The owner of 2 properties in Sooke is threatening to raise a stink - quite literally -- if his land isn't taken out of the Agricultural Land Reserve. Alberta resident Anthony Laughren says he will put in a pig feedlot right across from the Prestige Hotel and residential areas on Sooke Rd. if he can't get the property removed.
The previous owner also tried to get the land out of the ALR, but was unsuccessful - and ultimately the land was foreclosed on.
While the land is considered agricultural, it's been deemed not farmable because of damage done by runoff from residential properties.
Laughren's representative, was before council Monday night asking for their support to help her client get the land removed from the ALR.
But Mayor Maja Tait says food security is important, and many wonder why the owner wouldn't consider greenhouses, or soil amendment as possible solutions:
"The landowner isn't interested in doing that. It just seems from what I've heard they've made the conclusion that the lands are not suitable, they need to be removed, support us and if it's rejected we're putting in a cattle feedlot -- or now apparently, pigs."
Some councillors say they are feeling undue pressure from the landowner. Maja Tait says council needs a lot more information before making a decision:
"It's difficult when you're receiving something verbally for the very first time, and then to make a decision that would have lasting implications is just not a structure that our council is comfortable with. And I think that's reasonable."
Staff have been asked to report back to council at their next meeting May 8th.