Help refine Saanich’s Biodiversity Conservation Strategy and Urban Forest Strategy

May 10, 2024

Information bulletin
For immediate release

Saanich, BC – The District of Saanich is offering opportunities for public input related to Saanich’s Draft Biodiversity Conservation Strategy and updated Draft Urban Forest Strategy.

Community members are invited to provide feedback via a questionnaire and two open houses.

The Biodiversity Conservation Strategy (BCS) with the supporting Environmental Policy Framework (EPF), and updated Urban Forest Strategy (UFS) will provide guidance on how to manage, protect, connect, and enhance the District’s biodiversity and urban forest, while recognizing other key Council priorities such as increasing housing opportunities and providing active transportation options.

Building on the achievements of the 2010 plan, the updated draft UFS is a plan to protect Saanich’s urban forest in the face of provincial housing mandates, while also respecting the community’s vision for its future. This renewed draft strategy acknowledges anticipated challenges and opportunities and provides a vision for how Saanich will manage a healthy urban forest moving forward.

The BCS provides a roadmap to protect, connect, restore and enhance biodiversity in Saanich through policy, operations and enhanced stewardship initiatives.

Public engagement opportunities

  • A joint BCS and UFS questionnaire will be live until May 24, 2024 on HelloSaanich.
  • Joint Urban Forest Strategy and Biodiversity Conservation Strategy Open Houses:
    • In-person: May 14, 2024 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Cedar Hill Golf Course Clubhouse.
    • Online: May 16, 2024 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Feedback is important to us, and a high-level summary will be provided to Council to consider as part of their decision making.

Learn more

Information about the draft Biodiversity Conservation Strategy and updated draft Urban Forest Strategy and opportunities for engagement can be found at saanich.ca/naturestrategies.

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Media contact:
Saanich Communications
media@saanich.ca