Investigation clears farm of any wrongdoing

Photo: Colin Dacre

A Summerland farm has been cleared of any wrongdoing following an investigation by multiple agencies in response to complaints by neighbours. 

District council requested staff look into the ALR property at 9918 Canyon View Road in August. The results of the probe, which also involved the Agricultural Land Commission and B.C. SPCA were presented to council Tuesday.

Director of corporate services Jeremy Denegar said numerous complaints to the ALC were investigated by the agency, which found just one minor issue — temporary farm worker housing in the loft of a barn. 

The district has since issued a permit for the arrangement until June 2020, at which time permanent worker housing will be complete. 

“Other notable complaints, such as cutting of wood, placement of fill, and storage of commercial vehicles, are all being done in compliance with ALC regulations and municipal bylaws,” Denegar’s report to council says.

The lot was also found to comply with municipal farming and building footprint bylaws and zoning requirements.

The BC SPCA has inspected the farm 10 times this year in response to complaints, checking on the welfare of farm animals and open spaces and barns, but found no violations and did not report any concerns to the district.

Denegar said no additional action on the property is needed, as far as district staff are concerned. 

“I want to say thank you to staff and the property owner for going through this process,” said Coun. Erin Carlson, who brought forward to motion to have the farm inspected in response to concerns from the public.

“I hope that it brings clarity to the community and the neighbours,” she said.