PENINSULA Winspear Art Show
Seniors in Focus
Fundraising is under way for a Sept. 13 Fine Art Show at the Mary Winspear Centre, page 17
Danny Daniels has been involved with track and field for decades, page 8 Black Press C O M M U N I T Y
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NEWS REVIEW
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Friday, July 11, 2014
Farm hit with a civil suit District of Central Saanich files claim against Woodwynn Farm Devon MacKenzie News staff
Central Saanich council announced Monday that the municipality filed a notice of claims in the B.C. Supreme Court against Woodwynn Farms on June 30. The claim, which was read as a rise and report during Monday night’s council meeting, stems from allegations by the district that the farm’s owner Richard Leblanc has been using property contrary to the district’s bylaws and permitting structures, including using farm land for office purposes, institution uses, camping and recreational vehicle and mobile home use. Also noted was the use of a barn, cited by the municipality as being unsafe for occuSubmitted photo pation. In March, CenNot everyone is happy tral Saanich issued a with the efforts of the no occupancy notice for the barn, which farm. was being used as a market, coffee shop and snack bar. Included in the notice of claim, the District stated the farm owner has neglected to rid the property of a noxious weed, as required by the municipality. “It’s frustrating and disappointing,” said Leblanc in an interview with the PNR. “It’s in the hands of our attorneys now and I’ll be working with them to get some answers as to how to proceed with this. Please see: Farm operator encourages, page 5
Steven Heywood/News staff
Nacoma George from the Tk’emlups te Secwepemc (Kamloops) First Nation and his canoe team took part in this week’s Pulling Together canoe journey from Nanoose Bay to the Tseycum First Nation on the Saanich Peninsula. Around 15 canoes, representing B.C. First Nations and agencies like the RCMP and Parks Canada paddled in an effort to raise understanding and bring communities together. See more photos on page three.
Crowd expected for OCP hearing North Saanich land use changes face public scrutiny July 14 Steven Heywood News staff
If past public hearings on the official community plan in North Saanich are any indication, there could be hundreds of people at the Mary Winspear Centre Mon-
day night, speaking to proposed changes to land use in that municipality. Seven bylaws are up for public input — five of which will allow two neighbourhoods in North Saanich to accept the building of higher-density residential housing through redevelopment projects. Two bylaws are to consider phasedin developments at Rideau-Canora roads (99 lots and up to 100 carriage homes) and at McDonald Park Road (a 54-unit condo development).
Monday’s mass public hearing comes after the Capital Regional District narrowly approved North Saanich’s plan to change its Regional Context Statement and OCP to accommodate the increased building density. This has been a polarizing issue in North Saanich, one that has existed for years, says Mayor Alice Finall, who has found herself in the minority at the council table this term. Please see: Bigger venue booked, page 5
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