planning west - vol. 56 no. 4

Planning West5NKTLDÐ��ÐlÐ-TLADQÐ�ÐlÐ%@KKÐ��

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/QDRHCDMSiRÐ,DRR@FDby Andrew Young, MCIP, RPP

Fall is my favorite time of year. It is a traditional time to take stock,

assess progress and then renew our pursuit of goals following summer

breaks and holidays. In early October PIBC Council met and reviewed

WKH�VWDWXV�RI� LWV� VWUDWHJLF�SODQQLQJ� LQLWLDWLYHV�� LGHQWLíHG�ZKHUH�PRUH�work is needed, and began preparatory discussions to inform the devel-

opment of the Institute’s budget for next year. Believe it or not, many

Council members really enjoy the budget review and the discussions

that accompany it. In early November, Council will be undertaking a

detailed review of PIBC’s proposed 2015 budget. Our budget prepa-

UDWLRQV�DUH�DQ�RSSRUWXQLW\�IRU�3,%&ªV�ORFDO�&KDSWHUV�WR�VHHN�íQDQFLDO�support for initiatives that will help them provide services to members.

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This year professional planning organizations around the world marked World Town Planning Day 2014 with an international online conference (November 5-7, 2014).

WTPD is time too for the PIBC to celebrate the achievements RI�RXU�PHPEHUV�DQG�WKH�SURIHVVLRQ��DQG�UHîHFW�RQ�KRZ�ZH�KHOS�make our communities better places to live, work and play. This year’s major celebratory Gala took place in Vancouver on Saturday, November 8, and included featured speakers, recog-nized new Registered Professional Planners, honoured long-serving 25 Year Professional Members of the Institute, and rec-ognized two special admissions; Grand Chief Stewart Phillip to Honorary Membership and Gerard Farry to Life Membership, WKH�,QVWLWXWHªV�YHU\�íUVW�DGPLVVLRQ�RI�WKLV�NLQG��7KDQN�\RX�WR�those who joined us for such a wonderful evening. The an-nual Gala provided a great opportunity to network and recon-QHFW��<RX�FDQ�íQG�RXW�PRUH�RQ�ZKDW�ZHQW�RQ�GXULQJ�:73'�DW� www.planningtheworld.net or #WTPD2014 on Twitter.

In the summer issue of Planning West, I mentioned that I in-tended to visit as many of PIBC’s local Chapters as possible during the remainder of my term as President, in order to learn more about what the Institute can do to better support its Chap-ters and members, especially those in the interior and north, and remote and isolated communities in BC and Yukon. This September, I completed a tour of the Kootenay Rocky Mountain and Okanagan Interior Chapters, followed by a tour in October of the western reaches of the Central North Chapter. I am very grateful to the planners and staff working in Rossland, Castle-

gar, Nelson, Cranbrook, Kimberley, Golden, Revelstoke, Salmon Arm, Vernon, Penticton, Vanderhoof, Smithers, Terrace, Kiti-mat, Prince Rupert, Port Edward, and the Kootenay Boundary, Central Kootenay, East Kootenay, Columbia Shuswap, North Okanagan, Okanagan Similkameen, Bulkley Nechako, Kitimat Stikine, and Skeena Queen Charlotte Regional Districts for tak-ing time to speak with me about their needs and the challenges facing planning, development and economic development in their areas and regions. Once again, special thanks to those who helped arrange meetings and events, as this enabled me to engage with several members at the same time.

Further discussions on these issues have continued at the re-cent annual meeting of the Chapter Chairs. Based on what I have heard to date during my tours, there appears to be great interest in improving, for example, the provision of Continu-ous Professional Learning opportunities to all our members in BC and Yukon. I look forward to checking in with planners working in PIBC’s other Chapters in the near future and, as mentioned previously, will report out on what I have learned before the next AGM.

Planners working in the north or interior will be interested to know the Yukon Chapter is involved in supporting a northern planning conference for February 23-25, 2015 in Whitehorse in order to better address northern and non-urban planning themes, sessions and topics. I have marked this event on my

(continued next page)

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Contents

What Does Bill 24 Mean to Planners in BC? .........5

Alternative Forms of Rural Agricultural Land Tenure and Development .............................7

Planning for Food and Agriculture in BC ...........10

.PMjJC��.' !�Q�$GPQR�,CU�0CEGQRCPCB� Professional Planner .............................................12

5?WjLBGLE�GQ�+SAF�+MPC�2F?L� A Collection of Signs ............................................13

.' !�!MSLAGJ�,MRCQ ...............................................16

.' !�*GDC�+CK@CPQ ...............................................16

,CU�1CJD�1CPTC�-LJGLC�1CPTGACQ�DMP� .' !�+CK@CPQ .......................................................17

+CK@CPQFGN�!MKKGRRCC�0CNMPR ..........................18

Cover photo: Laity Farm, a third generation working farm in

Maple Ridge. Photo courtesy the City of Maple Ridge.

calendar. I am looking forward to meeting with members of the Yukon Chapter in their winter element.

Speaking of conferences, I attended the Canadian Rural Re-vitalization Federation conference that was held September ��LQ�3ULQFH�*HRUJH��7KH�FRQIHUHQFH�GHíQLWHO\�OLYHG�XS�WR�its theme “New Realities, New Relationships” by demonstrat-ing what is possible when industry, local and senior levels of government, and community organizations work together to address environmental changes and improve the business, in-vestment, community, and social climate. The conference key-note speeches by forest industry, government and community leaders were direct, hard-hitting and informative. The confer-ence presentations were relevant, rigorous, well researched and supported by data. Kudos to UNBC and its Community De-velopment Institute for organizing and hosting a well-attended and remarkable conference. It was great to see many planners from the north and interior chapters in attendance.

Turning to CIP-ICU matters, now that CIP’s membership has overwhelmingly endorsed the Institute’s Articles of Continu-ance, proposed amendments to its bylaws are being prepared for consideration by the members in the near future. By now, if you are a CIP-ICU member you should have received several emails inviting you to look at the initial proposals and com-ment if desired. In addition, CIP-ICU has provided opportu-nities for members to learn more about the proposed bylaw amendments through online sessions and in meetings with CIP-ICU representatives including the Institute’s President Mi-chael Gordon, MCIP, RPP. I encourage all PIBC members to have a look at the proposals. If you have any comments or concerns about the proposed changes, PIBC would like to hear from you. If you require additional information about the pro-SRVDOV�SOHDVH�FRQWDFW�WKH�VWDII�DW�WKH�&,3�,&8�RU�3,%&�RIíFH�DW�http://cip-icu.ca/Contact-Us.aspx or www.pibc.bc.ca/content/contact-us

Lastly, preparations for next year’s PIBC conference in Seattle, Washington – Beyond Borders (being held in conjunction with the American Planning Association national planning con-ference) are now beginning to advance quickly. Many thanks again to Karen Russell, MCIP, RPP and Suzanne Smith, MCIP, RPP for stepping up as committee co-chairs to help organize PIBC’s activities and contributions to what will undoubtedly be a stellar and unique overall conference opportunity in Se-attle next spring. Be sure to mark both conference dates (April 16-21, 2015) on your calendar and plan to attend.

