CHILLIWACK — The invitations are printed, but Sean and Sheena’s wedding guests will not be heading to Fantasy Farms for the couple’s dream rural wedding.
Sheena Sedman received word in November that the booking for her May 28, 2016, wedding had been cancelled because of permit issues.
“It’s coming up fast and I’m starting to sweat a little bit, because I don’t know what’s happening,” she said.
Sheena and her fiancé, Sean Maestri, now face the daunting task of finding a new venue for 180 guests on six-months notice.
Recent enforcement actions by the Agricultural Land Commission against farms that host paid weddings have sparked a flurry of cancellations by farmers who have not obtained permission for commercial events on their farms.
The Agricultural Land Commission Act does not allow non-farm uses on land inside the Agricultural Land Reserve, although it is possible to apply for permission to hold such events.
Fantasy Farm owner Gary Moran said many of the brides were in tears when they got the news about their bookings. He has cancelled eight weddings after being told by the commission that commercial weddings were not allowed on the farm.
Farmers can apply to the commission to hold weddings, music festivals and other events, which are considered on a case-by-case basis, said commission vice-chairman Gerry Zimmermann.
Enforcement against farmers that host weddings without permission is usually triggered by complaints, he said.
