strategy to increase landowner awareness of farmland leasing options, taxation
benefits, and community demand for local production
b) Create a database of farmland available for leasing, including a database maintenance strategy
c) Develop access to materials on lease/rental terms and sample agreements, possibly website
delivered
d) Create educational materials for agricultural property owners regarding stewardship of agricultural
land
Goal 2: Improve the Agricultural Knowledge Base of Farmers
Actions:
a) Partner with farmers to create apprenticeship opportunities and mentorships, and to attract
workers to agriculture in the area
b) Pursue options and opportunities to provide a hands-on training ground for aspiring farmers
c) Engage high schools and post-secondary institutions in local farmer training initiatives
d) Investigate innovative ways aspiring new farmers without land may be encouraged to access
agricultural land currently not in production
e) Through various workshops and electronic media, initiate information exchange on small lot
agriculture (production techniques, organic, equipment, pest management)
f) Develop information sharing and exchange networks and coalitions with like-minded groups in
other areas
g) Create a cross-commodity Farmers Institute (see Glossary) to coordinate and implement the
knowledge base initiatives identified in this Agricultural Plan
h) Develop awareness of educational initiatives in the local community.
Goal 3: Improve the Agricultural Knowledge Base of the Consumer Public
Actions
a) Develop an inventory of local agricultural land use and agricultural products produced
b) Create newspaper slot highlighting farming, seasonal recipes, farmer direct markets
c) Encourage retailers to advertise and identify locally produced and seasonal products
d) Partner with schools and the School District to communicate information about farming
e) Create more hands-on displays at District Fair
f) Host a “Taste of Maple Ridge” event annually
g) Engage local chefs to partner in local food promotion
h) Partner with schools to develop agricultural curriculum, including coordinating with the
Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation and the School Gardens project
i) Report on Agricultural Plan completion in the media
j) Report regularly in the media on progress and issues relating to implementing the
Agricultural Plan
k) Provide continued support for the Haney Farmers Market.
Goal 4: Develop the Local Distribution and Marketing System
Actions
a) Work with producers to: investigate the potential for marketing cooperatives; brokerages;
machinery cooperatives; investigate community storage and handling options; learn about marketing
models; branding Maple Ridge Agricultural Plan
b) Hold workshops on local marketing and distribution systems
c) Enlist the participation of local expertise up-to-date on food marketing issues
d) Develop a strategy to assist the development of distribution and marketing options in the District
18
e) Pursue the development of key components of a local distribution system, including cooling,
handling, and staging area for fresh produce (e.g., food terminal)
f) Investigate marketing needs of local farming community
Goal 5: Protect the Agricultural Land Base
Actions
a) Continue to implement the OCP policies to protect the agricultural land base by creating
Development Permit Area guidelines to minimize non-agricultural encroachment on agriculturally
designated lands and farming activities
b) Continue to implement the OCP policies to protect the agricultural land base by creating guidelines
for reviewing applications for non-farm use, exclusions, fill applications, transportation and utility
applications, subdivisions, and government applications
c) Investigate federal, provincial, and Metro Vancouver support for agriculture irrigation water supply
expansion
d) Explore opportunities to protect agricultural land from development through a variety of means
such as donations of land, covenants, easements, agricultural use of municipal land, consolidation
of land, and other mechanisms that support agriculture
e) Support opportunities to provide land for community based agriculture
f) Explore establishing an agricultural levy on agricultural land conversion developments to ensure
that capital is available to finance the agricultural strategy in this plan
g) Explore retention of lots 2 ha (5 acres) and larger in the Agricultural Land Reserve
h) Support and encourage applications to include lands in the Agricultural Land Reserve
Goal 6: Rehabilitate and Improve the Agricultural Infrastructure
Actions
a) Investigate a watershed-based surface and groundwater irrigation strategy
b) Where a need is identified, undertake a water supply inventory for lands in the Agricultural Land
Reserve
c) Explore establishing a drainage and flood control levy
d) Require upland land owners and applicants to control storm water flows into the flood plain
e) Undertake a feasibility study of drainage and flood control to rehabilitate affected areas
f) Continue to build relationship with the neighbouring municipality
g) Require compensation from unavoidable agricultural land conversion developments to be used to
increase net agricultural capability in the District
h) Encourage the Agricultural Land Commission to enforce agreements entered into with proponents
that allow applications to proceed on Agricultural Land Reserve land.
