The province’s changes to agri-tourism regulations in B.C. announced Monday are getting mixed responses from some Okanagan farmers.
In the past, farms like Kelowna’s Hillcrest have faced restrictions on the type and number of non-agricultural activities they can host, such as weddings.
Weddings are often held on valley farms, couples love the rural atmosphere, orchardists like the extra income, especially in years where crops may be poor.
“Half the cherry [crop] has been damaged [this year] in certain blocks, it gives us the opportunity to add revenue that can go back into our operation,” said farm manager at Hillcrest, Sukhpaul Bal.
Last year, several couples who had planned their weddings on farmland had to relocate after a crackdown by the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC).
WATCH BELOW: B.C. farmers fear ALR ban on holding weddings on their property
B.C.’s agriculture minister, Norm Letnick, announced the changes to what constitutes agri-tourism for B.C. farms like Hillcrest.
He said farmers will be allowed to host tours, festivals and weddings on ALR land without a permit, as long as the events are kept on a small scale.
They have to meet certain conditions though. For instance, there can’t be any new permanent facilities, parking must be provided on the farm instead of along rural roads, there can be a maximum of 150 people at an event and there can be no more than 10 events per year.
“They might have, of course, permit issues they need to work out with the city to cover noise and other safety matters but they wouldn’t need to apply to the commission,” Letnick said.
Bal has mixed feelings about the new rules, especially when it comes to holding weddings.
“One hundred and fifty guests as a standard, I think there should have been a little more thought looked at with larger properties that can host larger groups and larger events,” Bal said.
Wineries and cideries don’t face the same restrictions because they have infrastructure, licensing and procedures already in place, something Bal said isn’t fair.
“There’s also many farms that have done weddings for many years and have infrastructure in place and have done an excellent job so why is the same opportunity not given to those farms?”
Overall, Bal thinks the changes are good news for the average-sized farm.
WATCH BELOW: Farm weddings get green light from ALR
Another central Okanagan business that was forced to cancel already booked weddings is also reacting to the regulation changes.
While the ALC denied the claim, last fall, Bottega farm went public claiming the ALC forced it to cancel all booked weddings.
The business’s owner, Dave Krysko, declined an interview with Global Okanagan but in an e mail, he said he believes the changes will be positive for Okanagan farmers.
He added that Bottega plans to rebrand itself, launching a new business in the next few months. He indicated the company plans to become a winery or cidery.
~ With files from Kelly Hayes
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