PENINSULA Seniors in Focus
Return of the punctual bird
Seniors in Film program helping people in the community get to know their neighbours, page 12
Friends of Shoal Harbour welcome back the buffleheads this month and host a forum on the sanctuary, page 9 Black Press C O M M U N I T Y
N E W S
M E D I A
NEWS REVIEW
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Friday, October 11, 2013
Apology letter is unwelcome Residents say apology from Stanhope Farm is too late Devon MacKenzie News staff
A letter sent to the mayors of Central Saanich and Saanich as well as the neighbours of Stanhope Farm caused yet another stir in the ongoing stench saga this week. The letter from Gordon and Robert Rendle, owners of Stanhope Farm who partnered with Foundation Organics in 2010, was received by council at their meeting on Oct. 7 in the presence of roughly 100 community members who turned out to voice their opinions that it was too litte, too late. “It was never our intention to impact our neighbours, or to lose the farming focus on our property,” wrote the Rendles. “We are still firstly, farmers. However, we recognize that the disturbance caused initially by the truck traffic “We recognize associated with filling and that the disturbance construction etc., and then the more significant distur... caused by odour and upset caused by problems has been very bance odour problems has been disruptive.” very disruptive.” The letter goes on to – Gordon and Robert say that the parties realize Rendle the odour issue must be addressed and that the family hopes the District of Central Saanich and the Capital Regional District will call a temporary halt on their continuing legal action. The District recently filed a notice of civil claim against Gordon James Rendle, Robert Roderick Rendle, Stanhope Dairy Farm Ltd. and Foundation Organics Ltd. in B.C. Supreme Court. The notice of civil claim seeks a declaration that the composting facility is in contravention of the municipality’s land use bylaws as well as an order requiring permanent cessation of using the property to produce compost for sale. PleAse see: Court actions “ongoing”, page 5
Devon MacKenzie/News staff
Artist Jennifer White (left) and Production Assistant Jacqueline Huber work on getting things set up for Enchanted Halloween at Heritage Acres. Turn to page 14 for more.
Visitor Centre in need of cash Chamber of commerce seeking support from area municipalities Steven Heywood News staff
For the Pat Bay Highway Visitor Centre to re-open for the next tourist season, it’s going to need some financial help. The Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce is approaching its municipal partners and other agencies, seeking an estimated $80,000 to operate the centre next year. Chris Fudge, chamber executive director, spoke to
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North Saanich council Monday night, outlining the need to come up with enough money to operate the facility and keep it in good condition. “We have identified the total amount of money we need,” Fudge said, “but we are making no specific request to the various municipalities and agencies.” The chamber has sent letters seeking support to North Saanich, Sidney, Central Saanich and the District of Saanich. They are also looking to the prov-
ince, Capital Regional District Tourism Victoria and Destination B.C. The latter group already has committed their normal annual contribution to the Pat Bay Visitor Centre, leaving approximately $55,000 left to go. The centre is 25 years old and in need of constant repair, Fudge pointed out, adding that plans to replace it with a new facility are mired down. PleAse see: Plans for a new centre, page 4