Goal 7: Develop Local Food System Infrastructure Capacity
Actions
a) Work with producers and local entrepreneurs to explore the feasibility of an agro industrial
infrastructure strategy that could include: shared industrial spaces; branding; small scale processing
facilities; community kitchens; mobile slaughter facilities.
Goal 8: Increase the Diversity of Agricultural Activity
Actions
a) Work with the AAC to promote and gauge the feasibility of alternative models of community
supported agriculture
b) Continue to acknowledge and incorporate agriculture into District economic development
strategies and plans
c) Explore the agro-tourism policies of the Agricultural Land Commission for their potential to provide
new and expanded opportunities for farmers and possible inclusion into District bylaws.
19
d) Promote local agri-businesses and activities on District website and publications
e) Encourage linkages in the agricultural sector in Maple Ridge to identify cross-demand for products
and services
f) Identify a community work force for agriculture
g) Identify community demand and develop linkages for participatory food production
h) Provide opportunities for community gardening, allotments, and urban demonstration plots.
Goal 9: Reduce Potential for Stress in the Agricultural-Residential Interface
Actions
a) Implement Development Permit Area guidelines to minimize non-agricultural encroachment on
agriculturally designated lands and farming activities, including specific provisions for buffer zones,
appropriate landscaping, subdivision design, and building location
b) Create a cross-commodity Farmers Institute to implement agricultural initiatives identified in this
Plan
c) Require notices on title on properties adjacent to agricultural lands (disclosure statements)
to avoid neighbourhood conflicts
d) Enforce noxious weed bylaw on idle land in the Agricultural La nd Reserve, municipal rights-of-way,
and utility rights of way
e) Create respect for property rights of farmers respecting trespass, vandalism, and harassment
f) Develop a neighbourhood community watch for stray dogs, animals, and trespass
g) Develop ongoing communication channels with non-farming landowners to promote “good
neighbour” relations
h) Educate landowners adjacent to agricultural land of potential for farming activities on
neighbouring properties.
Goal 10: Minimize the Impact of Agriculture on the Environment
Actions
a) Educate farmers about the benefits of completing and implementing Environmental Farm
Plans
b) Lobby to have the Environmental Farm Plan (see Glossary) program broadened to include the
equine sector, hobby farmers, and new farmers
c) Identify options for farmers to manage farm manures in a sustainable manner
d) Investigate and adopt new technologies to deal with farm wastes, alternative energy sources, and
generation of greenhouse gases
e) Develop interface, linkage, and communications with Department of Fisheries and Oceans and BC
Ministry of Environment to create workable solutions to agriculture-environment issues in the District
f) Educate and inform the community about the ecological goods and services agriculture provides in
Maple Ridge
g) Promote the use of natural methods of controlling pests.
Goal 11: Reduce Agriculture – Wildlife Conflicts
Actions
a) Keep channels of communication open to advise on issues before they become problems
b) Develop strategy to control populations of released domestic rabbits
c) Work with farmers experiencing depredation from bears and deer to channel movement away
from farms
d) Support research to develop repellents and barriers for problem wildlife
e) Identify opportunities and create incentives for land owners to participate in land management
systems that enhance wildlife habitat and support agriculture.
20
Goal 12: Create a Regulatory Environment Friendly to Agriculture
Actions
a) Continue to retain the AAC to advise Council on issues affecting agriculture
b) Develop results-based approach to new regulation, so that targets and effects are assessed
before regulatory policy is implemented.
c) Monitor proposed regulations to ensure they are not unnecessarily onerous on producers and
agro-development
d) Advocate for region-wide policies for agricultural areas.
Goal 13: Protect and Enhance the Agricultural Context of the Agricultural Land Reserve
Actions
a) Continue to implement OCP by concentrating growth to within the urban area boundary
b) Create a code of good land stewardship in the Agricultural Land Reserve (abandoned cars, trailers,
machinery, trash, obsolete signage, dumped soil) to prevent contamination and visual pollution
(batteries, crankcase oil, unproductive fill)
c) Encourage property owners to build in a fashion to conserve the land base and minimize potential
for conflict with agricultural activity
d) Explore changes in the RS-3 (One Family Rural Residential) zone as it applies to land in the
Agricultural Land Reserve with respect to restrictions such as setbacks, lot coverage, and accessory
buildings.
