Saanich Agricultural Land Reserve Policies
Saanich ALR: 4,200 hectares (40% of Saanich) protected for agricultural use under Provincial ALR and more restrictive District policies.
A-1 Agricultural Zone Requirements
Saanich implements Agricultural Land Reserve protection through A-1 zoning with specific restrictions:
Residential Development Limits
More Restrictive Than Province:
- One Principal Dwelling: Single family home per legal parcel
- One Secondary Suite: Must be within principal dwelling
- Combined Floor Area: Maximum 400 m² total residential space
- No Additional Dwellings: No garden suites or farm worker housing without ALC approval
Agricultural Use Priority
Encouraged Agricultural Activities:
- Crop Production: Vegetables, grains, berries, orchards
- Livestock Operations: Cattle, sheep, goats, poultry (with setbacks)
- Equestrian Activities: Horse boarding, training, riding instruction
- Greenhouse Operations: Commercial and market garden production
- Farm Processing: Value-added processing of farm products
Development Application Process
ALR development in Saanich requires coordination between District and Provincial approval:
District of Saanich Review
- Pre-Application Meeting: Required consultation with agricultural coordinator
- Site Assessment: Soil quality and agricultural capability evaluation
- Neighbour Consultation: Input from adjacent agricultural operations
- District Approval: A-1 zone compliance and building permit
Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) Requirements
- Soil Removal/Deposit: ALC approval required for >500 m³
- Non-Farm Use: ALC approval for any non-agricultural use
- Subdivision: ALC approval required (rarely granted)
- Intensive Agriculture: ALC notification for large-scale operations
Agricultural Buffers & Setbacks
Saanich requires buffers between agricultural and non-agricultural uses:
Setback Requirements:
- Residential Buildings: 15m from agricultural operations
- Wells & Septic: 30m from livestock areas, 15m from crop areas
- Property Lines: 7.5m setback for agricultural buildings
- Roads: 15m setback for livestock buildings from public roads
Agri-Tourism & Farm Business
Saanich allows complementary farm businesses that support agricultural viability:
Permitted Activities
- Farm Gate Sales: Direct sales of farm products to consumers
- U-Pick Operations: Seasonal berry and produce picking
- Educational Tours: School groups and agricultural education
- Farm Events: Small-scale events related to agriculture
- Equipment Services: Farm equipment repair and custom services
Restricted Activities
- Large Events: Weddings, festivals require special permits
- Retail Operations: General retail unrelated to farm production prohibited
- Industrial Processing: Large-scale food processing requires ALC approval
- Residential Subdivision: Subdivision for residential purposes prohibited
Environmental Considerations
ALR management integrates with environmental protection:
Sustainable Agriculture Practices
- Soil Conservation: Erosion control and soil health maintenance
- Water Management: Efficient irrigation and drainage systems
- Integrated Pest Management: Reduced pesticide use requirements
- Riparian Protection: Streamside areas excluded from cultivation
Economic Support Programs
Saanich Agricultural Support:
- Property Tax Assessment: Agricultural assessment for qualifying farms
- Development Cost Charges: Exemptions for agricultural buildings
- Water Rates: Agricultural water rate structure for irrigation
- Technical Assistance: Agricultural extension services and advice
Real Estate Market Impact
ALR designation significantly affects property values and development potential:
Market Characteristics
- Land Values: 30-50% lower than comparable rural residential
- Buyer Profile: Farmers, hobby farmers, rural lifestyle seekers
- Investment Potential: Limited to agricultural returns and rural amenity
- Financing: Agricultural lending programs available through Farm Credit Canada