Tax Treatment of Farmland in Municipalities

Whereas farmland plays a vital role in supporting local food production, promoting agricultural sustainability, and preserving green spaces within municipalities; And whereas farmland located within municipal boundaries faces unique challenges and pressures, such as increased property values, limited space, and proximity to urban development, which can hinder its viability and continuity as productive agricultural land; And whereas equitable tax treatment of farmland, regardless of its location within a municipality, would promote fairness among farmers and reduce barriers to agricultural activity within urbanized areas: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM requests the Province extend the tax exemptions and assessed value methodology provided to rural area farms to farms located within municipal boundaries.