Sent to his local Area Planning Commission
and permission granted to distribute to the public
“As this year comes to a close I would like to thank everyone for their service in the Area “C” APC and I hope that as we move to a less personal meeting format that all of you will continue to serve.
We have some issues coming that I feel the APC should be aware of and provide input on.
The covid-19 issue provided challenges for our local farmers in trying to provide domestic labor for their farms.
Because of the shortfalls many farmers are looking to the foreign labor pool.
This creates a need for them to provide accommodations for this work force.
I have passed two of these on to the ALC last month but there are likely to be a few more yet to come, three currently that I am aware of.
I have taken the track that we should loosen the zoning requirement providing the accommodations being supplied are mobiles like camp trailers and of a non-permanent type. Further to this any zoning issues be handled by the use of TUP’s giving us a course of action if misused.
This will be a very important and time sensitive issue as the labor situation is unlikely to change significantly for the near future.
Keep in mind that these applications must still be passed by the ALC but our strategies may be of consideration in the decisions.
This means we will have to conduct meetings through an electronic format for the near future. This can be as simple as a conference call or a zoom meeting or any combination that will work for you.
Your input on these issues is of the upmost importance and will help determine what the future of this area and its farming industry will look like.
Should any one care to discuss this with me my number is 250-460-1319.
Once again I thank you all and wish you the best of the season.”
Bill Eggert says
Government, in this case, is doing what the public wants. The public is very concerned about the loss of farm land. Just look at the results of any government that tried to loosen the laws around farm land. I suppose you could call it an Anal approach, but does that mean every time government follows the will of the people they are being Anal?
It is a very complicated and fundamental issue. I’m glad that we have Rick in the lead on this one.
On subsidies. I agree whole heartedly with your perspective Jack. It behooves the government to make the pathway to success as easy as possible, but that does not, and should not include subsidies. The farmer should have to pay for the accommodation, or provide a wage high enough that the workers can afford to do it on their own.
Roger Hall says
How in Heaven’s name can our hard working local farmers survive without a willing and adequately HOUSED workforce? Some of the once vibrant youth migratory workers have basically decided that it is more beneficial to come enjoy the Okanagan Summer and work when it pleases them and, in the meantime collect “Trudeau’s pay check”. Our local farmers need a reliable, able and committed workforce and we OWE it to them to ensure that these workers are available, housed and properly compensated. Allow temporary structures with appropriate facilities………
PLEASE!!
Publisher: “we owe it to them” – do we? Do we owe the multi billion dollar vineyard a subsidy as well?
Those on the farm know or should know the risks. If the risk is too big they should become farm equipment fixers, honey farmers, packinghouse managers, teachers, doctors, lawyers, what more can I say?
It is time to stop subsidizing doctors, farmers, the multi billion dollar alcohol production industry… the tourist industry and maybe contemplate that little thing that is on your stomach.
Navel gazing again.
We get so wrapped up in everyone’s problems and do not do what is necessary for us.
Save, create, work hard, buy, own, possess, contribute etc.
But watch your back.
Rick Knodel says
To the publisher.
The way I read this is not to subsidize but to allow the temp proper accommodations paid for by the farmer so they can continue about their business of feeding us.
Publisher: You could be right Rick
But lately, Loose Bay, aquatic centre feasibility, doctor acquisition promotion, OTA, OOWA – just a big subsidy. Ask the average hair dresser salon, small non corporate dinery – whether they get a subsidy? How about a back hoe operator, a tow truck driver – who gets the gravy and who does not?
Just a question or two.
Roger Hall says
To the Publisher
At no stage was I advocating that taxpayers fund the temporary housing needed for farm workers ; just that farmers be PERMITTED to have non-permanent structures adequately equipped to provide sufficient shelter for the people who help to put food (and wine) on our tables.