The long-awaited Agricultural Area Plan is ready for public consideration and review, say city officials.
The draft plan was put together by the Chilliwack Agricultural Commission with input from a range of stakeholders. It offers a community vision for agriculture and tackles key issues like how to ensure sustainability moving forward.
Part of the challenge is raising the public profile of the issues, such as the economic value of the agriculture industry to the community, which accounts for 30 per cent of the economy and 65 per cent of the land base in Chilliwack.
Coun. Pat Clark said in council chambers that she was impressed by the “clear strategies” mapped out in the plan and thanked the group of people who drafted it.
“A big word of thanks,” she said. “This is an extremely comprehensive document. You haven’t missed a thing.”
Coun. Chuck Stam also thanked the plan committee, for “doing the heavy lifting” on the plan. “They did not avoid the tough issues,” he said.
Mayor Sharon Gaetz said the local farming community added “value” to the process.
“But we haven’t reached everyone and we want to offer the community an opportunity to give their input.”
Two open house events are scheduled to collect feedback on the Chilliwack Agriculture Area Plan, on Dec. 5 at Twin Rinks, and on Dec. 8 at Evergreen hall, with both running 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The plan can be downloaded in PDF form at: http://www.chilliwack.com/main/page.cfm?id=1979
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