The NEWS on Radio Sidney

Peninsula Communities Rally Around Bioregional Vision

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 19:25:30 GMT

Events Reporting

Environmental coalition draws 50 residents to workshop on cross-municipal planning and hears a call for action.

On a Saturday afternoon in March, roughly fifty residents, scientists, farmers, elected officials, and community activists gathered in a church hall on the Saanich Peninsula with a shared concern: that the three municipalities governing this part of southern Vancouver Island are managing their shared natural environment as if it doesn't cross their property lines.

The gathering was organized by the Saanich Peninsula Environmental Coalition (SPEC), a collaborative group formed after the 2018 Sidney Summit with the core goal of integrating bioregional planning principles—such as ecosystem integrity, jurisdictional cooperation, and community input—into the Official Community Plans (OCPs) of North Saanich, Sidney, and Central Saanich.

Eight years later, the coalition decided it was time to evaluate progress. The result was Check-Up!, a structured research initiative designed to assess whether the municipalities are truly fulfilling the environmental commitments outlined in their plans. The overall picture, while not entirely bleak, highlights a community that is urgently seeking better coordination, greater accountability, and a governance structure capable of addressing the ecological scale of the challenges it faces.

"Ecosystems Don't Stop at Municipal Borders"

The highlight of the afternoon was a research presentation by Alexandra Welch (see video above), a graduate student in the School of Resource and Environmental Management at Simon Fraser University, who has been collaborating with SPEC through SFU's Action on Climate Team. Welch, also working on her master's thesis about implementing environmental development permit areas, combined academic rigour with practical field experience, drawing on her background as a biologist and her involvement in regional strategies such as Metro Vancouver's Green Infrastructure Network and the District of Saanich's Biodiversity and Conservation Strategy.

Her analysis focused on the OCPs of all three Peninsula municipalities, assessing them against six key ecological indicators: nature-based solutions and green infrastructure, living shorelines, tree canopy cover, landscape connectivity, watershed health, and agriculture and food systems. The method did not simply consider whether a topic was mentioned. Welch and her colleagues evaluated the depth and strength of each policy, examining whether implementation standards, monitoring requirements, and mechanisms for cross-jurisdictional coordination were in place.

The overarching finding was stark: while all three municipalities acknowledge bioregional principles and even reference the need for collaboration, the machinery to make that collaboration happen is largely absent.

"Ecological systems on the peninsula, including forests, shorelines, and watersheds, cross municipal boundaries," Welch told the audience. "Residents and practitioners consistently recognize that these systems are interconnected and require coordinated stewardship. The OCPs themselves acknowledge this. But in practice, many of these ecological features are still addressed within individual municipal plans rather than through coordinated frameworks."

This mismatch, she explained, is particularly glaring when it comes to climate change. Flooding, drought, shoreline erosion, and ecosystem degradation are experienced across interconnected land and water systems. All three municipalities reference climate in their OCPs and note the need for regional coordination on specific initiatives. Yet most adaptation and mitigation measures remain framed at the municipal level, precisely the wrong scale for problems that don't respect administrative boundaries.

Six Indicators, Six Gaps

Welch walked through the room, examining each indicator in turn. On nature-based solutions (rain gardens, bioswales, and naturalized stormwater systems), she found increasing references in policy and genuine public support, but a troubling absence of implementation standards or performance metrics. Without these, it is difficult to determine whether green infrastructure is truly delivering results.

Living shorelines , defined as the use of natural materials such as plants, sand, and oyster reefs to stabilize coastlines, posed a different challenge. Public engagement revealed strong concern about the hardening of natural shorelines and growing support for softer, nature-based alternatives. But overlapping federal, provincial, and municipal jurisdictions make consistent policy implementation exceptionally difficult. The shoreline doesn't know which level of government is responsible; the governance system apparently does.

Tree canopy emerged as a high-priority issue for residents, who expressed consistent frustration with canopy loss driven by development pressure and uneven enforcement. All three municipalities have tree protection policies, and North Saanich's OCP even references a minimum 30% canopy cover target. But there is no coordinated Urban Forest Management Strategy across the peninsula, meaning a tree removed in one municipality may not be recorded as a loss in any shared accounting system.

Landscape connectivity , which refers to maintaining the ecological corridors that allow wildlife to move and natural systems to function, received limited attention in the OCPs. Welch noted that connectivity and cumulative effects are treated as future data-collection aspirations rather than current planning priorities, and that this work is not coordinated across municipal boundaries.

