Agriculture has played an important historical role in the Kamloops region and the city is hoping to keep it important in the future as well.
(JENNIFER STAHN / iNFOnews.ca)
June 05, 2014 - 10:56 AM
KAMLOOPS — An important step in the development of urban agriculture and food security policy, such as those that would allow animals such as goats and chickens within the city limits, will take place later this month.
A stakeholder workshop will be held June 25 and will include presentations from city of Kamloops staff. There will also be a roundtable discussions facilitated by city staff, Interior Health and Thompson Rivers University.
The meeting is being held as a way to share key statements and issues with a broad group of those who could be affected by any policies as well as a way to explain the planning process of the Urban Agriculture and Food System Strategy Advisory Committee.
The workshop is aimed at a wide variety of stakeholders throughout the city including those in the restaurant sector, food retail and business (including farmers markets), health, education and social service institutions, land development and real estate, community sector (include Tk’emlups te Secwepemc and strata councils) and those in the urban agriculture sector including urban farmers, master gardeners and honey producers.)
So far urban animals have been a hot topic at committee meetings, along with fruit stands and community gardens.
A public consultation will be done at a later stage as well.
The urban ag committee grew from agriculture area plan discussions. The committee members realized a more specific plan dealing with smaller agricultural items was needed.
To contact a reporter for this story, email Jennifer Stahn at jstahn@infotelnews.ca or call 250-819-3723. To contact an editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
News from © iNFOnews, 2014