Cultivating a Greener Tomorrow: Unveiling Our Urban Agriculture Plan
Nov. 16, 2023
Beaumont, AB – The City’s Urban Agriculture Plan, released this week, envisions a community where urban living and agriculture co-exist with boulevard and community gardens, backyard chicken coops and bee hives, and edible landscaping to enhance food security and community health.
The plan, which promotes sustainable agriculture practices within city limits, was received by Council at its Nov. 14 meeting.
“This plan fosters nimble agricultural innovation to empower our community in urban agriculture while preserving Beaumont’s rich agricultural heritage sustainably,” shares Kendra Raymond, Director, Planning and Development.
The plan highlights 12 key actions to support or promote urban agriculture in Beaumont:
1. Hire an Interdisciplinary Plan Coordinator.
2. Establish an Urban Agriculture Committee.
3. Investigate the feasibility and technical requirements for urban bee and hen programs.
4. Create public partnerships to deliver and promote agricultural education and awareness.
5. Update existing policies, plans and bylaws to reflect urban agriculture directives.
6. Create an urban agriculture webpage.
7. Develop an urban agriculture marketing strategy.
8. Coordinate and partner to provide pilot programs.
9. Investigate urban agriculture funding opportunities from higher levels of government.
10. Investigate the feasibility and technical requirements for boulevard-based gardening.
11. Create terms of reference for community gardens.
12. Develop an open space retrofit program for urban agriculture and winter activities.
“The City of Beaumont extends its gratitude to the more than 450 residents and local community groups who contributed to the development of the Urban Agriculture Plan. Their insights and expertise have been invaluable in shaping the plan,” adds Raymond.
The city will move forward any action steps that may be implemented in the short-term, and will report back to Council by the end of the second quarter of 2024.
Residents can view the complete Urban Agriculture Plan on the city’s website.
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Media contact:
Mike Berezowsky
Director, Communications and Marketing
780.243.0458
mike.berezowsky@beaumont.ab.ca