Wherever you are, I hope you take time to enjoy Fall’s glorious colours. +

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$CHSNQiRÐ-NSDby Siobhan Murphy

The fall issue of Planning West is almost thematic: most of the articles focus on agricultural land use. It starts with a picture of the Laity Farm, which is a third gen-eration working farm in Maple Ridge. As many of you know, the Agricultural Land Commission Amendment $FW�ZDV�DSSURYHG�LQ�0D\�RI�WKLV�\HDU��7KH�íUVW�DUWLFOH�explores the new legislation and what the impacts are for planners. Continuing with this theme, there is an article that explores alternative forms of rural agricul-tural land tenure and development. The article explores WZR�GLIIHUHQW�W\SHV�RI� ODQG�WHQXUH�WKDW�FDQ�LQîXHQFH�the land use pattern and reduce sprawl. To round out WKH�DJULFXOWXUDO�WKHPH��WKH�íQDO�DUWLFOH�GLVFXVVHV�DJUL-cultural planning in BC over the last twenty years and examines a current process that is underway. Lastly, WKH�LVVXH�PRYHV�RQH�WR�ZD\íQGLQJ�DQG�LWV�LPSRUWDQFH�to placemaking and walkability. Enjoy! +

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Bill 24:

�� Divides the ALR into two zones. Zone 1 includes Vancouver Island, the South Coast, and the Okanagan. Zone 2 includes all other parts of BC, including the Interior, the Kootenays, and the North. Zone 2 makes up about 90% of BC’s farm-land

�� Allows additional criteria to be considered to justify rezon-ing (ALR exclusions) within Zone 2

�� Introduces additional allowable non-farm uses in both Zone 1 and Zone 2

�� Localizes Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) governance to six regional panels

�� Establishes new governance and operational policy

Part of the Ministry of Agriculture’s intent is to improve the overall viability of the agriculture sector in the province by in-creasing economic opportunities (outside of farming) for farm-ers. While maintaining the viability of farming is important to maintaining agricultural land, strengthening the agriculture sector, and ensuring our ability to grow food close to home, the implications of Bill 24 have not been appropriately ad-dressed.

Legacy of the ALR (and ALC Act)

The establishment of BC’s ALR (delineated in 1974 and 1975 EDVHG�RQ�VRLO�FODVVLíFDWLRQ�VWDQGDUGV��ZDV�JLYHQ� LPSHWXV�E\�the ALC Act, which was approved on December 21, 1972. About 6,000 hectares of farmland were being lost to develop-ment each year when the ALC Act was approved. Formally protecting that farmland by way of the ALR was a recognition WKDW��EHFDXVH�IDUPLQJ�LV�QRW�DV�SURíWDEOH�DV�PRVW�RWKHU�ODQG�uses, land currently used for farming will often be worth more

if rezoned for housing, commerce, or industry. In other words, in a market economy where land can be bought and sold by LQGLYLGXDOV�DW�D�SURíW��]RQLQJ�WHQGV�WRZDUGV�WKH�©KLJKHVW�DQG�best use’. The ALC Act and the ALR were meant to ensure that, despite market pressures, we, as British Columbians, could dedicate a land-base toward the production of food, and con-tinue feeding ourselves.

As a result, farmland has remained relatively affordable in our SURYLQFH�� ,Q� WKH� ODVW�íYH�\HDUV�� IDUP�YDOXHV� LQ�%&� LQFUHDVHG�by just 5%, compared to 63% in all of Canada. However, in-troducing additional allowable non-farm uses, while simulta-neously diminishing the ALC’s decision-making authority to reject them, may increase land speculation, and as a result land costs in the ALR, while introducing additional challenges.

Introducing New Allowable Non-farm

Uses (and Increased Speculation)

Additional allowable non-farm uses may increase the eco-nomic viability of owning land in the ALR. However, with this SRWHQWLDO�EHQHíW�FRPH�XQLQWHQGHG�FRQVHTXHQFHV��)RU�H[DPSOH��increased commercial development within the ALR means ex-panded road and utility infrastructure within the ALR. It also means urban development will occur away from city centres, undermining the recent work of many municipalities to bet-ter integrate land use and transportation systems and contain sprawl, particularly in Zone 1.

In Zone 2, where 85% of the province’s best soils for farming are found, in addition to increased commercial development, there will also be increased resource extraction, which raises environmental concerns. Until now, one aspect of the ALR was that it ensured residential, commercial, or industrial develop-

6G@SÐ#NDRÐ!HKKÐ��Ð,D@MÐSNÐ/K@MMDQRÐHMÐ!"�by William Dunn, M.Sc. (Planning) and Lauren Klose, M.A. (Planning)

The Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) has secured land in our province for the production of food

for more than four decades. On May 29, Bill 24: the 2014 Agricultural Land Commission Amendment Act was approved in the Legislative Assembly of BC, changing the way the ALR will

from now on be regulated and governed.



ment did not occur in areas where it was unsuited. While some ODQGV�ZLWKLQ�WKH�$/5�PD\�EH�GLIíFXOW�WR�IDUP�QRZ��LW�LV�FUXFLDO�to maintain the potential to farm them in the future. The pro-tection provided by the ALR ensures these lands can continue to provide ecosystem services in the meantime. Throughout the consultation period, scientists and naturalists have expressed FRQFHUQ�RYHU�RXU� LQFUHDVLQJ� UHOXFWDQFH� WR�XVH� VFLHQWLíF�HYL-dence to inform land use decisions.

Recently, only about 5% of applications to the ALC for non-farm uses have come from farmers. Allowing additional non-farm uses within the ALR will further encourage non-farmers to purchase farmland for the purpose of non-farm uses. If WKHVH�QRQ�IDUP�XVHV�DUH�PRUH�SURíWDEOH�WKDQ�IDUPLQJ��IDUP-land will increase in value and food production--especially sustainable methods like small-scale organic agriculture--will become even less economically viable.

Diminishing the ALC’s Decision-making

Authority

Bill 24 shifts decision-making authority away from the ALC and toward regional panels: decisions will only be passed to the ALC Executive Committee, made up of the chairs from the six regional panels, at the discretion of the chair of the regional panel to which the application (for an exclusion or non-farm use) was originally made. While the ALC can be understood as a third-party advocate for province-wide food security, re-gional panels are more locally rooted. As such, regional panels are less likely to pass on the economic opportunities that result from allowing exclusion or a non-farm use in their community �ZKLFK�PD\�LQFOXGH�WKHLU�FRQVWLWXHQWV��&RQîLFW�RI�LQWHUHVW�DO-legations have been a problem in the past.

A Shrinking ALR

The amendments to the ALC Act, which include additional criteria that can justify Zone 2 exclusions, effectively allow for the ALR to decrease in size with greater ease from this point forward. While supporting farmers and improving the viability of the province’s agriculture sector are of paramount importance, protecting the ALR is fundamental to maintaining food sovereignty in BC. Arable land in our province is already threatened by the impacts of climate change, like drought, sea level rise and extreme storm events. We can’t afford to further diminish our ability to produce our own food and feed our own people.

According to a report titled BC’s Food Self-Reliance by the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, the province was only

producing about 48% of the food it was consuming in 2001. Can we increasingly rely on food imports? California’s agricul-tural land, which provides much of BC’s imported food prod-ucts, has been devastated in recent years. Long-term planning should consider our reliance on food imports from the rest of the world--where populations are rising rapidly and the arable land base is also decreasing.

So what does Bill 24 mean to planners

in BC?

Because the consultation period for both the legislative chang-es and their regulation have been limited in time and scope, we must now capitalize on all opportunities for meaningful public participation and education regarding the ALR, the ALC Act and the recent changes to it. We are now faced with policy that may forever diminish our province’s ability to feed itself. As planners, one of our roles is to ensure that the needs of future generations will be met; diminishing the current and future ability of the province to feed itself means that task will become increasingly challenging. That said, there is still a way forward. As planners we can:

Support and advocate for increased capacity and resources for the ALC. Complicated decisions regarding agricultural land use require expertise from planners and agrologists, often found in the ALC.

