OFA provided the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, the Hon. Graydon Smith, with feedback and agricultural perspectives on the proposed creation of Urban Provincial Parks.

OFA emphasized the importance of not only maintaining agricultural land but also prioritizing its protection and consideration in these types of projects. OFA believes that in prime agricultural areas, the only permitted uses should be agricultural uses, agriculture-related uses, on-farm diversified uses compatible with the surrounding agricultural operations and home-based businesses.

In the consideration for the creation of urban provincial parks, we would like to emphasize that in prime agricultural areas, recreational uses should be prohibited. We define “recreational uses” as conservation areas, Provincial Parks, public parks, golf courses and amusement parks. As such, OFA would like to see the clear consideration of prime agricultural areas and the avoidance of their inclusion within Provincial Parks.

OFA requested clear and explicit consideration for agricultural land, operations, and community in the proposed creation of Urban Provincial Parks and their subsequent consultation processes.