City of Maple Ridge
11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, BC V2X 6A9 Canada . Tel: 604-463-5221. Fax: 604-467-7329
enquiries@mapleridge.ca . www.mapleridge.ca
October 1, 2015
To: Mayor and Council
Re: Maple Ridge Agricultural Plan
The Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC) is pleased to submit the following package to Mayor and Council for
consideration. The submission includes a table that identifies those actions in the Agricultural Plan that the
committee has undertaken since the Plan’s endorsement by Council in December, 2009.
The Goals of the Agriculture Plan were developed to address the changing landscape of where our food supply
comes from and how safe it is. The agriculture-to-food-production continuum has the potential to be a
significant economic driver for our community. The Agricultural Plan provides a roadmap for our local food
security, local sustainable employment, and a greater contribution to the regional and provincial economy. The
Plan also aligns with and supports the renewed interest in agriculture by Maple Ridge residents, as shown by
the increase in attendance at the Farmer’s Market and continued growing attendance at the Golden Harvest
event.
The AAC follows the Guiding Principles of the Agricultural Plan which are to:
Protect the agricultural land base
Support regional drainage and flood control infrastructure to ensure that agricultural
capability is realized
Commit to regulatory reform to promote working agriculture
Community support for agriculture
The Agricultural Plan framework consists of 13 Issues and Goals, with a total of 85 associated recommended
actions. The attached table shows those actions the AAC has undertaken in part or completed, or in some
instances are ongoing activities which it supports. This submission package also includes a short information
sheet on the activities the AAC has identified below to provide some additional context.
The AAC has identified the following activities for Council consideration during prioritization and business
planning activities that may strengthen linking consumers with local agricultural products and enhancing the
agricultural viability of our community:
1. Marketing and promotion of the sub-regional agricultural brand True North Fraser
2. Support the creation of a food hub to provide a marketing outlet for locally produced products
3. Support development of agricultural Infrastructure
4. Support improving the agricultural knowledge base through education and outreach
5. Communicate the economic benefit of agriculture to council and the general public, and to identify
issues related to the growth of a local sustainable food supply.
Based on the recommended activities and the actions identified in the Agricultural Plan that the AAC has not
undertaken, the AAC recommends Council consider allocating a municipal position to implement actions in the
Agricultural Plan that align with Council priorities.
Sincerely,
Margaret Daskis,
Agricultural Advisory Committee Chair
Agricultural Advisory Committee information sheet
1. Marketing and promotion of the sub-regional agricultural brand True North Fraser
This activity has been an ongoing project since 2013. The brand has been developed and
established. However, originally this project included the municipalities of Pitt Meadows and
Mission in this sub-regional branding scheme. Circumstances have changed recently, and a new
strategy needs to be developed to move forward.
2. Expand /enhance the agricultural base by supporting young farmers and through land
stewardship
The AAC continues to identify opportunities to encourage and support new and young farmers
getting on the land. To date this includes presentations by young farmers to the committee,
connecting with other local agricultural communities to share knowledge, and participate in
activities across the region that support this goal. Land stewardship includes identification and
support of policies, regulations and other tools to protect rural and agricultural lands from
development and encroachment.
3. Support development of agricultural Infrastructure
The Agricultural Plan identified that local agricultural infrastructure has deteriorated and may
contribute to pressure to convert these lands to non-farm uses. The AAC identifies
opportunities to support the development of drainage and flood control infrastructure, as well
as water supply information and irrigation strategies.
4. Improve the agricultural knowledge base
Goal 4 of the Agricultural Plan is to improve the agricultural knowledge base of farmers. This
includes identifying opportunities to support speakers’ series, seminars, training, mentorships,
information sharing and curriculum development at the primary, secondary and post-secondary
levels.
5. Communication: create awareness about agricultural issues
Goal 3 of the Agricultural Plan is to improve the agricultural knowledge base of the consumer
public. Over the last six years, the AAC has developed a number of ongoing events that
communicate how local products are grown and distributed. These events include support for
the Haney Farmers Market, Country Fest, coordinating the Front and Back Yard Food Garden
Contest and Golden Harvest.
