Urban Agriculture
Burnaby has a proud history of agricultural production that spans 150 years. The City supported the creation and the ongoing protection of 223 hectares of land within the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) within the Big Bend district of South Burnaby under the A1 and A3 Agricultural District zoning.
The ALR was established in partnership with the City and Regional District by the Provincial Government through the Land Commission Act passed by the B.C. Legislature on April 18, 1973. The ALR is managed through the provincial Agricultural Land Commission. In addition to the ALR the Big Bend Community Plan also supports the retention of the agricultural and residential land use of the Riverside neighbourhood under the A2 Agricultural District.
Burnaby’s ALR and Riverside neighbourhood have by rich alluvial soils formed from the Fraser River delta. Within the ALR approximately 117 hectares of these highly productive lands are in agricultural production with minor supporting commercial retail and residential uses. This represents a significant increase in land under production as compared with only 42 hectares in production in 1982. In the Riverside neighbourhood an additional 15 hectares of lands remain in agricultural production which represents a increase from the twelve hectares under production in 1982. Many Chinese-Canadian farm families currently produce a significant percentage of the bunch vegetable production within Burnaby's agricultural district and in the Lower Mainland. Burnaby’s largest farm is operated by Mayberry Farms Ltd., which has 70 hectares of cranberry fields in production.
Protecting Agricultural Land
The long-term protection of Burnaby’s agricultural lands is important for sustainability and is recognized in the City's overall planning framework. Burnaby's Official Community Plan supports protection and expansion of agriculture in the Big Bend area, among other community development objectives.
The City supports and encourages urban agriculture through a number of policies, regulations and initiatives, including those within the following strategic plans:
- the City’s Official Community Plan (OCP), Agriculture Section
- the State of the Environment Report (SOER)
- the Economic Development Strategy 2020 (EDS) which classifies a number of short, medium and long-term agricultural actions; and
- The City’s recently published Social Sustainability Strategy (SSS)
Urban Agriculture Initiatives
Key Civic initiatives and projects to support Urban Agriculture include:
Beekeeping (Apiculture)
In 2009, City Council approved modifications to the Zoning Bylaw (Section 3 “Accessory Use”) to permit beekeeping (apiculture) in seven residentially zoned districts of Burnaby and within the three agriculturally zoned districts. Burnaby residents who meet both municipal and provincial requirements are encouraged to explore this rewarding activity.
For more information on Burnaby’s regulations regarding urban apiculture, a brochure is available. Please be aware that all bee colonies must be registered with the Province. In support of urban beekeeping, May 29th 2011 has been proclaimed the Day of the Honey Bee in Burnaby.
The City of Burnaby also has a bee condo program managed by Parks staff to provide homes for Blue Orchard Mason Bees in the City’s Parks. These native bees are important pollinators, however unlike honey bees do not form colonies nor produce honey.
Farmers Markets
Farmers Markets offer a lively and fun atmosphere with colourful displays of locally grown produce, baked goods and gourmet products. It's a great place to support the community and meet other locals
The Burnaby Farmers Market operates under the direction of the non-profit organization Artisan Markets. The market runs Saturdays from May to October.
Other Farmers Markets in Burnaby include:
Community Gardens
The Burnaby and Region Allotment Gardens Association (BARAGA) operates the largest community garden in Burnaby, consisting of 373 garden plots on 14 hectares of city-owned land in the Riverside neighbourhood of the Big Bend. Gardeners grow a variety of fruits and vegetables and over the years have contributed some of this produce to food banks. 2012 marks 30 years of civic support for BARAGA.
As outlined in the City's Official Community Plan, the City will continue to support BARAGA and may consider leasing additional City lands for community allotment gardens and other opportunities that expand community food gardens.
Other community gardens in Burnaby include:
- North East Burnaby Community Association Garden (N.E.B.C.A. Organic Gardens) -- An organic community garden located next to the Stoney Creek Community school near Lougheed Town Centre
- Second Street Community School Garden Committee -- A community garden located in south-east Burnaby
- Heights Community Garden Association -- A south-facing neighbourhood community garden established in 1996 in Burnaby Heights
Additional Resources
- Metro Vancouver – Agriculture
- SFU Local Food Project
- BCIT Food Process Resource Centre
- Burnaby Food First
- Sharing Backyards
- Vancouver Fruit Tree Project Society
- Feed the Bees
- Farm Folk City Folk
- City Farmer News
For more information, contact the Planning Department at planning@burnaby.ca or 604-294-7400.
