Background
----
As currently aligned by Translink, the Golden Ears Bridge Connector (Abernethy Connector) will run through an interior portion of Formosa Farm, owned and operated by the Wu family. This farm is the only certified organic blueberry farm in Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows. Certification takes a number of years to attain and is not transferable from one parcel of land to another. The proposed road will cut off a significant acreage from the remainder of the farm. There appear to be alternative routes, also on the property, that would reduce the impact on the farming operation. Pitt Meadows Council voted to open up the discussion with Translink. On Tuesday, October 10, the Maple Ridge Council voted not to support Mr. Wu's application to Translink to have the alignment rearranged.
Issue
----
Agriculture and agricultural lands are important to the Maple Ridge economy and environment. Maple Ridge Council should support the most viable option for the Formosa farm and the public highway in the public's full interest.
Action Item
----
The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Environmental Council (MRPMEC), representing the consensus of the member organizations listed below, calls upon the Council of the Corporation of the District of Maple Ridge to reconsider the effect of the proposed Golden Ears Bridge Connector (Abernethy Connector) on the Formosa Farm, and the consequent effect on agriculture in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, and to fully support the application of Mr. Wu to mitigate these effects by realigning the proposed connector to the periphery of the property. This request is made in the interests of sustaining and promoting environmentally friendly agricultural practices in the Districts, in sustaining a legitimate agro-business in the Districts, and retaining the viability of agricultural land in the ALR.
MRPMEC Organizations
Adopt-A-Block
Alouette Field Naturalists
Alouette River Management Society (ARMS)
Blue Mountain Kanaka Creek Conservation Group
Campaign for Pesticide Reduction! Maple Ridge (CPR!MR)
CEED Centre Society
Haney Horsemen Association
Kanaka Education and Environmental Partnership Society (KEEPS)
Pitt Polder Preservation Society
Residents for the Preservation of Thornhill
Silver Valley Neighbourhood Association
Thornhill Aquifer Protection Study (TAPS)
October 16, 2006
Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Environmental Council
Spokesperson: Tel: 604-463-2229 Fax: 604-463-4640 [email protected]