Tree Bylaw
The District of Central Saanich is updating the Tree Protection Bylaw.
The impacts of climate change are increasingly apparent and the role of tree preservation is a recognized climate mitigation measure. While trees are key to carbon sequestration, they can also play a significant role in storm water management, reducing the urban heat island effect, providing habitat and enhancing biodiversity, and their inherent aesthetic and cultural value reflect the importance of a healthy urban forest.
Council identified a Tree Protection Review in the 2019 Strategic Plan. Staff initiated a review of the current Tree Bylaw and, with the help of a consultant, drafted a new Tree Management Bylaw. In October, Council endorsed the next step of the project, community engagement. In this phase, the District is asking for input on the draft bylaw.