Standing room only for debate on contentious EDPA bylaw
Saanich residents crammed into council chambers Monday night in a last-ditch effort to voice concerns or support for the controversial Environmental Development Permit Area bylaw.
People were greeted outside municipal hall by a camouflaged Darth Vader brandishing a large Garry oak branch. In the lobby, residents opposed to rescinding the bylaw held signs that read “Save our Ecosystem,” “EDPA Protects Property Value” and “Planet over Profit.”
After a heated public hearing Oct. 28, 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 bylaw was meant to protect sensitive and threatened environmental areas containing endangered species and habitats, including Garry oak ecosystems.
The EDPA is loved by some for its environmental protection but loathed by others who complained it is a complicated bureaucratic system that’s restrictive to the point of not allowing people to stick a shovel in the ground in their backyard.
In scrapping the bylaw, councillors voted 6-3 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.
Nathalie Chambers joined a gathering of supporters to try to persuade Saanich council to reverse course on its decision to rescind the bylaw.
“I’m 100 per cent in opposition to rescinding the EDPA,” said Chambers. “This is extremely important. The areas contained in the EDPA are essential for agriculture and food security and biodiversity. This legacy is needed for us to survive climate change.”
The room was overflowing during the council meeting. People stood in the hallway, pressed up against the walls or sat on the floor.
Former Saanich councillor Vic Derman’s widow, Lauraine, received some applause when she told council that the municipality’s reputation as a leader in environmental protection is rapidly unravelling.
Saanich resident Barry Andruschak, who lives in Ten Mile Point, said he finds himself in the middle of the debate. He bought property beside his house to protect it from development.
“I’m trying to figure out how to build on it now to keep the environment nice. I just want to make sure Saanich stays protected. But I would favour a redo of the bylaw.”
Barry Curran said he supported Saanich council’s decision to rescind the bylaw, which he described as onerous. “Either fix the old one or start something new,” said Curran.
Several people suggested keeping the EDPA bylaw in place until a new one is drafted.