ALR stands for Agricultural Land Reserve. Created in April 1973, this sets aside the province's most valuable agricultural lands for farming. 4,709,676 ha, or 5% of BC is designated as being in the ALR.

The following are the land uses permitted in the ALR according to the Agricultural Land Commission Act:

1. Storage and sale of agricultural products produced on the farm on which the storage or sale is taking place;
2. Construction of buildings necessary for #1;
3. Construction of one single-family residence and accessory buildings and services per parcel;
4. Harvesting of trees and silvicultural practices;
5. Ecological reserves established under the Ecological Reserve Act (1996), and other habitat reserves;
6. "Natural" parks and recreation reserves;
7. Fish farms;
8. Minor highway, road, or railway operations and construction (includes drainage ditches);
9. Expansion of existing gravel pits;
10. Construction and maintenance of dykes, pumphouses, and ancillary works;
11. Land development works (clearing, draining, etc.) for farm use.3

Non-conforming land uses and subdivisions of property can be requested through an application process. Exclusion of land from the ALR can also be applied for, although the process is lengthy and involves procedural requirements such as public hearings.

Do you have any other questions related to the ALR? Click here to contact a NIHO Land specialist for more answers.