Agricultural Land Reserve
The Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) is a provincial designation in which agriculture is recognized as the priority use. Agriculture and farming uses are encouraged, and other compatible uses are permitted via regulation. Non-agricultural uses and subdivisions are restricted unless approved by the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC).
The ALR takes precedence over, but does not replace, other legislation and bylaws that may apply. Local and regional governments, as well as other provincial agencies, are expected to plan in accordance with the provincial planning policy of preserving agricultural land. If you are proposing works or an activity/use that is not permitted in the ALR, applicable approvals from the ALC are required prior to the City issuing permits.
Learn more about the ALR and ALC below by clicking on a header to visit that overview page.
- Agricultural Planning: High level overview of permits that you may need to apply for to develop, construct, or place fill or remove soil on your agricultural property.
- Dwellings in Agricultural Areas: Overview of our requirements for constructing a dwelling on properties zoned A1 or A2
- ALC website: Official ALC home page
- ALC Act: Legislative framework for the establishment and administration of the agricultural land preservation program
- ALR Regulations: Identifies the procedures for submitting applications and notices of intent, and specifies land uses permitted in the ALR
- ALC Policies and Bulletins: Further regulation interpretation of activities and uses within the ALR
If your property is wholly or partially within the ALR, those lands are subject to the ALC Act and ALR regulations, and an ALC application may be required.
Visit the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) Application page for more information.
