Agricultural Land Reserve in BC

The Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) affects a number of properties in BC and it is important to understand if a property you are interested in happens to be in the ALR. The Agriculture Land Commission (ALC), the body that governs the ALR, defines it as:

"The Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) is a provincial zone in which agriculture is recognized as the priority use. Farming is encouraged and non-agricultural uses are restricted."

Quadra Island

Residential and recreational properties can be found within the ALR, and it is a good idea to understand what restrictions that places on the property. The ALC website provides clear guidelines in this regard, as well as providing mapping of ALR land in BC.

The ALR protects approximately 4.7 million hectares of agriculturally suitable land across British Columbia, according to the ALC. Buying property within the ALR does not stop one from having a home on the land, it does however restrict what activity the land can be used for.

Sayward Valley

It is also important to note that different municipalities and regions may have zoning bylaws that also affect the land and uses.

Keep in mind that buying property in the ALR means your neighbours are likely in the ALR as well, and may well be engaged in agricultural practises - this could mean all the unique things that are part of farming and agriculture are part of your neighbourhood (e.g. machinery noise, fertilizer spreading, etc).

ALC website: http://www.alc.gov.bc.ca

It's a Coastal Lifestyle ... Live It!

The Village of Sayward

Located on the east coast of northern Vancouver Island, the community of Sayward has a population of approximately 400 and is just 45 minutes away from Campbell River. 

This picturesque area has an abundance of wildlife and offers fresh and salt-water fishing. Outdoor recreation includes caving, kayaking, hiking, whale watching and wildlife viewing. Robson Bight Provincial Park - west of Sayward in Johnstone Strait, provides ocean adventures. Overlooking Sayward is Mount H'Kusam, a popular hiking destination.

Travel time along Highway 19 to Sayward is under one hour from Campbell River in the south, and about 2 hours from Port Hardy to the north. The road winds through large stands of forest as well as passing lakes and rivers. 

Sayward is an affordable, family-friendly community with pretty homes and amazing scenery. With the city of Campbell River near by, it is a good option for people looking to live away from the bustle of urban life and yet still have access to city amenities and services when needed.

It's a Coastal Lifestyle ... Live It!

What is the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR)?

The Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) is a hot topic in BC. The Agriculture Land Commission (ALC), the body that governs the ALR, defines it as:

"The Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) is a provincial zone in which agriculture is recognized as the priority use. Farming is encouraged and non-agricultural uses are restricted."

 

Hornby Island

Recreational properties can be found within the ALR, and it is a good idea to understand what restrictions that places on the property. The ALC website provides clear guidelines in this regard, as well as providing mapping of ALR land in BC.

The ALR protects approximately 4.7 million hectares of agriculturally suitable land across British Columbia, according to the ALC. Buying property within the ALR does not stop one from having a home on the land, it does however restrict what activity the land can be used for.

Sayward Valley

 

It is also important to note that different municipalities and regions may have zoning bylaws that also affect the land and uses.

 

Keep in mind that buying property in the ALR means your neighbours are likely in the ALR as well, and may well be engaged in agricultural practises - this could mean all the unique things that are part of farming and agriculture are part of your neighbourhood (e.g. machinery noise, fertilizer spreading, etc).

 

ALC website: http://www.alc.gov.bc.ca

 

It's a Coastal Lifestyle ... Pass It On!

BCO Coastal Gems: Sayward

 

Located on the east coast of north Vancouver Island, BC, the logging community of Sayward has a population of approximately 410 and is just 45 minutes away from Campbell River and all the facilities and shopping one would require. The small settlement community of Kelsey Bay is located 1 mile from Sayward and enjoys a resident population of approximately 120.

This picturesque area has an abundance of wildlife, fresh, & salt-water fishing. Outdoor recreation includes caving, kayaking, hiking, whale watching, wildlife viewing, and exhilarating river rafting on the Salmon River. Robson Bight Provincial Park - west of Sayward in Johnstone Strait, provides ocean adventurers with a sure thing when it comes to whale watching.

Travel time along the Island Highway 19 to Sayward is under one hour from Campbell River in the south, and about 2 hours from Port Hardy to the north. Logging is the primary industry in the area around Sayward and Kelsey Bay, but tourism continues to grow and gain in importance. 

 

It's a Coastal Lifestyle ... Pass It On!

BCO Coastal Gem: Port Neville

Central to all outdoors activities and wildlife, Port Neville is a picturesque mainland inlet that provides relatively well-protected areas for outdoor activities, including excellent salmon and halibut fishing, crabbing and prawning. Port Neville is situated in Johnstone Strait on a portion of the mainland of British Columbia that extends towards and is the closest geographically to Vancouver Island. This location  puts one in the heart of some of the most dramatic coastal wilderness. 

 

There are properties on both sides of the inlet, with a government dock at historic Port Neville itself. Until 2010 there was a post office at Port Neville, one of the longest working post offices in BC.

 

The inlet and the waters of Johnstone Strait are known for their abundance of wildlife. There is a tremendous variety of mainland wildlife such as deer, cougars and bears including resident Grizzly bears who can be viewed seasonally at the head of the inlet as they feed on returning salmon. Marine wildlife includes sea lions, seals, dolphins and orca whales. 

 

Access to Vancouver Island is approximately 20 minutes away by boat - 9 miles southeast and across Johnstone Strait to Kelsey Bay, just north of Sayward, which provides moorage, boat launching facilities, a local grocery store, service station, restaurants, school, and RCMP detachment. The Port Harvey Marine Resort, situated to the north of Port Neville between East and West Cracroft Islands, offers a general store, moorage and a licensed restaurant.

 

It's a Coastal Lifestyle ... Pass It On!