Letter to the Editor

RE: Exclusions to ALR in Columbia River-Revelstoke

Dear Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick:

My office has been contacted by numerous constituents who have been informed by the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) that the ALC is conducting a boundary review that could result in the exclusion of their property from the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR).

As you know, a process is already available for property owners to request an exclusion, yet those who have expressed no interest in an exclusion, are now faced with exclusion against their wishes.

The list of concerns raised with the review is long, and confidence that this process is being handled in an appropriate way is very low among affected property owners.

The number one complaint from affected property owners is that this process seems arbitrary and entirely without meaningful, measurable or appropriate criteria for exclusion. Meetings with ALC staff and written communications about this process have not elicited explanations that provide people affected by this review with any comfort that they should have confidence in its outcomes.

As the minister responsible for this review, I would ask that you provide to me clearly established, measurable, and reasonable criteria for exclusion so that every property owner affected by this review can have confidence in the process.

The second most common complaint is that the review is not taking into account the best interests of agriculture, and that land that is currently being used for agricultural purposes could in fact be removed from the ALR through this review process.

As the minister responsible for this review, I would ask that you provide to me the assurance that agricultural use, both now and in the future, is being prioritized in this process. Food security for our region and our province must be kept at the forefront of all decisions made by the ALC.

The third most common complaint from affected property owners is that no consideration is being given to the cost implications, especially for seniors, for those who may have their property excluded from the ALR against their wishes. Tax increases on excluded parcels could be significant.

While the ALC claims no responsibility to consider this specific issue, you, as the minister responsible, in my opinion, must take a wider view.

People in my constituency are deeply disturbed by this process and the way it has unfolded. We are aware that there has been, over the last decade, a great deal of meddling by politicians in the ALC, and that there may be political supporters in Kootenay East that want an easy way to get their land excluded. There is also some concern that the government of the day, whose commitment to agriculture and the ALR is somewhat suspect, may be determined to undermine confidence in the ALR and the ALC, simply to create the political will to abolish it.

As the Minister responsible, my constituents need you to ensure that this review process is transparent, puts agriculture first, and does not unfairly penalize property owners.

I look forward to your prompt and comprehensive response to these concerns.

Norm Macdonald,

Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA

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