The ongoing dispute over costs and benefits from the Sandown proposal stems from a faulty review process. Unlike the standard project evaluation and approval process followed by government agencies, the one used by North Saanich does not include a review of business plans.
I recommend that a financial review be added to the process and a North Saanich finance commission be constituted – and that the municipality develop an open process for requests for proposals to develop and operate the 83 acres for agriculture. The RFP should be undertaken before final approvals are granted. Submitted proposals should be reviewed by the finance commission.
For a proper and thorough evaluation of costs and benefits, two business plans are required – one from Bill Randall for the commercial development of the 12 acres he wants excluded from the ALR and the other, a business plan from community groups for the 83 acres.
Mr. Randall’s development will provide a tax revenue stream from the land value of the 12 acres immediately after it is rezoned commercial. Staff’s estimate for this cashflow is $78,413 per year.
The other tax revenue stream will come from the values of the buildings that are developed on the 12 acres. When the maximum allowable building square footage is reached, the revenue stream could reach $292,743 per year. Only then could the much touted total tax revenues of $371,156 per year materialize.
Since Ed Johnson of the Farmlands Trust Society offered to farm the 83 acre parcel, North Saanich should invite the Trust and any other interested parties to submit a proposal for the development and farming of the land.
If Farmlands Trust does not accept the risks, then neither should the taxpayers in North Saanich.
Rebecca Vermeer
North Saanich
