Kelowna city council have approved a zoning bylaw amendment that will allow farmers to house RV's.

Council voted in favor of 4 significant changes to the agri-tourism application, which include a minimum requirement of 4 hectares of land to operate.

A very emotional Paula Morrison, who owns a hay farm in town, spoke against the idea at Tuesday night's public hearing.

"I ask you to please keep focused on the primary use of the Agriculture Land Reserve, which is farming. We recognize there are other interests, which are both societal and economical. It's not the responsibility of the farm to support tourism, commercial RV parks, cancer patients, students, business owners and low income housing."

Morrison says the abuse by some is evident.

Nicholas Swart, who owns a raspberry farm, says the minimum 10 metre setback is too close.

"I can't fathom the thought of having 4 or 5 large RV vehicles, that close to my property, on a farm. It's wrong, simply wrong."

City Councillor Robert Hobson was the only one who voted against the housekeeping amendments.

"We should define it around the need to support Agriculture with a truly secondary use, which is an agri-tourism use. Not a tourist-recreation use, which is a commercial operation, which in my view should be in a different place."

RV's will not be allowed to stay longer than 30 days and operators can only allow accommodations on their sites between April 1st and October 31st.

The 14 sites that currently offer agri-tourism will be grandfathered, with each case being looked at individually.

The bylaw is expected to be adopted sometime in August.

Matt Folkard - Kelowna

Consumers seem to be a little more politically aware in Victoria, where orchardists trucked nine bins of apples over the weekend to sell at the James Bay Farm Market.

B.C. Fruit Growers Association board member Fred Steele commented: “They were very well-educated about marketplace problems, and many of those buying our apples had come out to support us.”

Growers have been selling apples at farmer’s markets around the province at the price they’re receiving for them this year, 12 cents a pound—far below supermarket prices—to draw attention to the fact they are receiving less than half what it costs to produce the fruit.

The first such sale was held at the Kelowna Farmer’s Market April 3, when 5,000 pounds of apples were sold, in an event that saw lineups snaking through the market; then 7,200 were sold at the Abbotsford Farm Market April 24.

Last weekend 6,400 pounds were sold in Victoria, mostly a bag at a time, said Steele.

Buyers included Opposition leader Carole James and agriculture critic Lana Popham, he said.

Proceeds from all the sales are donated to such causes as the local food bank, children’s hospital or the B.C. Association of Farmers’ Markets.

Brochures are also handed out explaining the importance of consumers buying local in order to support B.C.’s farm community.

Steele said a Facebook page created by Nadene Casorso, a Kelowna grower, now has nearly 3,300 supporters. The website can be accessed by searching for ‘I support Okanagan tree fruit growers.’

However, the growers’ ultimate aim is to get public support for emergency government assistance for the industry to carry it over this crash in market prices, which is partly due to a huge crop of apples from south of the border last year, and partly to the strong Canadian dollar.

The province has said there will not be an ad hoc payment, but Agriculture Minister Steve Thomson says the government is trying to come up with some other way of helping growers over this difficult time.

Without any income from last year’s crop, many growers say they can’t afford to continue to maintain their orchards by pruning and fertilizing and spraying.

jsteeves "at" kelownacapnews.com

Paula Morrison moved to her rural neighbourhood about 10 years ago to raise her children and live a peaceful existence.

It was all going well until recently, when a cavalcade of RVs moved onto her street, increasing what was once a six-home neighbourhood into an area of residence for 34 families. And that number, she said, is ever-increasing.

“I started noticing that one neighbour was moving trailers onto his property and I thought it was family or friends,” she said.

“Then I found out he was renting month-to-month. We have a wonderful pocket of farmland here and every time I wake up it seems like there’s another RV site opening.”

While making inquiries into how her neighbourhood could change so quickly, she learned that these RV farm sites are sanctioned by the city, through business licenses, and are an approved use of farmland by the Agricultural Land Commission.

It was a policy that didn’t resonate well with Morrison, as she believes most of the businesses have nothing to do with agriculture—paving over trees to bring in camping pads.

And worse yet, it’s creating a safety concern for the families who are using the land for traditional farming, she said.

“There’s a density, environmental and sustainability issue here,” she said, explaining that most of those who use the site aren’t tourists, they’re full-time residents.

“We already see a rise in police enforcement in our area, directly linked to the current 10-site trailer park/property that has been running for the past year (on) Morrison Road,” she stated.

“With two more properties approved and the addition of 18 more sites to the area and one directly adjacent to our property, we are gravely concerned with the increased negative impact of the tenants and the impact on the surrounding neighbours, and the safety of children.”

The concerns of Morrison and others are at the centre of a soon-to-be scheduled public hearing that was discussed at Monday’s city council meeting.

