I am writing to express my deep concerns about the proposed amendments (Bill
24) to the Agricultural Land Commission Act and the negative impacts these changes will have on the provincial agricultural land base, our farmers, and the future of our province.
The very purpose of land use planning in the public domain is to envision a desirable future that reflects the public interest, understand what decisions about land resources need to be made today to achieve that vision, and translate these decisions into policies that protect the land base and allocate its uses. The ultimate outcome of land use planning processes is to minimize uncertainty and maximize stability for the benefit of both public and private interests. In this context, the strength of farmland preservation policy resides in clear statements that protecting the agricultural land base and promoting farming as its highest and best use are long-term public priorities. These statements must be embedded in provincial policy, integrated across jurisdictions, and implemented free of undue political interference. In contrast, the proposed changes presented in Bill 24 undermine the basic principles of land use planning by increasing uncertainty for all concerned while undermining the public interest in preserving BC's agricultural land base.
My concerns centre on several critical areas. The focus on providing flexibility for farmers to have non-farm uses of their land is misguided; it serves no purpose other than to promote private interests at the expense of the finite agricultural land base in the province. The restructuring of the ALC panels to reflect local priorities serves only to undermine the very purpose of having a provincial statement of public interest to preserve farmland. The broadening considerations for non-farm uses and land exclusions will weaken the mandate of farmland preservation. The political appointment of regional panel members and CEO will erode the independence of the ALC and its ability to fulfil its mandate free from political interests.
In sum, upon the day it is passed, I believe that Bill 24 will increase uncertainty in the marketplace and undermine the stability of the agricultural land base that has been forged over the past forty years. The consequences of eroding the Province's ability to protect its agricultural land base will be irreversible.
My views on agricultural land use planning are informed by a rich and varied background and qualifications. I am an Associate Professor in the School of Environmental Planning at the University of Northern British Columbia with a background in business development, economic development, and community development. I am a Registered Professional Planner with undergraduate degrees in Economics and Commerce, a Master's degree in Business Administration, and a doctoral degree in sustainable rural communities. My work experience includes international management consulting, small business consulting, and working in the non-profit sector for at-risk youth programs and healthy communities. By drawing upon all of these experiences and areas of knowledge I have come to see protecting farmland as a foundation for a more sustainable society. From this perspective I see that British Columbia has been a leader in enacting policy to protect its farmland and improving prospects for a more sustainable society. Now I am concerned that the proposed changes to the ALC Act will lead British Columbia toward problems not only for its farmers and agricultural land base but for the future of all of its residents.
David J. Connell
Prince George