�� Prioritize the preservation of the ALR in land use decisions, and thus the capacity to grow food in all BC communities

�� &RQVLGHU� LPSOLFDWLRQV�RU�UHTXLUHG�DPHQGPHQWV�WR�2IíFLDO�Community Plans, Regional Growth Strategies, tax rev-enues, caused by Bill 24

�� Enact policies, plans and strategies that:

- Facilitate local food production and a market that supports it

- Support current farmers

- Support prospective farmers

- Promote farming within the ALR

- Discourage non-farm uses within the ALR

- Limit speculation within the ALR

- Limit the subdivision and rezoning of ALR land

- Maintain, or even better, expand the ALR land base +

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Local governments in agricultural regions often strive to keep rural lands in agricultural production.ii However, the pressures to subdivide agricultural land can lead to rural

sprawl and take limited agricultural lands out of production.iii Subdivision proposals are often based on fee simple owner-ship—generally the best understood form of land tenure in North America. The resulting demand for estate lots, and reduced land productivity, presents a challenge for local governments.

To reduce sprawl, rural local governments can cluster develop-ment by requiring alternative forms of land tenure, and in-îXHQFLQJ�WKH�SDWWHUQ�RI�GHYHORSPHQW��%DUH�ODQG�DQG�EXLOGLQJ�strata represent two types of subdivision that provide better opportunities for clustering than does fee simple subdivision.

Some cautions:

1. Many local governments try to avoid creating small lots for estate housing on agricultural lands. Alternative forms of land tenure, if not carefully managed, are also subject to this tendency.

2. 7KH� LQîXHQFH� RI� ORFDO� JRYHUQPHQWV� RQ� WKH� GHYHORSPHQW�process is strongest at rezoning and subdivision stages.

3. If the subject property is not served by an approved wa-ter system, health regulations need to be checked to see whether a shared water source is permitted, a water im-provement district required, or whether each property would need its own well.

4. As large farms are the most endangered form of agri-cultural land in southwestern BC—the Agricultural Land Commission is reluctant to undertake any decisions that have the potential to negatively impact the viability of large farms.

The advantages of strata subdivision to meet a local govern-

ment’s desire to keep agricultural land productive and to make agricultural land more accessible for young people to farm include the ability to cluster housing, thus making the total cost (land and housing) more affordable. To illustrate, we have created two hypothetical examples, each for the same parcel.

Figure 1 shows a hypothetical twenty-acre lot with cur-UHQW� ]RQLQJ� SHUPLWWLQJ� VXEGLYLVLRQ� LQWR� IRXU� íYH�DFUH� ORWV�� The illustration shows subdivision into four bare land strata ORWV�ZLWK�D�VLJQLíFDQW�DPRXQW�RI�UHVLGXDO�ODQG�KHOG�DV�FRP-mon property. These small lots are capable of accommodating individual homes while sharing expensive infrastructure, such

*GTGLE�ML�RFC�$?PK� KSDQM@SHUDÐ%NQLRÐNEÐ1TQ@KÐ FQHBTKSTQ@KÐ+@MCÐ3DMTQDÐ@MCÐ#DUDKNOLDMSby Beverly Suderman, MCIP, RPP and Michael Hale, MA

Many current trends in planning aim to create more sustainable settlements. Examples such as smart

growth, sustainable cities, ecovillages, and transition towns, based as they are on values of sustain-

abilityi and conservation, may hold promise for alternative models of rural development as well.

Strata Subdivision

1RP?R?�QS@BGTGQGML�GL� !�GQ�EMTCPLCB�@W�RFC�Strata Property Act (1998). The term “strata” (i.e., condo�KGLGSK��KC?LQ�BGTGBGLE�DCC�QGKNJC�J?LB�GLRM�KSJ�RGNJC�SLGRQ�UGRF�?JJ�SLGR�MULCPQ�F?TGLE�?�PGEFR�RM�SQC�common elements such as roads, greenspace, utility ?PC?Q�?LB�PCAPC?RGML�D?AGJGRGCQ��2FCPC�?PC�RUM�RWNCQ�MD�QRP?R?�QS@BGTGQGML�

sÐ Bare land strata�UFCPC�RFC�SLGRQ�?PC�BCjLCB�?LB�PCDCPCLACB�@W�QSPTCW�K?PICPQ�ML�J?LB

sÐ Building strata�UFCPC�RFC�SLGRQ�?PC�PCDCPCLACB�@W�kMMPQ�U?JJQ�?LB�ACGJGLEQ�MD�?�@SGJBGLE

5FGJC�RFCPC�GQ�MTCPJ?N�GL�RFC�BCjLGRGML�MD�AMKKML�NPMNCPRW�@CRUCCL�RFCQC�RUM�RWNCQ�MD�QRP?R?�GL�?�@SGJBGLE�QRP?R?�RFC�PCQGBCLRG?J�@SGJBGLE�CLTCJMNC�DMPKQ�N?PR�MD�RFC�AMKKML�NPMNCPRW�UFCPC?Q�GL�?�@?PC�J?LB�QRP?R?�GR�BMCQ�LMR�



as driveway and septic system.

Figure 2 shows the same hypothetical twenty-acre lot, but sub-divided into four building strata lots with all the land held as common property, together with the building envelopes and systems, shared driveway and septic system.

7KH�EHQHíWV��IURP�WKH�SHUVSHFWLYH�RI�PDLQWDLQLQJ�UXUDO�FKDUDF-ter and preventing rural sprawl, include:

�� Less land for housing and infrastructure

�� Fewer driveways connecting to the road

�� More land kept in agricultural production (or other rural use, such as forestry, recreation or wildlife habitat)

�� Better protection of environmental services provided by the land

In both cases, the local government would need supportive policy for such a development application, either through the 2IíFLDO�&RPPXQLW\�3ODQ��RU� WKURXJK�]RQLQJ��7KH�NH\�SROLF\�elements would be to permit density averaging in a subdivi-sion and to ensure no further subdivision by covenanting the land. Any such policy must provide the option of permitting compact residential clusters, including smaller parcels and/or strata subdivision.

In either case, bare land or building strata, clustered develop-ment is promoted, creating proximity for a group of people who then jointly own the larger parcel. This type of develop-

ment does not create densities that are out of character with rural areas. In both examples, the residences are likely to be a similar scale to the surrounding homes and to use vegetation for privacy. Such a layout (Figure 3) has traditionally been used on large farms with multiple generations in close proximity. It can work equally well for cohousing communities or groups of friends who wish to farm and raise their families together.

The pros and cons of these ideas are summarized as follows:

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Better ecosystem functioning—UMPIGLE� landscapes

Complexity

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Everwoods is an example of a rural bare land strata with shared ownership of the residual lot for forestry on Cortes Island. It combines strata ownership with shares in a sustainable for-

Figures 1 & 2


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estry company. The forest is protected by a covenant; timber rights are held by the Trust for Sustainable Forestry, a charity. Bare land stratas with agricultural, forestry or other lands held in common for conservation purposes can be effective ways of conserving rural land. One of the constraints of bare land stra-ta development, however, is the challenge of clustering hous-ing. Because of the land-based parcels, most bare land stratas result in single family or semi-detached housing. Generally, housing can be more tightly clustered in a building strata.

The Yarrow Ecovillage is a successful building strata exam-ple. The ten hectare (25 acre) ecovillage includes two hectares (5 acres) not in the ALR, on the main street of Yarrow; it is a rural edge community within the municipal boundaries of Chilliwack, BC.

It could be argued that development in rural areas with the densities that Yarrow has had approved could be very attractive to developers, in which case this form of development becomes virtually indistinguishable, unless safeguards such as the inten-tional community are in place.

7KH� HFRYLOODJH� UH]RQHG� D� íYH�DFUH� SDUFHO� IURP� §UXUDO� UHVL-GHQWLDO¨� WR� §HFRYLOODJH¨� ]RQLQJ�� WKH�íUVW� VR�QDPHG� LQ�&DQ-ada. The zoning permits multi-family housing and mixed use (commercial / residential) development. The ecovillage, which began as a cooperative with a farm, now has a build-ing strata and a variety of commercial entities, including an

organic farm. According to the ecovillage membership, an important component of becoming more sustainable was the creation of a conservation ethic.

