Sunshine Coast Agricultural Area Plan

(2011-2012)

The Sunshine Coast Agricultural Area Plan (Ag Plan) was a three-stage project initiated in early 2012, jointly funded by the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) and the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC (IAF) through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the BC Ministry of Agriculture. Supporting local governments included the District of Sechelt, Town of Gibsons, Sechelt Indian Band, and Islands Trust (Gambier Island Local Trust Area).

Over-arching goals for the Ag Plan were initially identified as follows:

1. Identify opportunities to strengthen farming and develop agriculture as an economic driver;

2. Increase the amount of, and access to, locally grown and produced food;

3. Build resilience in communities against rising costs of food, climate change and peak oil;

4. Develop clear policies that serve to protect, preserve and promote agriculture while preserving the rural character of the Sunshine Coast.

The overall objective of this Plan was to enable the SCRD and other local governments, community stakeholders and partners to identify, advance and prioritize opportunities for growth in agriculture on the Sunshine Coast, both within its agricultural sector, communities, and cultural fabric.

One of the unique aspects of this project was to develop a video that highlighted some success stories of farming and sustainable food systems on the Coast.

Link to Sunshine Coast Regional District Agricultural Plan project page

Link to Sunshine Coast Agricultural Plan Public Engagement Summary Report (PDF)

Link to Sunshine Coast Regional District Agricultural Plan Background Report (PDF)

Link to Sunshine Coast Regional District Agricultural Plan Final Report (PDF)

Sunshine Coast Agricultural Plan video