Conclusion
Our multi-criteria analysis identified two general areas in the Abbotsford ALR for potential urbanization. These were (1) groups of parcels directly south of the Trans-Canada Highway at the north edge of the Poplar neighbourhood in Abbotsford, and (2) groups of parcels in the Matsqui neighbourhood near the north of the city's urban containment boundary. At the local scale, at site 1, ALR parcels further away from the Abbotsford International Airport and industrial land use were considered more suitable as housing should be placed at a distance far enough to avoid noise and air pollution. At site 2, ALR parcels situated right along the existing residential and commercial land uses of the city were deemed the most suitable. Building along the rural-urban interface at the ALR's edge would minimize edge effects and fragmentation of the reserve, and allow for great accessibility to the city. We note that rezoning agricultural land for residential uses does not necessarily need to impede on sustainable practices; agriculturally intensive peri-urban communities with roof top agriculture can easily be implemented into the development being proposed. Integrating both agricultural and urban practices may just be the solution to Abbotsford's growing population, while satisfying those emotionally attached to the reserve.