While ecovillages and other forms of intentional community are unlikely to replace conventional development in the near term, sustainable development trends suggest that a new model is waiting to be born. In a rural context, such a model of alternative rural development must be based on a values-driven approach to planning and sustainability. +

Beverly Suderman, MCIP, RPP is the Principal Planner with IPS Island Planning Services, a planning consortium that spe-cializes in small town and rural planning.

Michael Hale is a former public service planner and manager and is a founding member of the Yarrow Ecovillage.

i American Planning Association (April 17, 2000). “Objectives of APA’s Strat-egy for Planning for Sustainability.” APA Policy Guide on Planning for Sus-tainabilityii Much of the material for this article emerged from a study undertaken by IPS for the Regional District of Nanaimo called “Alternative Forms of Rural Development.” The complete report is available on the RDN’s website at http://www.rdn.bc.ca/cms.asp?wpID=2737. The authors would like to acknowledge key project personnel: Chris Hall and Michael Kelly from IPS, Jessica Gemella (Gemella Design) and Paul Thompson (Regional District of Nanaimo). The au-thors would also like to acknowledge the seminal conservation design ideas of Randall Arendt, as well as the design with nature ideas of Ian McHarg.iii While it is important for the planning profession to promote the highest and EHVW� XVH� SRWHQWLDO� IRU� ODQGVFDSHV�� LQ� UXUDO� DUHDV� WKLV� VKRXOG�QRW� EH� GHíQHG�as residential uses. Rural lands are vitally important for working landscapes (forestry and agriculture) and for uses such as groundwater recharge, wildlife habitat, stormwater management, stream protection, and recreation.

Figure 3

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IªYH�EHHQ� LQYROYHG� LQ� WKH�íHOG�RI�DJULFXOWXUH� LQ�%&�VLQFH�WKH�PLG��ªV��íUVW�DV�D�JURZHU�DQG�SDUWLFLSDQW�DQG�ODWHU�during my time with the UBC Farm initiative as a plan-

ning and design student, employee and activist. Since leaving WKH�8%&�)DUP�LQ��,�KDYH�EHHQ�HQJDJHG�LQ�WKH�íHOG�RI�agriculture and food system planning and design, mainly as a consultant, but also as an educator, and practitioner. Over the past eight years I’ve had the privilege of assisting with WKH� GHYHORSPHQW� RI� íYH� IRRG� DQG� DJULFXOWXUDO� SODQV�� ,� DP�currently involved with two strategic planning processes in the Capital Region District, the most recent being the South-ern Gulf Islands Food and Agriculture Strategy. My views on agricultural planning processes in BC have been informed by these experiences.

Since the initiation of agricultural planning in BC in the 1990s, local governments have developed 56 agricultural plans. As of March 2014, six more are in progress and 22 have been proposed. These plans are variously referred to as agri-cultural area plans or strategies, and increasingly food and agriculture plans or strategies. They were initially conceived as the agricultural equivalent of a local area plan, which is why they are often referred to as agricultural area plans, and focused on land use decisions that would ultimately become incorporated within a community’s OCP. Planning processes that aren’t incorporated within an OCP, were, and are, gener-ally referred to as strategies.

The value of these specialized planning processes is that they allow local governments to focus on agriculture and, in re-cent years, food-related issues and activities that don’t nec-essarily receive much attention or support as they relate to land use and their communities. Today the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC), the Ministry of Agriculture (AGRI) and the Investment Agriculture Foundation (IAF) actively encour-age and support local government initiatives to develop agri-cultural plans and strategies for their jurisdictions.

Historically, planning processes in BC tended to focus on other more prominent challenges and farming and agricul-tural issues were left on the margins—despite the emergence of the farmland preservation program (ALR) in 1974 and the importance of agriculture as an economic engine. Even to-day with the increasing interest and participation in re-local-ization and sustainable agriculture movements (i.e. 100-mile diet, local food and locavore activities, organic agriculture, etc.) resources that allow communities to consider and plan for agriculture, and by extension food and food security, are extremely limited. Therefore, communities are looking to the agriculture area plan process, which has supporting fund-ing, to consider and address issues beyond agricultural land use. And while there may be an argument for keeping these processes focused on their original intent, I think that it is brilliant that communities are beginning to adapt what can be a pretty standard and uninspiring process to address their VSHFLíF�QHHGV�DQG�LQWHUHVWV�

Today, it is common for agricultural planning processes to consider a number of issues beyond land use. These typically include economics, sustainability and environmental protec-tion, education and training, and food security and sover-eignty. Agricultural planning processes provide communities with an opportunity to understand and consider the current state of affairs for local food and agriculture, and identify and choose a path for a better future.

Like all planning processes, some are more successful than others. From my perspective, successful plans or strategies are developed and owned by the community in a manner that excites and motivates them; provide communities with the means, belief and ability to successfully implement them; DQG�UHVXOW�LQ�PHDVXUDEOH�EHQHíWV�WR�WKH�ORFDO�IRRG�DQG�DJUL-culture economy.

/K@MMHMFÐENQÐ%NNCÐ@MCÐ FQHBTKSTQDÐHMÐ!"�2FC�-LEMGLE�.SPQSGR�MD�?�!MKNJCV�!F?JJCLECby Derek Masselink, MSLA

While land use planning in British Columbia dates back to the 1930’s and most communities

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enon. Like many land use planning processes, agricultural planning is increasingly looked to

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Key elements critical for success include:

�� Community and sector interest in the topic area—this QHHGV�WR�EH�LGHQWLíHG�DV�D�UHDO�DQG�LPSRUWDQW�LVVXH�E\�WKH�community

�� 6LJQLíFDQW� SUHSDUDWLRQ� EHIRUH� IRUPDOO\� LQLWLDWLQJ� WKH�planning process to determine the guiding purpose and overarching goals

�� Local leadership (community champions) and ownership of the planning process through a purpose-built steering committee that represents the sector and includes political representatives that can support the process during and beyond the development of the plan or strategy

�� Deep and innovative sector and public engagement ap-proaches that build relationships, trust and understanding

�� Adequate resourcing including support for the steering committee, outside expertise, public and sector engage-ment, and implementation

Agricultural planning, like all community planning processes, is demanding work. Many things that are beyond a community’s direct control impact local food and agriculture systems. These include globalized market forces, climate change, and provin-cial, federal and international legislation and regulations, the impact and nature of which is not clear or predictable. The food and agricultural systems and the possibility of improving their YLDELOLW\¦HYHQ�DW�D�FRPPXQLW\�OHYHO¦LV�WKH�GHíQLWLRQ�RI�D�WRXJK�or complex challenge, which cannot be successfully addressed by applying focused or best practice solutions that may have worked in the past. In the words of Adam Kahane,i they can only EH�WDFNOHG�§E\�JURZLQJ�©QH[W�SUDFWLFHª�VROXWLRQV�¨�=DLG�+DVVDQ��Adam’s colleague, suggests that these complex challenges de-mand a different, more comprehensive approach, one that is systemic, strategic, adaptable or experimental, and social.ii

It is this kind of approach we will be taking as we begin work-ing with the Southern Gulf Islands Economic Development Commission (SGIEDC) in partnership with the Capital Regional District (CRD) and Islands Trust on a Food and Agriculture 6WUDWHJ\�IRU�WKH�DUFKLSHODJR��7KH�©ZHª�LQFOXGHV�P\VHOI��DJUROR-gist Andrea Lawseth from AEL Agroecological Consulting, and sustainability planner Jeremy Murphy from Sustainability So-lutions Group. We are working under the direction of a local champion, Michael Dunn, Project Manager and chair of the dynamic and committed Steering Committee that includes sec-WRUDO�DQG�SROLWLFDO�UHSUHVHQWDWLRQ�IURP�HDFK�RI�WKH�íYH�ODUJHU�islands in the archipelago.

