Temporary Housing Bylaw Contemplated

The District of Coldstream is trying to decide if a temporary farm workers housing bylaw is necessary in their municipality.

Coral Beach Farms cherry orchard would like to set up Atco trailers for temporary housing for about 150 workers for their harvest.

Nearby residents are opposed and want a bylaw restricting the number and size of temporary camps.

Mayor Jim Garlick says a variance was applied to cover such an operation.

“It was a single building taking up a smaller foot print and maybe better quality, something like Atco trailers, something we use in the construction industry in Canada that would be used on the farm.”

The variance permit was denied but Garlick says there is no bylaw in place restricting the size of such operations yet….but one may have to be looked at.

“No change in the zoning bylaw has been made yet, so that land owner can apply under the rules as they exist now which allow for the numbers he previously requested.”

Garlick says council must examine the situation and decide if a bylaw is required for temporary camps.

“Through mechanization farmers, orchardists and such have been able to reduce their risks weather wise and in doing that it causes more disruptions for surrounding properties. We have to look at is it agricultural land or is it residential land and large lots.”

Garlick points out Kelowna has a policy but no bylaw restricting the size of temporary worker accommodations but at the moment Coldstream has no applications active on file.