The Kwantlen, Katzie, and Semiahmoo First Nations recently called for 300 acres of traditional, unceded territory in Campbell Heights to be returned to them. This announcement impacts the Heppell family, who have farmed 220 acres of this land for over 50 years. They lease it from the federal government.
The Heppell Family’s Farming Legacy
The Heppell family battles food insecurity through “Ugly Potato Days” events. They farm land at 192 Street and 36 Avenue. In July 2022, the City of Surrey supported redesignating this land as ‘Agricultural’ in its Official Community Plan. This sparked community interest in preserving it.
Economic Reconciliation vs. Farmland Preservation
Tyler Heppell acknowledges economic reconciliation’s importance but worries about losing prime farmland. “It’s great they’re pursuing economic reconciliation, but paving over the best farmland in B.C. isn’t the way,” he said. Tyler highlighted the land’s role in producing early-season crops for Western Canada. This reduces reliance on imported produce and lowers the carbon footprint.
Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) Involvement
The Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) held a public hearing in January 2023. They discussed including these properties in the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR). The hearing saw 395 submissions, with most supporting the proposal. However, the ALC didn’t know the land was under negotiation between the federal government and the First Nations. Given the ongoing negotiations, the ALC decided not to include the land in the ALR at this time.
Federal Government’s Role
This land is the last large piece of federal Crown land in the KKS territory. The federal government, through Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada (ISED), is divesting the property. This involves engaging with federal, provincial, municipal, and First Nations governments to solicit proposals for the land’s potential uses.
The Importance of the Land
Tyler Heppell emphasized the land’s agricultural value. He called it a “little piece of California here in B.C.” He worries that if the land is lost to industrial use, it could never be replaced. Tyler urges the federal government to find a solution that honors both reconciliation and food security.
Community and Political Response
Surrey South MLA Elenore Sturko emphasized the need to preserve the land for agricultural use. She highlighted the growing issue of food security. Sturko believes both economic reconciliation and food security should be prioritized.
Semiahmoo First Nation Chief Harley Chappell clarified that the land discussions were between the Crown lands and the First Nations. He said it wasn’t about food security or farming. The exact plans for the land will be determined after negotiations with the federal government.
Conclusion
The Heppell family continues to advocate for the land’s preservation for agricultural use. They hope to find a solution that supports both economic reconciliation and food security. This ensures the land remains a vital resource for local food production.
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