SGIEDC, in partnership with the CRD Planning and Protection

Services Department initiated an agricultural planning process for the Southern Gulf Islands Electoral Area (SGIEA).

Located in the protected waters of the Strait of Georgia, the SGIEA is composed of more than 70 islands. The electoral area stretches from Galiano Island to D’Arcy Island, encompassing 216 square kilometres. It includes Mayne, North and South Pender, and Saturna Islands as well as a number of smaller associated islands.

This unique unincorporated area is under the joint jurisdiction of the CRD and the Islands Trust. The CRD provides many of the local government functions and services normally found within a municipality or town, while the Island Trust regulates all land use and administers OCPs within the area through the 5 Local Trust Committees (LTC). The Islands Trust and its LTCs are involved in the agricultural planning process.

Funding for the process has come from gas tax funds. The In-vestment Agriculture Foundation (IAF) has provided funds to conduct a supporting Agricultural Land Use Inventory (ALUI) and develop Agricultural Water Demand Models for those is-lands with agricultural activities. The Ministry of Agriculture and Islands Trust are providing in-kind support.

The area is home to a year-round population of around 5,000 residents. The larger islands within this archipelago all have agricultural and food growing of varying capacity and scale. Agriculture was an important part of the community and local economy but has been challenged by increasing transporta-tion costs, rising land prices and the availability of cheap food and products imported from afar. In spite of these challenges, and perhaps because of them, there is a renewed and growing interest and commitment to local production: people are keen to improve the situation for those involved with local food and agriculture—growers, gatherers, cooks and processors, retailers, composters, harvesters and eaters.

The Steering Committee has established two goals for the process:

�� Re-establish local food and agriculture as a vital part of the islands’ economies

�� Support and increase the long-term resiliency of the island communities

This summer we conducted the ALUI surveys on each of the larger islands. Typically this is a process that happens without the knowledge or involvement of the sector or community. In an effort to build local understanding and involvement, we held a public meeting on each island at the start of each survey. This allowed people to directly inform and contribute to the surveys while learning about the food and agricultural planning pro-


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cess. It was very successful with over 100 people participating RYHU�WKH�FRXUVH�RI�IRXU�PHHWLQJV��7KLV�LV�WKH�íUVW�WLPH��WR�P\�knowledge, that the public has been directly involved at the outset of an ALUI process. In addition to helping build under-standing, involvement and trust in the process we hope that as an outcome the community may be able to more directly take ownership and ongoing management of this information.

It is still early days in this process and we do anticipate sig-QLíFDQW� FKDOOHQJHV¦QRW� WKH� OHDVW�RI�ZKLFK� LV� WKH�QXPEHU�RI�distinct island communities, each of which are separated by water. The process and ultimately the strategy will have to honour and support each island’s identity and interests while UH�HVWDEOLVKLQJ� DQG� FRRUGLQDWLQJ� EHQHíFLDO� LQWHU�LVODQG� FRQ-nections and practices vital to the long-term sustainability of the food and agriculture sector.

We believe that a more systemic, strategic, adaptable or ex-perimental, and social approach that is led and owned by the community offers the best chance for addressing the Southern Gulf Islands’ goal of re-establishing local food and agriculture as a vital part of the islands’ economy. Only time will tell, so stay tuned and follow our progress at www.growingislands.com. +

'HUHN�0DVVHOLQN�VWDUWHG�0DVVHOLQN�'HVLJQ� LQ�� 7KH�íUP�specializes in developing, integrating and promoting an ecologi-FDO�DSSURDFK�LQ�WKH�íHOG�RI�ODQGVFDSH�SODQQLQJ�DQG�PDQDJHPHQW�

i Kahane, Adam, 2010. Power and Love: A Theory and Practice of Social Change. Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc. San Francisco.ii Hassan, Zaid, 2014. The Social Labs Revolution: A New Approach to Solving Our Most Complex Challenges. Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc. San Francisco.

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.PMjJC��+@TQ@Ð2HCHÐ/$MF�Ð,"(/�Ð1///(!"iRÄÆQRSÄMDVÄQDFHRSDQDCÄOQNEDRRHNM@KÄOK@MMDQÄEQNLÄMDVÄLDLADQRGHOÄBDQSHÆB@SHNMÄOQNBDRRÄNMÄOK@MMHMFÄand becoming a Registered Professional Planner

Laura Sidi PEng, MCIP, RPP LV� WKH� íUVW� 3,%&� PHPEHU� WR�EHFRPH� FHUWLíHG� WKURXJK� WKH�QHZ� PHPEHUVKLS� FHUWLíFDWLRQ�process developed through the Planning for the Future initia-tive and brought into effect in 2012. Originally from Medicine Hat, Alberta, Laura’s academic and professional aspirations WRRN�KHU�íUVW�WR�0RQWUHDO��WKHQ�to Australia, and most recent-

O\� ODQGHG� KHU� DW� WKH� 9DQFRXYHU� RIíFH� RI� 6WHHU� 'DYLHV�*OHDYH��D�ZRUOGZLGH�WUDQVSRUWDWLRQ�SODQQLQJ�íUP��ZKHUH�she is a Principal Consultant. Following her successful FRPSOHWLRQ� RI� WKH� FHUWLíFDWLRQ�SURFHVV�� /DXUD�ZDV�DG-mitted as a Registered Professional Planner with PIBC on July 25, 2014.

We met up with Laura to congratulate her on her cer-WLíFDWLRQ�DQG�JDWKHU�KHU�WKRXJKWV�RQ�EHFRPLQJ�D�3,%&�&HUWLíHG�PHPEHU�DQG�5HJLVWHUHG�3URIHVVLRQDO�3ODQQHU�

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As a kid, I was fascinated with subways maps and trains so I studied to be an Engineer. However, I realized I wanted to be involved much earlier, in the planning stages. That led me to become a transportation planner and I currently work on tran-sit planning and its impact on communities.

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Having a recognized professional designation is important to me and my clients. It provides an expected level of profession-DOLVP��HWKLFV��DQG�TXDOLíFDWLRQV��,�DOVR�ZDQWHG�WR�EH�SDUW�RI�D�community where I can gather and share ideas.

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I think the new process is more streamlined, therefore enhanc-ing the ethical standards and increasing its credibility. My main advice is: be prepared to commit the time. I had a great Mentor that I learned new perspectives from. I managed my time so I could get the most out of my Mentor and the process.

6G@SÐ@CUHBDÐVNTKCÐXNTÐFHUDÐODNOKDÐBNMRHCDQHMFÐOK@MMHMFÐ@RÐ@ÐOQNEDRRHNM�

You have to love learning. Planning is about continuously learning and being committed to that. It’s also important to have practical technical knowledge and other complimentary skill sets. We, as planners, get a chance to improve the world we are living in. It’s a huge responsibility that is both daunting and rewarding. +

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WD\íQGLQJ��QR��LW�LV�QRW�D�PLVVSHOOHG�ZRUG��LV�DQ�LP-portant concept that makes our cities understand-able, yet it has been misunderstood and not often

been done well. It is an essential part of our civic and archi-tectural experience, both as visitors or residents, and yet we often don’t acknowledge the complexity and consideration it GHVHUYHV��:D\íQGLQJ�LV�DERXW�SODQQLQJ�DQG�GHVLJQLQJ�RXU�H[-perience of a place using spatial planning and environmental FRPPXQLFDWLRQ�WR�FUHDWH�HIíFLHQW��DFFHVVLEOH��VDIH��DQG�DWWUDF-tive environments.i Intuitively we understand why it may be necessary, but the most common mistake that people make is WKDW�WKH\�WKLQN�RI�LW�DV�D�VLJQ�SURJUDP��$V�D�UHVXOW��ZD\íQGLQJ�is addressed far too late in the planning and design process. Adding to this, Barry Marshall of the Experience Design Group H[SODLQV��§&OLHQWV�GRQªW�XQGHUVWDQG�ZKDW�LW�LV��RU�ZKHUH�LW�íWV�in the whole process and designers often think about it dur-ing the detail design phase, as an add-on. It can’t be thought of as a separate thing”. Consequently, if it is an add-on to the design, too many signs may be required, which then adds to YLVXDO�FOXWWHU�DQG�IUXVWUDWLRQ�ZKHQ�SHRSOH�FDQªW�íQG�WKHLU�ZD\��RU�LW�HQGV�XS�FRVWLQJ�PRUH��'HVLJQLQJ�ZD\íQGLQJ�V\VWHPV�LV�a holistic process that takes a different set of specialized skill processes from each design discipline using environmental graphic design. Every once in a while, we have to remind our-selves of the people who we are planning and designing for.

