The saga of a four-acre property in Saanich that was zoned for residential use at the same time it was designated as being in the Agricultural Land Reserve has come to a close.
Rezoning to a higher density that allows a 16-home subdivision at the Mount Douglas Cross Road site has been finalized by Saanich council. It follows a decision by the Agricultural Land Commission in November to remove the parcel from the ALR.
“The last page has turned,” said Don Alberg, whose family has owned the land since 1945.
“There is no set time frame for the subdivision to proceed. Things are very much up in the air yet.”
Family members will be getting together to figure out a course of action, Alberg said.
He said his family had tried to move ahead with the land for over a decade. Farming had been phased out by 2005, but a cattle feedlot was established there in 2013 to generate revenue while the future of the proposed subdivision remained an issue.
Alberg said a cattle feedlot was a logical choice since he raises cattle on his farm in Qualicum Beach.
An agrologist’s report concluded soil-based agriculture was not viable on the Saanich land, he said.
The feedlot generated many complaints from neighbours about odours and other concerns. The cattle were removed in June as the situation with the land showed progress.
Saanich Coun. Fred Haynes said the final vote on the land’s rezoning was unanimous. He described the parcel as “a remnant piece of land” that was “cross-purposed” in the way it was categorized.
Haynes helped to advance the situation in May when he asked council to approve a one-time deviation from the process of seeking exclusion from the ALR prior to rezoning.
Saanich Mayor Richard Atwell said there had been nothing in the way of something happening with the property “other than an unwritten policy.”
He said it took a change of council “looking at the facts laid bare” to move things along.
Haynes said it all came to a good conclusion.
“I’m delighted that the community are now going to be able to enjoy a development that will bring some very good housing into the area,” he said.
“I’m delighted that the times of the feedlot are over.”
The subdivision includes $100,000 from the Albergs for improvement to trails in Mount Douglas Park. Garry oaks will be planted on the land, as well.
