The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) hosted a community workshop last week focused on backyard agriculture in the rural areas of the Columbia Valley.

“The workshop is part of our effort to get feedback from residents with regard to their feelings about backyard agriculture on single family residential parcels in Electoral Areas F and G,” explained RDEK Planner Kris Belanger. “Specifically, we are asking for input on keeping chickens for egg production, hobby scale beekeeping and wildlife exclusion fencing.”

Twenty-three people attended the workshop March 1. Earlier this winter, the RDEK hosted two other workshops and completed an online survey March 7, which garnered over 200 responses.

“Throughout the process people have identified a range of impacts related to backyard agriculture. Positives include sustainability and food security while the concerns raised cover everything from wildlife attractants to impacts on resort or community aesthetics. It has been well-rounded, valuable feedback,” added Belanger. “We are encouraging anyone who has not yet provided comments at one of the workshops or through the survey to fill out a survey or contact the office as we are hoping to hear from as many people as possible.”

The RDEK will compile the results from the survey and all three workshops and present that feedback to the board as it works to determine whether there should be any bylaw changes related to backyard agriculture in Areas F and G.

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