Environment, Trees & Heritage

Between January 1 and December 18, 2025, Cadboro Bay has faced an unprecedented assault on its natural heritage. In less than a year, active permits now threaten 168 trees - ranging from protective Arbutus and Garry Oaks to majestic Pines, Cedars, Cypresses, Dogwoods, Willows, Robinias, and Cherry trees. Only four permits were denied, all tied to single-family dwellings, but the reprieve is negligible: at least 30 trees have already been cut down in favour of multiplex develo

Setbacks in Saanich’s single‑family areas are often dismissed as technical zoning details, yet they are one of the most powerful tools shaping the municipality’s character, ecological health, and quality of life. Far from outdated, setbacks remain essential to preserving the green, spacious, and safe neighbourhoods that define Saanich. In a moment of rapid policy change and densification pressure, it is worth remembering why setbacks exist, and why they matter. Setbacks prote

The City of Victoria Urban Forest Master Plan (February 2013) recommends that a canopy cover goal of 40% would be appropriate for cities in the Pacific Northwest. Table 1 of that document, citing a 2013 LIDAR analyses, states Victoria’s City Wide Canopy Coverage was 26%. Victoria City Councillors approved a significant motion on April 3, 2025 to address the tree deficit we currently have in the city and included an important aspect of the Tree Masterplan that has been ignored

Impact of Upzoning on Trees and Green Areas Upzoning refers to the process of changing zoning regulations to allow for increased density or height of buildings in a specific area. While it is often promoted as a solution for housing shortages and urban development, upzoning can have significant negative impacts on the environment, particularly concerning the loss of trees and green spaces, which in turn reduces biodiversity. Loss of Trees and Green Areas 1. **Increased Deve