CRD Urgently Seeks Operator for New Central Saanich Farm

UPDATE: The Capital Regional District (CRD) is urgently seeking an experienced farm site operator to manage a groundbreaking new agricultural project in Central Saanich. This initiative aims to significantly bolster food security in the region, with a deadline for operator proposals set for August 29, 2025.

On February 12, 2025, the CRD board adopted the innovative Foodlands Access Service bylaw, designed to facilitate affordable access to productive farmland for new and expanding farmers. “The service addresses concerns over the rising cost of farmland,” stated Andy Orr, senior manager of corporate communications for the CRD.

One of the first projects under this service will be a five-year farming pilot study at Bear Hill Regional Park, a currently unused plot of land designated as Agricultural Land Reserve. This initiative marks a significant step forward in making farming accessible, especially as the average age of farmers in the region approaches 60.

The CRD is committed to this transformative journey, with plans for the first farmers to begin planting by summer 2026. “By early next year, we aim to welcome our first farmers on site,” said Patrick Klassen, senior manager of regional planning and transportation. “We will monitor and provide updates as the project progresses.”

The budget for the first year of the Bear Hill project is estimated at $320,000. This funding will support a grant program aimed at incentivizing partnerships between private landowners and aspiring farmers, making long-term land leases more accessible.

In a move to foster a new generation of farmers, the CRD is also developing criteria for selecting farmers, to be established after the farm site operator is hired. The urgency of this initiative highlights the pressing need to address food security and the barriers created by high land costs in the region.

Proposals for the farm site operator are being accepted until 4 p.m. on August 29, 2025. This pivotal role will not only oversee the operational management of the Bear Hill Foodlands project but also develop the criteria for farmer selection, setting the stage for what promises to be a vital contribution to local agriculture.

As the CRD embarks on this ambitious project, its impacts will be closely watched by the community and stakeholders alike. This initiative is not just about farming; it represents a transformative approach to food security and sustainable agriculture in Central Saanich. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.