1
Agricultural Plan Action Framework
The Agricultural Plan Action Framework is presented here with each of the 13 Goals and the accompanying Recommended Actions. The table also features four additional categories, which show the
organizations that may be involved in implementing a particular action, the resources that may be required, what actions have been undertaken or completed to date, and the timing of the action in
one of the following categories:
Immediate
Area of Investigation - items which are discussed and tasks identified for future work plans
Ongoing - items that form part of regular AAC activities
Medium Term
Long Term
TBD – those items that have not been investigated to date and will be examined in the future
Appendix Table 1: Agricultural Plan – Recommended Action Plan – update July 2015 from work since Dec 2009 (approval)
Goal Recommended Actions Who? Resources Work /Actions completed Timing for action (Area of
Investigation /Ongoing/
Immediate / Medium / Long
term
Goal 1: Increase
Access to
Underutilized
Agricultural
Land
a) Develop a strategy to increase landowner
awareness of farmland leasing options,
taxation benefits, and community demand
for local production
AAC
City
Farmers Institute
Minimal
Hire a co-op student to
assist or consultant to
develop strategy
Requested assistance from Metro
Vancouver AAC for regional and
provincial input
Area of Investigation
b) Create a database of farmland available
for leasing, including a database
maintenance strategy
AAC
City, Farmers Institute
Ministry of
Agriculture And
Lands
Minimal
Hire a co-op student to
assist
Has been discussed but development
and maintenance of database is to
be determined and cost($)
Medium term
c) Develop access to materials on
lease/rental terms and sample
agreements, possibly website delivered
AAC
City, Farmers Institute,
Ministry of
Agriculture and
Lands
Minimal
Hire a co-op student to
assist
BC Ministry of Agriculture
has template available
Medium term
d) Create educational materials for
agricultural property owners regarding
stewardship of agricultural land
Farmers Institute, AAC
Support from Ministry
of Agriculture and
Lands, Metro
Vancouver
Minimal
Utilize existing materials
and modify; production
and distribution costs
Immediate
2
Goal Recommended Actions Who? Resources Work /Actions completed Timing for action (Area of
Investigation /Ongoing/
Immediate / Medium / Long
term
e) Through various workshops and electronic
media, initiate discussion on the role of
small lot property owners in enhancing
local agriculture in the City (gaining access
to land, pooling of small lots, rent
calculator, lessee responsibilities).
Farmers Institute
AAC
Support from Ministry
of Agriculture and
Lands, Metro
Vancouver
Minimal
Invite Ministry of
Agriculture and Lands
staff to assist
Tapped into Langley Sustainable
Agriculture lecture series and
promote locally
Area of Investigation
f) Identify and promote opportunities for
development of urban agriculture
Farmers Institute,
AAC,
Community Kitchens,
City
Minimal Speakers Kent Mullinex and Tom
Bowman (complete)
Area of Investigation
3
Goal Recommended Actions Who? Resources Work /Actions completed Timing for action (Area of
Investigation /Ongoing/
Immediate / Medium / Long term
Goal 2: Improve
the
Knowledge
Base of
Farmers
a) Partner with farmers to create
apprenticeship opportunities and
mentorships, and to attract workers to
agriculture in the area
AAC could take lead
with assistance
from other
organizations
Commodity
Associations, City,
Educational
institutions
Moderate
Farmer Led Institute
Discussed “meet your maker –” event Area of Investigation
b) Pursue options and opportunities to
provide a hands-on training ground for
aspiring farmers
AAC could take lead
with assistance
from other
organizations
Support from
Agricultural Land
Commission, City
Moderate
Farmer Led Institute
Kwantlen program and farm school –
originally Kwantlen but now
investigating CEED Centre project
Area of Investigation
c) Engage high schools and post-secondary
institutions in local farmer training
initiatives
AAC could take lead
with assistance
from other
organizations
Support from
Agricultural Land
Commission, City,
School City
Minimal
Invite presenters within
the industry
Farmer Led Institute
Area of Investigation
d) Investigate innovative ways aspiring new
farmers without land may be encouraged
to access agricultural land currently not
in production
AAC could take lead
with assistance
from other
organizations
Support from
Agricultural Land
Commission, City
Minimal
Farmer Led Institute
Long Term
e) Through various workshops and electronic
media, initiate information exchange on
small lot agriculture (production
techniques, organic, equipment, pest
AAC could take lead
with assistance
from other
organizations
Minimal
Invite presenters from
within the agricultural
industry.
