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Kelowna  

Thumbs up to heritage farm

Kelowna city council likes a plan put forward by a young farming couple, even though it seems to blur the lines between farming and enterprise.

Kristi and James Caldwell received support Monday for a proposal that includes a farm heritage museum, craft distillery and on-site farm weddings.

Staff approved the museum concept as a farm use, but recommended against both the distillery and weddings.

The distillery wasn't approved because less than 50 per cent of farm-grown ingredients would be used.

Making a motion contrary to staff's recommendation, Coun. Luke Stack said he believes some portions of the application outweigh the restrictive policy.

"The one that really stands out for me is that this is clearly an active farm that is becoming even more of an active farm," said Stack

"One of the questions I always ask myself is: are they actually enhancing agriculture and, when I look at the addition of basil, strawberry, lavender, juniper, chickens, perhaps cattle. There is no question this is enhancing a marginal piece of property for farming and making it much more farmable."

The Caldwells took over the farm on Goodison Road more than a year ago, after Kristi's father died.

They said they are willing to try to grow some grain and plant fruit trees on the property into get closer to, or surpass the 50 per cent requirement for farm-produced ingredients for the distillery.

They also ensured council weddings would be kept to Saturday afternoons only, that there would be no receptions, size would be controlled and revenues would not exceed farm revenues.

"From a farming perspective, I think they are creating something out of nothing from a farming piece of property," said Coun. Gail Given.

"It is really quite opposite of some that we have come before us and present a lot of reasons why properties wouldn't be farmable. They've taken something that was somewhat marginal and are adding value to it."

Given said it's encouraging to see young families try to advance farming.

"To see a young couple making this a viable farming destination is very honourable."

Despite a positive recommendation from both council and the city's Agricultural Advisory Committee, the final decision rests with the Agricultural Land Commission.

Coun. Brad Sieben said it would be a shame if the ALC says no.

"I think it does speak to the point that not all ALR land is the same and maybe it shouldn't be treated this way in the future," said Sieben.

"I hope the ALC can look to change some policy and use the spirit of benefits to agriculture as a guide."



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