City staff offered up some stricter bylaws to deal with the 14 to 16 RV agri-tourism sites currently operating on farmland around Kelowna, where neighbours’ concerns over the sanitary facilities provided, as well as the impact on agricultural land, run rampant.

Proposed regulations, which could come to be after the hearing, would address those issues by restricting the number of RV spots that could be made available on farms, and pushing the boundary of the RV site further into the landowner’s space, among other things.

Coun. Luke Stack has been speaking with Kelowna residents who are being impacted by campgrounds, and has visited a few to suss out what’s happening.

“I went to look at the ones at Morrison Street and they look very much like an established RV Park, and that disturbed me,” said Stack.

“The idea of agri-tourism is to support local farmers and enhance the viability of a particular farm.

“My concern is if the RV part of the park dominates the farm, that’s not supporting the primary goal of agriculture.”

At minimum, Stack said he’d like to see firm regulations on how many RV units can be put on a farm, minimum setbacks from neighbours and other farms, and that there is something binding people from making the RV site their permanent residence.

“When I looked around, some RVs had framed in the bottom of their trailers,” he said.

“The purpose was never to create more housing.”

That, in conjunction with misuse, has prompted Stack to believe the city should not only enforce the existing bylaws more ardently, but also stop issuing business licenses for future RV campground owners.

It’s not a point of view that resonated well with Catalina Dudka, of Caramoomel Natural Fine Foods.

Her family has farmed 20 acres of land at Morrison Road since the 1970s, and have adapted several times to make ends meet.

RV agri-tourism, she said, is just a natural evolution to an industry that’s struggling.

“We needed more exposure, it was a complimentary thing. Visitors stay, do a tour of the facilities, love them, buy them and give them away, spreading the word,” she said.

There are two other RV farm sites on her street.

While hers has yet to get fully into the swing of things, she’s already invested $200,000 to meet city regulations.

If new restrictions come into play, she and her family will be put in a tough position.

“This business isn’t easy to do,” she said of the vegetable and fruit products business her parents started 20 years ago after farming left them high and dry.

“The food industry is very competitive and we needed to supplement our income with something.

“So we looked at the numbers of RVs and thought there’s a steadiness to the income we can appreciate.”

Her parents run the business, and they’re aging. That alone adds incentive to the agri-tourism model, she said.

“Once you set up, it doesn’t give a lot of work to upkeep, and it’s steady backup for when things aren’t so hot on the other side,” she said

Dudka added that drawing in travelers with home-made goods is a tradition that spans centuries, so she’s not sure what the fuss is all about.

She also couldn’t speak to knowledge of anyone who is abusing the model by not farming the land where RVs are parked.

Dudka believes that the city is lacking amenities, and those businesses are a natural evolution, filling the gap.

However, that’s not something that Morrison has any sympathy for as she’ll be at the upcoming public hearing making sure that people hear her concerns.

“Ultimately the policy should be reviewed to ensure that the bylaws support farmers and that it is not detrimental to farming,” she said.

“To ensure there is a connection to the land.

“There is very little if any agricultural work going on the properties I have mentioned.”

reporter "at" kelownacapnews.com

Agricultural Land Reserve Application

The Regional Board has given its support to a subdivision application made to the Agricultural Land Commission for a parcel located in Ellison. The proponent wishes to subdivide a 5.34-hectare property along Fathers Place in the Central Okanagan East Electoral Area into two lots. The proposed subdivision is in keeping with the property zoning designation in the Ellison Official Community Plan and the Regional District Agricultural Plan.

Item 4.2 Air Quality Service Recommendation.pdf

* This is only a snippett, please click link above for entire document *

3.3. Tree Fruit and Grape Removal Program (Tree Removal Funding)

Discussion:
o It is understood that the BC Fruit Growers Association wants to form a committee to discuss best management practices.
o Tree removal funding program needs more accountability.
o It is understood that the criteria for funding is based on acreage in production.
o Discussion on a disposal plan/check list for orchard/vineyard infrastructure is not a criteria and would be beneficial if there was accountability through this program to ensure these materials (treated posts, wire, irrigation tubing) are disposed of correctly and not burned.
o Encourage chipping - maybe another criteria for this funding is one third of the funding is put aside for local government chipping programs or provided to growers if they are chipping themselves (chips help build carbon rich soils - while synthetic nitrogen is a GHG.

ACTION: That the staff find out the following:
o Who is responsible for the Tree Fruit and Grape Removal Program
o What is the criteria for the grant funding?

MOTION:
THAT the Okanagan Similkameen Airshed Coalition write a letter to the Tree Fruit and Grapevine Removal Program and forward a copy to the three regional districts and the BC Fruit Growers Association regarding the funding criteria for the program, requesting that an applicant submit a disposal plan as part of the criteria under the Tree Fruit and Grapevine Removal Program;

FURTHER THAT the disposal plan include best practices for disposal of orchard and vineyard materials including plastics, wires and treated posts.


