I went to the open house on Salt Spring Island put on by Three Point properties last night it was very informative

This Salt Spring Real Estate issue will effect all of Salt Spring. Mark and Jack (I don't want to try and spell their last names) from Three Point Properties put on a very interesting and informative presentation of their new south Salt Spring development. They have two properties and are doing a density swap as per the OCP (official community plan). The Hughes farm on Fulford Ganges Rd will be divided into three properties and one of them will be 63.2 acres.

This land will be given to the farmers institute and then it will be leased out to farmers. It is not clear who the farmers will be but it sounds like it will be an allotment system similar to the ones in the UK. Small plots that people can lease for a low fee and farm. With all the talk of sustainability this is a good ideal. At one time Salt Spring was a supplier of food now we are a net importer. I have heard that we import over 95% of our food.

As a small farmer and gardener I think this proposal has merit. It is almost impossible to make any money farming on Salt Spring. If I could I would work full time in the garden. I have heard that over 90% of farm income in BC is from off farm sources. That is why the ALC changed the rules on Agri tourisim a few year ago to make it easier for farmers to make money on the farm. When farm land is $40,000 an acre who can aford to farm it.

The next step that Three Point properties will do is to submit their proposal to the Island Trust. If you would like to get involved talk to the farmers institute or email me and I will try and find out about the proposed allotment system. It might be looked after by the Island Natural Growers. Here is the URL for Three Point Properties http://www.threepointproperties.com/isabella-proposal/index.htm .

Cheers
Scott

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