On watershed health , the picture was mixed. Stormwater management and water quality received reasonable attention, and the CRD's work on programs like the Reay Creek restoration was cited as a positive example. But peninsula-wide, watershed-boundary-respecting planning remained weak. As Welch pointed out, planning and governance tools are largely structured around municipal boundaries, not hydrological ones, a fundamental mismatch when trying to manage water systems that flow where gravity takes them.

Finally, agriculture and food systems . Welch acknowledged the central role farming plays in the peninsula's landscape, identity, and food security, and noted that municipal policies generally support farmland protection. The Agricultural Land Reserve was widely praised in the room for having prevented far greater development. But Welch observed that OCPs could better reflect the ecological and climate-resilience value of agricultural lands, not just their economic and food-production function.

A Community Ready to Act

The afternoon's workshop, which gave attendees the chance to discuss the indicators at small tables, confirmed that Welch's research reflects what residents are seeing and feeling on the ground.

Common themes ran across all six tables. Participants called for increased municipal collaboration at the staff level to standardize baseline ecological data. They urged the revival of regular joint meetings among the three municipal Councils, a practice that has apparently lapsed. They called for the development of a shared natural assets inventory across the whole peninsula rather than municipality by municipality. And, in what may be the meeting's most significant concrete proposal, attendees called for the creation of a Saanich Peninsula Environment Advisory Commission : an inter-municipal advisory body that would guide jurisdictional collaboration and help ensure bioregional principles are reflected in planning decisions across all three councils.

Elected officials present, including Elizabeth May MP, MLA Rob Botterell, Mayor Peter Jones of North Saanich, Mayor Cliff McNeil-Smith of Sidney, and Councillor Sarah Riddell of Central Saanich, each acknowledged that more collaboration is needed. Positive examples were highlighted, including work on Mermaid Creek and Reay Creek, and the OCP-related tools used to address sea level rise and shoreline protection.

But the tone from the floor was impatient. Community members noted that climate impacts including drought, extreme rainfall, erosion, and tree mortality are accelerating faster than current systems can adapt. Several participants pointed to a frustrating "policy versus practice gap": municipalities generally have environmental policies in place, but residents experience a significant disconnect between the policies and what is actually happening.

"Bioregional management should be seen as a positive alternative to the current fragmented environmental governance," was one of the workshop's summarizing statements, and not a radical fringe position but a consensus view of the room.

What Comes Next

SPEC will receive Welch's final report in June. That report, combined with the themes from Saturday's meeting, will form the basis of a presentation to each of the three municipal Councils. With municipal elections scheduled for October, SPEC has also indicated it will be formulating candidate questions on these issues, giving voters a chance to assess where their local representatives stand on the peninsula's environmental future.

Welch, for her part, concluded with a note of cautious optimism. She stated that the research reveals a solid foundation already in place, in policy language, community values and the network of volunteer stewards, NGOs, and local groups doing the practical work that formal governance has yet to fully catch up with.

"The key opportunity moving forward," she told attendees, "is strengthening mechanisms for coordinating across jurisdictions so that planning and environmental management better reflect the scale of the ecosystems they are trying to protect."

For a peninsula defined by its natural environment, its shorelines, its farms, its forests and watersheds, the question of whether that coordination arrives in time may prove to be the defining challenge of the next council term.

For more information on SPEC's Bioregional Framework and the Check-Up! project, visit www.placespeak.com/saanichpeninsulabioregion or contact specoalition@gmail.com. A second public survey is available on PlaceSpeak during April.

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Public Engagement and the Bowerbank Road Project

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:11:22 GMT

NEWS FEATURE:

A Review of Public Engagement Leading up to the Bowerbank Road Project

The changes to Bowerbank Road have sparked significant controversy among supporters and opponents. The changes were part of the Town’s Active Transportation Plan (ATP) strategy to expand cycling opportunities.

When the draft ATP was presented at Committee of the Whole (COW) in December 2022, improving Bowerbank was only ranked third in a list of priorities. The Winter (January) 2023 Town Talk featured the draft ATP with a map of the proposed cycling priorities and that the draft ATP was open for public input until 17 March 2023.

In May 2023, after considering community input with 46% of respondents opposed to bikeway projects and a lengthy debate, Council made eight amendments to the draft ATP including revising the list of cycling improvements to make Bowerbank become the top priority. The final draft ATP was presented in June 2023 which described planned improvements for Bowerbank including a “Traffic diversion at Ardwell Avenue to restrict southbound thru/left.” Council directed a final 2-week period for final public review, and authorization for staff to proceed with design and construction of the Bowerbank Road project. Only one response in opposition to the Bowerbank project was submitted before adoption.

