the rules around subdivision ISLAND FARM GARDEN&
a gardener's journal to lawn or not to lawn
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ISLAND FARM GARDEN&
Publisher: Judy Stafford, Cowichan Green Community
360 Duncan Street, Duncan, B.C. V9L 3W4
tel: 250.748.8506 fax: 250.597.1112
cowichangreencommunity.org
Editor: Eric Morten | editor@cowichangreencommunity.org
Thanks to our "experts in the field" for sharing their wisdom
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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SOOKE
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WESTSHORE
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NANAIMO
Buckerfield's
Gordon's Homes
Harbour City Equipment
MLA Routley Office
Shar-Kare
PARKSVILLE
Shar-Kare
Buckerfield's
PORT ALBERNI
Station Feeds
Arrowsmith Nursery
Shar Kare
Beaver Creek Mkt
Colyn's Nursery
COURTENAY/COMOX
Black Creek Farm & Feed
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Art Knapp
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a gardener’s journal:
summer memories
by Beth Walrond
July is a busy month in my little garden. I was surprised one morning to see my young neighbour at the fence. As I stood up and greeted him, he sighed mightily.
“Good heavens Robbie. What is that sigh about?”
He lifted his head. “I hate summer. I can hardly wait to get back to school.”
“Really? Most children your age, love the summer holidays and being out of school.”
“Yeah, but I have nothing to do and no friends.”
“Well, you haven’t been here long. It takes time to make friends in a new place. Would you like to learn to garden?”
Robbie’s eyes lit up and he was around the fence and beside me in a flash. I looked at him. T-shirt, baggie shorts and running shoes with the laces dragging on the ground.
“Before you start, you’ll need to tie your laces.”
He looked away and back at me. Shyly, he said. “I don’t know how.”
Odd, but he was from another country, half a world away.
“Okay let me teach you.” I went through the bunny ears method that I used to teach my children, but he had trouble handling the laces and got frustrated.
“For now, I will do them up.” I pulled them tight and did them up. “Tomorrow we will practice this again. For now, let’s start gardening. The first thing you need to know is what is a weed. The weeds will go in that blue bucket and any little rocks as well.”
Robbie was so happy to be doing something, he became a great help that summer. When my granddaughters came visit at the end of July, I included Robbie in our daily outings. In the afternoons, we went
swimming at the local pool, the ocean and nearby lakes. Gardening continued in the mornings.
One afternoon, I took all the children to Bowen Park. We followed the stream up to the pools. There was a moment when the sun shone through the trees, lighting up the big deciduous trees and the children. It’s a picture of delight and pure happiness. Their activity, scrambling up the trail, the warm summer air and their young voices echoing through the forest. What a precious memory.
Another day at home, I put the 3 children to work washing my used garden pots. The wheel barrows were set up in front of the green bench in the back upper garden. One to wash the dirt out and one to rinse. Robbie was so eager he ran, to get the pots and do the washing. I tried to slow him down, but it didn’t work. He had unbeatable enthusiasm. My granddaughters worked carefully on the rinsing without much comment.
Later we collected bouquets of herbs and took them to the restaurant where Robbie’s parents worked. Unfortunately, most of the herbs were unknown to the cook. However, Robbie gallantly arranged for us to have refreshments on the outdoor deck. He wanted to order a whole meal but, I stopped him at cool drinks. The owner smiled and nodded her head.
After my granddaughters went home, Robbie continued to visit and help in the garden. One hot afternoon we were deadheading Dahlias, when Robbie stopped abruptly. He asked, “Why aren’t you afraid of the bees?”
“Getting stung you mean?”
He nodded and backed up a few steps. I looked at the garden where at least three kinds of bees and two wasps were busy in the garden too. I hardly paid them any mind, as they were welcome garden companions.
“Robbie, the bees know I am the gardener. We both, we all, take care of the garden. They are important workers here too. “
“Do they know I am a gardener?” He looked at the bees and then at me.
“We can make sure. I will knight you. Come here.”
“Now, I declare Robbie to be a Gardener, Protector of the Bees and Guardian of the Soil.” I tapped each of his young shoulders with my hand tool. “Henceforth you will be known as Sir Rob, the Gardener”.
As I spoke, I turned to the garden and included our flying friends. My bare arm was extended and one of the bees came and landed on my arm. I stood perfectly still and welcomed the little creature on my warm skin. Robbie gasped. We watched the bee as it walked in a circle and faced Robbie. Then it flew back to the garden.
“Now that bee will tell the other ones that you are a friend, a gardener too.”