Tapped into Langley Sustainable
Agriculture lecture series and
promote locally
Area of Investigation
4
management)
Support from Ministry
of Agriculture and
Lands, Metro
Vancouver
Add to Lower Mainland
Horticultural
curriculum
Farmer Led Institute
f) Develop information sharing and
exchange networks and coalitions with
like-minded groups in other areas
AAC could take lead
with assistance
from other
organizations
Minimal
Farmer Led Institute
Area of Investigation
g) Encourage the creation of a cross-
commodity Farmers Institute to
coordinate and implement the knowledge
base initiatives identified in this
Agricultural Plan
AAC could take lead
with assistance
from other
organizations
Medium term
h) Develop awareness of educational
initiatives in the local community
AAC could take lead
with assistance
from other
organizations
Minimal
Farmer Led Institute
Area of Investigation
5
Goal Recommended Actions Who? Resources Work /Actions completed Timing for action (Area of
Investigation /Ongoing/
Immediate / Medium / Long term
Goal 3: Improve
the
Knowledge
Base of the
Consumer
Public
a) Develop an inventory of local agricultural
land use and agricultural products
produced
Farmers Market
AAC
Moderate Area of Investigation
b) Create newspaper slot highlighting
farming, seasonal recipes, farmer direct
markets
Community Kitchen
Community newspaper
Farmers Market
Minimal Discussed but no action yet. Medium term / Area of
Investigation
c) Encourage retailers to advertise and
identify locally produced seasonal
products.
AAC
Minimal This is being conducted by Save On
Foods and Safeway through BCFPA;
also Thrifty’s
Area of Investigation
d) Partner with schools and the School
District to communicate information
about farming
AAC
City
Minimal Medium term
e) Create more hands-on displays at Country
Fest (Ag Fair)
Farmers Market
Ministry of Agriculture
and Lands
Minimal
Partner with commodity
associations
Supported Country Fest (Agricultural
Fair) for some of the displays and
endorsed grant from Metro Van
AAC to subsidize free entry
Ongoing
f) Host a “Taste of Maple Ridge” event
annually
Farmers Market
AAC
Minimal
User pay and donations
Ongoing event – Golden Harvest;
annual increase in popularity
Ongoing
g) Engage local chefs to partner in local food
promotion
Minimal
User pay and donated
Golden Harvest event – local chefs and
student chefs
Ongoing
h) Partner with schools to develop
agricultural curriculum, including
coordinating with the Agriculture in the
Classroom Foundation and the School
Gardens project
i)
Ministry of Agriculture
and Lands
Ag in the Classroom
BC Agriculture Council
Minimal
Already existing
Gardening at local schools – CEED
Centre
Area of Investigation
j) Report on Agricultural Plan completion in
the media
City Minimal Completed
k) Report regularly in the media on progress
and issues relating to implementing the
Agricultural Plan
City Minimal Completed
l) Provide continued support for the Haney
Farmers Market
City
Minimal
Location, advertising,
promotion
Endorse the Haney Farmer’s Market
and promote
Completed
6
Goal Recommended Actions Who? Resources Work /Actions completed Timing for action (Area of
Investigation /Ongoing/
Immediate / Medium / Long
term
Goal 4: Support
the
Development
of the Local
Distribution
and
Marketing
System
a) Work with producers to: investigate the
potential for marketing cooperatives,
brokerages; machinery cooperatives;
investigate community storage and handling
options; learn about marketing models;
branding
b)
Support from Ministry
of Agriculture and
Lands
Commodity groups
Moderate
Seek IAF funding to
explore options
Reviewed and endorsed Golden Ears
Co-op and reviewed New City
Market and CEED Centre HUB
project (invest North Fraser)
Area of Investigation
c) Hold workshops on local marketing and
distribution systems
Support from Metro
Vancouver
Minimal
Invite existing local
marketers
Area of Investigation
d) Enlist the participation of local expertise
regarding up-to-date on food marketing
issues
Support from AAC,
Metro Vancouver,
City
Minimal
Invite presenters from
Fraser Health
Authority,
Food security groups,
Organic associations,
Direct marketing
associations
Area of Investigation
e) Develop a strategy to assist the
development of distribution and marketing
options in the City
Assistance from
Ministry of
Agriculture and
Lands, Metro
Vancouver
Moderate
Seek IAF funding to
explore options
Branding of North Fraser –
communications. Legal ownership
of the True North Fraser brand.
