The island

Farming bylaw review turns to watercourse setbacks

Denman trustees amended draft farming regulations to set a 30-metre setback for agricultural buildings and structures, except fences.

The Denman Firestarter · reporting 2022-10-20 · compiled 2026-10-01

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Denman Island trustees amended draft farming regulations at a special meeting on October 14, setting a 30-metre setback from watercourses for buildings and structures associated with agriculture, except fences. ^[1]

The minutes say staff had been asked to provide more information on watercourse setbacks. Planner Marlis McCargar reported that a comprehensive review of setbacks and Development Permit Areas was outside the project’s scope, and that provincial rules under the Agricultural Environmental Management Code of Practice set setbacks for water protection on farmland. ^[1]

Trustee David Critchley proposed adding an information note about the provincial code to the draft bylaw. The motion did not receive a seconder and did not proceed. ^[1]

The trustees then approved the amended wording for sections 1.7 and 1.8 of draft Bylaw No. 229. The minutes record the change as part of the farming regulations review; they do not record final adoption of the bylaw. ^[1]

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