Staff presented a preliminary design to Council in October 2023 stating that “staff intend to complete a “consult” level engagement process (International Association of Public Participation (IAP2) guidelines) with key stakeholders. Since this project was part of the ATP engagement process, staff do not believe a higher level of engagement would add much value to the design and implementation of this project.”

Both the Peninsula News Review and the Times Colonist reported on the preliminary design for Bowerbank with the Times Colonist article including a plan of the preliminary design.

There is no summary or information in any of the subsequent reports on the IAP2 consultation with key stakeholders on the design. In October 2024, the Town applied for a $300k grant from BC Active Transportation for the Bowerbank project which was approved in March 2025.

The Town’s Facebook post and webpage with plans for Bowerbank in December 2024 prompted community debate and requests for Council to reconsider the project.

In response, on 13 January 2025, Council passed a motion to discuss the Bowerbank project at COW. At the 20 January 2025 COW meeting, Council discussed a staff request for clear direction on whether to proceed with the Bowerbank project and communications as planned. And, on 27 January 2025, the Council confirmed direction to proceed. Construction began in Summer 2025 and is now finished.

Community debate over the Bowerbank project continues. Public feedback on speed limits in January 2026 listed “Strong frustration with Bowerbank Road Neighbourhood Bikeway” under Most Frequent Comments.

Mayor McNeil-Smith stated: “Since the implementation of that early last fall, we have had a lot of feedback, a lot of negative criticism over not only the implementation of it, but what it is today after it was implemented. And, criticism over the impacts that it creates for different users. I want to say from my perspective that I'm listening to that feedback … We will be collecting data, predominantly next summer in the better season, and that will come forward to Council and I'm willing to consider further what the Bowerbank Bikeway is and what changes or any changes. I'm not trying to communicate anything in advance. I'm just saying that it registers with the feedback that we've had, and we saw a lot of comments while we were talking about local roads throughout our community. There was a lot of weight or a lot of mention of Bowerbank.”

RESOURCES

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Is the Town of Sidney Planning Appropriately for Our Future?

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 20:42:22 GMT

Letter to Sidney Council September 11, 2025 by P. Wainwright

Impacts of the 5-year Planning Cycle Required by Legislation

I am writing to ask the council to consider whether changes are necessary to the way the Town of Sidney conducts planning because of the 5-year planning cycle for Housing Needs Reports (HNRs) and Official Community Plans (OCPs).

This 5-year planning cycle doesn’t align with the 4-year council term. This discrepancy complicates planning, as incoming councils may inherit ongoing projects and initiatives, and outgoing councils may not have the option to defer projects to the next council because of deadlines.

What impact does this have on the way the Town of Sidney does planning, and should any changes be made?

What did the Legislation Change?

In late 2023, BC adopted legislation that changed the way local governments conduct planning and imposed a five-year planning cycle. Municipalities are now required to:

Update HNRs using BC’s methodology every 5 years to address local housing needs over the next 5 and 20 years.
Review and update OCPs every 5 years to plan for current and anticipated housing needs over 20 years, and include policies that address a wider range of housing types (e.g., affordable housing, rental housing, housing for families, etc.).
Align Zoning Bylaws with their OCPs and HNRs every five years to permit the use and density to accommodate the total number of housing units needed over the next 20 years.

The first HNR is required by December 31st, 2028, and the first OCP and Zoning Bylaw updates based on the interim HNR are due by December 31st, 2025.

OCP and Municipal Election Cycles

This new 5-year planning cycle doesn’t match the 4-year council term; however, it does align with the requirement for 5-year financial plans. But annual budget discussions have usually focused only on the first two years of the 5-year financial plan. Strategic planning currently only extends to the end of the current council term.

Sidney’s current OCP requires updates for various “housekeeping” matters, such as the tree canopy target being lower than the estimate made in 2019. It’s not feasible to address these within the remaining four months before the December 31, 2025, deadline. If these are not completed in 2026, an election year, they will be deferred to the next council. The next council is expected (planned) to handle these issues.

The process for any OCP update requires public engagement, referrals to various jurisdictions and agencies, and a public hearing. A major OCP review requires 2 years or more. Even an OCP update of “modest” scope is difficult to complete in under a year.

Table 1 below lists the timing of municipal elections and the deadlines for HNR and OCP updates. Generally, it’s a bad idea to plan to finish an OCP shortly after an election; otherwise, the OCP may become an election issue. For example, the next council should likely plan to complete the next OCP update by 2029 rather than 2030.

Sidney’s 2025 to 2029 Financial Plan allocates $25k in 2028 for the HNR. Funding for the next OCP update should be included in the 2029 budget. Otherwise, it will occur alongside the 2030 election. If the 2030 OCP update is expected to be a significant review, it should be financed within the Financial Plan, preferably in 2028 and 2029.

