Скачать или смотреть Herd of cattle lot protesters to confront Saanich council

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SAANICH - It's peaceful now at 1516 Mount Douglas X-Road, but it won't be if 100 head of cattle move in. "It would be disastrous for our neighbourhood. Real estate values would be significantly affected, as well as all kinds of other issues" says neighbour Mark Vukobrat.

Don Alberg and his siblings grew up on the property and say they've invested years of their time and more than $100,000 coming up with a residential development to please Saanich Council. Despite being poorly-suited to farming and surrounded by homes, the rocky property is in the Agricultural Land Reserve. In order to develop, it needs to be removed. But by a 5-4 vote in July, Saanich Council said no.

"I think it's very unfair to the family they were simply the last one to step forward, for them to be treated differently than all their neighbours" says Mayor Frank Leonard, who voted in favour of development.

The Alberg's responded by proposing a poultry operation that didn't fly. Now they're considering cattle, and already drawing up plans. "You know, it's not a proper place for it. But when we're in a corner I guess we have to do what we do" says Don Alberg.

Monday night, Saanich council votes whether to amend the official community plan to lock the property into the ALR for good. It isn't the first time the Alberg's have appeared in front of Saanich council, but usually they're on their own. Not this time, at least that's the neighbour's plan.

Vukobrat has rallied more than 100 people in favour of development next door. "We hope common sense will prevail and if it does the Alberg's will be able to do what they want to do, which is build a legacy for their family and a very nice neighbourhood for everyone to enjoy."

If the vote goes against the family the Mayor thinks he knows what might happen next. "They have a very good lawyer, and if I was fighting a municipality I'd hire him too and I'm sure we'd be discussing this file in court."

Leonard doesn't want that to happen. He's going to suggest sending the issue to the Agriculture Land Commission and letting it decide.

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