Welcome to the B.C. and Alberta Food System Policy Database

This database is a centralized resource for planners, policy makers, community advocates, local organizations and the policy curious to search for policy precedents and to better understand how local government policy in B.C. and Alberta is addressing local food systems. Search by a range of characteristics to find food system policies that have been adopted by local governments across B.C and Alberta. For more information about using the database and how it was developed see How to use the Database. 

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Institute for Sustainable Food Systems
Displaying 101 - 110 of 268 Results
Topics
Sub Topics

District of North Saanich Animal Control Bylaw No. 751

Topic(s): Food Production, Urban Agriculture

Sub-topic(s): beekeeping/apiculture, livestock, pollinators, urban chickens

Region: Capital | Document Type: Regulatory Bylaw | Year: consolidated 2014

View policy:  HTML PDF

Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location

food production;

 livestock;

FARM ANIMALS

5.1 No person shall keep or harbour any farm animal except an equine on any parcel of land zoned Residential, unless said parcel is at least 4000 square metres in area. Where a parcel has an area of more than 4000 square metres, but less than 8000 square metres, one farm animal may be kept. Where a parcel exceeds 8000 square metres, two farm animals may be kept.

5.2 No person shall keep or harbour an equine on any parcel of land zoned Residential, unless said parcel is at least 3400 square metres in area. Where a parcel has an area of at least 3400 square metres, but less than 6000 square metres, two animals of the equine family may be kept. Where a parcel exceeds 6000 square metres, four animals of the equine family may be kept. BL 1291

5.3 No person shall keep or harbour any farm animal on land situated in the following zones:...

See document for additional regulations related to farm animals.

 section 5

food production;

urban agriculture;

livestock;

urban chickens;

POULTRY

9.1 No person shall keep more than the number of head of poultry specified in the following table in a Residential Zone:

1,115 m2 (12,000 sq. ft.) to 4,047 m2 (one acre) 10 head
over 0.4 ha (one acre) up to 8,094 m2 (two acres) 20 head
over 8,094 m2 (two acres) 30 head

 

See document for additional regulations regarding the keeping of poultry.

 

 section 9

food production;

beekeeping/apiculture;

pollinators;

livesotck;

BEES

13.1 No person shall place any hive or other device for the housing of bees on any parcel of land unless the said hive or device is located at least 20 feet from any property line, except where such hive or device for the housing of bees is used in conjunction with the operation of a greenhouse.

 section 13

 

City of Burnaby Official Community Plan

Topic(s): Development and Productive use of Agricultural Land, Economic Development, Food Production, Urban - Agriculture Conflict & Edge Planning, Water Management

Sub-topic(s): ALR exclusion, ALR subdivision, agricultural industry services, roads in agricultural land, farm diversification, irrigation and drainage

Region: Metro Vancouver | Document Type: Official Community Plan | Year: 1998

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Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location

Language Rating
development and productive use of agricultural land;   continuing to preserve lands within the Agricultural Land Reserve for agricultural and limited other permitted uses; 9.3  
urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning;   provision of a planned and supported land use framework to provide for the long term coexistence of agricultural uses with other adjacent land uses,
with specific mitigative measures as required;		 9.3  

food production;

economic development;

 agricultural industry services; supporting and encouraging the expansion of actual agricultural production and related services in the area; 9.3  
 

farm diversification;

urban gardens/orchard;

 encouraging expansion and diversification of agriculture and related activities such as the opening of new areas to agricultural production and the continued City involvement in the Allotment Gardens Program; 9.3  
development and productive use of agricultural land; roads in agricultural land; ensuring that the location and construction of new roads and utility or communication corridors will have a minimal impact on farm holdings and operating activities; 9.3  
development and productive use of agricultural land;

ALR subdivision;

ALR;

 encouraging the retention of larger land holdings, discouraging the creation of any further smaller parcels, and encouraging the consolidation of smaller parcels into larger units of agricultural land; 9.3  
water management; irrigation and drainage; helping to facilitate the improvement of agricultural infrastructure (e.g., irrigation, drainage, and diking works), and service and marketing activities that support the agricultural sector; 9.3  
development and productive use of agricultural land;

ALR exclusion;

ALR;

 in conjunction with the Agricultural Land Commission, defining and maintaining Agricultural Land Reserve boundaries that are realistic and defensible in the longer term. 9.3  

