Dinsdale Farm & the Threat to Agricultural Land: MacGregor’s Silence on Habitat Restoration Concerns
The Dinsdale Farm, a productive 70-hectare property supporting three local farms, was sold to Ducks Unlimited and the Nature Trust under the condition that it remains agricultural land. However, a $3 million federally and provincially backed project now threatens to remove the protective dykes and revert the land into a salt marsh.
This plan not only endangers viable farmland but also jeopardizes the habitat of over 200 bird species that benefit from freshwater swales created by Ducks Unlimited. Local residents have raised concerns about increased flood risks and the apparent violation of the original sales agreement. Yet, instead of standing up for farmers and food security, MP Alistair MacGregor has remained silent, allowing the project to move forward unchecked.
The Risks of Altering Dykes
The broader initiative to alter flood protection measures in the Cowichan River area poses a serious threat to local agriculture. While environmental restoration aims to enhance natural habitats, the consequences for farming cannot be ignored. Removing or modifying dykes could lead to widespread flooding, disrupting farm operations and threatening food security in the region.
Food Security vs. Environmental Restoration
Protecting biodiversity is important, but it must be balanced with safeguarding food production and local jobs. The Cowichan Valley is an agricultural hub, and undermining its flood protection infrastructure presents yet another obstacle to the livelihoods of farmers.
Increased flooding not only disrupts local food production but also drives up costs for Canadians.
The NDP’s Failure to Defend Farmers
Alistair MacGregor and the NDP have been notably absent in this fight, offering little support to local farmers facing the loss of productive land. Their pattern of prioritizing environmental policies over agricultural sustainability highlights a growing disconnect between the NDP and the realities faced by working Canadians in the farming sector.
The Conservative Commitment to Agriculture
The Conservative Party believes in a balanced approach—one that protects both the environment and the agricultural sector. We are committed to ensuring that flood mitigation strategies and habitat restoration efforts do not come at the cost of food security and economic stability. We will continue to advocate for policies that defend our farmers, protect farmland, and support a sustainable future for all Canadians.