Central Saanich employs private detective over 'dream' ALR property dust-up

Rajen Mahal, 41, and his wife bought a Vancouver Island property in 2014 on Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) land with plans to start a nursery and build theirdream house, including an elaborate pool, tennis court and massive stonehot tub.

Mahal, who owns a landscaping company, says heneeds to park heavy equipment for construction on the Saanichton,B.C., property, just north of Victoria.

But neighbours complained to the municipalitythat Mahal wasstoring equipment and running a small office on the former farmer's field.

The municipality sent warnings to Mahal about bylaw infractions, hired a private detective to watch Mahal's activities andlater filed aninjunction in B.C. Supreme Court.

Then, last month, a court decision thwartedhisplans to continue building the estate for hiswifeand school-aged son and daughter.

In late June, B.C. Supreme Court Justice John Steeves sided with the District of Central Saanich, saying Mahal wasn't permitted to park trucks and run an office on agricultural land.

Mahal is furious and blamesnosy neighbours for complaining to the district.

He argues that officials knew all along heintended to buildover timeand parktrucks near his home during construction.

Estateenvy?

The dispute is an example of tensions mounting in many parts of the Lower Mainland as more agricultural land is used for luxury home builds.

• Richmond approves 11,000 square foot limit on farmland mega-homes
• Richmond looks to regulate 'monster homes' on farmland

In Richmond, debate rages over transitioning ALR land into mega-home properties.

Councillors voted in a moratorium on building permit applications on ALR land, after anger erupted over this issue.

For Mahal, complaints came first from neighbours,then, in a series of official warnings from Central Saanich, which hired an investigator to watch the site.

'Strains credibility'

Last month, aVancouver judge rapped the propertyowners,Mahal's wife Kirandeep Johal and Line Level Landscaping and Development Corp., for ignoring bylawsand ordered the removal of work equipment and the small officethat was operating without a business licence.

"The office appears to be a busy one," said JusticeSteevesin his ruling.

"It frankly strains credibility that such large equipment in significant numbers would be used for the improvement of this property, merely for the purpose of drainage and construction of a swimming pool."

"It is so ridiculous," said Mahal who argues he's being singled out when parking heavy machinery is common on other rural properties nearby.

"My friends tell me this is simple jealousy."

Meanwhile, Central Saanich officials say theowners of the RidgedownPlaceproperty simply ignored rules.

Patrick Robins, chief administrative officer of Central Saanich, said municipalities have many legal tools to investigate alleged bylaw breakers, and while not "common," a private investigator is one of them.

"They've been invading my privacy. Where does this stop?" said Mahal, who says he can't build his planned nursery until he's granted a small business licence.

"They are trying to drive me out of the municipality," said Mahal, who is not done fighting.

"I want my kids to grow up on an acreage.That's why I chose this land. I'm not going to get driven out. If it costs me every dollarI'll fight it. It's not right what they are doing."