GRAND FORKS – New Democrat MLA Roly Russell says new rules will add flexibility and increased housing options for a small secondary home in the Agricultural Land Reserve. The additional residence can be used for anything from housing extended family to an agritourism accommodation, to housing for farm labour, to a rental property for supplemental income.
“The need for small secondary dwellings on farmland for farm succession and even for access to the sector for new entrants has been clear in our communities for years,” said Roly Russell, MLA for Boundary-Similkameen. “Making room for new entrants is important for food production and I’m thrilled that we’re expanding housing options while protecting farm land at the same time!”
The new rules will increase stability of local food systems by increasing economic opportunities for farm owners. These changes will also allow for a streamlined approval process in which applicants only need to apply to a local government or First Nation government, rather than the Agricultural Land Commission.
Flexible housing options permitted under the regulation include, but are not limited to:
- garden suites, guest houses or carriage suites,
- accommodation above an existing building,
- manufactured homes, and
- permitting a principal residence to be constructed in addition to a manufactured home that was formerly a principal residence.
There is no longer a requirement that additional residences must be used by the landowner or immediate family members.
This new residential flexibility is the result of an engagement process that included discussions with farmers and the greater community. The new rules will come into effect December 31, 2021.
Learn more: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021AFF0043-001352