Postings for this project will more likely be weekly, rather than the almost daily posting here, so I’m not expecting much conflict with UrbanWorkbench’s schedule.
Chickens and Goats
With the letter in last week’s paper, conversation around town has been interesting. People who didn’t realize that we had written the letter were asking me what I thought of the idea, people who knew told me of friends and family who are totally in support.
Now if I could just have a few days off to revive…
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I absolutely agree, it is I absolutely agree, it is interesting that gentrified rural centres have a harder time facing the facts than cities of millions of people. Typically, rural areas are hardest hit by gas and food prices, (and shortages of each), as well as things like the Carbon Tax that the Province has just introduced.
We’ll see where this one ends up, I’m sure it’s not the end of the story.
Good job, but it may be a Good job, but it may be a tough sell. Very often those living outside of the lower mainland are sensitive to being perceived as ‘rural’. It is understandable as many in the Vancouver and Victoria area view anyone east of Hope as being from the sticks….
For this reason, I can see many people feeling uncomfortable about permitting chickens, goats, or any other ‘farm’ animal. They may feel that it is a step backwards from moving towards a more ‘urbane’ city.
It is ironic that many large, ‘urbane’ municipalities are beginning to realize that urban agriculture is progressive, and imperative.
Most definitely not the end Most definitely not the end of the story, and the timing seems right. Sustainability is becoming THE topic at all levels of government.
Even in Castlegar where the cost of commuting is not usually an issue, people are starting to realize that the impact of high oil prices is far greater than the cost of filling their car’s gas tank. It is having a significant impact on their cost of living, including the food they put on the table.
The debate this story is generating provides for great public education on urban agriculture. It would be great to see a good farmers market downtown Castlegar. I recently heard that the average visitor to a farmers market stays for over two hours, spending much of their time socializing, having lunch, and visiting nearby businesses. Seems to be what Castlegar’s downtown, which is noticeably vacant on weekends, could really use.
At the least, it seems your proposal will get people thinking about sustainability in general, which is always a good thing!
A Farmer’s Market has been A Farmer’s Market has been suggested for Castlegar, it will be interesting to see where that ends up. Thanks for your thoughts, it’s always a challenge to suggest something that opposes the status quo – but times are changing, and so should we.