District of 100 Mile House Official Community Plan Bylaw NO. 1289

Topic(s): Development and Productive use of Agricultural Land, Economic Development, Education, Food Processing, Storage & Distribution, Food Sales, Access & Procurement, Policy Partnerships, Advocacy & Development, Urban - Agriculture Conflict & Edge Planning

Sub-topic(s): roads in agricultural land, buffer at agricultural edge, partnerships/advocacy/liaising, food processing, amenity density zoning/contributions, agri-tourism, community food system education, farm diversification, climate change and greenhouse gases, farmers' markets, urban gardens/orchard, residential development

Region: Cariboo | Document Type: Official Community Plan | Year: 2016

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Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location Language Rating
urban-agriculture conflict/ edge planning;  buffer at agricultural edge; Encourage new subdivisions, which abut lands designated Agriculture and are used for grazing, to provide perimeter fencing to strengthen the buffer between agricultural and non-agricultural uses. 10.5.1  

urban-agriculture conflict/ edge planning;

development and productive use of agricultural land;

   Evaluate new developments in respect to their implications and impacts on the agricultural uses in the area. 10.5.2  

urban-agriculture conflict/ edge planning;

 

  buffer at agricultural edge; Encourage new non-agricultural developments, adjacent to lands designated for Agriculture to provide and maintain a distinct buffer in the form of setbacks, fencing or landscaping that is consistent with Ministry of Agriculture Guidelines and take advantage of naturally occurring buffers, such as roads, topographic features, watercourses and transitional land uses such as rural residential parcels. 10.5.3  

development and productive use of agricultural land;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

roads in agricultural land;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

 Encourage provincial and utility agencies to minimize the impact of new roads and utility corridors through agricultural land by utilizing only those lands necessary, and by maximizing the capacity of existing corridors and roads. 10.5.4  
economic development;   Support the agricultural industry by considering the establishment of economic strategies that promote the industry, and identify new farm markets. 10.5.5  

food processing, storage, and distribution;

economic development;

food processing;

agri-tourism;

 Support the agricultural and rural economy by encouraging secondary “value added” uses such as agri-tourism, and secondary processing of products produced on site through home occupations. 10.5.6 *
urban agriculture;

urban gardens/orchard;

amenity density zoning/contributions;

residential development;

 Examine ways of expanding the amount of space dedicated to community gardens such as encouraging community gardens in new subdivisions and as part of multifamily
residential developments.		 10.5.7  
food sales, access, and procurement;

farmers' markets;

 Continue to support and promote a Farmers Market within 100 Mile House. 10.5.8  
policy partnerships, advocacy and development; partnerships/advocacy/liaising; Work with agricultural producers and support organizations, including the Agricultural Enterprise Development Centre, in the South Cariboo to advance the principles of food systems planning and agricultural enterprises. 10.5.9  
education; community food system education; Work with stakeholders to support education programs on local food production and gardening. 10.5.10  
economic development;

farm diversification;

crops;

 Support the production and processing of hemp and other sustainable crops as a means of diversifying the agricultural land base in the South Cariboo. 10.5.11 *
policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

climate change and greenhouse gases;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

 Recognize climate change will impact the agricultural sector and work with stakeholders to undertake sustainable and adaptive action including opportunities for diversification. 10.5.12 *

Lil’wat First Nation Agricultural Plan

Topic(s): Development and Productive use of Agricultural Land, Economic Development, Education, First Nations and Indigenous Food Systems, Food Production, Food Sales, Access & Procurement, Land Access, Policy Partnerships, Advocacy & Development, Urban - Agriculture Conflict & Edge Planning, Urban Agriculture, Waste Management, Water Management, Wildlife/Environmental/Pest Management

Sub-topic(s): agricultural advisory committee, community food system education, composting, demonstration farm, farmer training, irrigation and drainage, leasing of land for agriculture, livestock, partnerships/advocacy/liaising, research and data collection, roads in agricultural land, urban gardens/orchard, wildlife and ecosystem management, zoning

Region: Squamish-Lillooet | Document Type: Agriculture Area Plan/Strategy | Year: 2014

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Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location

water management;

policy partnerships, advocacy, and development;

irrigation and drainage;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

 Work with Pemberton Valley Dyking District and AANDC to improve water management for agriculture; 3.1 (2)
policy partnerships, advocacy, and development; research and data collection; Review agricultural bylaws in other jurisdictions and adopt bylaws and enforcement to prevent range practices on the communal lands that are degrading grasslands; 3.1 (3)

development and productive use of agricultural land;

 zoning; Consider strengthening zoning and defining allowable uses more specifically on Pasture Lands and Rural Residential Zones to ensure that non-farm development does not encroach onto or reduce the capability of farmland; 3.1 (4)
food production;   Explore projects to improve current farming efforts, the most important being improved livestock control, pasture fencing and sustainable management, and more productive family gardening;

