Editor:
The Sunshine Coast's capacity to produce food locally is being threatened by Sechelt's draft official community plan (OCP).
Three per cent of our Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) - 71 acres on Field Road - may be removed forever and rezoned for industrial or retail use. Despite the OCP's recognition that the land has long-term potential for many agricultural uses, greenhouses, livestock etc., the land is currently listed for sale and described as "proposed to be rezoned" for commercial or industrial use. Agriculture requires buffering from development. Instead, by rezoning, future farmers will no longer enjoy their right to farm.
Agriculture on the Coast needs public support. Our imported food supply is becoming more precarious and subject to disruption. Food riots in Asia, Russia's ban on wheat exports and widespread water shortages are currently in the news. There is an urgent need to boost our local capacity to feed ourselves. Our community needs to retain all its ALR for future growth of food, not buildings and parking lots.
Let your municipal council know that we need agriculture.
Jon Bell
West Sechelt Farm Produce
