Everyone benefits from more access to local food

News Release
For immediate release 

Saanich, BC – Saanich residents will now have better access to locally-grown produce, thanks to recent bylaw changes approved by Council that will make it easier for people to set up roadside stands in urban areas.

“Small producers and market gardeners are able to set up farm stands on their own properties to sell nutritious and delicious fruits and vegetables grown at home,” says Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock. “Although they will need a business licence, there is no fee involved as we want to make this initiative easy, convenient and viable for growers.”

Roadside stands are allowed to sell fresh locally grown fruits and vegetables, apiary products, trees and forest products, forages and sod crops, grains and seed crops, eggs, local ornamental and greenhouse products, and other low-risk value-added agricultural products such as jams. These stands, which are already permitted in rural zones, cannot operate on boulevards.

Meanwhile, pop-up pocket farm markets will be permitted at most institutional, school, park, community centre and church properties. Pop-up markets provide a flexible, low-barrier opportunity for local food producers to combine efforts to sell fresh locally grown agricultural products. Organizers must have an agreement in place with the property owners.

Larger-scale farm markets will be permitted in most public parks, at recreation centres and at the Municipal Hall. A variety of items can be sold at these markets including local agricultural products, meat and seafood, dairy and poultry products, apiary products, plants and horticultural products, homemade baking, liquor, ready to eat foods and arts and crafts. The market operator/manager is responsible for ensuring food vendors have obtained approval for any higher risk food items, as well as proper permits for any alcohol sales. The event can include mobile food vendors and live entertainment as part of its activities.

“These changes will support local food producers, bring neighbours together and enhance community vibrancy,” says Saanich Councillor Nathalie Chambers. “It’s a ‘win-win-win’ for local farmers, for local consumers, and for Saanich’s food security moving forward.”

Learn More

For more information on how to set up a roadside farm stand, pocket farm market or a temporary farm market in your neighbourhood, check out Saanich.ca/AgRegulations.

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Media Contact:
Saanich Communications
media@saanich.ca