The Town of Clarenville says there are no plans to limit urban agriculture in the residential zones of the town to root crops only.
The town issued the clarification after a resident told VOCM Open Line that the town’s new Municipal Plan and Development Regulations limit backyard farmers to root crops only. That understanding stemmed from what the town admits was an error in its municipal plan.
The Town of Clarenville says the proposed Municipal Plan and Development regulations state that Urban Agriculture can take many shapes and can be found in parks and public spaces, community gardens, backyards, and even decks and balconies, including the growing of fruits and vegetables.
Council says it recognizes the need for residents to grow food on their properties and it has no intention to ban urban agriculture. The town does acknowledge that it is unfortunate that the words “root crops” were used on page 106 of the plan to refer to “crops”. In a statement issued to VOCM News, the town says the reference should have read “fruit and vegetable crops” and the municipal plan’s definition of urban agriculture clearly identifies all types of food crops.
The proposed Municipal Plan is open to the public for a 30-day period for review and to provide suggestions. Council is encouraging residents to provide input in writing ad send it to info@clarenville.net.