 		 3.2 (1)
development and productive use of agricultural land;   Explore incentives and/or eliminate drawbacks to encourage traditional occupiers of lands designated or zoned for agriculture to farm, such as providing assistance to construct irrigation wells or build exclusion fencing; 3.2 (2)
water management; irrigation and drainage; Identify sites and provide access to irrigation water at locations considered appropriate forb agriculture; 3.2 (4)
urban agriculture; urban gardens/orchard Create a village or community garden sub-zone in the Land Use Plan and promote family community gardening; 3.2 (5)
land access; research and data collection; Assist citizens to access growing areas in the lowlands and at the town site by keeping an up-to-date inventory of citizens wanting to farm and linking them with those willing to provide land for this purpose; 3.2 (6)
land access; leasing of land for agriculture; Develop rental and leasing agreements that accommodate traditional occupier interests and create security for undertaking farming activities under the authority of the Nation’s Land Code; 3.2 (7)
land access; leasing of land for agriculture; Develop band-administered leasing arrangements based on enforceable contractual arrangements, e.g. under the new Lil’wat Nation Land Code; 3.2 (8)

development and productive use of agricultural land;

land access;

roads in agricultural land;

research and data collection;

 Identify landlocked farmland and design, designate and build a road system that provides physical access by citizens to their inaccessible properties; 3.2 (9)
development and productive use of agricultural land; livestock; Eliminate damage caused by roaming livestock by creating and enforcing a policy or bylaw under the authority of the Nation’s Land Code to:
· Require that livestock be registered (tagged or branded);
· Require that livestock owners keep their animals fenced in;
· Fence livestock out of environmentally sensitive areas;
· Regulate and enforce irresponsible farmer behaviour (e.g., impound stray animals, fine for breach of conditions, auction off if not resolved in a timely manner).		 3.2 (10)
wildlife/environmental/pest management;

livestock;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

Attain sustainable use of communal pasture and hay lands by:


· Establishing a system of pasture management to manage these resources for the benefit of Citizens and the community;


· Limiting herd population in the communal area to a sustainable level based on an assessment of what the land can provide;


· Setting up a system to allocate pasture quota fairly to animal owners;


· Implementing a plan to rehabilitate the grass lands, including a fencing plan;


· Preparing a capital and financing plan for managing the pasture, possibly including a user fee system to cover repair and maintenance.

 3.2 (11)
education;

demonstration farm;

community food system education;

farmer training;
Work with Kwantlen Polytechnic University to establish and operate a multi-year hands-on Farm School on Lil’wat agricultural land;		 3.3 (1)
education; community food system education; Work with the local School District and Xet’olacw Community School to introduce agricultural topics and classes; 8 3.3 (2)

urban agriculture;

First Nations and indigenous food systems;

 urban gardens/orchard; Work with local funding organizations to encourage family gardening and create community gardening projects; 3.3 (3)

education;

waste management;

 composting; Engage non-profit organizations in initiatives related to composting opportunities at Lil’wat Nation and training in community oriented agricultural activity; 3.3 (4)

education;

nutrition and public health;

 partnerships/advocacy/liaising; Explore opportunities to partner with organizations with personnel and resources in food areas of interest to Lil’wat citizens, including traditional foods, nutrition and food preparation; 3.3 (5)

education;

   Explore opportunities for Lil’wat citizens to mentor with agri-businesses in Pemberton, possibly in cooperation with the Pemberton Farmers Institute 3.3 (6)
wildlife/environmental/pest management; wildlife and ecosystem management; Develop pasture management and livestock control on Lil’wat lands to provide opportunities for sustainable land use; 3.4 (1)
policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

livestock;

research and data collection;