1. The BCFGA Convention

2. On-Farm Safety Program - Allan Patton

3. Tree & Vine Removal Program - Janice Johnston

4.7. Agriculture Update:

4.8. Communication Strategy to Growers - Valley-wide

Not available yet, but coming next month

Item 5.1 Okanagan Similkameen Airshed Coalition.pdf

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Item 6.1 Bylaw Dispute Adjudication Program.pdf (for some reason RDCO has this under Bylaw Dispute Adjudication)

*This is only a portion of the agenda ... please click links for entire contents

4.7. Agriculture Update:
1. The BCFGA Convention
It was noted that the wood chipping program was discussed at the BCFGA convention. The BCFGA looked into the Federal Tree and Vine Removal Program and were concerned that they were unable to provide any feedback in regards to criteria, however in the future hand outs with information on alternatives to burning and the chipping programs will be provided to growers who apply for the program with information

2. On-Farm Safety Program - Allan Patton
The Chair had discussions with a Certifier from the Okanagan Tree Fruit Co-op, On Farm Food Safe (On-Farm) regarding the Coalition's trouble in communicating with farmers on alternative methods, such as chipping in order to reduce air quality concerns within the valley. On-Farm was asked for assistance (as they go to every farm) in providing an information package regarding chipping programs and alternatives to burning to the farming community. The Certifier (Diane Goltz) communicated that they would be in favor of providing support to the Coalition.

Page 5 of 7

OKANAGAN SIMILKAMEEN AIRSHED COALITION MINUTES Feb. 24, 2010

MOTION: L1TKE/EDGSON
That the Okanagan Similkameen Airshed Coalition write a letter to the Okanagan Tree Fruit Coop, On Farm Food Safe asking them to provide information on the chipping programs and alternatives to burning (provided by OSAC) to each farmer during their site visits.

CARRIED

3. Tree & Vine Removal Program - Janice Johnston
It was noted that Staff from the Ministry of Agriculture, BCFGA·and the Region meet at the RDOS on Feb 1, 2010. One of the outcomes was that with future funding criteria they would like to include a Waste Disposal Plan checklist that growers would have to fill out prior to funding. The Ministry also wanted RDOS to expand on their guide to include a checklist on best management practices. RDOS will be applying for funding and asking Interior Health Authority to come on board. This will be a valley wide initiative and copies will be provided to the regional districts in the valley.

4.8. Communication Strategy to Growers - Valley-wide
The Coalition discussed ideas to ensure that communities in the valley receive a consistent communication message and that information is available in different languages.

MOTION: SHEPHERD/PATTON
That Okanagan Similkameen Airshed Coalition recommend to the participating Regional Districts to support a valley wide communication strategy for raising awareness about chipping programs and air quality issues to all growers throughout the Valley and that the information provided be translated into other languages.

CARRIED

Starling Control Bylaw Adopted
The Regional Board has adopted a Starling Control Program Service Area Establishment Bylaw. The bylaw sets up the mechanism for the Regional District to contribute up to $25,000 a year through 2012 towards the Okanagan Starling Control program.

4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

4.1 Regional District of Central Okanagan Starling Control Program Service Area Establishment Bylaw No. 1262, 2009 Adoption (All Directors - Unweighted Vote)

EDGSON/CRAIG
THAT Regional District of Central Okanagan Starling Control Program Service Area Establishment Bylaw No. 1262, 2009 be adopted this 22nd day of March 2010.

CARRIED

Not posted in the Highlights of the Board Meetings.

Item 3.1 RDCO Starling Control Program.pdf

Agricultural Advisory Committee

The Regional Board has approved two appointments to the Agricultural Advisory Committee. Joining the committee for three year terms expiring in November 2012 are Lisa Cameron and Bob Fugger. The committee serves in an advisory capacity to the Regional Board and reviews agricultural related applications and issues.

Item 6.4 Agricultural Advisory Commission Appointments.pdf

DEVELOPMENT & ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT REPORT For the Board November 23, 2009

TO: Chair & Members of the Regional Board
FROM: Ron Fralick, Planner 1
DATE: November 17, 2009
SUBJECT: Agricultural Advisory Commission Membership (Our File: 0540-20-01)

RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the Regional Board appoints Bob Fugger and Lisa Cameron to three-year terms as members of the Regional District Agricultural Advisory Commission (MC) (expiring November 2012).

PURPOSE:
To consider appointing two new members to the Agricultural Advisory Commission (MC) to three year terms in accord with the Agricultural Advisory Commission Terms of Reference (amended August 2006).

