Green roofs for urban farming

MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release
November 10, 2008

Candidate Murdock wants green roofs for urban farming

One of the best places to grow crops in Saanich could be up on the roof, Saanich Council candidate Dean Murdock said.

Murdock says Saanich could introduce rooftop gardens as a suggested amenity under development permit guidelines for large-scale developments.

“It’s an opportunity to re-appropriate some green space in our labyrinth of asphalt,” he said. “Green roofs allow urban residents to grow their own food, and help reduce our carbon footprint.”

In May, the City of Richmond staff recommended to its planning committee that green roofs be a requirement to obtain a building permit for new commercial and industrial developments bigger than 2,000 square metres.

“It’s a great way to provide food security, to ensure we can grow enough food for ourselves,” Murdock said. “It’s a great place for neighbours to meet neighbours. Green spaces and open spaces are increasingly rare in urban settings. Why not put them up on the roof?”

Murdock would also promote local pocket markets for local producers to sell their goods. According to the LifeCycles Project Society, only 10 to 20 percent of the food consumed in our region is grown locally.