Development threatens decades-old urban farm

A strawberry farm, located in urban Fredericton is at risk of being shut down if the city decides to enforce zoning laws for the residentially-located farm.

Roughly 3,000 supporters have signed a petition and joined a Facebook group devoted to saving Sunset Berry U-Pick and the adjacent forest and wetland located on Fredericton's north side.

This month, city council will consider zoning that could protect the strawberry field,but the decision could go either way.The city's own planning advisory committee has voted against the idea.

Through a lease agreement, the city has allowed David Walker to run his u-pick on a year-to-year basis.

Last fall, things changed. The city called for development proposals for some of the area. Residents, likeRita Monteith,are supporting the urban farm.

"I think when the city realizes how important it is for us we may have a chance of keeping it as our park on the north side," said Monteith.

Deputy MayorStephen Chase said the city would lose nearly $1 million in tax revenue if housing developments are blocked.

"Is this fiscally prudent you know for the taxpayers of Fredericton? I submit zoning the whole piece of property either open space and agricultural doesn't really meet that test," he said.

Chase said there could be a compromise on the zoning application.

Part of the property could be zoned residential, and part for parks and recreation. But that solution would leave the strawberry fields without the protection.

Theissuewill gobefore council on Monday with a final vote onSept. 24.