Zoning Bylaw
The Zoning Bylaw regulates how land, structures and buildings may be used. A-Zones are zones permitted for agriculture in the District of Saanich. See Saanich Zoning Bylaw 8200. A-Zone regulations begin on page 101-1.
Official Community Plan
The Official Community Plan (OCP) has numerous community plans and policies to guide growth and change within our municipality. Agriculture and food security objectives and policies are addressed in the OCP.
Official Community Plan (2024)
Objectives
A. Protect agricultural land for farming by current and future generations.
B. Support access to a safe and nutritious food supply.
C. Create opportunities for local food production in both rural and urban areas.
Policies
12.1.1 Implement the Agriculture and Food Security Plan and update periodically to reflect emerging community priorities.
12.1.2 Ensure a healthy, sustainable and stable food supply by working with the Capital Regional District, the Province, food producers, the Vancouver Island Health Authority, municipalities, and other stakeholders to implement the Capital Regional District Food and Agriculture Strategy.
12.1.3 Protect agricultural land by maintaining the Urban Containment Boundary and encouraging compact urban form.
12.1.4 Discourage the deposit of fill on rural and ALR lands that results in the soil’s agricultural capability being diminished.
12.1.5 Support the preservation and enhancement of the soil’s agricultural capability on rural and ALR lands.
12.1.6 Develop appropriate regulations and guidelines for agri-tourism activities in consultation with farmers and other stakeholders to minimize the impact of such activities on neighbouring properties.
12.1.7 Develop appropriate regulations and guidelines for “intensive agriculture” in consultation with farmers and other stakeholders to minimize the impact of such activities on rural residential neighbours.
12.1.8 Support the use of the dispute resolution process established in the “Farm Practices Protection Act” to resolve concerns and complaints about agricultural practices that may be inconsistent with normal farm practice.
12.1.9 Buffer rural and agricultural lands from adjacent urban residential development as part of redevelopment and subdivision proposals, where appropriate.
12.1.10 Continue to support a special water rate for agriculture.
12.1.11 Encourage the development of a Property Assessment policy that primarily supports local food production, and does not inadvertently result in ecological degradation.
12.1.12 Encourage environmentally sound agricultural practices by promoting the BC Environmental Farm Program.
12.2.1 Support small-scale agricultural and food access initiatives on lands inside the Urban Containment Boundary, while considering potential impacts on neighbouring residents
12.2.2 Strengthen local sustainable agriculture by supporting “backyard gardening” and community garden initiatives.
12.2.3 Support efforts to restore Indigenous plants and food sources, improve access to cultural foodlands, and increase public awareness of local Indigenous food systems.
12.2.4 Incorporate climate mitigation and adaptation strategies into Saanich’s overall approach to its local agri-food system.
12.2.5 Support efforts of farm operators and other agencies to enhance farmland and increase crop yield, by improving water supply and undertaking drainage improvements and improving soil capabilities, while considering environmental impact.
12.2.6 Support the development and operation of specialty crop farms to diversify farm production, increase economic development, increase local food production, and improve farm income.
12.2.7 Support innovative farming and local marketing techniques such as pocket farm markets, which help improve the economic viability of food production in the community.