Tag: Garry Oak Ecosystem
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Would the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights Improve Municipal Urban Forest Governance?
On July 20, 2026, Saanich Councillor Nathalie Chambers brought forward a motion asking Council to consider the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights as a framework for informing the District’s Tree Protection Bylaw, Urban Forest Strategy and broader municipal planning. The motion was defeated 8–1 following a lengthy discussion about municipal authority, legal implications and implementation. Questions from the debate Would the Universal… Read more
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Could Saanich Become Canada’s Next Municipality to Recognize the Rights of Trees?
By Squirrel For Mayor 🐿 Squirrel For Mayor will be watching with interest to see how the Saanich Mayor and Council respond to this council member’s motion. On Monday, July 20, 2026, Saanich Council will debate a motion from Councillor Nathalie Chambers that would endorse the principles of the Universal Declaration of the Rights of the Tree as part… Read more
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Urban Forest Myths: Debunking the Debunkers
Summary: This article reviews common claims about urban trees and compares them with current urban forestry research. Topics include replacement planting, mature tree value, biodiversity, and the ecological role of urban forests in climate resilience. By 🐿️ Squirrel for Mayor What does the urban forest have to do with housing myths? That is a fair… Read more
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Even Supporters of Housing Reform Are Calling for a Review of Bill 44
By Squirrel For Mayor 🐿 One of the most persistent myths surrounding criticism of Bill 44 is that it comes only from people who oppose new housing. That simply isn’t true. In a June 1, 2026 letter to Housing and Municipal Affairs Minister Christine Boyle, the Cadboro Bay Residents Association (CBRA) made something very clear:… Read more
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How We Learned to Talk Ourselves Out of Ecology
While having lunch with a longtime friend recently, our conversation turned to housing. He had just finished reading Gregor Craigie’s book and, before long, we were discussing density, zoning, and the future of our cities. Then he asked me something that stopped me for a moment. “Urban forest is kind of an oxymoron, isn’t it?”… Read more
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The Inconvenient Garry Oak Ecosystem: Distinguishing Native Trees from House Plants through Victoria’s Draft OCP.
Summary: This article examines how Victoria’s planning policies address the urban forest while considering the unique conservation needs of the Garry oak ecosystem. The article explores the relationship between native ecosystems, biodiversity, and municipal planning. By Squirrel for Mayor August 26, 2025 The urban area of the City of Victoria is the Garry oak (Quercus… Read more
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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