School started and Robbie made friends that year. I could hear groups of the boys playing in his back yard. He would say “Hi” as they walked by, but he didn’t come to garden with me anymore. The next summer his family moved away.
Robbie came to say goodbye, before they left and I hugged his still small frame. I now wonder how he is and if he remembers his gardening summer. The time shared was precious gift which now gives me memories filled with laughter and love.
Beth Walrond: B.A. Diploma Visual Arts, M.A. Gardening. Member of Vancouver Island Master Gardener’s Association.
Lisa Marie Barron
the great divide
Navigating the ALC rules for subdivision
story & photos by Shane Landreville
Navigating the complexities of land management in British Columbia’s Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) can be a daunting task for landowners and farmers, particularly when it comes to subdividing property. While there are valid reasons for wanting to subdivide—whether for family succession, financial planning, or operational efficiency—the process is tightly regulated by the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) to ensure that agricultural land is preserved for future generations. In this article, we’ll explore the ALC’s requirements for subdivision applications, provide a summary of key decisions that highlight when these applications are approved or rejected, and offer some practical considerations for landowners contemplating this path. Understanding these elements is crucial for making informed decisions that align both with personal goals and the ALC’s overarching mission to protect and enhance BC’s agricultural land base.
What is the ALC:
The ALC in British Columbia is an independent administrative tribunal dedicated to preserving agricultural land and encouraging farming in the province. Established in 1973, the ALC administers the ALR, a land use zone that restricts nonagricultural uses of designated farmland. The ALC is responsible for reviewing applications for land use changes, ensuring that agricultural lands are protected for future generations. It plays a critical role in balancing development needs with the preservation of vital agricultural resources in BC.
Purpose of the ALC:
The ALC, as outlined in Section 6 of the Agricultural Land Commission Act, has the primary purposes of preserving agricultural land, encouraging farming on this land in collaboration with various communities, and working with local governments, First Nations, and other governmental bodies to support farm use and agriculture-compatible activities. In fulfilling these purposes, the ALC
must prioritize protecting and enhancing the size, integrity, and continuity of the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) and ensuring that the land within the ALR is used primarily for farming.
Subdivision Applications:
A person must not subdivide agricultural land unless permitted by the ALC after an application, or permitted under section 3 of the ALR General Regulation: ALCA, s. 21(1). An owner of agricultural land may apply to the ALC for permission under section 25 of the ALCA to subdivide land in the ALR. Under section 3 of the Agricultural Land Commission Act, certain subdivisions of agricultural land are permitted, provided specific conditions are met. These conditions are as follows:
Approval by the Approving Officer:
The subdivision must be determined by the approving officer to fall within the allowed types.
The officer must endorse the subdivision plan with a certificate in the required form and submit a copy of the endorsed plan to the ALC.
Permitted Types of Subdivision:
Consolidation and Boundary Adjustments:
Combining two or more parcels into a single parcel by removing common lot lines.
Establishing a legal boundary along the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) boundary.
Resolving building encroachments on property lines without creating additional parcels.
Subdivisions with Specific Conditions:
The land involved consists of no more than four parcels, each being at least 1 hectare in size.
The subdivision does not increase the number of parcels, and no parcel is reduced to less than 1 hectare.
The subdivision allows for boundary adjustments that, in the approving officer’s opinion, enhance farming on the land or improve the use of existing farm structures.
Why a farmer or landowner could want to subdivide?
“Subdivision” means the division of land into 2 or more parcels, whether by plan, apt descriptive words or otherwise: Land Title
Act, s. 1 “subdivision”. This includes boundary adjustments where no new parcels are created. A farmer or landowner may wish to subdivide their property for the following reasons:
Family Succession Planning: A landowner might want to divide the land into smaller parcels to transfer ownership to multiple family members, ensuring that each heir has a portion of the property.
Financial Reasons: Subdividing a portion of the land could allow the landowner to sell a part of the property to raise capital for reinvestment or to address financial needs.
Operational Efficiency: By adjusting boundaries or consolidating parcels, a landowner could optimize the layout of the property, improving access, irrigation, or land use for more efficient operations.
Encroachment Resolution: If there is a building or structure that encroaches on a property line, subdividing the land might be necessary to legally resolve the issue without affecting the rest of the property.
Partnerships and Joint Ventures: A landowner might want to subdivide land to enter into a partnership or joint venture with another party, where each party would own a specific portion of the land.
Legal and Zoning Compliance: In some cases, subdivisions may be required to align with legal or zoning requirements, particularly when the land is near boundaries of the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR).
