Whereas the Agriculture Land Reserve ALR boundaries were established in the early 1970s, and no province-wide reviews have been conducted since that time in spite of technological progression and data maturity about the suitability of those boundaries; And whereas it is well known, particularly in rural areas of the province, that large areas of the ALR are unviable for agriculture, and conversely, some areas of high agricultural value were left out in the initial rush to delineate protected agricultural areas in BC, negatively impacting British Columbians confidence in the value and importance of the ALR: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM encourage the provincial government to mandate, appropriately staff, and fund both the ALC and regional districts to conduct a comprehensive, collaborative, data-driven, expeditious, province-wide review of the ALR boundaries to ensure the highest quality agricultural lands are protected for the next 50 years; And be it further resolved that appropriate lands unsuitable for agriculture be identified in collaboration with regional districts and member municipalities to allow for 20 years of growth, in alignment with provincial housing and land use mandates for local governments.
Ministry of Agriculture and Food The Agricultural Land Commission ALC supports local governments undertaking of agricultural planning that includes reviewing ALR lands as part of longrange and regional planning processes. While not all ALR lands are suitable for arable production, many still provide important agricultural functions, including perennial crops, silvopasture, forage production, and nonsoilbased agriculture such as greenhouses and hydroponics. These areas can also serve as buffers between farm and nonfarm uses and offer opportunities for diversified income through activities such as forestry or agritourism. The ALCs mandate is to protect and enhance the size, integrity, and continuity of the ALR and its use for farming. Local governments that believe an area warrants a review are encouraged to contact the ALC. Boundary reviews are intended to refine the ALR boundaries in a particular geographic region, so they encompass land that is both capable and suitable for farm use, and the responsibility for conducting these reviews rests with the ALC. When resources allow, the ALC has undertaken local and regional boundary reviews, such as in the Okanagan Valley, Crescent Valley, the Peace River Regional District, and the Regional District of East Kootenay. These reviews are resourceintensive and require significant staff time unless temporary additional support is provided. Past reviews have also shown that landowner perspectives vary, often resulting in mixed requests for inclusion or exclusion from the ALR. Local governments that wish to initiate a review and lead the associated planning and public engagement processes may approach the ALC to discuss next steps. Additionally, the ALC has released a guidance document for local governments that provides further information for how to balance the need for additional housing with protecting ALR lands for farming.