Sidney’s OCP is silent about when the next major OCP review should be conducted or the frequency of major updates.

Studies and Plans Contributing to Planning and the OCP

Several plans contribute to the OCP, such as tree canopy and GHG targets (see Table 2 below). The timing for updating these plans should match the schedule for OCP and Zoning Bylaw revisions.

For example, the tree canopy is currently monitored through analysis of aerial imagery and LiDAR data collected by CRD. Data were collected in 2019 and 2023, with analysis results released the following year. CRD does not have a policy regarding the frequency of LiDAR surveys; however, another survey is likely to occur before 2030. It is too late to consider the 2023 results for the 2025 OCP update. However, new monitoring results could inform the 2030 OCP update. This would involve planning to revise the Urban Forestry Strategy in 2029, which is not in the 2025 to 2029 Financial Plan.

The current OCP sets a target to reduce GHG emissions to 50% below 2007 levels by 2030 and to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. This should be updated in the 2030 OCP revision, especially if the 2030 target is not met, which is likely. Updating the Climate Action Plan in 2029 will also be necessary, but it is not included in the 2025 to 2029 Financial Plan.

The Active Transportation Plan requires bi-annual progress reports to monitor ATP implementation (E.5) and includes a minor review in 2028 with a comprehensive review in 2033 (E.6). If these reviews have resource needs, they are not included in the 2025 to 2029 period. The Downtown Parking Study (2022) recommends updating the study every five years. There is $50,000 allocated for this update in 2026 within the 2025 to 2029 Financial Plan.

The Economic Development Plan outlines a “key events” timeline from 2023 to 2027, indicating that this Plan should be updated before 2028. It is also not included in the 2025 to 2029 Financial Plan.

Selected Plans and Studies that contribute to Planning and the OCP

Parks Master Plan adopted in 2018
Urban Forest Strategy adopted in 2019
Child Care Inventory and Action Plan adopted in 2020*
Climate Action Plan updated in 2022
Economic Development Plan adopted in 2023*
Accessibility Plan for 2023 to 2026
Active Transportation Plan adopted in 2023
Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan adopted in 2024**
Strategic Plan 2022 to 2026

* Makes OCP recommendations; silent on need for or frequency of updating

** Makes OCP recommendations; recommends formal review after 5 years

Municipal Infrastructure, DCCs and ACCs, and Planning

Infrastructure providing essential municipal services such as sewer, water, and storm drains needs regular replacement as parts reach the end of their lifespan and must be expanded to accommodate growth and challenges like climate change. Sidney, like most other municipalities, collects Development Cost Charges (DCCs) from new developments to help fund the infrastructure expansion necessary to support growth.

Significant density changes in the OCP trigger updates to infrastructure plans to accommodate growth and, consequently, the revision of the DCC Bylaw. Currently, Sidney only collects DCCs for sewer, water, storm drains, parks, and public open spaces (e.g., waterfront walkway), and is in the process of updating Bylaw 1440 (last revised in 1998). A Utility Study (last updated in 2024) is conducted every 5 to 10 years, in line with changes in the OCP, which influence infrastructure planning and DCCs.

DCCs and the process to adopt them are regulated by the Province. DCCs are collected to help fund specific projects identified in their DCC Bylaw. All of the projects identified in Sidney’s DCC Bylaw are now complete.

Changes were made by Bill 46 that expand the scope of what capital infrastructure can be funded by DCCs to include fire, police, wastewater, solid waste, and recycling facilities. Bill 46 also enabled Amenity Cost Charges (ACCs) to help fund amenities such as community centres, recreation centres, daycares, and libraries related to growth.

Sidney’s current DCC update, which started in 2023, is expected to be completed by the end of 2025 and extends DCCs to roads and active transportation. The OCP, Parks Master Plan, Parkland Needs Assessment, and Active Transportation Plan all contribute to this DCC update. A proposed ACC Bylaw is also being introduced.

With the requirement for an OCP update every 5 years, this cycle now includes a Utility Study every 5 years, and DCC updates at 5-, 10- or 15-year intervals. The next Utility Study update is scheduled for 2029. This is not included in the 2025 to 2029 Financial Plan. The next DCC update is expected after the 2030 OCP update. If Sidney chooses to adopt an ACC Bylaw, future updates should also be incorporated into the planning cycle.

5-Year Financial Plan

While various projects mentioned above are not included in the 2025 to 2029 Financial Plan, the Plan includes $150k in 2027, $175k in 2028, and $150k in 2029 for “Anticipated Projects”. This could potentially be sufficient to fund the work discussed above.