Improvement of Structures: Subdividing land might allow for the creation of parcels that better accommodate existing or planned structures, such as barns, greenhouses, or other buildings.
Environmental Management: Subdividing the land could be part of an environmental strategy, such as creating separate parcels for conservation purposes, water management, or soil preservation, while maintaining active use on other parts of the land.
Retirement Planning: As landowners approach retirement, they might want to subdivide their land to sell off portions while
retaining a smaller, more manageable area for continued personal use or hobby farming.
Analysis of ALC Decisions on Subdivision Applications
After reviewing and analyzing several ALC decisions on landowner subdivision applications, we have prepared the following summary and analysis. The examples included below are referenced with the specific decision citations from the ALC, providing clear insights into the considerations in each case.
Examples of Facts and Reasons for Approving Subdivision Applications
(Note: ID Numbers refer to the case ID numbers within the ALC’s decision making process)
Example 1:
• Fact: Proposal to subdivide into two 0.4ha lots. (ID: 68755)
• Reason: Panel approved based on the preparation that was already done. The applicants had prepared the land for subdivision in good faith, relying on prior advice.
Example 2:
• Fact: Proposal to subdivide into strata lot of 0.17 ha. (ID: 66715)
• Reason: Applicants relied upon the misrepresentation of municipal officials. The panel found the applicants acted in good faith based on incorrect information provided to them.
Example 3:
• Fact: Proposal to subdivide into two strata lots of 0.2ha each. (ID: 67645)
• Reason: Panel approved because the Applicant had already invested significant resources based on prior advice, showing a good faith effort to comply with subdivision rules.
Example 4:
• Fact: Section 21(2) Application for Subdivision: Application to divide a large agricultural lot into smaller parcels. (ID: 66887)
• Reason: The intended owner(s) were the children rather than commercial entities, aligning with family farming principles. The panel approved to support the
continuity of family farming.
Example 5:
• Fact: Application to retain gravel previously placed for road improvements on agricultural land. (ID: 68868)
• Reason: It appears that the ALC permitted retaining the gravel because it facilitated better access for farming operations, enhancing the agricultural use of the land.
Examples of Facts and Reasons for Denying Subdivision Applications
Example 1:
• Fact: Section 20.1(2) Residential Use of Agricultural Land. (ID: 66911)
• Reason: Proposed additional residence was focused on a non-agricultural purpose, leading to denial. The panel emphasized maintaining the land for agricultural use only.
Example 2:
• Fact: Section 21(2) Application for
Subdivision: Application to subdivide without clear agricultural benefit. (ID: 67000)
• Reason: Panel found the proposal did not support agricultural land integrity and would potentially reduce the agricultural viability of the larger lot.
Example 3:
• Fact: Section 21(2) Application for Subdivision: Proposal to divide into multiple residential lots. (ID: 67123)
• Reason: ALC is not able to make decisions based on non-agricultural considerations. The panel denied the application to prevent the introduction of residential elements that did not support farming activities.
Example 4:
• Fact: Section 21(2) Application for Subdivision: Proposal to create small lots unsuitable for agriculture. (ID: 67245)
• Reason: Panel concerned that the 1.5ha
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lot is too small to maintain agricultural productivity, which could lead to fragmentation of agricultural land.
Example 5:
• Fact: Application to construct access routes through ALR land. (ID: 67367)
• Reason: Even though an alternative non-ALR access route was available, it was not used, leading to denial. The panel emphasized the importance of minimizing non-agricultural development on ALR land.
Analysis
of Consistency
in ALC Decisions
Consistency in Approvals:
• Good Faith and Prior Preparation: A significant number of approvals are based on applicants' good faith actions and substantial prior preparation. For instance, in case ID: 68755, the applicants had prepared the land for subdivision in good faith based on prior advice, leading to approval.
• Family and Agricultural Use: Approvals are often granted when the land is intended for family use, which aligns with preserving agricultural land for generational farming. In case ID: 66887, the panel approved the subdivision to support the continuity of family farming.
• Mitigating Hardship: Approvals reflect consideration of mitigating hardships faced by applicants who have made significant investments based on prior misrepresentations or approvals from municipal authorities. For example, in case ID: 66715, the applicants relied on incorrect information from municipal officials, and the panel approved the subdivision based on their good faith effort.
Consistency in Denials:
• Strict Adherence to ALR Regulations: Denials consistently reflect strict adherence to ALR regulations, particularly when proposals do not enhance or maintain agricultural viability. For instance, in case ID: 67000, the panel denied the application because the proposal did not support the agricultural integrity of the land.
