YELLOWKNIFE (October 20, 2017) – The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) has signed an agreement with the Northwest Territories Association of Communities (NWTAC) to develop backyard agriculture by-laws.
The by-laws, which address beekeeping and the raising of chickens and goats, will be made available to Northwest Territories municipalities to be tailored to reflect specific community needs.
Policy development is a crucial step in advancing the agriculture sector, transitioning to commercial enterprises, and implementing the NWT Agriculture Strategy. The planned collaboration was formalized at the NWT Agriculture Conference, hosted in Hay River October 13 -15, 2017.
Quote:
“As the agriculture sector in our North grows, our communities are keen to advance local farming and food growing initiatives. This policy development is a crucial step in guiding grassroots agriculture in our territory and supporting the transition to commercial enterprises while protecting public trust and public safety.”
-Wally Schumann, Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment
Quick Facts:
- In 2016, there were 23 communities with Community Gardens and 19 communities with Community Greenhouses.
- The GNWT (and its partners) invested $1.2 million in developing our Agriculture sector in 2016/17.
Relevant Links:
Media Contact:
Drew Williams
Manager, Public Affairs
Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment
Phone: 867-767-9202 ext. 63037
Email: drew_williams@gov.nt.ca