A call for a moratorium on cutting trees has been rejected 8-1 by Saanich council
Coun. Nathalie Chambers introduced the motion, saying the municipality’s Environmental Development Permit Area bylaw was rescinded based on a “faulty scientific process, leaving this important biological diversity with sub-standard protections.”
She said temporary measures are needed until it’s replaced.
Anita Bull, president of Saanich Citizens for a Responsible EDPA Society, said Chambers “opened up a wound that didn’t need to be opened,” because staff is working on a report that would recommend how to replace the EDPA.
Saanich councillors heard Monday that the proposed moratorium on tree cutting would have a number of implications, according to staff, none of which were addressed in Chambers’ recommendation.
Also, councillors were told that diverting staff to create interim measures in the absence of an EDPA would delay development of a comprehensive biodiversity strategy.
Coun. Rebecca Mersereau said she sympathized with the intent of Chambers’ recommendation but could not support it.
In the end, Chambers was the only one to vote in favour of her recommendation.
Chambers said she appreciated the number of people who came out to support the protection of the environment and Garry oaks.
She said she is also buoyed by a commitment by staff to have a report delivered by the end of April.
The EDPA bylaw was passed in 2012 with the goal of protecting sensitive ecosystems on about 2,200 private properties.
Five years later, in November 2017, Saanich council voted 5-4 to rescind the bylaw after an outcry from owners of affected properties.
Council directed staff to come back with a report on the potential of developing a Saanich program that includes climate adaptation, a biodiversity conservation strategy, a stewardship program to serve as a policy framework for other environmental policies and programs, and a new EDPA.
Staff anticipate the report will come before council by the end of April. A motion was passed to ensure this and to consider phasing in the strategies once approved.
Coun. Susan Brice said the report is a significant undertaking and she is confident the previous council did the right thing in taking such a comprehensive approach.
“I am not panicked if it is two or three weeks one way or the other,” Brice said. “This is a 100-year decision and it has taken a relatively small amount of time, less than a year, to go from the time we funded this to it coming before us.”
Saanich Mayor Fred Haynes told the audience gathered at the council meeting: “Do not underestimate the determination of this council to get a biodiversity strategy here as soon as is humanly possible.”
