AARON DURAND GOLDEN PIPES B1
APRIL 9, 2014
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Two sections, 44 pages
100milefreepress.net
ALC changes underway
ROLLING INTO SPRING
WATER PLANT TO ELIMINATE THE LODGE?
Victoria divides provincial agricultural zones
Carole Rooney
A5
make sense.” Barnett says the provincial government has promised The Agricultural Land the ALC will continue to Commission (ALC) is operate independently, and undergoing changes that the fertile lands will remain will benefit the Cariboo- protected. Chilcotin, says local MLA Regional panels will be Donna Barnett. implemented as It will see the a key part of the establishment of two decision-making zones in B.C. , one for process and local areas where prime governments will agriculture land is be involved earlier, under pressure by she adds. urban growth, and However, the DONNA the other for areas NDP says Bill 24 BARNETT with shorter growwill break apart the ing seasons that have Agricultural Land less arable land and lower Reserve (ALR), removing demands for property. protections from 90 per cent During her previous of British Columbia farmyears in local government, land and putting it at risk Barnett says she frequently of industrial development at saw rezoning applications the discretion of unaccountturned down that would able B.C. Liberal appointees. have allowed better uses for However, Barnett says that land with poor soil, rocky is “an irresponsible stateterrain, and no water to irri- ment.” gate with. There are a lot of respon“There were people who sible people in the province, had pieces of land that you whether they belong to one couldn’t grow anything on, political party or another, or [and they] wanted to maybe none at all, she notes. subdivide a little bit off to “This will be an opporhelp them.” tunity to choose people Sometimes it isn’t true who understand agriculture “agriculture” land, Barnett land.” explains, and there are She adds the act provides opportunities and a need for the tools to put the rest of it something else – whether in place, but the regulations commercial, industrial or are not released yet to see residential. the details of how this will The ALC legislation is 40 roll out. years old and has needed “There is no intention changes for a long time, she of breaking up the [ALR]. says. In essence, I think this will “Look at all the land in the strengthen [protection] of Lower Mainland that is good the land that is good agriagricultural land that has cultural land. houses on it – that doesn’t Free Press
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The voice of the South Cariboo since 1960 How to reach us: Ph: 250-395-2219 Fax: 250-395-3939 www.100milefreepress.net mail@100milefreepress.net Gaven Crites photo
Gavin Stuckel, 5, muddied his bike tires while riding around the skatepark on Horse Lake Road in 100 Mile House on April 5. It is definitely a sign that spring has (finally) arrived in the South Cariboo.
Continued on A6