Approved by Council in 2016, the Urban Agriculture Strategy (20.7 MB) is the first of six strategies to be developed in support of the Agriculture Master Plan. (9.1 MB)
Urban agriculture can include growing fruits, herbs and vegetables, creating and improving pollinator habitats, or raising animals. The vision is for urban agriculture to be easily accessed and seen in Strathcona County; it contributes to creating a healthy, livable community by helping to grow food, relationships and the economy in our community.
Through the focus areas, the County looks to create opportunities to promote a healthy lifestyle, support community connections and empower residents to learn new skills and pursue entrepreneurial opportunities.
Community gardens -Â Active program
Community gardening is the practice of growing and raising food in a shared garden space. Â Visit our community gardens webpage to learn more.
Public agriculture and edible landscaping - Active program
Public agriculture refers to food grown in public spaces of a town or city, managed by various groups. The food is grown for everyone. Visit our edible plants webpage to learn more.
School agriculture program - Active program
School agriculture programs take many forms: classroom garden, growing demonstrations, community gardens, horticultural training gardens or greenhouses, vertical growing hydroponic and aquaponic systems, among others. Visit our school garden program webpage to learn more.
Education and coordination - Active program
Education and coordination of action will be critical to build momentum, maintain direction, and realizing a full return on invested public and private resources.
Urban livestock - Active program
The Urban Agriculture Strategy included engagement to help inform recommendations on the Animal Control Bylaw update.
Home gardens - Active program
A home garden is a small area of land or raised bed used for growing food on or around a house or apartment complex.
Urban farms - Estimated start date: TBD
Urban farming is the commercial practice of growing and raising food within urban boundaries. Urban farms can take on different shapes and sizes such as sea cans and high rise buildings.
The strategy was informed by best practice research and public engagement with residents.
Resident interest was one of the main factors that determined the schedule. Community gardens had the greatest interest, so that program was launched first. Future program areas are scheduled based on resident and community interest, as well as available resources.
Urban agriculture programs and projects, such as community gardens and edible landscapes, can be found on County-owned land in urban and rural hamlets. Visit the urban agriculture map to see all the growing projects in the County.
No. Backyard bees were not recommended in the Urban Agriculture Strategy; however, planned actions include demonstration beehives operated by professional beekeepers in low traffic urban areas.
No. In May 2017, Strathcona County completed a review of local impacts of an urban chicken pilot program and determined it is not suitable for the needs of our specialized community.
Further information:
Planning and Development Services Phone: 780-464-8080 Email: agricultureandenvironment@strathcona.ca Submit an inquiry about urban agriculture
Last updated: Thursday, November 27, 2025 Page ID: 48962