- What do you think are the top priorities to ensure a food secure community?
Protection of the Agricultural Land Reserve.
- What are some ways you will support local farmers?
On a civic level there are a few practical supports we can offer. The first is supporting home site severances for farmers that have lived on their land many years. Secondly, we can support secondary suites in principle residences. Both of these assist farmers in maintaining their property. Finally, I will continue to support agricultural policies in the OCP. The City has recently introduced Farm Protection Development Permit Guidelines. These policies are designed to minimize the impact of urban encroachment on farm lands.
- What are your plans for a permanent farmers market, which is easily accessible by transit, pedestrian, and vehicular traffic.
There is a site proposed for a farmers market on Benvoulin Road near Orchard Park. As I have a conflict of interest in these area, (My organization is located on adjacent lands) I am unable to promote it or speak to it.
- Would you change the regulations surrounding chickens and bees in urban areas?
I do not support chickens and bees in urban areas. Approximately 50% of Kelowna’s land base is agricultural. Approximately 40% of the this agricultural land is protected in the ALR. I believe that this provides ample space for livestock within Kelowna City limits.
- How are you going to increase the number of community gardens and farm-to-school programs?
Community gardens are expanding each year. The work of the Central Okanagan Community Gardens Society has been exemplary. I will continue to support using certain areas in parks to expand community gardens. The recent expansion of community gardens into Mission Sports fields and the Glenmore community gardens are excellent examples of the City working with non-profit groups to expand this resource.
