Agriculture is deeply woven into Delta’s community identity and vital to our local economy. It’s both a valued part of our heritage and a pathway to future success, as the city continues to strengthen farming in Delta through agricultural planning and bold infrastructure investments.
Part of this planning for the future involves ensuring our bylaws keep pace with the times. After completing an Agricultural Plan in 2023, the city began updating the Agricultural 1 (A1) Zone in the Delta Zoning Bylaw to align the city’s regulations with those that apply in the provincial Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR). Under this A1 Zone, general agricultural land represents nearly half of Delta’s land base.
The updated zoning regulations empower farmers with greater ability to make decisions about their own land, while also increasing economic opportunities on local farms. For example, the changes include more flexibility around housing, allowing secondary suites and small detached units like coach houses and garden suites. This will help provide needed housing for multi-generational farming families, farm workers, and other Delta residents.
The agricultural zoning updates also create new opportunities for agri-tourism like farm tours, hayrides, winery tours, and other activities that promote agriculture and allow the public to interact with farms. Distilleries, breweries, cideries, and wineries are also allowed with larger food and beverage service areas.
In sync with ALR regulations, these updates allow farmers to diversify their operations, while maintaining a priority focus on farming.
In addition to planning, Delta has made further investments to support local farmers, such as building irrigation infrastructure to help our farms face a changing climate.
In late 2023, Delta received a $2 million grant from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food that is administered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation, which was matched with $2 million from the city. This funding supports the construction of the West Ladner Irrigation Pump Station, upgrades along the South Fraser Perimeter Road irrigation canal, and upgrades to conveyance capacity under Ladner Trunk Road at 72 Street.
Through regular meetings with farmers, the city was able to identify and prioritize the irrigation needs of the farming community.
More recently, Delta undertook an innovative pilot project by connecting an existing gravity outfall further up the Fraser River (less tidal/saltwater impacts) to the main irrigation channel on 80 Street. The pilot project has proven successful and in future this intake location can potentially supplement the current water supply in late summer months, showcasing Delta’s forward-thinking approach.
Delta also obtained a $135,000 grant from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food to further study irrigation improvements, helping ensure the continued success of Delta’s local farming community despite changing conditions.
Without agriculture, Delta simply would not be the thriving city it is today. Supporting this vital industry, and the people who depend on it, remains a priority, and the city will continue to explore innovative solutions to grow our farming community for years to come.
