With farmer and former Central Saanich Mayor Jack Mar, holding carrots grown on the farm.

Central Saanich has more than 200 farms, but our own Food Hub Feasibility Study identified a challenge: growing food is only part of the equation. Farmers also need access to processing, storage, equipment and other infrastructure.

When plans for the Keating extraction lands came forward, I saw an opportunity.

Rather than commit all of this land to other uses, I proposed that we identify and preserve space for a food hub. Council didn't support my motion.

But the story isn't over.

These lands come back to Council on September 28.

We have a choice. We can make decisions now that may close off this opportunity, or preserve room for something that could strengthen local farming and food security for decades.

We did the study. We know there is a need.

On September 28, we decide whether to leave the door open.