PETITION UPDATE

An Update for Our Amazing Supporters

To everyone who has signed our petition, shared our story, and stood behind our little farm—thank you. Your encouragement has kept us going through what has been a very long and, at times, incredibly discouraging process.

Many of you have been asking for an update, so we wanted to let you know where things currently stand with our Development Variance Permit (DVP) application with the Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD).

For those who are new to our story, our goat house and chicken coop have been in their current location for six years without incident. They provide our goats with a safe place to shelter from predators for less than eight hours a day and a secure place for our goats and chickens to rest and, in the case of our goats, give birth. These are not large commercial buildings—they are simple agricultural structures that are essential to the welfare of our animals.

This process began after a complaint was made to the FVRD by a neighbour who had originally given us permission for the placement of structures but later filed a complaint following a personal dispute. Once the complaint was made, the FVRD was required to investigate and address a restrictive covenant that has existed on our properties within the subdivision since the subdivision was created many years ago.

We approached this process in good faith and were prepared to do what was reasonably necessary to resolve the matter.

Following discussions with a geotechnical engineer, the proposed plan was for a site visit and a technical memo confirming that our existing structures could remain where they are because they present no environmental impact. This was to be at a cost of 5,000-7,000 dollars, then the legal land survey cost and there was no guarentee that it would be supported by the FVRD to take forward to the Board with the DVP application. 

Instead, we were informed that a full geotechnical assessment of the entire subdivision would be required—not just our property. The estimated cost for this work alone is between $15,000 and $25,000, before accounting for the legal fees required to discharge the existing covenant, draft and register a replacement covenant, and complete the legal process before our application could even be presented to the FVRD Board for consideration.

For our family, this is simply not financially possible. We believe these costs are completely disproportionate to the issue being addressed.

After much thought, we have made the difficult decision to move forward with what has become our only realistic option.

We will relocate the goat house and chicken coop to the only available area on our property that falls within the approved building area and can be supported through the Development Variance Permit process.

Ironically, this new location is actually closer to the neighbouring property. It isn't the outcome we wanted, but it is the only affordable path that allows us to continue providing our animals with a safe place to sleep, shelter from wildlife, and raise their young.

Our commitment has always been to responsible animal care. We are not asking for special treatment—only for a practical solution that recognizes the realities of small-scale farming and allows us to continue caring for our animals safely and responsibly.

We still need your support.

As we move forward with our revised Development Variance Permit application, every signature and every shared story continues to matter. Your support demonstrates that our community believes in fair, reasonable decisions and understands the importance of protecting the welfare of animals while supporting responsible rural property owners.

Thank you for believing in us, for believing in our little farm, and for standing with us through this journey. We are hopeful that, with your continued support, we can finally bring this matter to a positive conclusion.