Now, I know what you’re thinking, “What is a Barnston?” Well, at least you’re not alone. Barnston Island is a 1500 acre island located in the middle of the Fraser River that the majority of people in the lower mainland are completely unaware of. Go on Google Earth and look at the huge island in between Surrey and Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows, that’s Barnston Island. Now, I’ll spare you the details, but Barnston is a truly hidden gem in British Columbia. A short ferry ride from Surrey brings you to an agricultural paradise, a forgotten masterpiece that has remained largely untouched over the past century. Home to a number of agricultural businesses, Barnston is at risk. In 2006, the majority of landowners on the island applied to have Barnston Island removed from the Agricultural Land Reserve and made available for industrial development. Although this application was defeated (albeit by the slimest of margins), the island is being bought up piece-by-piece by land holding companies and developers with the intention of applying again within the next 5-6 years.
Now, I’m sure you’re asking “Why should I care?” Well, the population of the lower mainland is growing exponentially and agricultural land in the Fraser Valley is constantly being used to build residential and industrial buildings that people believe is more suited to serve the growing population. This marks the loss of some of the most efficient and useful agricultural soil in Canada. We must protect this land so that future generations are able to feed themselves with food not processed in factories or flown in from thousands of miles away.
This blog will take a truly unique approach to discussing the importance of protecting our farm land for future generations.
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Really interesting – I’ve never heard of Barnston! You raise lots of issues here – for example,…can you tell me more more about the rate of population growth in urban centres across Canada and the trends for the lower mainland and how agricultural land use is declining…what is so special about the agricultural soil in Canada and what is being lost…what has been the effect on the Barston residents of the changes (have there been any positive ones eg getting more for their homes maybe etc)…more broadly you talk about the importance of food produced and distributed locally – can you say more?
Comment by gdover May 20, 2009 @ 10:59 amGreat – you have my attention!
Cheers
Graham
Thanks. I am truly amazed how many people have that same reaction when I bring up the island. I’ve talked to people who have lived in Vancouver for 50 years and have no idea where Barnston is.
Comment by barnston May 26, 2009 @ 2:15 pm