Behavioural science and environmental psychology are at the KHDUW�RI�ZD\íQGLQJ�V\VWHPV��<RX�PD\�UHFDOO�WKH�ZRUN�RI�.HYLQ�Lynch, an American planner, professor and author of The Image of the City��ZKR�íUVW�LQWURGXFHG�XV�WR�WKLV�FRQFHSW�LQ��+H�DOVR� FRLQHG� WKH� WHUP� ©ZD\íQGLQJª�� /\QFKªV� UHVHDUFK�GHVFULEHV�how people perceive and navigate the urban landscape and how it is closely tied to urban design. Based on this notion,

ZD\íQGLQJ�DQG�JRRG�XUEDQ�GHVLJQ�KDUQHVV�WKH�SHUFHSWLRQ�RI�the user’s experience and are key to the appreciation of a place. When people have a positive experience they are more likely to return, whereas if they have a negative experience, they are not as likely to return. This is especially important for visitors DQG�FDQ�VLJQLíFDQWO\�LPSDFW�WKH�HFRQRPLF�EHQHíWV�RI�WRXULVP�

Placemaking and walkability are on every city builder’s mind and are increasingly important as “a quantitative and qualitative measurement of how inviting or un-inviting an area is to pedes-trians”.ii According to a study by Jane Farrow (founder of Jane’s Walks) called Walkability in Toronto’s High-rise Neighbourhoods:

”Built environments that promote and facilitate walking—to stores, work, school and amenities—are better places to live, have higher real estate values, promote healthier lifestyles, have lower greenhouse gas emission rates and show higher levels of social cohesion.”iii

In addition to creating higher real estate values, walkability affects the economic prosperity of a place, and makes it more desirable for businesses, as well as residents, to locate near each other in walkable neighbourhoods. Researcher Dr. Mariela Alfonzo’s State of Place™ assessment tool describes the qual-ity of place through its built environment (over 250 features), and directly relates these to improving a place’s triple bottom line. Highly rated, high quality pedestrian environments equal stronger economic performance. Features include the “nuts and bolts of streets, like sidewalks, crosswalks, street trees, and land uses, but also include intangibles such as street facades, benches, landscaping, signage, etc.”iv It makes sense then that JRRG�ZD\íQGLQJ�DQG�JRRG�XUEDQ�GHVLJQ�JR�KDQG�LQ�KDQG�LQ�

6@XÆMCHMFÐHRÐ,TBGÐ,NQDÐ3G@MÐ@Ð"NKKDBSHNMÐNEÐ2HFMRby Dolores Altin RPP, MCIP, MLA, BED

We’ve all been lost at one time or another. Sometimes the memory stirs a childhood panic, while

RWKHU�WLPHV�LW�UHPLQGV�XV�RI�ZKHQ�ZH�ZHUH�LPPHUVHG�LQ�RXU�GLVFRYHU\�RI�DQ�DPD]LQJ�QHLJKERXU-KRRG�LQ�DQRWKHU�FRXQWU\��:H�PLJKW�UHFDOO�UXQQLQJ�WR�FDWFK�D�FRQQHFWLQJ�îLJKW�LQ�DQ�XQIDPLOLDU�DLUSRUW�RU�WU\LQJ�WR�íQG�D�VHDW�IRU�D�PXFK�DQWLFLSDWHG�HYHQW�WKDW�LV�DERXW�WR�VWDUW��5HJDUGOHVV��the experience was generally unplanned and we were probably surprised by our physiological

and emotional reactions.



fostering better walkable environments for both residents and visitors. Yet how often do we go back and evaluate how our ZD\íQGLQJ�V\VWHPV�DUH�ZRUNLQJ"�2U�KRZ�ZH�VKRXOG�GH�FOXWWHU�our pedestrian infrastructure, review our streetscape standards, or set policy for complete streets?

The built environment is responsible for both physical and psychological barriers which, we know, affect accessibility and ZDONDELOLW\��5HVHDUFK�VKRZV�WKDW�SRRU�ZD\íQGLQJ�DOVR�PDJQL-íHV�GLIíFXOWLHV�IRU�WKH�SK\VLFDOO\�GLVDEOHG�ZKHUH�SHRSOH�RIWHQ�have to take alternate routes, which are at times less direct or convenient. Risk, as it relates to exploring unknown or unfa-


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Top Left: Example of over-reliance on signage. Photo courtesy Michael von Hausen.

4OP�2IGHT�AND�"OTTOM��7AYlNDING�WITH�HUMOR�CONNECTS�PARTS�OF�THE�3PIRIT�4RAIL�IN�.ORTH�6ANCOUVER�NEAR�"EWICKE�0ARK��0HOTO�COURTESY�$OLORES�!LTIN�

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miliar places, is a critical factor in deciding where people will walk or travel to. Age is also a factor. If you are an elderly per-VRQ��\RX�ZLOO�íQG�WKDW�\RXU�H\HV�DUH�QRW�DV�JRRG�DV�WKH\�XVHG�to be, or that you are not as agile, or that sometimes your con-centration may wander and you may become easily confused. Stats Canada predicts that seniors are projected to be more numerous than children by 2017. A proportion of our popula-tion that has been growing steadily since 1960, seniors are expected to rise to about 25% over the next 25 years.v Anyone in the planning and design industry has already seen this evi-dence mounting. With this assumption, the impacts on how we move around our cities will become increasingly evident as we strain our eyes to read, move slowly across the streets, and struggle to maintain our independence and mobility when we no longer have a driver’s license.

5HO\LQJ� RQ�PHPRU\� DORQH� LV� D� GLIíFXOW� WKLQJ�� QRW� MXVW� IRU�íQGLQJ�RXU�FDU�NH\V��EXW�IRU�ZD\íQGLQJ�LQ�JHQHUDO��7KLV� LV�HYLGHQFHG�E\�©PHQWDO�PDSSLQJª�H[HUFLVHV�WKDW�DUH�RIWHQ�D�SDUW�RI�WKH�SXEOLF�HQJDJHPHQW�SURFHVV�IRU�FLYLF�ZD\íQGLQJ��$F-cording to Paul Arthur, founding member of the SEGD (So-ciety for Experiential Graphic Design) in his book :D\íQG-ing, research on cognitive mapping has shown that spatial orientation is an extremely complex process but relates di-UHFWO\�WR�SODQQLQJ�DQG�XUEDQ�IRUP��:D\íQGLQJ�LV�GHíQHG�DV�§VSDWLDO�SUREOHP�VROYLQJ¨�DQG�LV�FRPSRVHG�RI�WKUHH�VSHFLíF�processes: decision making, decision execution and informa-tion processing.”vi Each of these is carefully considered by ZD\íQGLQJ�H[SHUWV�ZKHQ�FUHDWLQJ�D�ZD\íQGLQJ�V\VWHP��7KH�FRQFOXVLRQ�LV�WKDW�ZD\íQGLQJ�LV�D�FRPSOH[�VHULHV�RI�GHFLVLRQV�and actions that take place in order for us to understand where we are and to get where we are going. Spatial plan-ners are responsible for designing the layout of a setting and its circulation system, whereas graphic designers are often responsible for designing the information system. Signage supports spatial planning, but cannot be a substitute for good urban and architectural design.

