Chilliwack Agricultural Commission
The Chilliwack Agricultural Commission is a subsidiary of the Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation (CEPCO). CEPCO is a unique, community-based economic development organization within the City of Chilliwack.
CEPCO's Strategic Plan fully recognizes the significance of agriculture to the economic base of Chilliwack, where agriculture currently represents approximately 30% of Chilliwack's economic activity and agriculture occupies approximately 65% of the land.
In recognition of the significance of agriculture in the Chilliwack economy, CEPCO established the Chilliwack Agricultural Commission with its own Board of Directors, consisting of a large group of stakeholders representing a broad, diverse cross-section of agricultural interests in the community.
Mandate
The Chilliwack Agricultural Commission's mandate is to encourage the establishment of Chilliwack as a center of excellence in agriculture by means of implementing an agricultural strategy that facilitates a diverse and sustainable agricultural sector.
Objectives
The Chilliwack Agricultural Commission's objectives are as follows:
- to educate and raise awareness as to the importance of agriculture to the community and economy;
- to work with existing businesses through business retention and expansion programs;
- to attract agricultural related businesses to the community;
- to enhance agricultural education opportunities by working with community stakeholders;
- to ensure the sustainability of the agricultural sector.
Committees
- Public Awareness Committee
- Education Committee
- Projects Committee
- Chilliwack Agricultural Area Plan Implementation Committee
Chilliwack Agricultural Commission Board of Directors
Walter Dyck, Chair
Sprucewood Farms
Peter Awram
Honeyview Farm
Jacqueline Boer
Elmido Farms
John Bruinsma
Chilliwack Corn Maze
Chris Byra
Greenbelt Veterinary Services
John English
University of the Fraser Valley
Trades and Technology Centre
Walter Esau
Royal Lepage Wheeler Cheam Realty
Ken Huttema
Councillor, City of Chilliwack
Alistair Johnston
Sandel Foods
Tim Loewen
Pine Meadows Tree Farms Ltd.
Jason Lum
Councillor, City of Chilliwack
Kelly O'Brien
Rogers Foods Ltd.
Lorne Owen
Community Futures, South Fraser
Denise Parker
MNP LLP
Steve Saccomano
BMO - Bank of Montreal
Stan Vander Waal
Rainbow Greenhouses
Chris Zabek
Ministry of Agriculture and Lands