Ed and Lynn Gilliard are only the third owners of their 100 year old farm, uniquely situated near downtown Prince George. In fact, despite an avid farming and gardening culture in the region, Gilliard Farms, as they call it, is the only zoned farmland within city limits. 

While it used to extend further on almost all sides, the patch of green is still 10 acres in total and hub of activity in the spring and summer months for locals looking for a break from urban living. Now in their 70’s, the Gilliards have transitioned to smaller animals, from cows and horses to sheep and chickens, but they have no thoughts of moving off the farm just yet.

The community plots at Gilliard Farms are popular, but it's their colourful fence that attracts the most attention from the neighbours. Photo courtesy of Peggy Gilliard.

In addition to the community garden, school tours, family visits, and a busy AirBnB rental on the property, the Gilliards sell farm fresh eggs from their home. Chicken enthusiasts have been calling on City Council to amend the bylaws banning backyard chickens in recent years, though concerns about noise, smell, and regulation enforcement have prevailed to date making the Gilliards eggs the only locally produced eggs in Prince George. When asked if they have been following the debate at City Hall, Lynn says “we just like to be outside and doing our thing”.

Listen to the interview with Lynn and Ed Gilliard here: