Coldstream Farmers' Concerns of 2011 Ignored in 2012

Excellent letter reproduced below in its entirely (from page 19 of 20 at link-->) Roxanne Ronan.

Re: the Coldstream Agricultural Plan Amendment Bylaw

"From: Roxanne Ronan

Sent: Friday, June 17, 2011 4:24 PM

To: Keri-Ann Austin

Subject: District of Coldstream Official Community Plan Bylaw Amendment

To Mayor Jim Garlick, District of Coldstream Councilmembers, and Planners:

I would like to formally state my opposition to the amendment to the District of Coldstream Official

Community Plan to limit parcel size to a minimum of 10 hectare (24.7 acre) for land in the Agricultural

Land Reserve. I currently own slightly over 43 acres of ALR land within the District of Coldstream. If I'm

interpreting your proposal correctly, this amendment would not allow me to be able to subdivide and

gift our property to our children. Nor would it allow us to sell a small parcel in times of financial distress,

and remain on our property. Passing the family farm to family members is an agricultural tradition

which has existed for centuries. Our land to my knowledge has had just two family owners since 1906.

Your amendment would force larger parcel landowners to sell out upon retirement or in cases of

hardship - but sell to who? Land prices are way too high for self- sustaining agriculture - no true farm

operation can afford to buy large pieces. These parcels will be sold for "estate homes" where the

agricultural uses of the property would be secondary to lifestyle choices. How does this benefit your

plans for the viability of farming in Coldstream? How does this benefit young people who want a rural

lifestyle?

I would think that the numbers of us who own ALR parcels in excess of 24.7 acres are few in comparison

to the total number of property owners in Coldstream. This amendment is a form of discrimination

against those of us who hold our assets as land - rather than stocks or bonds .. 1 strongly urge you to

rethink this bylaw amendment - it will not have the consequences you intend. If anything, it could force

the last generation who knows anything about farming off of their land.

Yours sincerely,

Roxanne Ronan and Family"

"The last generation," sighs Kia, sadly "who knows anything about farming...off their land."

This Mayor and Council wanted to make an impact on farming in Coldstream...

After this bylaw amendment, the only power left to farmers is to NOT farm.  Quite the legacy, Council!