Community Engagement

From the public’s perspective, Sidney’s planning process primarily involves the annual update of the strategic plan and the five-year financial plan. Strategic planning is conducted privately, with only the final draft of the strategic plan made publicly available. Sidney’s OCP sets out goals, objectives, and policies, and their implementation “will be prioritized and implemented through the Town’s annual strategic planning and budgeting processes and individual department work plans.” Departmental work plans, asset management plans, and twenty-year infrastructure plans are also mentioned during the development of the five-year financial plan. However, these plans are not accessible on the Town’s website or included in agenda packages.

Summary and Conclusions

What impact does this have on the way the Town of Sidney does planning? – This is pretty complicated. It’s obvious that some change will be necessary and should be figured out before the next OCP due in 2030.

Most of Sidney’s planning has been carried out on a 10- to 15-year cycle. Transitioning to a 5-year cycle will likely require additional resources. This may be partly offset because legislative changes, such as mandating pre-zoning, improve efficiencies and reduce costs in the department’s approval process. However, no efficiencies have been gained in the engineering review of developments and infrastructure planning. Extra staff may be necessary to support this change.

Why Did the CRD Board Reject North Saanich’s Regional Context Statement (RCS)?

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 20:05:56 GMT

Essay Commentary

Why Did the CRD Board Reject North Saanich’s Regional Context Statement (RCS)?

Section 446 of the Local Government Act (LGA) requires that a municipal OCP contain a Regional Context Statement (RCS) accepted by the regional district board. A context statement was prepared by North Saanich for the newly adopted OCP, but was rejected by the CRD.

Q1: Why is the CRD even involved in approving North Saanich’s RCS?

Section 446 of the Local Government Act (LGA) requires that a municipal OCP contain a

Regional Context Statement (RCS) accepted by the regional district board.

Q2: Is this something new?

No, this has been a requirement since 1998. Because the CRD Board must approve the

proposed RCS for every municipality in the Capital Region, they wanted a consistent and

transparent process for this. The CRD Board approved a framework to guide the evaluation of

regional context statements on April 11, 2018

Q3: Why is this happening now?

The LGA stipulates that upon receipt of a proposed RCS, the CRD Board must respond by

resolution within 120 days to the municipal council indicating whether or not it accepts the

proposed RCS. On June 18, 2025, North Saanich submitted an updated RCS for CRD Board acceptance. The

deadline for CRD’s response is 16 October 2025.

Q4: What is CRD’s rationale?

CRD Regional Planning staff evaluated North Saanich’s proposed RCS in accordance with CRD’s

framework, identified inconsistencies with the Regional Growth Strategy, and provided a

detailed report on this evaluation to CRD’s Planning and Protective Services Committee on 17

September 2025, with the recommendation that the CRD reject the proposed RCS.

https://crd.ca.legistar.com/gateway.aspx?M=F&ID=8a315572-b81e-4400-a6ef-d5b057778ce5.pdf

Q5: Does North Saanich disagree with CRD’s rationale?

In a response on 8 September 2025 NS stated: “… the CRD has no authority to require the

District to amend its OCP or concede an expansion of the UCPA boundary. … It appears that the

CRD is seeking to use the RCS review process as a means to facilitate an expansion of the UCPA

boundary into North Saanich.” https://crd.ca.legistar.com/gateway.aspx?M=F&ID=c3acea67-f26f-

45b6-981d-1ff3ade652b6.pdf

Q6: Where do things stand?

At the 8 October 2025 meeting, the CRD Board voted unanimously (with Mayor Jones present)

to reject the RCS for the reasons set out in the 17 September report, and refer the matter back

to North Saanich Council. The matter is now in the hands of the North Saanich Council.

BC Transit – Sidney Transit Hub Memorandum of Understanding

Sun, 11 May 2025 17:59:36 GMT

Essay Commentary

We All Support Improving Public Transit. Are There Any Implications?

Sidney recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with BC Transit for the development of a transit hub located on Seventh Street near the Mary Winspear Centre (see below). According to BC Transit’s Peninsula Local Area Transit Plan completed in 2022, this transit hub would include a future RapidBus stop providing faster and more frequent bus service along the Peninsula from the BC Ferries Terminal in Swartz Bay to downtown Victoria, and bus stops along the way.

If this goes ahead, this transit hub is expected to be built in 3 to 4 years. Provincial legislation adopted in Fall 2023, Bill-47 Transit Oriented Areas and Bill-44 Residential Development, provide for increased housing density near frequent transit bus stops. Does this planned transit hub have implications for housing density in Sidney? “Frequent transit” means at least one route stopping every 15 minutes between 7 am and 7 pm Monday to Friday. While this won’t happen for several years, BC Transit’s (and Sidney’s) long-term objective is to improve service to this level.

