Group plans rally for eco bylaw

A group of Saanich residents is hoping to persuade Saanich to reverse course on its decision to kill the Environmental Development Permit Area bylaw.

The group, calling itself Homeowners for Saanich’s EDPA, is calling on residents to rally in support of the EDPA at Saanich Municipal Hall at 6:30 p.m. Monday.

After a heated public hearing last weekend, Saanich councillors voted 5-4 to scrap the EDPA. The bylaw was passed in 2012 with the goal of protecting sensitive ecosystems on about 2,200 private properties. The decision still has to be formally ratified.

In a statement, Larry Wartels, of the Homeowners for the EDPA, said the bylaw should be kept because it protects and respects homeowner rights, and protects home property values along with green space, trees and habitat.

The bylaw was meant to protect sensitive and threatened environmental areas containing endangered species and habitats, including Garry oak ecosystems.

The EDPA was loved by some for its environmental protection but loathed by others who complained it was a complicated bureaucratic system that was restrictive to the point of not allowing people to stick a shovel in the ground in their backyard.

In scrapping the bylaw, councillors voted in favour of a motion calling on staff to draft a report on how to develop a biodioversity strategy, which could include a new EDPA bylaw.