Dear Editor,
Richmond farmland owners are passionately dedicated to the agricultural integrity of the place we call home, and are committed to the sustainable and pragmatic stewardship of both Richmond’s farmland, and its farmers.
Some have expressed their concern about large homes that have recently been built or are under construction, and we shared their concern.
That is why just six months ago, the Richmond Farmland Owners’ Association worked with city council, pioneer farming families and local community groups to create new policies regarding house sizes on our farmland. These new “Made in Richmond” regulations were evidence-based, pragmatic, and practical, assuring that farming in Richmond would continue for generations to come.
The new rules mean that on properties of up to 0.5 acres in size, homes of up to 5,382 sq.ft. may be built.
On properties sized greater than 0.75 acres, the maximum home size cannot exceed 10,763 sq.ft.
Under the modified regulations, there has been a 32 per cent reduction in home size.
This is clear evidence that the current bylaws are working. Now, barely six months after this updated policy came into effect, we are finding ourselves once again being targeting by individuals who unfortunately do not understand our farming community.
As Richmond farmers, we do not support the construction of mega mansions on our farmlands. The new rules we worked to create with Richmond City Council will ensure the preservation of our farms and the Richmond farming community for generations to come.
Humraj Kallu
Richmond Farmland
Owners’ Association