 Research agricultural policies and bylaws in other jurisdictions for application, as appropriate, to Lil’wat agricultural lands; 3.4 (2)
water management; irrigation and drainage; Assist in making water resources available to small lot operators, by accessing supply from nearby rivers in an environmentally sustainable fashion; 3.4 (3)

food sales, access and procurement;

economic development;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

 partnerships/advocacy/liaising; Develop working relationships with Pemberton Farmers Institute and Pemberton and Whistler Farmers Markets to make citizen entrepreneurs aware of market opportunities for local products; 3.4 (4)
education;   Invite groups, entrepreneurs and agencies to speak at workshops on agricultural opportunities and business development; 3.4 (5)

education;

urban agriculture;

 urban gardens/orchard; Develop a community supported farming project catering to Lil’wat citizens, for example expanding the demonstration garden managed by the school in 2014 or partnering with likeminded community gardening advocates in the Squamish Lillooet Regional District to garner citizen support and involvement. 3.4 (6)
First Nations and indigenous food systems; partnerships/advocacy/liaising; Create a Lands Section authority/responsibility within the Band for supporting citizens and participating in agricultural projects. This could be an entity within Band government delegated with the authority for the management of Lil’wat agricultural land. 3.5 (1)

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

First Nations and indigenous food systems;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

agricultural advisory committee;

 Establish an Agriculture Advisory Committee to oversee the implementation of the Agricultural Plan and advise Chief and Council and the Agricultural Coordinator, as required. It is anticipated that the Steering Committee guiding the agricultural planning process has several individuals who could continue to serve in this function. 3.5 (2)
First Nations and indigenous food systems;   Support citizen agricultural initiatives by assisting in accessing lending programs; 3.5 (3)
policy partnerships, advocacy and development; partnerships/advocacy/liaising; Engage government agencies and programs to financially assist in feasibility studies and business start-up planning, such as Investment Agriculture Foundation, Community Futures, Aboriginal Business Development Program, CESO Aboriginal Services; Business Development Bank of Canada. 3.5 (4)
policy partnerships, advocacy and development; partnerships/advocacy/liaising Create an Agricultural Coordinator position within the Lands Section of the Lil’wat Nation governance structure. The role of this position would be to implement the Lil’wat Nation Agricultural Plan, including coordinating and liaising with partners and participants and implementing the plan’s recommendations. Another important function of the Agricultural Coordinator would be to represent the interests of agriculture in dealing with potential impacts to agricultural resources from local, non-agricultural developments. 3.5 (5)

Lil'wat Nation Community Land Use Plan

Topic(s): Development and Productive use of Agricultural Land, Economic Development, Education, First Nations and Indigenous Food Systems, Food Production, Food Sales, Access & Procurement, Land Access, Policy Partnerships, Advocacy & Development, Water Management, Wildlife/Environmental/Pest Management

Sub-topic(s): zoning, farm incubator, irrigation and drainage, livestock, research and data collection, partnerships/advocacy/liaising, wildlife and ecosystem management, hunting/fishing/gathering, farmer training

Region: Squamish-Lillooet | Document Type: Zoning Bylaw | Year: 2015

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Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location Language Rating
education;

zoning;

farm incubator;

farmer training;

 Agricultural Reserve Current pasture area of 500 acres, 20 acre school-owned far land along Lillooet Lake Road which could be used and expanded as an incubator farm for a Nation run farm-school program. 3.3.3   
First Nations and indigenous food systems; hunting/fishing/gathering; Ensure medicinal non-timber forest products are well mapped and work towards establishing “special management zones” or “traditional plant gathering zones” around them. 4.3.2  
First Nations and indigenous food systems;

zoning;

hunting/fishing/gathering;

 Resource Use Special East/West Center; These areas have been set
aside for mushroom gathering, medicinal plant gathering, and hunting.		 3.5.3   
water management; irrigation and drainage; Ensure that flood control and drainage improvements take agricultural needs into consideration in their design, construction, and operation. 4.4.2  

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

First Nations and indigenous food systems;

   Take existing traditional rights to, and use of, the land into account.. 4.4.2  
policy partnerships, advocacy and development;   Attempt making farmland parcels with no access accessible by tying into the Nation’s asset management program and capital planning activities. 4.4.2  
land access;   Provide mechanisms for landless citizens to gain access to farmland. 4.4.2  
food production; livestock; Develop pasture management and livestock control on Líl'wat lands to provide opportunities for sustainable land use. 4.4.2  
policy partnerships, advocacy and development; research and data collection;  Research agricultural policies and bylaws in other jurisdictions for application, as appropriate, to Líl'wat agricultural lands. 4.4.2  
policy partnerships, advocacy and development; partnerships/advocacy/liaising; Develop working relationships with Pemberton Farmers Institute and Pemberton and Whistler Farmers Markets to make citizen entrepreneurs aware of market opportunities for local products. 4.4.2  

