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INFORMATION UPDATE
1516 Mt. Douglas X Road

The Municipality continues to seek resolution on a number of matters respecting 1516 Mt.
Douglas X Road. We recognize that many of the neighbours are experiencing increased
anxiety and frustration as the property owners intensify the cattle feedlot operation.

Saanich Council has been advised by staff that the following additional actions will be
undertaken to help bring greater clarity for all parties, and hopefully move the ALR exclusion
application forward.

1. Tree Cutting Permit Application and Cattle Feedlot Operation
Background
The owners have applied for a new tree cutting permit that anticipates removal of all
trees on the property.
The application does not provide sufficient information to substantiate removal of all
protected trees for agricultural purposes.
Concerns have been raised about the intensity of the proposed cattle feedlot operation,
including its impact on the neighbours, the environment, and the health of the cattle.

Actions
Further information will be requested from the owners to substantiate the need for
removal of all protected trees.
Advice will be sought from the Ministry of Agriculture with respect to recommended farm
practice for this cattle feedlot operation.
Advice will be sought from a third-party expert on best practices for a cattle feedlot
operation on this property, including mitigation measures for adjacent residential
neighbours, protection of the environment, and measures to ensure the health of the
cattle.

2. Agricultural Land Commission (ALC)
Background
The owners have not allowed their Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) exclusion
application to be considered by the ALC. Councils December 2012 decision to forward
the application to the ALC remains the same.
A positive decision by the ALC would make way for Council consideration of a
development application.
A new ALC has been appointed and there is uncertainty about how the 1980 ALC
decision to allow exclusion will be viewed. As the owners intensify agricultural use of the
land, the Municipality doesnt know whether the new ALC will decide that the land is
capable of sustained and profitable agricultural uses and deny exclusion.
Conflicting information has been received from ALC front-line planners about the ALC
legislation.
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Actions
ALC staff will be requested to confirm in writing that the December 1980 decision to
allow exclusion of this property remains in effect and advise whether the newly
appointed Commissioners have an obligation to follow through on this decision and
exclude the land.
ALC staff will be requested to consult with their legal counsel and confirm in writing their
understanding with regard to the ALC legislation.

3. Future Agricultural Use of the Property
Background
The current development application has been placed on hold by the owners.
The owners have advised staff that agricultural use of the property may be something
they wish to continue regardless of whether the land is removed from the ALR.
The owners legal counsel has requested a commitment from the Municipality for a
variety of agricultural uses to continue, including a cattle feedlot of up to 200 head.
Agreement has not yet been reached on what future level of agricultural use would be
lawfully permitted if the land is not part of the ALR.
Municipal legislation limits the extent of any future agricultural use of the property.

Actions
Municipal legal counsel will continue to engage with the owners legal counsel to seek a
resolution to the above-noted matters.

4. Normal Farm Practice and the Farm Industry Review Board (FIRB)
Background
As the owners intensify the cattle feedlot operation, one or more neighbours may
complain to FIRB about normal farm practice.
Previous experience with FIRB tells us that the Municipality cannot be a direct
complainant, however the Municipality can support the neighbourhood by applying to be
an intervener.

Actions
Contact information for FIRB will be provided upon request to anyone who requests.
If a complaint is lodged with FIRB, staff will recommend to Council that the Municipality
apply for intervener status.

Councils Ability to Engage with the Owners and Neighbours on Future Land Use
While Council would like to provide the neighbourhood with some level of certainty about the
future of 1516 Mt. Douglas X Road, the Municipal Solicitor continues to advise Council not to
engage with the owners, neighbours and others concerning future land use. In order to
maintain the integrity of the process, Council is legally obligated to enter any future Public
Hearing with an open mind. Council must weigh the information, advice, and opinions from all
parties during the Public Hearing process prior to making a decision on land use.

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