The District of Sechelt has approved an expansion of agritourism operations at Akasha Farm, located at 1785 Tyson Rd. in Wilson Creek. Owners Tyler and Lucinda Gray submitted a rezoning application to increase the number of short-term accommodation units on the property from three to five.
The original proposal sought permission for three geodesic dome tents, two small A-frame cabins without cooking facilities, and five seasonal tent/RV sites.
During a regular council meeting on December 18, the District of Sechelt’s council approved the addition of three geodesic domes and two A-frame cabins, bringing the total number of accommodation structures to five. However, the request for the five tent/RV sites was denied.
A staff report to the council outlined several conditions for the expansion to proceed, including the removal or relocation of existing sauna and spa structures.
Additionally, the report emphasized the need for zoning compliance, specifically regarding the removal or decommissioning of any unauthorized accommodation units on the property.
The report also recommended that the business license application be accompanied by a survey from a provincial land surveyor to clearly define the locations of the proposed units, parking, and driveway areas, ensuring compliance with Agricultural Land Reserve regulations.
The council was presented with four options: approve the original proposal for ten units, approve a modified proposal of five units, deny the proposal based on its potential negative impact on agricultural use, or deny it due to concerns about the effect on neighboring residential properties.
Ian Holl, the district’s development planning manager, noted that while the ten-unit proposal aligned with provincial guidelines, the five-unit option was a compromise that addressed public concerns.
“So, staff are trying to provide an additional module for council to consider in terms of the original proposal of 10 units, the recommended option of five units, which does allow an increase for the applicant over what they currently have, while still addressing the concerns from the public over the overall increase,” he said.
Concerns raised during a public hearing in November included water usage, air quality issues due to increased traffic, wildfire risks from a wood-burning hot tub, and the potential negative impact on the spirit of the Agricultural Land Reserve.
Councillor Dianne McLaughlin expressed worry about the precedent approving five units could set, suggesting a cap of two units, as recommended by the One Straw Society.
McLaughlin remarked, “With all due respect to staff, I think we’ve all learned a lot about agritourism… I still believe that we should go on the advice of our local agricultural association group,” McLaughlin told Coast Reporter.
In response to public input, staff recommended a reduction to five units as a middle-ground solution. Some councilors, including Adam Shepherd, supported this compromise, while others, like Alton Toth, advocated for a smaller-scale solution with fewer units.
Ultimately, the motion to approve the rezoning passed, with Councillor Toth voting against it.