Implications of Provincial Legislation

Bill-47 Transit Oriented Areas has the greatest potential to increase housing density. Under Bill-47, areas within 200m from prescribed transit hubs in Victoria, Saanich and View Royal are allowed up to 6 storeys. However, new transit hubs aren’t automatically covered by Bill-47. They must be specifically added to the list by Order in Council. The proposed transit hub seems unlikely to meet the threshold for listing under Bill-47 for the foreseeable future.

Bill-44 Residential Development applies to all single-family and duplex lots in Sidney that are greater than 280m2 or 3,000 ft2 in area and allows up to 4 units; and, up to 6 units if they are wholly or partly within 400m2 of a frequent transit bus stop. Bill-44 requires that Sidney update its Zoning Bylaw when this threshold is achieved. We don’t expect to see a bus route with this level of service for several years, but when it does happen Sidney must update the Zoning Bylaw to allow up to 6 units.

What Areas Are Affected?

The yellow outline in the figure below shows the area within 400m of the proposed transit hub. Most of the parcels within this area are not zoned single-family or duplex and therefore aren’t affected. However, a significant portion of the Orchard neighbourhood and a cluster of parcels on Besseredge Place are within 400m and would be upzoned to allow 6 units.

Will This Have an Effect on Sidney’s Official Community Plan (OCP)?

The draft North Saanich OCP proposes to increase density along a corridor 400m wide following East Saanich Road in anticipation of future frequent bus service. Does the proposed transit hub in Sidney mean changes to Sidney’s OCP? Maybe …

The single-family parcels that are within 400m are currently designated "Intensive Neighbourhood Residential" in Sidney’s OCP and within a Development Permit Area with form and character guidelines that were updated to address the increased density allowed by Bill-44.

The land where the transit hub will be located is designated "Downtown Commercial". Perhaps “Institutional” might be more appropriate, but “Downtown Commercial” allows a transit hub.

The Transportation section of the OCP already has policies about collaborating with BC Transit and implementing the Peninsula Local Area Transit Plan which support this transit hub.

The character of the affected neighbourhoods may change because of the increased density, particularly for the Orchard neighbourhood. Such changes are many years in the future, but people living there should be thinking about this for the next OCP update.

Changes to North Saanich OCP Land Designations

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 20:49:29 GMT

Essay Commentary

April 22 ^nd Deadline for Input on the First Draft of North Saanich’s OCP

The first “complete” draft of North Saanich’s Official Community Plan (OCP) Bylaw was presented at the March 24th Council meeting and is now open for public input until April 22nd. The Province’s Bill-44 requires that North Saanich adopt a new OCP and Zoning Bylaw by December 31st 2025 which provide sufficient density to meet the 20-year housing supply. The 20-year supply target in NS’s Interim Housing Needs Report is an additional 2493 new units. What’s changed in the new OCP?

This article examines the proposed changes in land use designations and housing density in the draft OCP Bylaw. This is a preliminary analysis. Some sections of the OCP (e.g., definitions, map schedules and DPA maps) were still being worked and have not yet been released.

The draft OCP Bylaw states that the land designations satisfy the 20-year supply by providing potential for 2602 new residential units. The changes and additional density focus on a “transit-oriented” area around the McTavish roundabout and a corridor 400m-wide along East Saanich Road.

Two new residential land designations have been created with higher housing density: Attached Ground-Oriented Residential and Neighbourhood Residential; and Multi-family Affordable Housing Residential has been modified to become just Multi-family Residential with higher housing density. The existing General Residential designation received minor updates and continues to apply to the single-family parcels outside of this transit-oriented area.

The new Neighbourhood Residential designation is similar to the existing General Residential designation except it allows both a secondary suite and an accessory dwelling, while the General Residential designation allows one additional unit, either a secondary suite or accessory dwelling, and only “in appropriate circumstances”. The majority of parcels becoming Neighbourhood Residential are being up-zoned from General Residential, although some are currently designated Multi-family Affordable Housing Residential.

Parcels on the north side of Bakerview Pl., as well as some fronting Canora Rd., East Saanich Rd. and Burrows Lane have been given the new Attached Ground-Oriented Residential designation which permits “Attached Ground-Oriented Residential” development (e.g., townhouses) with a maximum Floor Space Ratio (FSR) of 0.6 to a maximum of 15 units/acre, up to 3 storeys. Secondary suites are permitted to meet affordable, special needs or seniors housing needs.

