Category: Saanich – Urban Forest
-
Garry Oak Ecosystem: What the Songhees Nation Is Asking Us to See with the Quadra McKenzie Plan (QMP)
The Quadra McKenzie Plan (QMP) in Saanich is scheduled for a public hearing on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. The plan proposes significant growth over the next 20 years, concentrating housing and mixed-use development along the Quadra-McKenzie corridor and key transit routes. Its ambitious growth targets are largely driven by provincial housing mandates, illustrating how provincial… Read more
-
Bill 16: An Untapped Opportunity for Victoria’s Urban Forest
Much of the public discussion about housing legislation has focused on what municipalities can no longer do. Bills 44, 46, and 47 reduced local control over density and removed public hearings for many residential developments. As a result, communities across British Columbia have struggled with how to protect urban forests while accommodating growth. Yet another… Read more
-
BC NIMBY Toolkit (Housing / Development Guidelines) and No Public Hearings
đżď¸ Squirrel for Mayor Unearthed documents show the use of the word “NIMBY” in BC government publications. Development Approvals Process Review (DAPR, 2019) Direct quote: âPublic hearings can enable NIMBY (an acronym for ânot in my backyardâ) which describes residentsâ opposition to a development in their own neighbourhood, while raising no objections to similar developments… Read more
-
When Climate Action Loses the Plot: Saanich at McKenzie Roads and the Consequences of Not Thinking with Place
By Squirrel For Mayor At the March 17, 2026 Saanich Council decision approving a rezoning application and development permit for a six-storey condo proposed for the corner of 961 McKenzie and 3986, 3990 Saanich Road, the justification was familiar â and explicitly stated. Loss of Garry oaks, we were told, is the price of protecting… Read more
-
When Housing Debates Erase Ecology: The Story of 4015 Braefoot Rd. and the Garry Oak Ecosystem
By Squirrel for Mayor A petition has been created by local resident Yves Parizeau to save numerous Garry Oaks at 4015 Braefoot Rd. in Saanich. The petition has already garnered 1,233 signatures. Sign the Petition In spring 2025, a piece of land in Saanich, BCâtwo acres of former hobby farm at 4015 Braefoot Rd.âbecame the… Read more
-
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 Âdozens of other species that Âco-evolved with this tree species are also present. A commentary by a Saanich resident. Buried on page 135 of Saanichâs Quadra-McKenzie Plan are clues of what is in store… Read more
-
Panama Flats: When Biodiversity and Dog Access Collide â and What Council Decided
By Squirrel for Mayor Panama Flatsâa 26-hectare wetland and meadow system in Saanich between Interurban and Careyâhas been at the centre of a region-wide conversation about how we share urban nature. On January 12, Saanich Council made an important move by rezoning the Flats as a bird and nature sanctuary, formally recognizing one of the regionâs… Read more
-
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 rare plants.z Large parts of Panama Flats will eventually become off-limits to dogs, after Saanich council agreed to designate the… Read more
-
Neighbourhood saves a tree in Saanich
Times Colonist, Opinion. Letters July 30, 2025 At 5032 Wesley Rd. in Saanich stands an iconic, 100-year-old big leaf maple. Neighbours were surprised when a notice was hammered into the trunk of this tree by Saanich advising that within 10 days, the tree would be cut down to facilitate a developerâs connection to underground sewer… Read more
-
Urbanists vs. the Nature in My Backyards. District of Saanich – Special Council Meeting for Draft Quadra McKenzie Plan July 7th, 2025.
A Special Council Meeting was held at the District of Saanich’s July 7th meeting regarding the proposed Quadra McKenzie Plan (QMP). More than 100 people packed Saanich municipal hall. Each presenter had three minutes to provide input. The Quadra McKenzie plan, which has been in the works since 2023, will decide how a major chunk… Read more