• Non-Agricultural Use: Applications that propose nonagricultural uses or introduce residential elements not related to farming are consistently denied. In case ID: 66911, the proposed additional residence focused on non-agricultural use, leading to denial.
• Insufficient Agricultural Benefit: Proposals that fail to demonstrate clear agricultural benefits or that propose lot sizes unsuitable for farming are consistently denied. In case ID: 67245, the panel denied the application due to concerns about the agricultural productivity of the proposed small lot.
Partial Approvals and Denials:
• Balancing Development and Agriculture: Partial approvals and denials indicate the ALC’s effort to balance development needs with agricultural preservation. For instance, in case ID: 67367, while the panel denied the construction of access routes through ALR land due to available non-ALR routes, it approved parts of
the application that supported agricultural improvements.
• Case-by-Case Evaluation: Each application is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, considering specific facts and contexts, which provides a nuanced approach to decision-making. This ensures that each decision aligns with broader policy objectives while addressing individual circumstances.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ALC plays a crucial role in preserving agricultural land in British Columbia, ensuring that farming remains a sustainable and vital part of the province's landscape. Accordingly, the subdivision of farmland within the ALR is a carefully regulated process, permitted only under specific conditions that align with the ALC's objectives.
Landowners may seek to subdivide their property for various reasons, such as family succession planning, financial needs, operational efficiency, or environmental management. The ALC's decisions on these applications are guided by a commitment to preserving agricultural land and enhancing its use for farming.
However, obtaining ALC approval is just one part of the process. Landowners must also navigate regional and municipal zoning requirements, which can vary significantly depending on the location and specific land use policies. Even after receiving ALC approval, there is often a complex government process to work through, involving additional permits and compliance with local regulations.
That said, the ALC's decisions on subdivision applications demonstrate a clear and consistent pattern backed by the determined objective of preserving agricultural land integrity. Approvals are granted where good faith efforts, family use, and prior preparations align with agricultural objectives, while denials strictly enforce ALR regulations and reject non-agricultural proposals. This approach reflects a balanced consideration of individual circumstances within the broader mandate of protecting agricultural land for future generations.
By reviewing the ALC’s decisions and understanding the criteria and reasons behind subdivision requests, landowners can better navigate the application process and make informed decisions that support both their interests and the broader goals of agricultural preservation.
Shane Landreville is a lawyer at the law firm Ramsay Lampman Rhodes, with offices in Nanaimo, Port Alberni and Courtenay. Shane practices primarily in the area of corporate, tax, and estate law, and is a farmer in the Comox Valley. Shane takes appointments in all offices.
Additional Resource: https://www.alc.gov.bc.ca/assets/alc/ assets/legislation-and-regulation/information-bulletins/ib_09_ subdivision_and_plans_that_cause_subdivision.pdf
kids stuff
by James Chumsa
Cowichan Green Community’s (CGC) annual KinPark Kids Camp in Cowichan has wrapped up for the summer. The day camp at the KinPark Youth Urban Farm is always a great place for children to spend their summer outside. This year, the kids spent their time engaged in activities such as making crafts, playing outdoor games while also learning about plants, gardening, cooking, and the natural world around them. The camp is open to children from ages 6-10 years of age, and for some kids this was their first year while others have attended previous years. Some kids attended the camp for the entire summer, while others have stayed for only a few days or weeks.
Each morning at the camp, kids participated in a 10 o’clock farm activity facilitated by the KinPark gardeners Naomi and James. The farm activities varied from day to day, some involving garden work such as weeding, watering, harvesting, and transplanting new crops. Other days the farm activities were educational games such as a scavenger hunt where children had to look for specific plants and small creatures in the garden. One farm activity had the children learn to use the technique of winnowing to separate kale seeds from the chaff using the wind. There were times when the wind was very ideal for this activity, while other times the children were shown how to make their own wind by fanning. Another fun farm activity was making sun tea, where KinPark gardener Naomi showed the children various herbs around the park such as mint, lemon balm, and sumac that they could use. Each child was given a glass jar to put their choice of herbs in with the amount that they desired, which they later filled up with water and left in the sun to steep.
The camp had some visitors with fun things to offer to the kids, such as Pat Amos who showed them how to make birdhouses out of cob and a guest from the Pacific Northwest Raptor Centre who brought over some birds of prey for the kids to meet.
While the kids spent most of their time at KinPark, they also visited many places in the community within walking distance, which opened them up to a greater world of learning. This included touring the local fire hall, getting books at the local library, and seeing pizzas banking in the cob oven at Centennial Park. Once a week the kids would go to CGC’s headquarters to take cooking lessons in our commercial kitchen. Often times the
ingredients used in their cooking lessons were harvested from KinPark during a farm activity. During some of the hot summer days the kids kept cool by going to the local swimming pool by the community centre or splash park at Centennial Park.
By the last week of camp, many of the kids were sad to see their summer and the camp coming to an end. They reminisced about the memories they made, including their favourite activities. “I really liked the farming, cooking, and last but not least, eating the food I made,” recalled one child. “My favourite part about KinPark is playing with my friends, doing crafts, playing games, and walking to cool places like the library and the pool,” said another camper. Many highlights included things like the farm activities, going swimming, and visiting various places in the community. For some kids it was the simple things like making friends, playing octopus tag with the gardeners, and petting the neighbourhood cat Callie who would often wander into the park. One child had an optimistic outlook on life, declaring that “being alive is my favourite thing about camp.”
Overall, the children attending this summer’s KinPark Kids Camp had a good experience and made many fond memories. If you are interested in signing up your child for next year’s camp, make sure to subscribe to CGC’s newsletter to keep up to date. cowichangreencommunity.org/ homepage/ and scrolling to the bottom
the lawn & winding road
by Eric Morten
Like many a homeowner, I have a complicated relationship with my lawn. In spring and early summer, the smell of freshly cut grass fills me with nostalgia for my younger days. At the same time, the back and forth of pushing a mower through all the damp, thick greenery makes one consider paving it all over for a tennis court or something similar. There’s also, during that backing and forthing, time to ponder why exactly are lawns so popular in my neighbourhood and indeed in all manners of suburban landscape?
Lawns became increasingly popular with the nobility in the 12th century. At that time, they were simple grassy areas for grazing livestock and created a buffer around homes and castles. During the Renaissance, the classical ideas of symmetry, order and beauty resulted in gardens which featured meticulously designed layouts with geometric patterns, and the grassed areas started to be more intentionally cultivated. The idea of a lawn, however, had not taken root except among the elites who could afford the cost of their maintenance.
The true transformation came during the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly in England. This period marked the rise of the landscape garden movement, championed by landscape architects like Lancelot “Capability” Brown and his ersatz successor Humphry Repton. They introduced and popularized the idea of the “natural” landscape, which emphasized smooth, uninterrupted expanses of grass as a key element. The lawn became a symbol of wealth and refinement, signifying that the land was so valuable that it could be maintained in a pristine state solely for aesthetic enjoyment. The development of new tools and techniques for grass maintenance, including the early versions of lawn mowers, made it easier to keep these expansive lawns in shape.
The introduction of the push reel lawn mower in 1830 revolutionized lawn care, making it accessible to the middle class. As suburban development expanded in the US after the Civil War, lawns became a standard feature of residential landscapes. This period saw the emergence of the “American Dream,” which included a house with a well-kept lawn. The lawn became a symbol of domestic stability and affluence, reflecting the growing middle class’s values.
Given our collective mindset as well as environmental realities of today, does a lawn make sense? Many of us don’t have a strong sense of unifomity these days, with a great number preferring the individualistic and creative use of garden spaces. So many neighbourhoods with varied and beautiful yards are wonderful spaces to walk and reside. Given that water restrictions are common all over the Island, the uniformity of manicured lawns is taking on a brown hue. Replacing grass with drought-tolerant plants or ground cover can greatly reduce water usage.
Although I run the mower in August only to knock the heads off the dandelions, I’m aware of how commonly a “perfect lawn” involves the use of various pesticides and herbicides, the application of which harms the environment both locally and in general. Native planting can mitigate such harms as native plants require the amount of water dictated by the rainfall in the particular areas where they naturally grow.
Once established, native planting requires less maintenance than a lawn, offers natural wildlife habitat and can improve soil health. In urban and suburban settings, different types of vegetation can also help lessen the heat island effect.
It’s complicated and everyone has their own aesthetic. There are those who prefer undulations of a palatial lawn while others love a country garden or a xeriscaped landscape. A yard full of food garden? Why not? Considering alternative landscaping options can lead to environmental benefits, lower maintenance, cost savings, and a more pleasing outdoor space.
Metchosin Location Now Open!
new farming courses provide science-based and practical learning
A new set of micro-credential certificates at VIU Cowichan will offer basic education in sustainable agriculture and food production.