BACKGROUND:
The Agricultural Advisory Commission (MC), established in 1994, is an Advisory Commission of the Regional Board. The Commission provides advice to the Board, other Commissions and staff regarding agricultural issues and the potential impact of planning decisions on agriculture.

Terms of Reference for the MC were most recently amended in August of 2006 and indicate that the membership of the MC shall be comprised of not less than three (3) or more than· seven (7) volunteer individuals who reside within the Regional District of Central Okanagan. The membership will reflect a diversity of agricultural professions, practices, sectors and commodity groups and will include a designated representative of the provincial Ministry of Agriculture and Lands.

Appointments are for a three (3) year term. A member may be re-appointed to serve a maximum of two (2) consecutive three-year terms.

The MC recently expressed concern with regard to membership due to the recent resignation of one MC member (four members remaining). The Commission believed it necessary to solicit the agricultural community in an attempt to gain new members. As such, Planning staff canvassed the region via news releases and notices being forwarded to various agricultural groups and organizations.

As a result of the canvass initiative, two individuals expressed interest to the Regional District in becoming members of the AAC. They are; Bob Fugger and Lisa Cameron. A brief biography of Mr. Fugger and Ms. Cameron outlining their qualifications for membership in the AAC is attached.

DEVELOPMENT & ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT COMMENTS:
Planning staff reviewed the submissions and based on our review, we believe that Bob Fugger and Lisa Cameron meet the relevant qualifications and experience criteria. It is recommended that the Regional Board approve the appointment of Bob Fugger and Lisa Cameron for three year terms on the Regional District Agricultural Advisory Commission (AAC).

Respectfully submitted,
Ron Fralick, MCIP
Planner 1

Dan Plamondon, Manager Development & Environmental Services

Agricultural Land Exclusion Application

The Regional Board supports an application to exclude a portion of properties adjacent to Trepanier Road from the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR). The applicants are asking the Agricultural Land Commission to remove a 1.23-hectare portion of two
properties from the ALR and subdivide three lots from a 12.24-hectare parcel in order to accommodate the donation a .93-hectare parcel to the new Trepanier Greenway Regional Park. As well, it’s proposed that one of the subdivided properties will be consolidated with an adjoining lot. Poor soils and steep slopes on the properties limit the capacity for farming. Regional District staff, the Agricultural Advisory Commission and District of Peachland also support the exclusion application.

Land Commission Notification Process

The Regional Board has directed staff to write the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) asking for expanded public notification when it comes to ALC applications. At the present time, public notification is only required for exclusion applications. The Regional District would like that expanded to include applications for subdivision, non-farm use and to include land within the Agricultural Land Reserve

6.2 b) Report regarding public notification process associated with Provincial Agricultural Land Commission applications.
(File: 6635-00) (All Directors)

Staff report dated March 12, 2009 outlined the background for a public notification process associated with provincial Agricultural Land Commission applications. The Governance and Services Committee reviewed the issue at its March 5, 2009 meeting and forwards the following recommendation for consideration.

BAKER/FIELDING
THAT a letter be forwarded to the provincial Agricultural Land Commission requesting that consideration be given to expand the current public notification requirement for exclusion applications, to also apply to applications for subdivision, non-farm use, and to include land within the Agriculture Land Reserve.

CARRIED

5. Development & Environmental Services

5.1 ALR - public notification process

Staff noted that the Regional Board directed staff to review the requirement for notifying neighbors on ALR applications.

ALC did not pursue a change in legislation to require notification. To this end the application procedure bylaw does have notification requirements. Staff are concerned that it should be the ALC who requires this and is concerned regarding staff time required should the regional district be required to complete notification.

Under the current ALC rules public notification is up to the applicant not the Regional District. The application fee paid to the regional district is $300 and it requires a great deal of staff time just to bring referral applications forward. Concern was expressed that this just puts extra work on farmers noting that BC has the most stringent rules for agricultural land exclusion.

#GS1509 SHEPHERD/EDGSON
THAT the Governance and Services Committee recommend to the Regional Board that a letter be forwarded to the provincial Agricultural Land Commission requesting that consideration be given to expand the current public notification requirement for exclusion applications to also apply to applications for subdivision, non-farm use, and to include land within the ALR.

CARRIED (opposed Findlater, Ophus, James)

Agricultural Land Commission Application

The Regional Board has deferred consideration of a referral application from the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) for outdoor concerts and special events on a portion of the former Eight Mile Ranch.

The proponents behind the Heartland Ranch off Highway 33 in the Central Okanagan East Electoral Area have asked the ALC to allow the non-farm use on a 5.6-hectare portion of the 71-hectare property.

Should the Commission approve the application the proponents will be required to seek approval of the Regional District for each special event or outdoor concert at the site. The Board has asked that staff contact neighbouring property owners for comments and advising of the proposed non-farm use application to host special events and concerts at the Heartland site.