Council started the Agribusiness and Agritourism Review to look at how to best support and grow local agribusiness and agritourism in the County.

Council passed the diversified agriculture bylaw on Nov. 15. This means the County’s Land Use Bylaw now has clear rules guiding the development of land and buildings for agribusiness and agritourism operations.

The bylaw is based on the recommendations of the Agribusiness and Agritourism Review Task Force, a community task force that includes members of the public with experience and expertise in agribusiness and agritourism, in addition to public input shared at two public hearings and regulatory best practices.

Agricultural producers and other landowners can expand and diversify their revenue sources through agribusiness and agritourism activities.

Sturgeon County’s Land Use Bylaw outlines the rules for developing land and buildings for agribusiness and agritourism operations.

Property owners can apply to operate a diversified agriculture operation on agricultural land. They can also apply to host experiences and events related to farming or farm life, such as farm-to-table dinners or corn mazes.

To operate a more intensive agricultural operation or event venue, landowners must first apply to have their land redistricted to a new land use (AG2) that supports more intensive agricultural uses. This application requires Council approval.