Belleville is looking at ways to include tourism with an agricultural twist in its zoning by-laws.
On Monday night, the Planning Committee received a staff report indicating a public interest in recreational opportunities involving agriculture.
The report says this would also provide a secondary source of income for farmers and growers.
The tourism component would be secondary to farming.
Such use could include accommodations such as bed and breakfast in a farm dwelling, retail farm produce outlets and special events related to the business of agriculture but of a temporary nature.
Committee member Councillor Ryan Williams commented that “this is very forward thinking.”
Williams said there is a a strong rural component in the city and “anything that will improve agriculture is great.”
The staff report emphasizes that the Quinte region supports a strong tourism industry and the city is in a position to benefit from this opportunity.
A recommendation will be brought to the next planning meeting and may go on to council in June.
