Farmland in British Columbia is being rapidly snapped up by residential developers as land values increase. This pressure is threatening the area's remaining fertile farmland.
"The rising value of B.C. agricultural land is decreasing the amount of available farmland."
"But the rising prices are also placing uneven pressure on area producers. The farmland surrounding Fort St. John and Dawson Creek -- designated as class 2 -- is the most fertile of the region outside of the class 1 land in the Peace Valley. Land becomes less productive toward class 5."
"While land closer to town is fetching a high price for residential living, the less-fertile rural land, which cannot be subdivided into quarter sections, is losing value."
"'The best farmland is divided into quarter sections and is being turned into country estates, and we have class 5 land that's very marginal and the [Agricultural Land Commission] won't allow that land to be subdivided into quarters, when in actuality the land that should be used as the country estates is the poor land further out,' said Larry Peterson, owner of Peace River Farm and Ranch Sales Ltd."
FULL STORY: Land grab puts bounty on fertile farmland
How Smaller Supermarkets Could Transform American Communities
Bigger is not always better.
Research Links Urban Design and Human Happiness
An emerging field of ‘neuroarchitectural’ research is revealing how building facades and urban design impact the human brain and body.
Save Lives on Our Roads Using the Safe System Approach
Prioritizing safety and committing to the SSA framework can make a big impact in the effort to reduce traffic fatalities.
How AI Is Revolutionizing Urban Forestry and Climate Resilience
Tree-D Fusion, an AI-driven tool developed by MIT and Purdue researchers, generates 3D models of urban trees to help city planners visualize future green spaces, address climate challenges, and enhance urban livability and sustainability.
Key Climate and Health Issues to Watch in 2025
The escalating health impacts of climate change, from extreme heat to sea level rise, highlight the urgent need for integrated medical education, proactive communication, and sustainable policy solutions to protect public health.
Rising Temperatures and the Escalating Wildfire Crisis
Rising global temperatures driven by climate change are intensifying and prolonging wildfire seasons worldwide, necessitating improved forest management, public awareness, and urgent action to reduce fossil fuel emissions.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Oxford
Caltrans - District 7
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport