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Temporary farm worker housing up for discussion

The District of Lake Country will be looking at developing a bylaw for temporary farm worker housing
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Image Credit: Pixabay

The District of Lake Country is looking into developing a bylaw to regulate temporary farm worker housing.

“There have been issues in the past and Kelowna and the regional district are starting to look into it. So what we want to make sure is that our policies are in line with Kelowna and the regional district,” said councillor Blair Ireland.

Currently, there is no bylaw in Lake Country regulating temporary farm worker housing.

“We just want to make sure that it’s safe. We understand that they’re going to have tents and tent villages but we want to make sure that it’s going to fit in with the neighbours and everyone else,” he said.

The bylaw will benefit both the neighbours and the farmers, said Ireland.

“If you move next to a farm, you have to put up with those things. At the same time, if farmers can mitigate those problems and be good community members we’re all for that. We totally understand that they have to accommodate these people.”

A motion will be discussed during Tuesday night’s regular board meeting to review the ministry’s guide to regulating temporary farm worker housing.

Lake Country has a large number of agricultural properties, which includes wineries.

“I think it’s about 45 per cent agricultural,” said Ireland.