October 19, 1999

LAND COMMISSION EXAMINING ALR ON VANCOUVER ISLAND

BURNABY — The Provincial Agricultural Land Commission is meeting with local government officials and visiting farmland on the Saanich Peninsula and in the Cowichan Valley on October 21^st.

On the Saanich Peninsula, the ALC will be viewing the Bannockburn property at Mount Newton Cross Road, which is the subject of an application for subdivision to protect an historic building. They will also be visiting the Oldfield Orchard and Bakery in Central Saanich, and Lecoteau Farm in Saanich to examine agri-tourism; and the farm retail outlet of Double Eagle Holsteins on the Mantindale Flats.

In Duncan the Commission will meet with officials and Electoral Area Directors of the Cowichan Valley Regional District and Recreation Commission members to discuss a proposal to extend the Kerry Park recreational facilities; they will also be touring six other sites which are the subject of applications before the ALC.

The Agricultural Land Commission, established in 1973, is responsible for preserving and protecting BC’s limited farmland. It conducts land use planning in partnership with local communities, adjudicates applications for the use of land in the ALR and encourages farming to provide a basis for a sustainable economy and a secure source of food. The ALR comprises five per cent of BC’s land mass, or 4.7 million hectares.

The ALC is currently composed of six members, all appointed by the Provincial government. They include municipal planning consultant Kurt Alberts from Fort Langley, Fraser Valley horticulturist Janna Bakker, rancher Gus Horn from 100 Mile House, Kelowna orchardist David Taylor, and Fraser-Fort George Regional District director Maureen Thompson. The Chair is retired UBC professor Alan Chambers, who is also chair of the Forest Land Commission.

Contact:
Roger Cheetham
(604) 660-7020