:D\íQGLQJ�EULQJV�WRJHWKHU�DQ�XQGHUVWDQGLQJ�RI�ERWK�VSDWLDO�planning and graphic design in order to interpret and express the character of a setting and to create a positive experience. Pedestrian signs are designed for maximum legibility and uni-versal accessibility, but cannot compensate for all of our cog-nitive challenges. When combined with good urban design, however, such as orientation points, landmarks and other sub-WOH�ODQGVFDSH�FXHV��VLJQDJH�DQG�PDSSLQJ�FDQ�EH�©FRPSOHPHQ-tary’ to reading the landscape. At its worst, poorly done way-íQGLQJ�FDQ�DGG�WR�FRQIXVLRQ��FOXWWHU��DQG�GLVRULHQWDWLRQ��EXW�when it works well its design disappears into the background of the overall experience of a place.

��3ULQFLSOHV�RI�D�JRRG�ZD\íQGLQJ�V\VWHP�

1. Be consistent and reliable2. Use plain language and meaningful, commonly recogniz-

able names for places3. Provide the right information, at the right time and in the

right place for decision-making4. Use simple and effective messaging5. (OLPLQDWH�H[LVWLQJ�VLJQV�WKDW�DUH�UHGXQGDQW�RU�FRQîLFWLQJ6. Provide information about destinations, distance, and

mode of travel7. Connect people to places using well-constructed paths and

desirable routes8. Work together with the urban fabric; using landmarks,

sight lines, and landscape cues9. Informational signs or maps should be oriented in the

same way as the person reading it10. Create a unique identity at each location; make each loca-

tion memorable

:D\íQGLQJ�HQJDJHV�DOO�RI�RXU�VHQVHV�LQ�FUHDWLQJ�DQ�H[SHULHQFH�and considers the series of information required to make all of the decisions along the way. From trip planning to arrival, in-formation needs to be presented simply and effectively and be located in the right place to be noticed at the right time when we are confronted with choices about which way to go next. :D\íQGLQJ�FDQ�DOVR�UHLQIRUFH�WKH�EUDQGLQJ�RI�D�SODFH�DQG�SUR-PRWH�RXU�WRXULVW�GHVWLQDWLRQV��:KHQ�SURSHUO\�GRQH��ZD\íQGLQJ�can welcome us to a place, inform us of the rules, connect us to transportation hubs, and reassure us when we’ve arrived or reli-ably tell us how much farther we need to go to reach our desti-nation in measurements that make sense to our mode of travel.

:D\íQGLQJ�KHOSV�WR�EULQJ�RXW�WKH�EHVW�LQ�RXU�FRPPXQLW\��,Q-YHVWLQJ�LQ�DQ�LQWHJUDWHG�DSSURDFK�WR�ZD\íQGLQJ�WKURXJK�DQ�understanding of the user’s experience and planning spaces from the user’s perspective is an important approach to place-making. We are, in the end, designing a positive and memo-rable experience for people. +

i�$UWKXU��3�DQG�3DVVLQL��5��:D\íQGLQJ��3HRSOH��6LJQV�DQG�$UFKLWHFWXUH��0F-Graw-Hill Ryerson Ltd., Commemorative Edition, 2002.iI Hess, P., and Farrow, J, Walkability in Toronto’s High-rise Neighbourhoods—Final Report (Executive Summary), Cities Centre Press, University of Toronto, 2011.(http://www.janeswalk.org/information/resources/walkability)iii ibidiv Alfonzo, Dr. M., Urban Imprint – State of Place™, http://www.urbanimprint.com/about/state-of-place/v Stats Canada, http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/11-402-x/2010000/chap/pop/pop02-eng.htmvi�$UWKXU��3�DQG�3DVVLQL��5��:D\íQGLQJ��3HRSOH��6LJQV�DQG�$UFKLWHFWXUH��0F-Graw-Hill Ryerson Ltd., Commemorative Edition, 2002.

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PIBC Council Notes

by Dave Crossley, Executive Director

July 2014

On July 25, 2014 the PIBC Council met EULHî\�E\�WHOHSKRQH�WHOHFRQIHUHQFH�

Administration & FinanceExecutive Director, Dave Crossley, re-ported on ongoing and key activities at WKH�3,%&�2IíFH�

Secretary-Treasurer, Andrew Ramlö MCIP, RPP, presented the Institute’s un-DXGLWHG� �� \HDU�WR�GDWH� íQDQFHV� IRU�information.

+CK@CP�.PMEP?KQ��1CPTGACQExecutive Director, Dave Crossley, pro-vided an update on progress and plan-ning for the Institute’s upcoming 2015 Annual Conferences. This included outlining the results of a recent online member survey and reviewing a recom-mended approach and plan for the 2015

conference. Council approved hosting the 2015 PIBC conference as a condensed one-and-a-half day event in Seattle WA, immediately prior to the American Plan-ning Association (APA) national confer-ence taking place in Seattle as well.

Council also discussed enhanced re-sources—such as webinar technology—for Chapter events and other member continuous professional learning events and activities.

Committee Reports & BusinessMembership Committee: Council ap-proved the admission of a number of new members, and a number of mem-bership transfers and changes.

Chair Andrew Ramlö MCIP, RPP re-viewed a proposal to create a means to recognize and acknowledge outstand-ing, long-serving professional members. Council approved, in principle, creating

D�QHZ�IRUP�RI�KRQRXULíF�,QVWLWXWH�GHV-ignation that could be granted to such members, and directed that a policy for such a designation be drafted for review and approval at the next meeting.

Council also reviewed and approved an update to the guide and questions for the membership Exam A, the oral exam interview under the previous member-ship process.

'LQRGRSRC�0CNPCQCLR?RGTC�0CNMPRQ�& BusinessCouncil approved the selection of Brian Hart MCIP, RPP to participate as a PIBC representative to the BC Building and Safety Standards Branch Modernization Review Group.

It was noted that the next meetings would be held Friday, September 26, 2014 in Vancouver. +

PIBC Life Members: Recognizing our Members

PIBC is pleased to inform members that Council, at its re-cent meeting, approved a new member recognition policy and program to recognize and acknowledge the substan-tial achievements and unique contributions of individual members of the Institute. Council will, at its discretion, be DEOH� WR�GHVLJQDWH�RXWVWDQGLQJ�� ORQJ�VHUYLQJ�&HUWLíHG�DQG�Retired members as “Life Members” of the Institute. It is in-tended to be a unique, rare and high honour appropriately granted from time to time.

The Institute will be initially launching this new recog-nition program at the 2014 World Town Planning Day -

&HOHEUDWLQJ�WKH�3URIHVVLRQ�HYHQW�RQ�1RY��WK��ZLWK�LWV�íUVW�designation. PIBC will continue to implement this new KRQRXULíF�GHVLJQDWLRQ�JRLQJ�IRUZDUG��LQ�DFFRUGDQFH�ZLWK�the new policy. A nomination and selection process for po-WHQWLDO�QHZ� ©/LIH�0HPEHUVª�ZLOO�EH� IXUWKHU�GHYHORSHG�DQG�implemented under the oversight of Council and the Mem-bership Committee. Watch for more news and information on this exciting new member recognition.

