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Farming In Our Community
As the weather improves and farming season gets into full swing, it is important to remember that 'Normal Farm Practices' can be seen throughout our community. A 'Normal Farm Practice' is defined in the Farm Practices Protection Act and includes activity "that is conducted by a farm business in a manner consistent with proper and accepted customs and standards as established and followed by similar farm businesses under similar circumstances".
So, what does this mean anyway?
Noise Noise from machinery and farm equipment may disturb the peace and quiet of our rural community. Dust The hot, dry Okanagan summers that we love so much, combined with gravel roads and driveways, can often lead to dusty situations while the farming equipment is in action. Odour Many crops rely on fertilization to help them grow. This can create a temporary offensive odour. Road Debris As farmers move machinery and tractors from one farm to another or move animals in and out of their property, mud and manure may be left behind on the roads. This is a temporary inconvenience that is generally cleaned up as time permits. Smoke and Open Burning Open burning is a management tool used by farmers to clear large tracts of land for crops and grazing purposes. Open burning is only allowed between October and April and a specific set of guidelines must be followed. Farming requires long, hot hours and as such, the typical workday for our agricultural producers starts early and ends late. As a resident in our Agricultural Community, with over 50% of its land base being farmland, you can expect noise, dust, odour and road debris as you travel throughout your community. All of these things, while can be a nuisance, are consistent with normal farming practices. However, if you have concerns that a farmer is in contravention of the Farm Practices Protection Act, please contact the Farm Industry Review Board via Enquiry BC at 1-800-663-7867.
Upcoming Meetings:
Monday, May 3, 2021
Committee of the Whole Meeting at 9:00 am
Regular Council Meeting at 5:30 pm
Thursday, May 13, 2021
Special Council Meeting at 10:00 am
Monday, May 17, 2021
Coffee with the Mayor - First Wednesday of Every Month at 10:30 am
Next one: Wednesday, May 5, 2021
Please note, in order to adhere to the Public Health Order, Coffee with the Mayor will be facilitated via electronic means until further notice. As these casual discussions are important to Mayor Fraser, we welcome you to attend electronically. Please call 250-546-3013 or email mail@spallumcheentwp.bc.ca in advance to advise of your wish to attend and a meeting link will be provided to you.
Homeowner Grants – Strictly Online in 2021
Starting in 2021, all homeowner grant applications will be processed directly through the province using a new online system. Please note your Social Insurance Number will be required.
Public Works Department
In the coming months the Township’s Public Works staff will be flushing the watermains in the following Districts: • Hankey • Lansdowne • Round Prairie • Stardel • Highland Park • Pleasant Valley • Silver Star
• Dust control to begin the week of May 10, 2021, weather dependent
Armstrong Spallumcheen Parks and Recreation
Information can be found on the the parks and recreation website.