Tag: Garry Oak Ecosystem
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Municipal Elections 2026 – Urban Forest Key Issues
By Squirrel For Mayor 🐿 Download Victoria’s Urban Forest issues (.pdf) Key Issue: URBAN FOREST & ENVIRONMENT Key Messages We need a change in City Council’s approach to the urban forest: From To Trees fitted…
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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…
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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…
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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.…
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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,…
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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.…
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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.…
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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…