Spring has sprung and for me at least, I think about all the possibilities – the possibility to spend more time outdoors, plant my garden and meet new people.
At the recent urban agriculture meeting that Coun. Gilles Prefontaine held there was great turnout. I met quite a few St Albertans who held the same views as I do. It’s not a new concept that St. Albertans would like to have food that is locally sourced and that perhaps they can grow or even raise themselves. There were two evenings where ‘urban farmers’ came and voiced how they wanted St Albert to develop.
Myself, I would like to see the animal and land use bylaw amended to allow certain species of animals and insects permissible in our backyards. There is something about collecting eggs or honey less than 10 feet from your kitchen.
Attendance at two urban agriculture meetings means approximately 70 St. Albertans have voiced positive opinions about having fowl and honey bees in their backyards. Who wouldn’t want ducks, quail, turkey, geese, pheasants, partridge, pigeons, doves, honey bees, goats, rabbits, pigs or even an ostrich or emu. Like I previously said, spring allows us to imagine endless possibilities.
I would like to invite those interested to voice their opinions with friends or family for five minutes at the St Albert city council meetings. A schedule can be found online. The more voices that express such interests; the sooner our imagination can become reality.
Danielle Kiesman, St. Albert
