I think the Province should…

I think the Province should strongly reconsider opening the door to non-farm lot creation in prime agricultural areas. This practice was utilized pre-1990 for "retirement lots" for farmers which has proved to only be problematic and a nightmare for farmers looking to expand livestock facilities, and create issues with land use combability. There was a reason this was eliminated as it has already proven to not work. Once these lots are created, it is never undone. Continue on with allowing additional dwelling units on farms, in close proximity to the other dwellings to minimize land use compatibility issues.

Instead, focus on setting a maximum lot area for which a lot could qualify for severance. For instance, there are several 2-10 acre parcels on which farming is not a land use at all, and there is effectively 9 acres of grass, but current policy framework would not allow these lands to be divided. A 100 acre farm should not be further fragmented. Focus on what is already existing and not already a viable farm operation. It is not taking any land out of production and the MDS impacts are already there.