Boundary-Similkameen MLA Linda Larson is not waving any red flags over a government proposal to modernize the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC).
Larson was asked to comment on news reports that the Liberals are considering changes to the ALC. For example, the autonomous commission could fall under the umbrella of the Ministry of Agriculture, and pave the way for more farmland taken out of the reserve for economic development.
But Larson said the ALC is under a “core review” right now, similar to all other commissions in the province.
“I know that the productivity of ALR lands in the province are about 70 per cent from the Lower Mainland and 30 per cent from the Okanagan, so I would speculate that those areas would not be adjusted in any way.”
The MLA said there may be unproductive farmland in other areas of the province with an ALR designation that may need review.
“There is a desire of local government to be more involved in the process of disposition of lands inside their communities, but that has always been an issue,” Larson said.
Glen Lucas, general manager of the BC Fruit Growers’ Association, said he isn’t aware of any proposals at the moment.
“A document did leak from government, but at this time I understand there are no proposals, so any comment would be hypothetical.”
Lucas said the association is waiting until the government’s core review is completed and there is something concrete. He noted the official position of the BCFGA is to support the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR), and that the government “must recognize its parallel obligation to maintain a viable farm sector.”
Area A director Mark Pendergraft said it seems ridiculous that the government would compromise the protection of farmland and hand land-use powers over to the BC Oil and Gas Commission (as reported).
“My preference would be to find out if there is any truth to that story before one gets too excited.”
Pendergraft said if any of this is even partially true, there would be cause for concern. “But one would really need to know the full details of any possible changes to see how it would potentially affect the ALR.”
Area C director Allan Patton isn’t jumping to conclusions either, saying all of the information to date has been conjecture . . . “but it’s scary,” he admitted.
“We have to be pro-active even if we don’t know what’s going on. But I have no desire to loosen the ALR up to allow development, especially by the oil and gas industry.”
But cabinet minister Bill Bennett, who is conducting the government’s core review, has told media that the ALC will not be dismantled and that it will keep its independence.
However, a leaked government document indicated that the BC Oil and Gas Commission will be given new responsibilities for land-use decisions.
Patton said having the oil and gas industry involved in land-use decisions is “ludicrous.”
“What happens if they find oil and gas in the Okanagan. They’ll be fracking (hydraulic fracturing) until the cows come home.”
Patton also raised a concern about Agriculture Minister Pat Pimm interfering with the ALC’s work. He referred to Pimm coming under fire for reportedly urging the ALC to exclude a piece of farmland from the ALR for a rodeo/campsite development in his riding.
Brian Underhill, executive director of the ALC, chose not to comment on the core review.
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
