Interpretation

1   The Interpretation Bylaw applies to this policy.

Definitions

2   In this policy,

"ALC application" means an application under section 20.3 soil or fill use and section 25 applications by owner of the Agricultural Land Commission Act;

"bulk filling" excludes soil fill for

(a) buildings and structures, and

(b) agricultural processes that require soil to be replenished as part of a cyclical operation, such as sod farms and nurseries;

"permit application" means an application under section 6 of the Soil Removal and Deposit Bylaw;

"Sumas Prairie floodplain" means Areas "A', "B", "C", "D" and "G" as shown in Schedule E [Floodplain Boundaries] of the Abbotsford Zoning Bylaw.

Purpose

3   The purpose of this policy is to establish the City's policy in relation to applications for soil and fill use in the Agricultural Land Reserve.

Rationale

4   The rationale for this policy is as set out in Report No. ENG 009-2023.

Bulk filling in Sumas Prairie floodplain prohibited

5   Every ALC application and permit application for bulk filling in the Sumas Prairie floodplain will be refused having regard to the reasonably anticipated adverse effects of bulk filling on the environment, adjacent property, highway, watercourse, or ground water aquifer.

Soil or fill use applications may be forwarded

6   Subject to section 5, the general manager responsible for engineering and regional utilities, or designate, may forward each ALC application to the Agricultural Land Commission for review.

Reconsideration

7   An applicant whose ALC application or permit application has been refused in accordance with this policy may request a reconsideration by Council of the refusal under the Appeal Procedure Bylaw.

Rescission of previous standing resolutions

8   All previous Council standing resolutions authorizing City staff to directly refer ALC applications for soil removal and deposit in the Agricultural Land Reserve are rescinded.

Periodic review

9   This policy must be reviewed within 60 days of the first regular meeting of Council following each local general election.