Completed
f) Implementation of True North Fraser brand
use.
AAC
Farmers Market
City
Farmers
Immediate
g) Pursue the development of key components
of a local distribution system, including
cooling, handling and staging area for fresh
produce (e.g., food terminal)
Moderate
Seek IAF funding to
explore options
Hub Project (invest North Fraser) Area of Investigation
h) Support marketing needs of local farming
community.
Assistance from City,
Ministry of
Agriculture and
Lands, Metro
Vancouver
Moderate Branding of North Fraser –
communications and interactions
Area of Investigation
7
Goal Recommended Actions Who? Resources Work /Actions completed Timing for action (Area of
Investigation /Ongoing/
Immediate / Medium / Long
term
Goal 5: Protect
the
Agricultural
Land Base
a) Continue to implement the OCP policies to
protect the agricultural land base by
creating Development Permit Area
guidelines to minimize non-agricultural
encroachment on agriculturally
designated lands and farming activities
City Minimal Area of Investigation
b) Continue to implement the OCP policies to
protect the agricultural land base by
creating guidelines for reviewing
applications for non-farm use, exclusions,
fill applications, transportation and utility
applications, subdivisions, and
government applications
City Minimal
Can use the Metro Van
AAC and BC Ministry
developed materials
Area of Investigation
c) Investigate federal, provincial and Metro
Vancouver support for agriculture
irrigation water supply expansion
City Minimal to moderate Area of Investigation
d) Explore opportunities to protect
agricultural land from development
through a variety of means such as
donations of land, covenants, easements,
agricultural use of municipal land,
consolidation of land, and other
mechanisms that support agriculture.
AAC
City
Minimal to moderate Had discussed options for determining
the land available from Municipality
that is potentially useful for
Agriculture
Area of Investigation
e) Support opportunities to provide land for
community based agriculture.
AAC
City
Land Trusts
Minimal to moderate See above Area of Investigation
f) Explore establishing an agricultural levy
on agricultural land conversion
developments to ensure that capital is
available to finance the agricultural
strategy in this Plan
City Minimal Area of Investigation
8
Recommended Actions Who? Resources Work /Actions completed Timing for action (Area of
Investigation /Ongoing/
Immediate / Medium / Long
term
g) Explore retention of lots 2 ha (5 acres) and
larger in the Agricultural Land Reserve.
City Minimal Area of Investigation
h) Support and encourage applications to
include lands in the Agricultural Land
Reserve
AAC
City
Farmers Institute
Minimal Area of Investigation
9
Goal Recommended Actions Who? Resources Work /Actions completed Timing for action (Area of
Investigation /Ongoing/
Immediate / Medium / Long
term
Goal 6: Rehabilitate
and Improve
the Agricultural
Infrastructure -
a) Investigate a watershed-based surface
and groundwater irrigation strategy
City
Metro Vancouver
Min. of Ag and Lands
Moderate TBD
b) Where a need is identified, undertake a
water supply inventory for lands in the
Agricultural Land Reserve
City
Min. of Ag and Lands
Metro Vancouver
Moderate Ministry of Agriculture and Lands
(complete)
Data complete
c) Explore establishing a drainage and
flood control levy
City Minimal TBD
d) Require upland landowners and
applicants to control storm water flows
into the flood plain
City Minimal TBD
e) Undertake a feasibility study of drainage
and flood control to rehabilitate
affected areas.
City
Support from
Ministry of
Agriculture and
Lands
Moderate TBD
f) Continue to build relationship with
neighbouring municipality
City Minimal Joint meetings held with PMAAC and
PMEDC and MREAC (Complete)
Area of Investigation / Complete
g) Require compensation from
unavoidable agricultural land
conversion developments to be used to
increase net agricultural capability in
the City
City Minimal Area of Investigation
h) Encourage the Agricultural Land
Commission to enforce agreements
entered into with proponents that allow
applications to proceed on Agricultural
Land Reserve land.
City Minimal Area of Investigation
10
Goal Recommended Actions Who? Resources Work /Actions completed Timing for action (Area of
Investigation /Ongoing/
Immediate / Medium / Long
term
Goal 7: Support
Local Food
System
Infrastructure
Capacity
a) Work with producers & local
entrepreneurs to explore the feasibility
of an agro-industrial infrastructure
strategy that could include: shared
industrial space; branding; small scale
processing facilities; community
kitchen; mobile slaughter facilities
Support from City,
Ministry of
Agriculture and
Lands, Metro
Vancouver
Moderate
Seek IAF funding to explore
options
Continuing to work with local partners
on exploring this issue. Recent activities
include providing a letter of support to
the CEED Centre for its Agro-food HUB
concept.
Area of Investigation
11
Goal Recommended Actions Who? Resources Work /Actions completed Timing for action (Area of
Investigation /Ongoing/
Immediate / Medium / Long
term
Goal 8: Increase
the Diversity of
Agricultural
Activity – leave
to farmers /
remove from
plan
a) Work with the AAC to promote and
gauge the feasibility of alternative
models of community supported
agriculture
AAC, Support from
Farmers Institute and
other community
organizations
Moderate TBD
b) Continue to acknowledge and
incorporate agriculture into City
economic development strategies and
plans.
City Minimal TBD
c) Explore the agro-tourism policies of the
Agricultural Land Commission for their
potential to provide new and expanded
opportunities for farmers and their
possible inclusion into City bylaws.
City Minimal Complete – Farm Bike Tour
(now managed by another
group)
d) Promote local agri-businesses and
activities on City website and
publications
City Minimal Area of Investigation
e) Encourage linkages among the
agricultural sector in Maple Ridge
agriculture to identify cross-demand for
products and services
Minimal Meet your maker / Farmer’s Market,
How many chefs take advantage of
attending market or is it direct
connections.
Area of Investigation
f) Identify a community work force for
agriculture
AAC, City
Coordinate with
Farmers Institute,
Social Services,
community
Organizations
Minimal TBD
g) Identify community demand and
develop linkages for participatory food
production
Farmers Institute
Support from City
community
Organizations
Moderate TBD
12
h) Provide opportunities for community
gardening, allotments; and urban
demonstration plots
City
Support from
Farmers Institute,
realtors
Minimal to moderate TBD
13
Goal Recommended Actions Who? Resources Work /Actions completed Timing for action (Area of
Investigation /Ongoing/
Immediate / Medium / Long
term
Goal 9: Reduce
Potential for
Stress in the
Agricultural-
Residential
Interface –
lower priority
a) Implement Development Permit Area
guidelines to minimize non-agricultural
encroachment on agriculturally
designated lands and farming activities,
including specific provisions for buffer
zones, appropriate landscaping,
subdivision design, and building location
City
AAC
Minimal Area of Investigation
b) Create a cross commodity Farmers
Institute to implement agricultural
initiatives identified in this Plan
AAC, Metro,
Ministry of
Agriculture and
Lands
Minimal Area of Investigation
c) Require notices on title on properties
adjacent to agricultural lands (disclosure
statements) to avoid neighbhourhood
conflicts
City
Realtors
Minimal Area of Investigation
d) Enforce noxious weed bylaw on idle land
in the ALR, municipal rights-of-way and
utility rights-of-way.
City Minimal to moderate Area of Investigation
e) Create respect for property rights of
farmers respecting trespass, vandalism,
and harassment
Farmers Institute
AAC, City, Metro
Vancouver
Minimal Area of Investigation
f) Develop a neighbourhood community
watch for stray dogs, animals, and
trespass
ACC, Farmers
Institute
City
Minimal Area of Investigation
g) Develop ongoing communication
channels with non-farming landowners
to promote “good neighbour” relations
Farmers Institute Minimal Area of Investigation
h) Educate landowners adjacent to
agricultural land of potential for farming
activities on neighbouring properties
City, AAC
Farmers Institute
Minimal Area of Investigation
14
Goal Recommended Actions Who? Resources Work /Actions completed Timing for action (Area of
Investigation /Ongoing/
Immediate / Medium / Long
term
Goal 10: Minimize
Impact of
Agriculture on
the
Environment
a) Educate farmers about the benefits of
completing and implementing
Environmental Farm Plans
AAC Minimal Area of Investigation / long
term
b) Lobby to have the Environmental Farm
Plan program broadened to include the
equine sector, hobby farmers, and new
farmers
Farmers institute
AAC
Minimal Area of Investigation / long
term
c) Identify options for farmers to manage
manures in a sustainable manner
Ministry of
Agriculture & Lands
Farmers Institute
Minimal Area of Investigation / long
term
d) Investigate and adopt new technologies
to deal with farm wastes, alternative
energy sources, and generation of
greenhouse gases
Ministry of
Agriculture & Lands
Ministry of the
Environment, Metro
Vancouver, Farmers
Moderate to major
Seek Investment Agriculture
Foundation funding to
explore options
Area of Investigation / long
term
e) Develop interface, linkage, and
communications with Department of
Fisheries and Oceans and BC Ministry of
Environment to create workable
solutions to agriculture-environment
issues in the City
City
AAC
Farmers Institute
Minimal Area of Investigation / long
term
f) Educate and inform the community
about the ecological goods and services
agriculture provides in Maple Ridge
City
AAC
Farmers Institute
Moderate Area of Investigation / long
term
g) Promote the use of natural methods of
controlling pests
Farmers Institute
City. Ministry of
Agriculture & Lands.
