Letter new Chair of ALC

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Bowen  Denman  Hornby  Gabriola Galiano  Gambier  Lasqueti  Mayne  North Pender  Salt Spring  Saturna  South Pender  Thetis 
 
 
 
200 - 1627 Fort St., Victoria, BC  V8R 1H8 
Telephone  (250) 405-5151    Fax  (250) 405-5155 
Toll Free via Enquiry BC in Vancouver 660-2421.  Elsewhere in BC 1.800.663.7867 
Email  information@islandstrust.bc.ca 
Web  www.islandstrust.bc.ca 
 
May 25, 2018         File No.: 0420-20 
 
Via e-mail:   ALCBurnaby@Victoria1.gov.bc.ca  
 
Jennifer Dyson 
Chair, Agricultural Land Commission 
133-4940 Canada Way 
Burnaby BC  V5G 4K6 
 
Dear Jennifer Dyson: 
 
Re:  Welcome and meeting request 
 
I am writing on behalf of the Islands Trust Council to congratulate you on your appointment as Chair of the 
Agricultural Land Commission (ALC). I know that you have some familiarity with the Islands Trust but I am 
writing to provide you with background on the Islands Trust and its relationship with the ALC, and to 
request a meeting with you.  
 
The Islands Trust is a unique federation of local government 
bodies with a provincial mandate from the Islands Trust Act 
to make land use decisions that will “preserve and protect” 
British Columbia’s southern coastal islands. The Trust Area 
covers the islands and waters between the mainland and 
southern Vancouver Island, including Howe Sound and as far 
north as Comox. The Trust Area is a unique and special place 
composed of 13 major islands and more than 450 smaller 
islands, with an exceptional variety of species of birds, fish, 
wildlife and vegetation. The Islands Trust Area map to the left 
shows you the largest islands we are responsible for.  
  
In 1974, the provincial government formally recognized the 
Islands Trust Area as an area of provincial significance, which required special protection from development 
pressures. The Islands Trust Act established the Islands Trust as a unique land use planning agency, acting 
for both the residents of the Trust Area and the province generally, and having a special conservation-
oriented responsibility. The Islands Trust Act directs that we preserve and protect the area in cooperation 
with others.  
 
Each island in the Trust Area possesses its own unique history of food production and harvesting. There is a 
rich history of First Nations food production, while one hundred and fifty year old homesteads and farms 
indicate that food production was, and continues to be, an important way of settler life and source of island 
culture.

May 25, 2018 
Chair, Provincial Agricultural Land Commission 
Page 2 
 
 
 
In the early to mid- twentieth century, parts of the Trust Area served as net exporters of produce to 
Vancouver Island and the lower mainland. While volumes have deceased, many islands continue to have 
vibrant farming communities, demonstrated by the number of farmer’s institutes, agricultural halls, thriving 
farmer’s markets and harvest festivals. With the resurgence of interest in local food systems, these 
community-scale, ag

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