Two farms in Richmond with homes for seasonal workers are applying retroactively for city building permits and non-farm use permits from the province.
Both were inspected by Richmond Fire-Rescue in 2022 and there were no safety concerns, according to a report that went to city council.
However, both need to be brought into compliance with city building permits and the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC), which requires a “non-adhering” permit to allow extra housing.
Both applications were given first reading by city council and will be up for a public hearing on Monday.
The historic Beckwith Barn, on Westminster Highway just east of No. 8 Road, has been used by six farm labourers, approved by the federal seasonal worker program, to help with its nursery operation, East Richmond Nurseries.
The Beckwith Barn is on the city’s heritage inventory but it doesn’t have any heritage protection.
According to the city, it appears the barn was built around 1919 at the same time as the house on the farm was built.
The owner has agreed to register the barn on the property title with a legal agreement prohibiting its demolition or exterior changes without consent from the city.
In the meantime, Richmond Country Farms, has accommodations for 26 seasonal farm on the farm’s properties, located on Steveston Highway and Rice Mill Road.
The public hearing takes place on Monday, March 18 at 7 p.m.
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