Fresh Food in the City

October 01, 2012

Draft food and urban agriculture strategy now available

The draft City Wide Food and Urban Agriculture Strategy is now available for public review. Interested citizens can go to edmonton.ca/foodandag to download the strategy and related materials.

“Considerable research, consultation, discussion, and analysis have gone into drafting this strategy,” says Aaron Falkenberg, chair of the Food and Urban Agriculture Advisory Committee that has been responsible for the development of the draft strategy. The Advisory Committee is comprised of a diverse range of stakeholders and experts in agriculture, food systems, economic and community development, and land development.

“It has been an exciting and valuable opportunity to work on a strategy that positions Edmonton to develop a sustainable and resilient food system,” says Falkenberg.

“The City of Edmonton, through The Way We Grow and other municipal plans, recognizes that food and urban agriculture is a factor to be considered in its future planning and community development.” says Peter Ohm, Branch Manager of Urban Planning and Environment. “The scope and scale of this Strategy is focused at the local level and on what the City of Edmonton can achieve within its jurisdiction together with a range of public, private and community partnerships.”

Materials now available for public review are:

• Draft City Wide Food and Urban Agriculture Strategy
• Agricultural Inventory and Assessment Report
• Local Food Opportunities Report
• Consultation Reports
  • Public Opinion Survey Report
  • Landowner Survey Report
  • Stakeholder Group Summary – Round 1
  • Stakeholder Group Summary – Round 2
  • Citizen Panel Report

In addition to the online access, highlights of the draft strategy will also be available at Open Houses being held October 3 & 4, 2012.

Date: Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Time: 10 am – 8 pm
Location: City Hall
 
Date: Thursday, October 4, 2012
Time: 4 – 8 pm
Location: TransAlta Arts Barns, 10330-84 Avenue

Citizens will also have an opportunity to share their views with City Council about the draft strategy at a Special Executive Committee Non-statutory Public Hearing on Friday, October 26, 2012. Citizens who wish to speak can register in advance online (edmonton.ca/meetings) and by phone (780-496-8178), or in person the day of the meeting.

“Food and agriculture matter greatly to Edmontonians, and we are confident that this draft strategy respects the wide ranging ideas and interests in our community,” says Falkenberg. “We look forward to the continuing dialogue in the weeks to come.”

All materials related to the food and agriculture project are available at edmonton.ca/foodandag.

For more information:

John Pater

Communications

Telephone	780-496-8196 780-405-1669 (cell)
Email	john.pater@edmonton.ca