Time is ripe for urban farms in Edmonton

Growing citizen and political support for city-dwelling farmers

Jenn Prosser
Vue Weekly
Jun. 30, 2010

Excerpt:

One of the most significant changes in the way the City of Edmonton and its bureaucracy could approach the issue is the newly developed municipal development plan, termed “The Way We Grow.” Having passed its third council reading, the plan is meant to incorporate more progressive attitudes towards urban living, including urban agriculture.

“The plan’s section on urban agriculture will provide a roadmap for moving forward on urban agriculture,” explains Wilson, “potentially with a food policy group who will meet with stakeholders and advise council.”

For many, it is not just raising chickens that are of concern. The very ability for urban dwellers to live sustainably off their own food production is indeed hindered by many of the current city’s bylaws. This is aggravated by the conditions common to living in large urban centres. High rates of air pollution, consequences of smog and isolated spaces are major challenges, as is the lack of communal spaces available.

Change may be coming as strong voices and a civic push to more sustainable living and a more progressive attitude toward food security and urban farming. It may just be that in short time, Edmonton’s backyards will have a plucky addition.

Read the complete article here.