www.aldergrovestar.com
THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014 | THE ALDERGROVE STAR | 5
Cannon registry off to slow start in Township By DAN FERGUSON Aldergrove Star
So far, just one in 10 Langley blueberry farms have applied to register audible bird scare devices under new Township regulations that restrict the use of the controversial propane cannons. The municipal Agricultural Advisory Committee filed its annual report on Jan. 7 saying that 13 applications to register devices have been received since the new regulations took effect in June of last year. That is slightly more than 10 per cent of the estimated 125 blueberry farms operating in the Township. The Langley bylaw requires blueberry farmers to get a $125-a-year licence to register their bird scare devices with the Township of Langley, as well as post a notice before they use one. Some blueberry farmers have balked at the registration fee and notice requirements, telling
Propane-powered crop cannon. Langley Township the bylaw that aims to limit the use of propane cannons unfairly singled them out. That’s according to a provincial government briefing note released under freedom of information (FOI) regulations. “They [the farmers] have expressed concern that the registration requirement singles out their industry with an additional burden
not carried by other agricultural industries under the Farm Practices Protection Act,” the note says. “They are also concerned with the precedent of being required to post a sign at their driveway when using propane cannons.” The new Township bylaws restrict how often the cannons can be fired, allowing one firing every five minutes for a single cannon. They also require a 100-metre setback from horse trails. The bylaw sets escalating fines for violating the rules, $150 for a first offence, $350 for a second and $500 for a third and any subsequent offence. The regulations were drafted by the Propane Cannon Task Force, which was created by the municipal Agricultural Advisory Committee. Township began enforcement of the new rules in July, following their final approval on June 24 by Langley Township council by a 7-1 vote.
Seasonal Local Produce
Fuji Apples
59
¢
lb.
Cauliflower
1
$ 29
ea.
Large Navel Oranges
79
¢
lb.
Iceburg Lettuce
79
¢
ea.
EFFECTIVE JAN. 23 - JAN. 29, 2014 WHILE QUANTITIES LAST • NO RAINCHECKS
Public speaking workshop offered here Aldergrove Star
The Leaders Toastmasters Club of Aldergrove is conducting a six-session workshop called Speechcraft that will help partici-
pants overcome nervousness and learn basic public speaking skills. Open to the general public, the program begins on Jan. 29, at 6:30 p.m .and will be held
C OME J O IN U S AT T H E 2 014
at the Aldergrove Seventh-day Adventist Church, 26245 - 28 Ave., Aldergrove. For registration email KarinZinner@gmail.com
Hamilton Farms Proudly serving the Fraser Valley for over 44 years and will continue to serve the community for many years to come!
Corner Fraser Hwy. & LeFeuvre Rd • 604-856-6068 Mon. - Sat. 8 am - 6 pm • Sun. 8 am - 5 pm
Quality Products & Service
OIL & LUBRICANTS FOR EVERY APPLICATION We have a wide variety of the highest quality oil & lubricants for your commercial & farming needs. All of our fuel & oil products come with a comprehensive guarantee & we offer competitive prices.
January 30, 31 & February 1 AT THE
Abbotsford Tradex Centre
TIME TO TANK UP Is it time to look at upgrading your storage tanks to the latest, most environmentally safe products available in the market? Otter Co-op has a variety of fuel storage solutions based on your particular needs and annual fuel requirements.
(Abbotsford Airport)
ENTER TO WIN Daily gift card prizes, & the GRAND PRIZE of a fully equipped 500 Gallon Westeel Enviro Tank.
For more information, please contact us or drop by & see us:
3548 248 STREET • Aldergrove • 604-607-6911
ottercoop.com