Photos: Vancouver Island University
Are you curious about the science behind sustainable farming and gardening practices?
A new set of micro-credential certificates will offer basic education in sustainable agriculture and food production. The courses are designed for busy producers who can't join long-term programs. They are for new or long-term farmers who don’t have formal training or who want to build on their knowledge.
Vancouver Island University (VIU) is now testing the first three courses at its Cowichan campus in partnership with North Island College. The first three courses in the series introduce people to the science behind sustainable agriculture production.
The courses are:
· Sustainable Soils Management – Fall 2024
· Agroecology – Fall 2024
· Organic Vegetable Seed Production – Spring 2025
Julia Fisher, Lead Program Coordinator, said the courses are eligible for the StrongerBC future skills grant, which covers tuition, fees, and course materials for eligible short-term training programs.
“The cost of these courses are fully covered with this grant, and the
classes are online in the evenings and the field days are on the weekends,” said Fisher. “Our hope is to make these courses as accessible as possible for the farming community."
Each course has up to 10 sessions and usually includes two on-site field days. Courses includes readings, three-hour online classes, exercises, management planning and guest speakers.
These new courses are a partnership with the Continuing Education and Training Association of BC (CETA BC). They aim to fill the need for science-based agriculture certificates in BC's small universities and regional colleges.
Funding for the soils and seeds courses came from CETA BC. The Seeds MC project has national partners – SeedChange and Canadian Organic Growers. The Ministry of PostSecondary Education and Future Skills funded the Agroecology course.
For more information or to sign up for these and other farmer training programs, visit the Farming Fundamentals website. You can also contact VIU Cowichan Professional Development and Training at PDTagriculture@viu.ca.
from farm to food bowl
The partnerships of Island Good pet foods
by Angus Keen, Summer Project Assistant
In recent years there has been a shift in the way we see our pets. Rather than being outside of the family dynamic, more than ever pets are considered an integral part of it. It’s not uncommon to affectionately hear the phrase “Cat Dad” or “Dog Mom’’ when people refer to their animal companions as if they were their children. And even if they ditch the parental labels, the owners of today are still seeking out the best possible methods of care for their pets. Whether it’s a daily walk on any of our beautiful and pet friendly Vancouver Island trails, rewarding them with a delicious treat designed to aid in pet health, or just spending the evening relaxing together. As pets become more important members of the family, owners
everywhere have become more conscious of what their pet needs.
It’s no surprise then, that a number of Island Good pet food businesses have partnered with local farmers to bring our pets only the best in locally grown and sustainably sourced pet foods. They’re pet owners, too! And they recognize that commercially made pet food may not address our pet’s unique nutritional needs. They’ve seen shortcuts normalized by the commercial pet food industry in efforts to reach the largest possible markets and the use of pet meal, alternative proteins, fillers, and “pet-grade” ingredients has become all too common. To these owners, that isn’t good enough. Not for our pets. Not for their product. And certainly not good enough for us.
Brands like Foley Dog Treat Company recognize the need for healthier pet food options, and are pairing the quality of locally sourced ingredients with the understanding that more natural and less processed pet foods lead to an overall better and longer life for our pets. “Less shortcuts, less problems, and a much better product.” Daniel Stiefvater, owner of Foley said to me during a recent tour of his facility.
“This is pink salmon [used in the Vitality Dog Line] that is caught right here off the Island…The kale [used in the plant based FoleyBites] actually does come from the Island, and it actually comes from another Island Good member…All of our ingredients are human grade. We grind the ingredients ourselves. The meat we use here
is the same meat your butcher would use to make a bison burger or a beef patty.”
Each of their dried dog treats is handled with the utmost care in every step of the process, from their ingredients to their packaging. We saw this care first hand as we met each of the team members and watched the treats go from local ingredients to a fantastic finished product. Through an exceptionally organized production, treats are crafted in a bakerystyle kitchen, heated to kill any bacteria, and safely dried for several days to preserve them for shipping. Any offcuts are handled in the same way, and then donated to the many animal shelters in the area. The treats have been a hit across Canada and as Foley expands, they never want to lose touch with their Island roots. That’s why each
bag is printed with “made on Vancouver Island,” a testament of the pride that Daniel and his team have for our home and the goodness found here.
And it’s not just Daniel! We reached out to a number of our other pet food businesses directly to hear their story and what partnerships with local farms means to them.
