Greg Norton
A long-time fruit grower in Oliver has been named commissioner to the new Okanagan Coast region for the Agricultural Land Commission.
Greg Norton joins the panel’s vice-chair Gerald Zimmermann from Kelowna and co-commissioner James Johnson from Cherryville.
“I’m very excited,” Norton said, adding that he’s looking forward to a new challenge in life.
Norton’s role will primarily consist of adjudicating land-use applications.
“There is a lot to learn in understanding the new legislation and regulations,” he pointed out.
The Okanagan Coast panel is one of six regional panels that will perform the duties of the land commission, including all decisions relating to applications and planning issues for their regions.
Land commission chairs are appointed by Order-in-Council, and members are appointed by Ministerial Order.
Norton applied for the commissioner’s role.
“My background fits being a commissioner very well. I feel like I can make a contribution.”
Norton has been a fruit farmer in Oliver since 1988. Before farming, he was a foreman with the Town of Oliver Irrigation District.
He has also been outspoken in his opposition to the creation of a new national park in the South Okanagan.
His community involvement includes chair of the Agriculture Area Plan Committee for rural Oliver, chair of the Environmental Farm Plan Working Group, chair of the Agriculture Research and Development, chair of the Agriculture Environment Initiatives Board, and president of the Loose Bay Campground Society. He is also past president and director of the Okanagan Cherry Growers Association, past chair and director of the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen, past vice-president of the BC Wildlife Federation, and the founding chair of the Sterile Insect Release Program.
Norton said a few people in the agriculture industry encouraged him to apply for the commissioner’s job.
“I think my background in agriculture and local government will prepare me for the job.”
The land commission is an independent administrative tribunal mandated to preserve agricultural land and encourage farming.
This past summer the ministry began a consultation process on the development of new regulations related to the Agricultural Land Commission Act.
Ministry staff and commission members met with the agricultural community to hear its feedback and ideas.
Norton said the goal is simple – to help farmers earn a living on their land and ensure there is another generation ready and willing to get into farming.
“We believe giving farmers more opportunities to grow their farming businesses is a benefit to them. We also think it’s a benefit to British Columbians who want access to more B.C.-grown foods.”
LYONEL DOHERTY
Special to the Times