Metro Vancouver
Moderate Area of Investigation / long
term
15
Goal Recommended Actions Who? Resources Work /Actions completed Timing for action (Area of
Investigation /Ongoing/
Immediate / Medium / Long
term
Goal 11: Reduce
Agriculture–
Wildlife
Conflicts –
combine with
Goal 10?
a) Keep channels of communication open to
advise on issues before they become
problems
AAC Minimal Area of Investigation / long
term
b) Develop strategy to control populations
of released domestic rabbits
City Moderate Area of Investigation / long
term
c) Work with farmers experiencing
depredation from bears and deer to
channel movement away from farms
Ministry of the
Environment City
Moderate Area of Investigation / long
term
d) Support research to develop repellents
and barriers for problem wildlife
Farmers Institute Minimal
Seek Investment Agriculture
Foundation funding to
explore options
Area of Investigation / long
term
e) Identify opportunities and create
incentives for land owners to participate
in land management systems that
enhance wildlife habitat and support
agriculture
Farmer's Institute
AAC, City , Ministry
of Agriculture and
Lands, Metro
Vancouver
Moderate Area of Investigation / long
term
16
Goal Recommended Actions Who? Resources Work /Actions completed Timing for action (Area of
Investigation /Ongoing/
Immediate / Medium / Long
term
Goal 12: Create a
Regulatory
Environment
Friendly to
Agriculture
a) Continue to retain the AAC to advise
Council on issues affecting agriculture
City Minimal CURRENT NECESSITY, particularly with
climate change and food and water
security
Immediate and long term
b) Develop results-based approach to new
regulation, so that targets and effects are
assessed before regulatory policy is
implemented.
City, AAC, Ministry
of Agriculture and
Lands, Agricultural
Land Commission
Minimal TBD
c) Monitor proposed regulations to ensure
they are not unnecessarily onerous on
producers and agro-development
City, AAC Minimal TBD
d) Advocate for Region-wide policies for
agricultural areas
AAC
City , Farmers
Institute
Minimal Current involvement at Metro
Vancouver Agricultural Advisory
Committee
TBD
17
Goal Recommended Actions Who? Resources Work /Actions completed Timing for action (Area of
Investigation /Ongoing/
Immediate / Medium / Long
term
Goal 13: Protect
and Enhance the
Agricultural
Context of the
Agricultural Land
Reserve. – Role of
OCP
a) Continue to implement OCP by
concentrating growth to within the urban
area boundary
City Minimal TBD
b) Create a Code of good land stewardship
in the Agricultural Land Reserve
(abandoned cars, trailers, machinery,
trash, obsolete signage, dumped soil) to
prevent contamination and visual
pollution (batteries, crankcase oil,
unproductive fill)
City
AAC
Agricultural Land
Commission
Minimal Metro Van AAC responded to dumped
soil transfers between jurisdictions
with current pilot project.
Area of Investigation
c) Encourage property owners to build in a
fashion to conserve the land base and
minimize potential for conflict with
agricultural activity
City
Agricultural Land
Commission
Minimal TBD
d) Explore changes to the RS-3 (One Family
Rural Residential Zone) as it applies to
the Agricultural Land Reserve with
respect to restrictions such as setbacks,
lot coverage, and accessory buildings.
City Minimal Ministry of Agricultural
recommendations for siting of
residential portion of acreage
TBD