The latest word we have, is that the exclusion application for removal of this land from the ALR will likely go before Saanich Council sometime in Sept. or Oct. It’s my understanding this will be discussed at a ‘Committee of the Whole’ meeting, where members of the public will be allowed 5 minutes each, to tell council their thoughts on this matter. I urge all members of the public to attend and let their feelings known. The only way to save this land from development is to have it stay within it’s ALR designation. Once the land is secured as ALR discussions may be able to take place regarding it’s future. But at the moment, the most important fact is to keep it within the ALR.
Please keep an eye on the Saanich Council website to see if it is on the agenda on any of these dates - Earliest date for applicable Committee of Whole Meeting would be Sept 16th. , that is not an assured date , it could be later. Next date would Oct 07 ; or Oct 28.

The developer will be given 30 minutes to put forth his application, which of course, still rests on their premise that the land is not suitable for agriculture, (a fallacy to be sure), even though their own soil report shows much of the soil can be remediated for selected crops. As pictured, there are still age old plum trees growing on the property, trees that have not been pruned or watered for who knows how long, producing edible, juicy, fruit! We’ve been told many times that ALL land is remediable, even our now mayor, Fred Haynes, and most of the now councillors, commented on that fact, when they viewed the land during the last election and petitioning for our votes.

We also have to look at the economics differently: with so much arable land disappearing especially in California ( drought, fire, flooding) which is where a lot of our food comes from, what are the economics of NOT growing our food locally. At the same time the population is growing and development is taking what little ALR land we have. BC cannot afford to lose one square inch of ALR land and the whole purpose of the ALR land is to preserve for the future if we do not need it today.

The issue for detractors is the “economic viability for a farmer”. Our “development-oriented” and “ development- motivated” economy has priced farmland out of range (i.e. we have done it to ourselves) and our thinking has to change. What may cost 50-100 K $$ an acre here is priced at about 5000$ / acre in Washington State. The way of the future is small-plot, community-based, alternative market-style farming and likely leased.

We must consider too, that saving the land for farming does not take into account the precious habitat for wildlife, the endangered species that must be protected, or the Garry Oaks and other trees located on the property. These things too must be taken into account when council makes their decision.

We are a community that cares about protecting ALR land and all that encompasses. PLEASE, make your voice heard, be loud, be demanding, speak up. This property must stay as ALR land. If you are unable to attend the council meeting, or are not comfortable speaking, please write/email, phone Saanich and voice your concerns that way. We can only save this land if we make council hear us.