Blog
Research, news & community stories
Explore urban forests, neighbourhood planning, and the many species that share our city—with updates from community events and a squirrel’s perspective on civic life.
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Comment: Garry oak ecosystem is under great threat in Saanich, Times Colonist, Feb 03, 2026.
Times Colonist, OpinionFebruary 3, 2026Ryan Senechal https://www.timescolonist.com/opinion/comment-garry-oak-ecosystem-is-under-great-threat-in-saanich-11824300 The dominant species in this area is Garry oak, and casual observations confirm that dozens of other species that co-evolved with this tree species are also present. A…
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Setbacks, Soil, and Survival: Why Urban Forest Protection in Victoria Starts with Space
By Squirrel for Mayor Summary: This article explores how setbacks, soil volume, and plantable space influence the long-term survival of urban trees. The article examines how development patterns affect tree retention, replacement opportunities, and the…
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Panama Flats: When Biodiversity and Dog Access Collide — and What Council Decided
By Squirrel for Mayor Panama Flats—a 26-hectare wetland and meadow system in Saanich between Interurban and Carey—has been at the centre of a region-wide conversation about how we share urban nature. On January 12, Saanich…
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Will Oak Bay Council Allow 48 Bylaw Protected Trees to be Cut for Townhomes in the Uplands? Residents Urge Council to Reject Proposed Development.
By Squirrel for Mayor 2830/2850 Lansdowne Road This proposed development involves two adjacent lots in the Uplands on Lansdowne Road, located on the north side between Ripon Road and Norfolk Road. Both properties are zoned…
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Urban forests as essential infrastructure for climate resilience and biodiversity: A call to policymakers
Manuel Esperon-Rodriguez, Stefan Arndt, Michael Osei Asibey, Benno Andreas Augustinus, Albert Bach, Monica Ballinas, Victor L. Barradas, David N. Barton, Juergen Bauhus … See all authors First published: 06 November 2025 https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp3.70125 Disclaimer: The New Phytologist Foundation remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in…
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Oak Bay – Carrick Trail trail saved: ‘When neighbours come together, good things happen’
Read more at: https://vicnews.com/2025/10/29/oak-bay-trail-saved-when-neighbours-come-together-good-things-happen/ When the District of Oak Bay proposed to put a 15-foot-wide paved bike path over a small natural corridor back in 2024, a group in the community spoke out. Soon, these members…
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Saanich – Parts of Panama Flats to be designated as park to protect birds, off-limits for dogs
Times Colonist, October 22, 2025 by Michael John Lo Starting next year, staff is set to begin updating trails, fencing and signage in the area to create a dedicated area for migratory birds, waterfowl and…
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First Nations-led rally at B.C. Legislature opposes $162 million highway expansion threatening Goldstream River – SELE₭TEȽ.
………………………….. Save Selektl Listen to the videos. Join Carl Olsen and friends @ 10:00 am every Tuesday on the side of the highway infront of Goldstream Park! Write a letter to Premier Eby enough is…
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Urban Forest and Land Use Development Analysis: Rockland Neighbourhood Ryan Senechal MUFL, October 2025
AbstractThis report examines the relationship between urban forest canopy, land-use policy, and development pressures in the Rockland neighbourhood within the context of the City of Victoria’s 2025 Official Community Plan update and its 2050 urban…
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City of Victoria – Official Community Plan 10-Year Update: Official Community Plan Bylaw, Zoning Bylaw 2018 and Zoning Regulation Bylaw Amendments
The Rockland Neighbourhood Association and the Garry Oak Meadow Preservation Society presented at the public hearing for the Official Community Plan Update on September 11, 2025. The hearing took place over the course of four…