WHEREAS the provincial government has, without consultation with the public or with local governments in the AKBLG region, created two zones for the Agricultural Land Reserve ALR in the province of BC and, through the creation of the Kootenay Panel Region, placed some or all of the AKBLG region in Zone 2, thereby discriminating between regions and potentially constraining their ability to achieve and sustain agricultural self-sufficiency and economic development; AND WHEREAS not all affected regions wish to see the requirements of the ALR weakened in Zone 2; AND WHEREAS substantial agricultural activity has historically taken place and is currently being practiced outside of Zone 1: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the UBCM send a letter to the Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, and Premier, with copies to all BC local governments, requesting that the provincial government undertake consultation with the public, local governments, the Union of BC Municipalities, and affected parties, on the proposed two-zone approach to the ALR; and that Bill 24 not be brought into force until such consultation is complete.
