-Fourth and final reading comes weeks after project completed-
OSOYOOS TIMES-June 11, 2008-
By Chad IngramrnOsoyoos Times
An application for an expansion of the number of greenhouses at a business in Area A of the Regional District Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) was given a fourth and final reading by the RDOS board last week, although the addition was completed a number of months ago.
Jesse Sandhu of Sandhu Greenhouses and Nursery received third reading on his proposed 7,153-square-metre expansion at a Dec. 13 RDOS meeting after a public hearing on November 20.
While the application received approval with fourth reading at a board meeting on June 5, construction on the greenhouse addition started in February and was completed in April.
The structure was built adjoining an existing 6,131-square-metre greenhouse.
I had to (build), Sandhu said on June 5. It was either that or go broke. I have a mortgage.
Sandhu said it was crucial that the greenhouse be completed by the spring so his business would have enough produce to sell during the summer.
He added that horticulture is becoming an increasingly difficult industry in which to earn a living.
Our margins are getting smaller every year, he said, citing competition from big American growers as one reason that some B.C. horticulturists are struggling.
Sandhu's new greenhouses are being used to grow cucumbers.
Rural Area A Director Mark Pendergraft said that proceeding with construction before a development application has been approved is not something he recommends.
It was Mr. Sandhu's choice, Pendergraft said. He was taking a risk.
Pendergraft said that if the application had been voted down at the June 5 meeting, Sandhu would have been forced to disassemble his new greenhouse.
Pendergraft also said that if the RDOS had received complaints about the greenhouses being built before board approval, he would have had to take prohibitive action.
Sandhu's application also included the construction of a boiler room and a packing and storage facility.
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