Council OKs farm plan

Photo: BC Tree Fruits

The City of Kelowna has a new agricultural plan.

Council approved the plan Monday, which provides direction for more than half of the land within city boundaries.

“With more than 55 per cent of the city’s land use zoned for agriculture use, agriculture is inherent in the culture and identity of Kelowna and its residents,” said Mayor Colin Basran.

“Yet, this land is often at risk, as it tends to be affordable and attractive for both agriculture and development. The new agriculture plan will support council’s priority of preserving farm land with practical solutions that will strengthen agriculture and contribute to Kelowna’s long-term sustainability for future decades.”

The new plan, 18 months in the planning, provides what the city calls clear policy and land use direction to ensure city agricultural policies are up-to-date, accurate, defendable and align with other major corporate policy documents and provincial standards.

Three rounds of public engagement were held with members of the public and stakeholders to help shape the plan, which will be implemented through a phased-in approach.

The plan includes 51 actions the city can take a lead role in implementing.

Click here to view the entire plan.