The island

Farm-bylaw review turns to watercourse setbacks

Denman trustees amended draft farming regulations after seeking more information on setbacks from watercourses.

The Denman Firestarter · reporting 2022-10-27 · compiled 2026-10-01

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Denman Island trustees amended draft farming regulations at special meetings on October 6 and 14, including a proposed 30-metre setback for agricultural buildings and structures, except fences. ^[1]

The meetings considered draft Bylaw No. 229. Trustees had asked staff to bring back information on watercourse setbacks before continuing their discussion. ^[1]

The minutes say a comprehensive review of setback requirements and Development Permit Areas was outside the project’s scope. Staff reported that provincial rules under the Agricultural Environmental Management Code of Practice set setbacks for water protection on farmland. ^[1]

A motion to add an information note about the provincial code to the draft bylaw did not move forward because it received no seconder. Trustees then carried the amendment replacing the text in sections 1.7 and 1.8 with the 30-metre setback wording. ^[1]

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