Victoria, BC– The Capital Regional District (CRD) has begun two regional Alternative Approval Processes (AAPs). The first AAP will consider the establishment of a Regional Foodlands Access Service. The second will consider the establishment of a Biodiversity and Environmental Stewardship Service.
The proposed Regional Foodlands Access Service would facilitate affordable access to productive farmland for new and expanding farmers. The aim of this service would be to enhance food security and address long-standing concerns about the rising cost of farmland and an aging farmer population in the capital region.
The proposed Biodiversity and Environmental Stewardship Service would allow the CRD to take a regional approach to the preservation of regional biodiversity and protection of natural assets. Working in partnership with municipalities, First Nations, large landowners, other government agencies and stewardship groups, this service would enable the CRD to protect, restore and enhance key biodiverse habitats and ecological assets and to minimize and manage the impacts of stressors and problem species.
With the AAPs, the CRD may proceed with Bylaw No. 4602, “Foodlands Access Service Establishment Bylaw No. 1, 2024” and Bylaw No. 4575, “Biodiversity and Environmental Stewardship Coordination Establishing Bylaw No. 1, 2023” unless at least 10% of electors in the services area (33,194 electors) indicate, by signing the elector response forms, that the Board must obtain the assent of the electors by way of a referendum before proceeding.
The deadline for submitting signed elector response forms, in relation to both Bylaw No. 4602 and Bylaw No. 4575, to the CRD is 4:30 pm on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. The current Canada Post service disruption is impacting the delivery of mail to the CRD. Any forms that are not received at the CRD office by the deadline date due to the Canada Post service disruption will not be counted. Alternatives to mailing the form include dropping it off at 625 Fisgard Street, Victoria, BC, or scanning a legible, signed copy that can be emailed to LegServ@crd.bc.ca.
These AAPs are an important step in the decision-making process. More information about the AAPs, including copies of the elector response form can be found on the website at www.crd.bc.ca/Foodlands-AAP or www.crd.bc.ca/Biodiversity-AAP.
The CRD delivers regional, sub-regional and local services to 13 municipalities and three electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Governed by a 24-member Board of Directors, the CRD works collaboratively with First Nations and government partners to enable sustainable growth, foster community well-being, and develop cost-effective infrastructure while continuing to provide core services to residents throughout the region. Visit us online at www.crd.bc.ca.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Andy Orr, Senior Manager
CRD Corporate Communications
Tel: 250.360.3229
Cell: 250.216.5492