Agree. Visiting every 3 months isn't the same as relocating.
He should have started to do the visits and setting up his business few months before. So that he is ready to move when the application is approved.
The timeline for spouse sponsorship basically is close to 12months before the Application is approved we should be able to have a functional branch in Toronto that will serve as the main base to the other branches...keep in mind is not easy to just pick up your bag and relocate to a country you have never lived....or just close up your major source of income and relocate is a process and Is gradual.