WHEREAS the fiscal challenges of maintaining a viable farm operation have become increasingly difficult due in large part to the state of the economy and other broad societal changes; AND WHEREAS in recognition of such trends the Agricultural Land Commission ALC previously made regulatory changes to allow a broader range of land uses, such as permitting second dwellings for farm help or family members; commercial sales; home based businesses; and agri-tourism opportunities intended to assist in retaining farm sustainability; AND WHEREAS in recent years economic pressures have again increased along with societal shifts, adversely affecting farm and farming community viability; AND WHEREAS a modest expansion of current regulations could be made to both support options for farmers to retain their operations as well as contribute to the economic sustainability of the agricultural communities in which they are located; AND WHEREAS the change would be to allow a second dwelling to be located for income generation providing both income to the farmer and increased tax base to the community in a sustainable manner, thereby reducing applications to exclude lands or subdivide while ensuring such second dwellings are located in a manner which minimizes impacts on farming operations: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial government amend the ALC regulations to allow a second dwelling in Agricultural Land Reserve ALR lands for any purpose thereby supporting the sustainability of agriculture and the agricultural communities.