“I consider myself to be farm to bowl. I work with local farmers around Vancouver Island and the surrounding Islands to create all natural, all organic, all human grade dog and cat treats…My big passion is for all pets to be able to enjoy something that is tasty and nutritious…It’s just cool to be able to look at a treat and be like ‘oh, it comes from here.’ Just knowing and having that connection with the local community…That makes all the difference.”
Peanut Butter Kisses and Treats, Nanaimo “Parry Bay Sheep Farm is located in Metchosin on Vancouver Island. They supply lamb to a number of restaurants and butcher shops on Vancouver Island. They treat their sheep like family pets! It’s a privilege to have had them partner with Grandpaw’s Treats, and supply us with lamb lung for our very popular, healthy “Lamb Puff “ treats for nearly ten years.” Grandpaw’s Treats, Campbell River BC
And by buying local, you are helping contribute not only to your pet’s health, but to the nature that they so thoroughly
love to explore. Island Good businesses have a commitment to utilizing sustainable practices in all their operations, with many already operating at zero-waste! Their aim is to make sure that all ingredients are used to their full potential, and nothing goes to waste.
“I have a very special relationship with many farmers in the Cowichan Valley who supply me with over 2000 LBs of organ meats and bones each year. I then use those meats and bones to
produce natural, healthy treats and broths for dogs. I am so proud to be able to produce products which support our local farms and ensure more of the animals they raise are utilized completely. It’s a sustainable effort that begins in their Pasture and brought into homes for the luckiest pups on the Island”
Pathfinder Dog Adventures, Duncan BC
“Located in Storries Beach, just South of Campbell River, Fresh
Fetch is committed to working with local farmers, fisheries and suppliers to provide premium pet nutrition to our Vancouver Island community and their pets.
Fresh Fetch has been Island Good certified since 2020 and remains strongly committed to the highest standard of quality while keeping sustainability and zero-waste prioritized. By sourcing as close to home as possible they ensure that their environmental footprint is low and that their support to other local businesses is high. All ingredients are used to their fullest potential and packaging is minimized. Fresh Fetch also donates to local animal rescue societies & shelters across Vancouver Island and in British Columbia as part of giving back. By working with local suppliers such as Walcan Seafood and Old Farm Market, Fresh Fetch can always honour their promise to deliver natural, nutritious, fresh, local and delicious nutrition to your four-legged companions’ bowls.
For more information about Fresh Fetch visit freshfetch.ca”
Fresh Fetch, Campbell River BC
From farm to food dish, these businesses believe that local Island goodness doesn’t have to be reserved for just humans. Our furry friends and companions can enjoy it, too! By working together with local farmers, ingredients can be carefully selected on the basis that they are free from harmful chemicals and fillers. They also often retain more nutrients as less intensive methods of preservation are utilized. The result is a healthier and more nutritious product and the transparency of knowing when, where and how your pet’s food was made. In supporting these local brands and getting to know their owners (many of whom are ready to greet you at any of our Island farmers’ markets), you get to talk with people who know their products, have shook the hands with the farmers that grew their ingredients, and can pinpoint the exact treat that will be best suited for your pet. But most importantly, by supporting local businesses, you can be confident that the ingredients come from quality partnerships, that every step of the production process is handled with care, and that these owners care for their pets just as much as you care for yours.
So whether you’re a “cat dad” or a “dog mom,” fill your pet’s bowls with the goodness of something local and know that your pets are getting only the best from the partnerships that make our pet foods so Island Good!
Angus Keen is the Summer Project Assistant for Island Good. A new arrival to the Islands, Angus quickly fell in love with the sense of community that Island Good fosters. He will be attending VIU in the fall to pursue a Masters in Community Planning.
Island Good is a place brand to help shoppers easily identify local products (Vancouver Island and the rural islands). Look for the Island Good logo on products and in stores across Vancouver Island.
community notes cowichan green
by Judy Stafford, Publisher
Volunteers are the lifeblood of Cowichan Green Community, like most non-profits, playing an essential role in our mission to foster a healthy and sustainable community. Their dedication and passion enable us to deliver impactful programs, from food security initiatives like our food recovery program which has recovered almost 2 million pounds of food to environmental stewardship through our FruitSave program which has been running almost exclusively with volunteer support since 2006.
Whether it's helping in our extremely busy community kitchen to prepare meals for our many programs including Meals on Wheels, contributing to the success of our grocery store, or offering expertise as a member of our Board of Directors, volunteers make our work possible. Additionally, those with a green thumb support our two farms – KinPark Youth Urban Farm and the Farm and Food Hub on Beverly Street, cultivating fresh produce that feeds local families.