If you have any questions, please contact Executive Dir-ector Dave Crossley at [email protected]. +

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New Self-Serve Online Services for PIBC Members

What’s New? PIBC is very pleased to notify members of our new online, self-serve member services login now available as part of our new online association management shared jointly with the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP). The new system, rolled out earlier this past summer, offers self-serve options for such member services as: online Continuous Pro-fessional Learning (CPL) reporting; online versions of PIBC publications; online annual membership renewal and fee payment; as well as direct online access to membership fee receipts and CIP professional liability insurance documents (when applicable).

Login: In our efforts to ensure that members receive the an-nual membership renewal and fee payment notice from the new online system later this fall, we are requesting that mem-bers check and, if necessary, update their e-mail, mailing ad-dresses, and other contact information by logging into the new system at the following link https://ams.pibc.bc.ca.

&HUWLíHG��&DQGLGDWH��DQG�6WXGHQW�PHPEHUV�ZLOO�KDYH�DOUHDG\�received their new login information directly from CIP this past summer. If you are a Public Subscriber, Pre-Candidate

or if you just did not receive your login information, please FRQWDFW�WKH�3,%&�2IíFH��DW�RIíFH#SLEF�EF�FD��or toll free at 1-866-696-5031. We would like to thank all the members that have already updated their information and browsed through our new online services.

Annual Renewal & Fees: The new online annual membership renewal process will require members themselves to log in DQG� FRQíUP� NH\�PHPEHUVKLS� LQIRUPDWLRQ� DQG� SDUWLFLSDWLRQ�GHWDLOV��8SRQ�FRQíUPLQJ�WKHLU�PHPEHUVKLS�UHQHZDO��PHPEHUV�can either pay their membership fees directly online by credit FDUG��RU�VHOHFW�WKH�©3D\�E\�&KHTXHª�RSWLRQ�WR�GRZQORDG�D�FRS\�of their invoice to pay later, or have payment made separately by their employer organization.

Questions? Over time this new system will enhance direct on-line access to a variety of member services. Thank you for your patience during this transition process. Should mem-bers have any questions, require assistance, or have feed-back regarding the new system, please contact the PIBC 2IíFH�� DW� RIíFH#SLEF�EF�FD�� RU� WROO� IUHH� DW� 1-866-696-5031. +


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July 2014

At its meeting of July 25, 2014, it was recommended and approved that Council admit the following individuals to membership in the Institute in the appropriate categories as noted:

"DQSHÆDCJim Bailey (Reinstatement)Anne BerryAnnie DempsterDarin SchaalLaura SidiGae VanSiri (Transfer from APPI)Patrick Ward

Candidate

Nicholas DanfordElicia Elliott (Transfer from APPI)Nicole FothJessie Gresley-JonesDana Hawkins

Pre-Candidate

Matthew MilovanovicTimothy ShahAdam Wright

Retired

Tom Ireland

Student

Tasha HendersonSeth Wright (Transfer from OPPI)

Public Subscriber

Travis Nagy

It was further recommended and approved that Council approve and/or acknowledge the following membership transfers and changes in membership status for the following individuals as noted:

0D\QD�9DQFDLOOLH�� )URP�&HUWLíHG� 7R�0HPEHU�RQ�/HDYH6DUDK�:LOPRW�� )URP�&HUWLíHG� 7R�0HPEHU�RQ�/HDYH5LFN�%UXQGULJH� )URP�0HPEHU�RQ�/HDYH� 7R�&HUWLíHG/DXULH�&RUGHOO� )URP�0HPEHU�RQ�/HDYH� 7R�&HUWLíHG$OLVRQ�*DUQHWW� )URP�0HPEHU�RQ�/HDYH� 7R�&HUWLíHG&KDQL�-RVHSK�5LWFKLH� )URP�0HPEHU�RQ�/HDYH� 7R�&HUWLíHG.DUHQ�0RROD� )URP�0HPEHU�RQ�/HDYH� 7R�&HUWLíHGRobin Chang From Member on Leave To CandidatePatrick Ward From Member on Leave To CandidateMarcel Barrault ResignedDianna Colnett ResignedAnthony Dorcey Resigned


Planning, Development & Environmental Law

Practical Advice, Creative Options, Value for Local Government

Lui Carvello, MCIPLawyer & Planner

203-1005 Broad StreetVictoria, BC V8W 2A1

(250) [email protected]

CARVELLO

LAW

CORPORATION

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October 2014

At its meeting of October 25, 2014, it was recommended and approved that Council admit the following individuals to membership in the Institute in the appropriate categories as noted:

"DQSHÆDCJack AndersonDianna Colnett (Reinstate)Margaret de GraceAndrew DevlinAndre IsakovRenée JamuratJodi MacLeanAmber Nicol (Transfer from APPI)Lesley-Ann StaatsJames Stiver (Transfer from OPPI)Jonas Velaniskis

Candidate

David AngusAdrian Brett (Transfer from OPPI)John BurkeKatherine FabrisLinda FyfeAmanda GrochowichJane Koh (Reinstate)Teresa Rittemann (Transfer from SPPI)Sarah Sheridan (Transfer from OPPI)Wing Yan (Winnie) Yip

Pre-Candidate

Howie ChoyAdam LougheedJames Taylor

Retired

Andrew Tucker

Student

Neal AbbottPatrick BellGeorge BensonNelly Bouevitch (Reinstate)Todd BrunnerJenna CookCassandra CummingsJessica DanielsAndrea HaberEvan HammerEmily HansenPaula HayRiley IwamotoShaun JacobsenArlene JanousekJingsi JinShauna JohnsonChris KaruMegan KingwillAlix KrahnAaron LaoEmme LeePeter LipscombeMichelle MarteleiraMichael MeyerHaley Milko

Jhon MozoGillian NicolJanice NienaberCarleigh Oude-ReimerinkKarolina PolBritney Quail (Reinstate)Sarah RavlicVeronica ReissJennifer RobertonEmily RosenCarly Rosenblat (Transfer from OPPI)Erika SagertZihao ShiKelsey TaylorCameron Taylor-NoonanGwyn ThomasMaria Antonia Trujillo MeijiaGurtej TungElliot TurnbullBlair UnderhillTiffany VassCelina WillisSavannah ZacharyBrett Zuehlke

Public Subscriber

Eric BrownGeoffrey ChumKris PatelJenaya ShepherdJulia Schertzer

It was further recommended and approved that Council approve and/or acknowledge the following membership transfers and changes in membership status for the following individuals as noted:

5HEHFFD�1HZORYH�� )URP�&HUWLíHG� 7R�0HPEHU�RQ�/HDYHRobin Chang From Candidate To Member on Leave$P\�$QDND� )URP�0HPEHU�RQ�/HDYH� 7R�&HUWLíHG/LOLDQ�$ULVKHQNRII� )URP�0HPEHU�RQ�/HDYH� 7R�&HUWLíHG0LFKDHO�%DUUHWW� )URP�0HPEHU�RQ�/HDYH� 7R�&HUWLíHG0DU\O\Q�&KLDQJ� )URP�0HPEHU�RQ�/HDYH� 7R�&HUWLíHG7HUHVD�)RUWLQ� )URP�0HPEHU�RQ�/HDYH� 7R�&HUWLíHG0HJDQ�6KDZ� )URP�0HPEHU�RQ�/HDYH� 7R�&HUWLíHG3KLOLS�7HVWHPDOH� )URP�0HPEHU�RQ�/HDYH� 7R�&HUWLíHG0D\QD�9DQFDLOOLH� )URP�0HPEHU�RQ�/HDYH� 7R�&HUWLíHGAlireza Danesh From Member on Leave To CandidateLauren Sanbrooks From Member on Leave To CandidateMeredith Starkey From Member on Leave To CandidateAshley Lowcock Resigned

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