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North Saanich council members have urged the public to remain stable but involved as revisions to its tree protection bylaw continue.
Mayor Geoff Orr quoted Bonnie Henry as asking people to “be kind, calm and careful” as council discussed public comments on the proposed changes – the submissions were overwhelmingly opposed. North Saanich launched this process last summer after identifying it as a strategic priority in 2019.
Staff say the proposed settlement will aim to find a balanced approach to protecting the tree canopy for current and future residents in the face of climate change, while providing flexibility.
Critics argue it would make pruning trees too difficult and expensive, with many worried it would prevent them from cutting down trees to protect views.
“The bylaw changes will have a (tiny) effect on the environment, but a major effect on many taxpaying residents of North Saanich,” wrote Clyde and Gail Bogle, who called for the “healthier heads” to rule. . “At a minimum, the bylaw should include provision for the pruning and maintenance of trees for the enjoyment of the property and for market value purposes. “
“If adopted, its existence would threaten the quality of life we enjoy today and tomorrow,” said David Balaban. “Our collective real estate values, which we all paid a premium for, would collapse, eroding a major financial investment, our home.
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Staff said current regulations already prohibit cutting trees for views as this is considered damage. That would not change under the revisions, which aim to provide “a clearer definition of what is and is not healthy tree practice or damage,” said North Saanich town planner Carly Rimell.
This unmarked sign posted on Barrett Drive in the North Saanichs Dean Park neighborhood argues that proposed revisions to the North Saanichs tree protection bylaw will deprive residents of their perspective, a perspective disputed by councilors and staff. (Wolf Depner / Press staff)
Other critics fear the revisions increase the risk of wildfires.
Council had planned to discuss the comments on June 7, but scheduled a special meeting on June 14 to address the issue. The move highlighted the level of public interest and controversy generated since the district hired Vancouver-based Diamond Head Consulting last year to undertake work on the review process.
One measure of that interest is the 677 survey submissions the municipality has received on the issue since a virtual presentation last month.
The controversy saw a writer apologize to staff for “pissing off” people enough. Unmarked flyers were also posted in the Dean Park neighborhood.
“The bylaw is written for the trees, not for the people who live here,” the leaflet read. “This has to change to protect the trees while respecting you as a resident. “
According to Orr, Dean Park accounted for 83 percent of the bids received.
Com. Patricia Pearson said the bylaw could be hard to digest, but took issue with the perception that the council is trying to push through changes behind the backs of the public.
“You are finding out now, because we want you to find out now,” she said. “While this has been quite volatile, I would say that over the last few weeks people have been engaged and listening and I encourage everyone to continue to follow up.”
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Com. Celia Stock reminded the public that North Saanich is revising its rules for the first time since 2007 after concerns over clearcutting on Towner Park Road and Lands End Road.
Stock said staff take all comments seriously, adding that the council has yet to officially see the draft settlement. “And… we’re not trying to tell (the public) that they can’t trim their hedges or cut down huge trees that interfere with their garden or their views,” she said. “This is not the intention of the new regulation. “
Staff will provide a summary feedback report to Council on August 16. While the public has heard that staff will not be reviewing the draft regulation, they will be asking council for further direction.
As several submissions questioned Diamond Consulting’s relevance, implying that it was unfamiliar with North Saanich conditions and attempted to impose outside values, staff defended the choice.
“Diamond Head Consulting is an award winning consulting firm and although based in Vancouver, she is very familiar with the North Saanich context,” said Brian Green, Director of Planning and Community Services, adding that she had undertook similar work for municipalities in British Columbia including Victoria and central Saanich.
The company is certainly no stranger to controversial topics. Saanich, under the political leadership of former mayor Richard Atwell, had hired Diamond Head Consulting to review its now repealed Environmental Development Permit Area (EDPA).
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