Multi-family Residential replaces the current Multi-family Affordable Housing Residential designation without a requirement for affordable housing. Density is also increased from an average gross density of 16 units/acre to 40 units/acre with a maximum 0.8 FSR. An additional 4th storey may be allowed for seniors housing.

For comparison, the base FSR for townhouses and apartments in Sidney’s RM5 and RM6 range from 0.75 to 0.9 with bonus density from 1.3 to 1.75 FSR at a maximum 3-storeys.

Residents and property owners should look at the draft OCP Land Designation Map carefully, because the designations for some parcels have been down-zoned (allowing less density). For example, some properties along East Saanich and McTavish Roads have been down-zoned from General Residential to Agriculture (see below).

These are only some of the significant changes in the draft OCP Bylaw. However, many sections of the OCP have not yet been released. And, details of how the calculation of number of housing units based on land designations was done are not available.

The OCP Project timeline anticipates completing the second draft of the OCP Bylaw in May with a Public Hearing and adoption of the OCP Bylaw in June. A survey is currently seeking input on the draft OCP on the ConnectNorthSaanich.ca website. A virtual webinar is planned for noon to 1:30pm April 10th and in-person presentations 4:00pm to 6:00pm on April 15th at Saanich Peninsula Presbyterian Church and 6:00pm to 8:00pm on April 17th at McTavish Academy of Art.

While the land use designations and housing density are the parts of the OCP which are the focus of controversy, the draft OCP includes other changes that are significant. For example, Table D (below) in the Implementation section lists priority actions to be completed by future Councils.

The draft OCP Bylaw is a major update to North Saanich’s Official Community Plan. There are eleven (11) weeks remaining for public dialogue and revisions to the draft OCP before it goes to Public Hearing.

Local Farmers Discuss Agricultural Challenges and Solutions on the Saanich Peninsula

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 21:48:47 GMT

Excerpt from Radio Sidney's Show Peninsula Affairs

Panel Discussion from the Sidney Breakfast Club on March 12. 2025

A recent panel discussion on Peninsula Affairs featured three local agricultural leaders sharing insights on food security, sustainable farming, and the challenges facing Vancouver Island producers. The panelists included Steve Pearce, who represented Pendray Farms, John Espley, co-founder of Blenkinsop Community Agricultural Centre; and Lindsay Dault, owner of Country Bee Honey Farm.

Pendray Farms: Five Generations of Dairy Farming

Steve Pearce, who married into the Pendray family 24 years ago, described farming as "a lifestyle" rather than simply a business. Pendray Farms has been operating for five generations, with the family playing a significant role in developing Vancouver Island's dairy industry, including helping establish Island Farms.

Pearce highlighted the challenges of industrial-scale farming, noting that while the farm prioritizes animal welfare with clean facilities and proper care for their cows, they still face misconceptions and activism. He explained the problematic balance between industrial production and agritourism, sharing that their attempt at operating a corn maze resulted in significant financial losses over three years

"We tried this corn maze. It was amazing. So, we lost $108,000 the first year. We lost $214,000 the second year. We lost $63,000 the next year. And said, maybe we probably shouldn't do this anymore," Pearce explained.

He also discussed the impact of U.S. tariffs on the Canadian dairy industry, noting that the quota system protects food security in Canada by ensuring consistent production without the antibiotics and chemicals often used in U.S. operations.

Blenkinsop Community Agricultural Centre: Reconnecting People with the Land

John Espley described his new venture, the Blenkinsop Community Agricultural Centre, which converts 14 acres of agricultural land into community garden and small farm plots. The project allows people to rent various sized plots, from 5-by-10-foot community gardens to larger eighth, quarter and half-acre plots for those interested in commercial growing.

"The idea, number one, this helps fund the land," Espley explained. "But the reality for the smaller farmers or even the community gardeners, is they can afford that. They can't afford to buy 14 acres like we did, but they can afford to rent or lease an eighth, a quarter, half acre."

Espley emphasized the importance of growing food locally on Vancouver Island, noting that research suggests only 4-8% of the island's food is currently grown locally, down from approximately 80% in the 1950s. He sees the centre as providing growing space and reconnecting people with the land and teaching them about food production.

Espley also expressed frustration with bureaucratic obstacles, including costly permits and lengthy approval processes that hinder agricultural initiatives. "It cost me $8,000 in permits just to put a driveway in so people can access the land. What a joke". He said.

Country Bee Honey Farm: Supporting Local Producers

Lindsay Dault described how she established Country Bee Honey Farm on West Saanich Road near Brentwood Bay seven years ago. She quickly discovered that Vancouver Island's limited agricultural flowering plants meant lower honey yields than her previous Vancouver operation.

