Our Partners – Lower Mainland Region

Glen Valley Artichoke Farm

The Land Conservancy’s Lower Mainland Region is in the southwest corner of B.C., and includes Fraser Valley, MetroVancouver, Sunshine Coast, and Squamish-Lillooet Regional Districts. This region is characterized by fertile deltas, temperate rainforests, and coastal mountains. Here, the Fraser River – vital for salmon – empties into the Pacific Ocean. The Lower Mainland is home to over 200 red- and blue-listed species at risk and more than 35 federally listed species. It is a major stop-over spot for migrating birds such as Canada Geese, swans as well as many types of ducks and song birds. At higher elevations, bears and other large mammals are common.

The Lower Mainland contains about 4% of B.C. land zoned as Agricultural Land Reserve. This is one of Canada’s most productive farming areas with its rich soils and mild climate (the coast has the longest frost free season in Canada). However, farmland faces intense pressure from urban and industrial development. MetroVancouver is one of the fastest growing regions in Canada, and has over half of the province’s population.

Southwestern B.C. is the most important area in Canada for production of berries. The Fraser Valley accounts for about 21% of all land in B.C. devoted to the production of fruits, berries, and nuts. It also ranks as one of the best regions in the world for milk production. MetroVancouver has nearly 44% of all B.C. land in vegetable production (2006). North, in Squamish-Lillooet, the Pemberton Valley is the main hub for agriculture. This area has the distinction of being the first commercial seed potato area in the world to grow virus-free seed potatoes. 

The Lower Mainland supports three inter-related, competing land uses: ecosystems, farming, and urban/industrial development. In this region, farmers manage land for food production, while protecting natural habitat for the benefit of their business, their community, and the environment. Without farms, urban development would quickly overtake these natural areas.

For example, the Delta Farmland Wildlife Trust is a key organization in Delta working with farmers to improve soil and the environment, and host millions of migratory birds every year. Under their programs, farmers plant grass set-asides (support Townsend’s Voles, song birds, and support farmers in transitioning to organic production); plant cover crops (winter forage for migrating waterfowl); and manage ditches, grass margins and hedgerows for wildlife habitat and to improve the microclimate for crops.

TLC Conservation Partners support the local environment through activities such as providing wildlife habitat; planting and maintaining hedgerows; protecting riparian areas, wetlands, and old growth forest; planting a diversity of crops; and using low-input or organic farm practices.

TLC Conservation Partners – Lower Mainland Region