Richmondites are being asked to give feedback on a proposed Farming First Strategy.
The city is updating its original farming strategy, the Agricultural Viability Strategy, created in 2003 to maintain the agricultural areas of Richmond.
Forty per cent of Richmond is agricultural, and, of that, 39 per cent is in the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR).
The city considers its farmland an important part of the regional and local economy.
In November, there will be three open houses, online feedback forms as well as stakeholder meetings about the proposed plan.
When updated, the strategy will guide decisions on land-use management and be used to enhance public awareness of agriculture and food security as well as strengthen agricultural sustainability.
Farmers, property owners and the general public are invited to share their feedback on issues that impact farmland in Richmond.
Three drop-in open houses will be as follows:
- Saturday, Nov. 9 at Hamilton Community Centre from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Thursday, Nov. 14 at H.J. Cambie Secondary School from 4 to 8 p.m.
- Thursday Nov. 21 at Richmond City Hall from 4 to 8 p.m.
Information and feedback forms are available online at LetsTalkRichmond.ca from Nov. 8 to Dec. 1.
All feedback will be pulled together and presented to the council for consideration.