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

First Nations and indigenous food systems;

 partnerships/advocacy/liaising; Represent Líl'wat in discussions with local and regional governments and organizations in support of agricultural interests. 4.4.2  
development and productive use of agricultural land;   Ensure that farmland is protected from encroaching residential, industrial, storage, parking and other non-farm developments. 4.4.2  
development and productive use of agricultural land; livestock; Protect agricultural efforts from roaming livestock. 4.4.2  
wildlife/environmental/pest management; wildlife and ecosystem management; Promote sustainable use of the natural biodiversity and botanical resources found on agricultural land; 4.4.2  
First Nations and indigenous food systems; hunting/ fishing /gathering; Preserve wildlife areas (habitats) to manage and maintain wildlife populations as well as to provide viable hunting grounds for community members. 4.5.2  

food sales, access, and procurement;

economic development;

   Create an outlet for local entrepreneurs to sell agricultural products, art and any other products at a weekly outdoor market, and other community events. 4.8.2  

District of Squamish Food Charter

Topic(s): Economic Development, Education, First Nations and Indigenous Food Systems, Food Production, Food Sales, Access & Procurement, Policy Partnerships, Advocacy & Development, Waste Management, Wildlife/Environmental/Pest Management

Sub-topic(s): climate change and greenhouse gases, food recovery/gleaning/donation, GE/GMO, local food culture, local procurement, partnerships/advocacy/liaising, research and data collection, seeds, wildlife and ecosystem management

Region: Squamish-Lillooet | Document Type: Food Charter | Year: 2015

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Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt
economic development;   Farmers are better connected to consumers through farm markets, Community Supported Agriculture, and school/work meal and information programs.
wildlife/environmental/pest management; wildlife and ecosystem management; Farmers’ roles as environmental stewards are protected and financially supported
wildlife/environmental/pest management; wildlife and ecosystem management; Agricultural resources including water, land, and the knowledge of farmers are protected.
policy partnerships, advocacy and development;   Regulations strengthen the capacity of local farmers to produce and reach their markets.
food production;

GE/GMO;

seeds;

 Existing agricultural production and land is protected from genetically modified seed.
economic development; local food culture; A “buy local” campaign that promotes local food production and consumption has expanded.

education;

First Nations and indigenous food systems;

local food culture;

seeds;

 Traditional teachings about food preservation, seed saving, eating seasonally, and eating locally will be encouraged and supported.
food sales, access, and procurement; local procurement; Institutional buyers such as hospitals and universities have the flexibility and incentive to buy more local products.
 

research and data collection;

climate change and greenhouse gases;

 Ongoing research ensures long-term food security in the face of a changing climate.

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

First Nations and indigenous food systems;

 partnerships/ advocacy/liaising; First Nations and the district work together to create collaborative
opportunities that provide learning and positive outcomes toward food security in the region
policy partnerships, advocacy and development;   Squamish is committed to strengthening socially just and ecologically resilient food systems around the world.
waste management; food recovery/gleaning/donation; ‘Waste’ Food is re-distributed (including farmers, grocers, restaurants, farmers markets, homes, gardens) to feed those in need.
  local food culture; Families, congregations and communities of interest have opportunities to gather, share food and celebrate their cultures.
food sales, access, and procurement;   Food programs progression is supported from survival needs to programs of self sufficiency for all community members. 

ALC Policy: Residential Uses in the ALR Zone 2

Topic(s): Development and Productive use of Agricultural Land

Sub-topic(s): ALR, residential development

Document Type: Policy | Year: consolidated 2016

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ALC regulation and interpretation for residential uses in the ALR zone 2.

ALC Policy: Gathering for an event in the ALR

Topic(s): Development and Productive use of Agricultural Land

Sub-topic(s): ALR

Document Type: Policy | Year: consolidated 2016

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ALC regulation and interpretation of gathering for an event in the ALR.

ALC Policy: Wineries and Cideries in the ALR

Topic(s): Food Sales, Access & Procurement

Sub-topic(s): agri-tourism, ALR, farm retail/farm gate sales

Document Type: Policy | Year: consolidated 2016

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ALC regulation and interpretation of wineries and cideries in the ALR.

ALC Policy: Utility Services within in an Existing Right of Way in the ALR

Topic(s): Development and Productive use of Agricultural Land

Sub-topic(s): ALR, roads in agricultural land

Document Type: Policy | Year: consolidated 2016

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ALC regulation and interpretation of utility services within an existing right of way in the ALR.