Riding families in Greater Vancouver have two worlds to choose from: a riding club in the city, or acreage of their own in the Fraser Valley. Here’s where riders keep horses, and what to know about buying a horse property, much of which sits in the Agricultural Land Reserve, from official sources.
Riding in the city: Southlands
Southlands, on Vancouver’s west side beside the Fraser River, is the city’s riding neighbourhood. The Southlands Riding Club, at 7025 Macdonald Street, has offered facilities, instruction and events since 1943. It also has stabling and a horse rescue and rehabilitation program. It’s a member club; membership categories and dues are set by the club.
The Township of Langley: BC’s horse capital
The Township of Langley has more horses than anywhere else in the province, and calls itself the horse capital of British Columbia. Metro Vancouver’s Campbell Valley Regional Park has about 14 kilometres of trails shared by riders and walkers, plus an equestrian centre with cross-country courses, practice jumps, a riding ring, a barn and trailer parking. Some parts close in very wet weather.
Buying a horse property in the Agricultural Land Reserve
Much of the Fraser Valley’s acreage is in the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR), where the Agricultural Land Commission’s rules apply alongside local zoning.
Horses
Under the ALR Use Regulation, riding, training and boarding horses is a farm use that local governments can’t prohibit, provided the property has no racetrack licensed by the BC Racing Commission and boards no more than 40 horses. That applies to commercial operations too. Local bylaws can still regulate how it’s done.
The house
- Most ALR properties can have one principal residence of 500 square metres (about 5,380 square feet) of floor area or less without the Commission’s approval.
- A detached additional residence is allowed only within strict size limits that depend on the parcel’s size.
- Anything larger needs a Non-Adhering Residential Use application, reviewed first by the local government and then by the Commission.
- Local governments can be more restrictive.
If you’re planning a large new house or a second home for family or staff, check the limits before you buy, not after.
Before you buy
- Is it in the ALR? Check the Commission’s maps, and the local zoning.
- Existing buildings. Are the house, barn and arena permitted, and within the ALR limits?
- Water, drainage and footing. Wells, septic, and how the paddocks and arena drain in a wet winter.
- Farm classification. Land used for farming can qualify for farm property tax classification under BC Assessment’s rules. Ask your accountant whether the property’s current classification will continue under your use.
- Trail access. Proximity to Campbell Valley and the local trail network makes a real difference for riders.
Questions people ask
Can I keep horses on ALR land?
Yes. Riding, training and boarding horses is a farm use in the ALR, within the conditions in the ALR Use Regulation.
How big a house can I build on ALR land?
Generally up to 500 square metres of floor area for the principal residence without the Commission’s approval. Local rules may be stricter.
Recreational properties: Bowen, the Gulf Islands, the Sunshine Coast and the Okanagan · Request a private consultation
General information, current as of publication, from the Agricultural Land Commission, BC Laws, the Township of Langley, Metro Vancouver and the Southlands Riding Club. It isn’t legal advice; confirm details for a specific property with the Commission, the local government and your lawyer.