Environment
Saanich has always been a leader of environmental stewardship. We are lucky that the place we call home has a variety of flora and fauna that offer such biodiversity to the community; we need to ensure it remains protected for generations to come. This will require Saanich to:
-ensure the protection of the Urban Containment Boundary,
-continue to acquire parcels of land to enhance our current parks and trail systems,
-adequately fund the maintenance of these green spaces.
Over the past four years, council has lost a lot of trust with the electorate, due in large part to the heavy-handed line with the Environmental Development Permit Area. Council needs to work with residents to create a balanced replacement to the EDPA, which protects our environment while respecting property rights.
Saanich should be working with community associations to find land and resources to support community gardens. These spaces can act as outdoor community or cultural centres, helping to build a sense of pride in and around the neighbourhood. They can also be used as hands on learning centres for people of all ages, providing a great ecological, economical, nutritional and social benefit to the community.
The current CRD projection for the design capacity at Hartland Landfill is now at 30 years. Saanich should continue to reduce our waste and set an example for our neighbouring municipalities by increasing both our recycling and compost programs
I am dedicated to working towards a sustainable and healthy environment for our future!