British Columbia’s Agricultural Land Preservation Program Presentation to New Public Consortia Project Brazil – Canada alliance October 16, 2007

What is the Agricultural Land Reserve? ALR - a provincial land use zone where: agriculture is recognized as the priority use; non-farm uses and subdivision are regulated; and farming is encouraged ALR in BC

5% of Province 4.7 million hectares ALR in BC

Why does British Columbia need the ALR? Limited supply of agricultural land in BC Rapidly expanding population threatens farmland Food security (ability to feed ourselves) and agriculture industry ALR in BC

British Columbia’s Agricultural Land Preservation Program Why ? Limited supply of arable land in BC Local governments not up to the job ALR in BC Only 1.1% prime farmland (class 1-3) ha /yr ag. land converted to other uses Rapidly expanding population Global / public / political concern Political will

Getting the ALR in Place Dec 1972 & Jan 1973 – Cabinet orders prohibit subdivision, non-farm use of farmland Apr Land Commission Act adopted ALR in BC ALR designated in multi-step process with local government’s refining Ministry of Agriculture maps, followed by an internal government review.

ALR in BC The ALR - Maintain farm communities intact Designation – 1976 Considerations: Land receiving farm assessment Land locally zoned for farming Allow for five years of urban growth / lands substantially serviced

A gricultural L and C ommission Act Creates the Agricultural Land Commission and gives it authority to regulate land use within the ALR Provides application process for changing land use within ALR Enables Provincial Cabinet to declare a matter before the Commission to be in the provincial interest ALR in BC

Québec also protects farmland Loi (de 1978) sur la protection du territoire agricole ZAP (zone agricole permanente) Code Civile allows regulation of property sales from multi-parcel farms Also has provision for Cabinet to declare a “provincial interest” (first used last week)

ALR in BC B.C. is the most urbanized province in Canada % Two Areas of B.C. Contain: 2.7% of Provincial Land Area 2.7% of Provincial Land Area 81% of BC’s Population (2001) 81% of BC’s Population (2001) 81% of Annual Gross Farm Receipts ($2000) 81% of Annual Gross Farm Receipts ($2000)

Purposes of the Commission to preserve agricultural land to encourage farming on agricultural land in collaboration with other communities of interest encourage others to accommodate farm use of agricultural land & uses compatible with agriculture in their plans, bylaws & policies ALR in BC

Who is the Commission? ALR in BC Administrative tribunal independent of elected Minister 19 members appointed by government, including 1 Chair and 6 Vice-Chairs Members include farmers, former local officials and others concerned with agricultural land preservation Appointed from 6 regions of the province

Application Process ALR in BC Applications to exclude, include, subdivide or utilize ALR for non-farm uses may be submitted by landowners, local governments or First Nations Most landowner applications must be authorized by local government before proceeding to the Commission Decisions on applications area made by the regional panels

Commission Role in Land Use ALR in BC Regulates land use and subdivision within the ALR through application process and enforcement Local government official community plans and by- laws are of no effect if they are inconsistent with the Agricultural Land Commission Act The Commission & Ministry of Agriculture & Lands work with local governments to develop their plans and by-laws to ensure consistency with Act and support for agriculture

ALR in BC Balancing Interests Public interest in agricultural land preservation vs. private property “rights” Applicant’s interest vs. third party interests Provincial interest in agricultural land preservation vs. other provincial interests (economy, transportation infrastructure, etc.) Public interest in agricultural land preservation vs. needs of local communities (urban growth)

ALR in BC Governance Challenges No prescribed method of balancing many different public interests Independent members appointed by elected officials Decisions by Commission must be made in public interest and allow for public input Local governments and other agencies have many powers and more resources – Commission must cooperate on many issues

Growth in the Lower Mainland 80% projected population increase (44,400 people per year)* Greater Vancouver Regional District will grow from 2.2 to 3 million by 2031 (36%) 98% projected increase in housing demand + growth in employment lands* “Second wave” of pressure on agricultural land throughout lower mainland as communities exhaust vacant urban land ALR in BC *Source: Urban Futures Institute

Urban Growth – Agriculture Connection Food security: a safe, secure supply of food in a post-oil world Farm economy: $2 billion industry Farmland preservation and livable communities inextricably linked ALR in BC

Who makes the decisions about managing growth? Individuals: driving market force Municipal government: Official Community Plans Regional government: allocates growth among municipalities Agricultural Land Commission: may exclude land to meet pressing community need ALR in BC

How do we manage growth? The ALR: it’s not enough! Changing public behaviour and preferences Smart growth: increasing urban densities Provincial, regional and local planning: getting it together ALR in BC

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