Residents near Terrace, B.C., fear a proposed zoning bylaw could restrict farming, livestock, beekeeping, and home businesses on rural properties.
Residents in several rural communities near Terrace, B.C., are voicing strong concerns over a proposed zoning bylaw that they believe could dramatically change how they live, farm, and manage their properties.
While local officials say the update is linked to provincial housing requirements, many residents argue the proposal reaches far beyond housing and into everyday rural life.
Proposed Bylaw Sparks Growing Opposition
A draft zoning bylaw introduced by the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine has triggered widespread debate across Electoral Area C. The proposed rules would affect communities including Rosswood, Usk, Jackpine Flats, and other rural areas surrounding Terrace.
Officials say part of the process stems from Bill 44, provincial legislation aimed at increasing housing options across British Columbia. However, critics insist the bylaw contains regulations that extend well beyond housing development.
As a result, many rural property owners now worry about potential limits on livestock, poultry, beekeeping, home-based agriculture, storage practices, and small businesses.
Residents Fear Loss of Rural Freedom
For Rosswood resident Ric Bennett, the issue is about preserving the lifestyle that draws people to rural communities in the first place.
Bennett, who keeps chickens and bees on his 80-acre property and has previously raised pigs, says many residents moved outside municipal boundaries to enjoy greater independence and fewer regulations.
According to the draft bylaw, an “animal unit” formula would determine how many animals property owners could keep. The proposal also outlines rules for shipping containers, outdoor storage, agricultural activities, and home-operated businesses.
Bennett believes these changes could alter the character of rural living.
Many residents, he says, prefer solving problems directly with neighbours rather than relying on formal complaints or enforcement officers.
First-Ever Zoning Rules for Rosswood
Rosswood currently operates without zoning regulations. Therefore, if approved, the bylaw would introduce land-use restrictions to the community for the first time.
Bennett has helped organize opposition efforts and launched a petition that has reportedly attracted more than 700 signatures.
Residents supporting the petition argue that new regulations could create unnecessary bureaucracy and increase neighbour-to-neighbour disputes.
Poultry Limits Raise Food Security Concerns
In Usk, resident Matthew Hidasi worries the proposed rules could affect his family’s ability to produce food at home.
Each year, his family raises approximately 50 meat chickens. That amount provides a steady supply of homegrown poultry throughout the year.
However, Hidasi believes the proposed animal limits could reduce the number of birds allowed on his property to roughly 21 or 22 at one time. He also fears restrictions on processing poultry at home.
As a result, he says families may face difficult choices about producing their own food or relying more heavily on grocery stores.
Hidasi argues that rural residents should not face urban-style restrictions when they do not receive the same level of municipal services.
Beekeepers Question Hive Restrictions
The draft bylaw has also attracted criticism from local beekeepers.
Jackpine Flats resident Terry McRobb currently manages five beehives inside a bear-resistant electrified enclosure. He had hoped to expand his operation to nine hives.
Under the proposed regulations, a four-hive limit could be imposed on some properties.
McRobb says the restriction does not reflect how bees naturally behave. Bees often travel several kilometres while foraging and routinely cross property lines as they pollinate plants throughout an area.
Because of that, he believes education, proper hive management, and existing provincial registration requirements would be more effective than strict hive caps.
Regional District Says Feedback Matters
Despite growing opposition, local officials emphasize that the bylaw remains a draft.
Area C Director Bruce Bidgood says community feedback will play an important role in shaping the final version. The regional district plans to review public comments, present the findings to residents, and host additional public meetings before making any final decisions.
Bidgood stresses that the proposal is still open for discussion and encourages residents to continue sharing their concerns and suggestions.
What Comes Next?
For now, the future of the proposed zoning bylaw remains uncertain.
Nevertheless, one thing is clear: rural residents across northwest British Columbia are paying close attention. As consultations continue, many hope their voices will influence a final bylaw that balances housing goals with the freedoms and traditions that define rural life.
