The Squamish Valley Agricultural Plan

Overview

The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District, in partnership with the District of Squamish and Squamish Food Policy Council (SFPC), and with funding support from the Investment Agricultural Foundation of B.C., developed an Agricultural Plan for the Squamish Valley. The final Squamish Valley Agricultural Plan was endorsed by the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) Board and the District of Squamish (DoS) Council in April 2020, and implementation work is ongoing.

The Squamish Valley Agricultural Plan encompasses Electoral Area D of the regional district, as well as the District of Squamish and is situated within the unceded traditional territory of the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation). The joint SLRD and DoS project received funding from the Governments of Canada and British Columbia and support from the Squamish Food Policy Council.

For a brief summary of the plan, take a look through this PDF: 

Squamish Valley Agricultural Plan - At A Glance 

 

For the full plan, please click the link below:

Squamish Valley Agricultural Plan (April 2020)

 

Key Goals

  • Goal 1: Expand and Encourage Agriculture and Food Production
  • Goal 2: Improve Sector Growth and Market Viability
  • Goal 3: Promote Stewardship of Natural Resources and Regenerative Agricultural Practices
  • Goal 4: Plan and Prepare for Climate Change and Emergencies
  • Goal 5: Align Policies and Strengthen Regulations for Agriculture and Food
  • Goal 6: Increase Communication, Awareness, and Education

The Planning Process and Reports

As part of the planning process, several reports were created to support the SVAP. The Background Report looks at the land, environment, and existing plans related to agriculture. The Market Opportunities Analysis highlights ways agriculture can grow and support the local economy. The Engagement Summary Report outlines what we heard from the community and key findings.

Background Report
 

Market Opportunities Analysis
 

Engagement Summary Report
 

Implementation Agreement 
 

Achieving our Goals

The SVAP recommends policy and regulatory updates and actions to ensure that agricultural land is used productively and farming, foraging, and other forms of food production are valued and sustained. The implementation strategy scopes an anticipated timeline and resources required to successfully complete the actions recommended in the SVAP. Of the 38 recommended actions, the SLRD is listed as a lead or co-lead for 13. Most represent administrative house-keeping, such as the updates and amendments to bylaws and regulations. 

The SFPC takes the lead on actions that are not identified as being DOS or SLRD-led. The SFPC has been advancing a sustainable local food system and food security in the region for several years. Both the Dos and the SLRD have been funding priority actions annually to be completed by the SFPC since 2020.

The SFPC hosts a Squamish-Lillooet Food Asset Map as part of this ongoing work (Goal 6), where people can grow, prepare, share, buy, receive or learn about local food. Additionally, the SFPC has initiated a new School Meal program out of a local Squamish kitchen, and is making headway on their Harvest Hub (Goal 2).

Good Food Program and The Harvest Hub

The Good Food Program is a project of the SFPC identified as a priority item in the SVAP which supports Action 2.4 - Support Local Procurement initiatives. The Good Food Program aims to shift the buying power in the Squamish to Lillooet Region towards procuring more locally grown food. Visit our Good Food page to learn more about the four phases.
The Harvest Hub is being developed in partnership with the District of Squamish and the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District, as part of this Action Item. In 2026, this brand-new initiative will be introduced to the community. The Harvest Hub will serve as a secure, centralized, and climate-controlled pickup point where consumers can collect fresh orders directly from local farmers and food processors, year-round. Visit Squamish Climate Action Network’s website to learn more.

The SLRD, District of Squamish, and SFPC continue to work collaboratively to meet SVAP goals.
 

News Releases