Michael is ever the proponent of agriculture in BC and especially in Maple Ridge. today Michael rose to address the role this primary industry has played in his communities history.
Below you will find Michael’s statement in the Legislature on this topic and as always the official version will be posted when available.
2010 Legislative Session: Second Session, 39th Parliament
HOUSE BLUES
This is a DRAFT TRANSCRIPT ONLY of debate in one sitting of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. This transcript is subject to corrections, and will be replaced by the final, official Hansard report. Use of this transcript, other than in the legislative precinct, is not protected by parliamentary privilege, and public attribution of any of the debate as transcribed here could entail legal liability.
DEBATES OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
(HANSARD)
HOUSE BLUES
WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 2010
Afternoon Sitting
WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 2010
Statements
(Standing Order 25B)
AGRICULTURE IN
MAPLE RIDGE–PITT MEADOWS AREA
M. Sather: Agriculture has been a mainstay in Maple Ridge for over 130 years. Three families in particular hold a special place in the history of agriculture in my community. William and Amanda Hampton and John and Mary Laity arrived in Maple Ridge by riverboat from New Westminster in 1879. John Laity paid a dollar per acre for his land, which he asserted was an outrageous price. He only agreed to it because of the fabulous view of the Golden Ears mountains. [DRAFT TRANSCRIPT ONLY]
The two families began farming next to each other, and their descendants, some six generations later, continue to farm the same land today. Residents and visitors alike were treated to the delightful scene of Bill Hampton working his horses in his fields until he passed away recently. Today Bill Hampton’s sons run a Jersey cow dairy, while their neighbours Paul and Matt Laity run a Holstein dairy herd. Heather and Don Laity, to the south of them, farm the famous pumpkin patch. [DRAFT TRANSCRIPT ONLY]
Just down the road from the Hamptons and the Laitys is the Davison farm. The Davisons have been farming their property since 1902. The Davisons also have a Jersey dairy herd as well as a cedar hedging business. Kerry Davison is planning to develop an artisan cheese processing plant and shop on their property. [DRAFT TRANSCRIPT ONLY]
Agriculture is thriving in Maple Ridge, but there is a cloud on the horizon. There’s currently an application to convert over 200 acres of prime agricultural land adjacent to the Hampton and Laity farms to an industrial park and associated uses. If accepted, this proposal would spawn more removal applications from the area. This would jeopardize the wonderful farm families in northwest Maple Ridge and adjacent Pitt Meadows. [DRAFT TRANSCRIPT ONLY]
As a former member of this House, Val Roddick, frequently reminded us, we all have to eat to live. Let’s remember that, and all of us do what we can to protect agriculture and farming families. [DRAFT TRANSCRIPT ONLY]