A long-time volunteer, Gladys, shares her experience: "I first got involved with CGC in 2018 by volunteering in the cooking class. It was a great program particularly because it involved children. We cooked nutritious meals, mainly vegetarian. When I first started volunteering at the farm, we had a program for children from summer camp. They walked over , tasted the edible garden, learned about different peas, fennel fronds ,orca beans, made herb
teas, dyed banners with plant dyes, made seed bombs etc. They loved it ! Recently the Elder Garden has allowed low income seniors in my building to grow nutritious organic produce. I myself can't wait until spring planting. Besides the access to produce, there are so many other benefits for us seniors like exercise & socializing. I also think it’s great there are accessible gardens so everyone can participate and be part of a community. The Cowichan Farm & Food Hub is an important teaching farm and has certainly contributed to my Lifelong Learning. Workshops like Seed Cleaning and Tomato Varieties are important for food sovereignty. I can always ask someone in the nursery questions re soil & planting times etc. I've learned so much about gardening since I've been here. CGC helps so many people in the Cowichan area and the farm is one important part of this organization.
Volunteers contribute in countless ways, and each role is crucial to the success of our programs. Whether you're harvesting fruit, guiding organizational decisions, or assisting in the daily operations of our kitchen or store, your involvement creates a lasting impact on our community. Together, we can continue to build a vibrant, resilient Cowichan Region – we couldn’t do our essential work without you! Please email info@ cowichangreencommunity.org to get involved.
addressing the optics: reFRESH marketplace
By Sean Burnett
People tend to assume all food donations should, and do, go to food banks. Cowichan Green Community’s reFRESH Marketplace is not a food bank. Therefore, reFRESH selling some of the recovered produce from donors who are in agreeance may appear wrong. However, not everyone who struggles is comfortable with receiving donations, and not everyone who wants to help is comfortable donating. The reFRESH store is an intermediary between buying food and having it donated. Moreover, the money made through it is not saved, but put back into the community through various other CGC programs. The reFRESH store is a fundraising initiative that attempts to avoid the complications of donations through the use of a storefront model.
Receiving donations comes with the unwritten assumption that the recipient is impoverished. Demeaning explanations of impoverishment include poor work ethic, willful dependency, and being anti-social. In short, receiving charity leaves one vulnerable to accusations of unethical character. Therefore, people who could use charity will often turn it down to avoid being targeted by these accusations. reFRESH provides a space for these people to benefit from charity without being recipients. The cheaper produce and coupon programs meet people in the middle. They can get goods without being given them, and so avoid the image of needing to be given them, and all the baggage that comes with.
Because donations are non-reciprocal, a donation that doesn’t reach its intended recipient is seen as wasted. Indeed this contributes to why people might view the reFRESH store poorly. If the recipient of food donations is the food bank, donations
elsewhere are wasted; however, the CGC’s food recovery program does often bring food to the food bank, alongside many other distributors such as women’s shelters, youth groups, and, through reFRESH, those described above, who would be anxious to be seen at a food bank, but could still use the food. Funds from reFRESH support the recovery, and other food security programs. Consequently, a purchase made there also has a comparable effect to a donation, but avoids being one due to the purchase of goods. The fear of putting money into a charity that’ll waste it is diminished by an additional return on top of knowing it went to people in need. Indeed, one doesn’t even need to be interested in donating at all to spend money at reFRESH, allowing for fundraising from previously unlikely sources.
Most people would likely agree that charity has moral content, but no one is obligated to be charitable. Subsequently, what makes appropriate charity is often ambiguous. reFRESH attempts to address the concerns around donations to find a more appropriate charity. By enabling the less fortunate to purchase food like anyone else, the store diminishes the psychological impact of poverty. By selling goods for fundraising, the store lets people invest in charity without donating. The reFRESH store was founded on the recognition of the problems with donations, and it attempts to show that charity can be undertaken in more nuanced ways so as to address these issues.
4-H FARM FROLICS
HEART HANDS & HEALTH
4-H is an organization dedicated to young people. The purpose of the 4-H program is to prepare girls and boys for their future as adult citizens. 4-H stands for head, heart, hands and health.
4-H British Columbia inspires and educates, builds awareness of agriculture and food production, and develop skills to help youth reach their full potential. It’s easy to become a part of 4-H by joining one of the existing clubs on the Island or by starting your own club; you can be a member or a leader of 4-H wherever you live. Members are between the ages of 6 and 21 and leaders are 22 years or older. For a list of chapters visit: www.4hbc.ca/clubs/vancouver-island
