A file photo of a tractor working on agricultural land.
Image Credit: Shutterstock
August 29, 2016 - 5:00 PM
KELOWNA - A local landscape construction firm operating on agricultural land many not get the backing it hopes for in a bid to make the operation legal.
Neway Landscape and Irrigation Ltd. has operated out of its Casorso Road location since 2003 and planning staff say the company has long been in violation of the Agricultural Land Commissions rules of non-farm use.
That includes stockpiling construction and landscaping gravel and storing heavy equipment on site, planner Tracey Yuzik says in a report to council.
Yuzik notes the soils on the property are class two which is considered prime agricultural land, relatively rare in the Okanagan.
Neway has proposed continuing the landscaping business there and is asking for 490 square metres to sell farm produce, three times the allowable area. As well, the lot does not meet area and width requirements.
The local Agricultural Advisory Committee recommended against Neway’s plan and staff have concerns about setting precedent by allowing this one.
Staff are recommending council also reject the application and not submit it to the Agricultural Land Commission for further consideration.
Council will consider the applicaiton at this afternoon's public meeting in Kelowna city hall.
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News from © iNFOnews, 2016