The livelihood of Dunvegan Gardens now rests in the hands of the Sub-division and Development Appeal Board (SDAB).
A lengthy meeting was held on February 16th, 2017 after VP of Operations, Brad Friesen, appealed a stop work order that was issued on September 23rd, 2016.
The municipality stated that the stop work order was issued over various inspections that happened in July that showed certain items found on site, should not have been there.
They presented photos of items such as children’s toys, pens for holding rabbits and bins that held “something”. These bins were referenced as “Unauthorized Retaining Walls” in the order.
The municipality could not answer specific questions based on photos that were submitted. They could not say what was in the bins that were in question and could not say how tall they were or the length of them.
They also said that Dunvegan Gardens was operating a park that they did not have a permit for, showing photos of peddle bikes for trails around the gardens and a jumping pillow.
The RMWB admitted that the peddle bikes found on the property could be for Friesen’s own family and friends.
When a member of the SDAB asked what development permits were specifically in place the RMWB listed ones as far back as 2005. Dunvegan has also been approved for various other permits like additional accessory buildings and greenhouses, and special event permits for Chateau boo and the Easter egg hunt.
In 2011, dunvegan was inspected by the RMWB and the municipality said that there was a garden centre, a greenhouse and a gift shop. Friesen’s lawyer claimed that the municipality has known for the last number of years that Dunvegan Gardens was operating this way and all of a sudden there was an issue.
Many members of the public spoke with passion on behalf of dunvegan and what the local business means to the community but the municipality’s lawyer objected saying the customers were not affected.
The SDAB has asked for an extension and will have their decision within 31 days and will be posted online.
