NorthSaanich

Trails that runs an agricultural and food festival in North Saanich and around the region. And what’s this about a defunct horse racing track? Buchan says, “The Sandown lands is a 100- acre parcel that has ceased business. The racing facilities – the stadiums and buildings – are lan- guishing and need to be removed. Because it’s in our agricultural land reserve, we were scratching our heads about how to get it back into agricul- tural land, recognizing that it has a commercial use and zoning, and it’s privately owned.” A concept was initiated by council that would see 87 percent of the lands being given by the owner to the municipality, with about 12 acres kept and developed as commercial land. That commercial acreage would produce a good amount of taxation and employment. The District will replace that 12 acres with a dozen other acres to make sure there’s no loss to the agri- cultural land reserve. North Saanich continues working with the owner to finalize transfer of the property and complete the commercial section. Two other large, privately-owned parcels are also in transition. Owned for the last 30 years by the University of Victoria, the Dunsmuir Lodge property was used until 2009 as a satellite cam- pus. Now, 25 acres have been sold to Homewood Health, a group that helps people with addic- tion and mental health issues. The balance of the property, in two parcels, is being sold to the NORTH SAANICH, BRITISH COLUMBIA PREFERRED VENDOR n BioMaxx Wastewater Solutions Inc. www.biomaxx.ca neighboring Pauquachin First Nations. This has great historical value to them as sacred lands. The remaining 100-acre parcel, Glen Meadows Golf Course, has been in a state of uncertainty for several years. Finall says, “We believe it’s now been sold as a golf course, but we haven’t seen resolution on that.We’d like to see Sandown put back into agricultural production. On 87 acres, there’s room for a variety of crops, community al- lotment gardens, smaller farms, etc.” Buchan agrees, “From my perspective, sustainability must address protecting, maintaining, and enhancing rural and agri- cultural and marine resources. Development should not compromise those values. Ever.”