14 Maple Ridge writing new


soil deposit bylaw Farmers may face less onerous rules for small jobs


by RONDA PAYNE


MAPLE RIDGE – Regular field maintenance could be less of a hassle for Maple Ridge farmers this year if city council approves proposed changes to the city’s soil deposit bylaw.


Mike Pym, environmental


technician responsible for soil deposit permit applications and enforcement with the city, says the changes proposed to the bylaw reflect the concerns residents have raised through the years. “The current soil deposit bylaw was adopted in 1999,” he says. “The city has received


concerns and complaints regarding the deposit of soil for permitted and non- permitted sites. Concerns are often for agricultural lands.” Construction debris, drainage, road impact, road safety, dirty roads, noxious and invasive weeds, contaminated deposits and


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general impact to the farm potential of agricultural lands are among the concerns, according to Pym.


Many of the complaints have nothing to do with farm land, but Pym says the bylaw will protect arable land from the risks.


“We want to work with people to bring in fill where needed … but also want to be sure that we protect the interests of [others].” Pym calls the process a balancing act, noting that the city recognizes many different considerations when it comes to farming and soil deposits. Public consultations considered various options to address public concerns. Pym notes the feedback has ranged from those who think there should be little to no input from the city to those looking for greater regulation. The draft bylaw that was scheduled to come before council in December takes feedback from a September open house and associated questionnaire into account. Council may decide to offer soil permits according to project levels. This could ensure that farmers adding topsoil to fields in small to moderate amounts will find it easier and cheaper than someone looking to add a metre or more to a site. Additionally, a soil deposit volume fee may be


implemented to address road impacts and the refundable security deposit currently in place may be increased to reflect the size of the project and provide funds in case the


city needs to complete the work.


The proposed bylaw


reflects three principles noted on the questionnaire: • A balanced approach: The bylaw should provide a balance between the use and enjoyment of private property while addressing the need to avoid or manage impacts to neighbouring properties and to city lands and infrastructure where possible.


• Reasonable cost: The bylaw should not impose an unreasonable financial burden on property owners or on the city in administering the bylaw or in dealing with soil deposit impacts. • Simplicity and


effectiveness: The bylaw should be easily


understood and capable of effective management and enforcement. “We are trying to get


people out of non-compliance … hoping to make things easier,” Pym says. “We are still working through some of the items. The current bylaw doesn’t have a lot of rules.” A second open house will likely take place in February, allowing for further public input before the bylaw goes to a vote. Pym expects council to give the draft bylaw final reading and vote on its adoption by the end of March.


Agricultural landowners and tenants in Maple Ridge can stay abreast of the bylaw process at [https://www.maple ridge.ca/152/Planning].


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