Dault partners with small local beekeepers to address this challenge, purchasing honey at above-market rates to supplement her store's supply. Her business model focuses on supporting local production, with 95% of products in her store coming from Canadian—primarily Vancouver Island—vendors and artisans.

"The main focus of our store is Canadian produced items," Dault explained. She also discussed how they incorporated agritourism into their business model by opening the back of their farm for self-guided tours where visitors can see animals and hold baby chicks, providing additional income and educational opportunities.

Addressing Agricultural Challenges

During the discussion, panelists addressed several key challenges facing local agriculture:

Food Security and Local Production

All three panelists emphasized the dramatic decline in local food production on Vancouver Island, with current estimates suggesting only 4-8% of food consumed on the island is grown locally, compared to approximately 80% in the 1950s.

Seasonal Eating and Education

The panel discussed the importance of returning to seasonal eating patterns and enhancing food preservation skills. Espley mentioned plans to provide education on canning and other traditional preservation methods, highlighting that many individuals have lost the connection to when and how food is produced.

Land Use and Regulations

Access to affordable agricultural land remains a significant barrier, with panelists noting the challenges of obtaining farm status and navigating Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) regulations. Audience members suggested creating networks to connect landowners with unused space to potential farmers.

Economic Viability

All three businesses have had to develop creative approaches to remain economically viable, including diversification through agritourism, retail components, and community-supported models.

Government Policy and Bureaucracy

Panelists voiced frustration with bureaucratic procedures obstructing agricultural initiatives and advocated for policy changes to better support small-scale and commercial farming operations.

Community Collaboration

The discussion concluded with a call for greater collaboration among agricultural businesses and community organizations. Steve Pearce emphasized the importance of working together consistently rather than only seeking support during difficult times.

"You've got to work together all the time," Pearce stated, underscoring the panel's shared message that addressing Vancouver Island's agricultural challenges requires coordinated community effort and policy change.

Shoreline Medical: A Community-Driven Healthcare Revolution

Sun, 09 Mar 2025 23:35:03 GMT

Excerpt from Radio Sidney's Show Peninsula Affairs

Reintroducing the Saanich Peninsula's Shoreline Medical

In a world where healthcare systems often feel impersonal and inaccessible, Shoreline Medical Society is making waves with a model rooted in community involvement and dedicated service. As we heard in a recent episode of "Peninsula Affairs," Shoreline Medical is not just another healthcare facility—it's a lifeline for the Saanich Peninsula community.

Meet Shoreline Medical
Shoreline Medical is unique due to its status as a non-profit, charitable organization. Unlike many healthcare providers, Shoreline actively supports the community through its innovative Doctor of the Day program, among other initiatives. This program provides crucial inpatient care at the Saanich Peninsula Hospital, ensuring that patients without family doctors receive consistent and compassionate medical attention.

Doctor of the Day Program
A standout feature of Shoreline Medical is its Doctor of the Day program, which guarantees hospital care continuity. Initially supported by a rota of family physicians, the program has evolved to include Shoreline doctors and locums working in blocks of time to sustain patient care throughout their hospital stay. This model not only stabilizes hospital operations but also expands the scope of practice for participating physicians.

A Unique Model of Care
Shoreline Medical sets itself apart from privately operated clinics by integrating community service into its model. Physicians at Shoreline are encouraged, if not required, to extend their practice beyond clinic walls. This could be through palliative care, long-term care facilities, or emergency room services, allowing doctors to engage in full-spectrum family medicine.

A Story of Growth and Impact
Since opening in 2016, Shoreline Medical has expanded its operations and influence dramatically. Starting with a handful of dedicated physicians, it now operates clinics in Sidney and Brentwood Bay, serving thousands of patients and sustaining community healthcare services. This growth has established Shoreline as a key player in the provincial healthcare landscape, inspiring similar initiatives across British Columbia.

Funding Challenges and Future Goals
Despite its successes, Shoreline Medical faces financial hurdles. As a charity, it relies heavily on community donations to maintain and expand its services. With an estimated shortfall of up to $400,000 annually, Shoreline is launching a fundraising campaign to ensure long-term sustainability. The funds raised will support the recruitment of more healthcare professionals, the expansion of maternity and youth services, and the maintenance of essential programs like the youth mental health clinic.

Strengthening a Community Pillar
Shoreline Medical's commitment to bringing every member of the Saanich Peninsula community under its healthcare umbrella is ambitious yet vital. The organization's board and staff strive to ensure that every resident has access to a primary care provider. This vision not only supports individual patients but also bolsters community health resilience.

Conclusion
Shoreline Medical is more than a medical clinic—it's a testament to what can be achieved when a community rallies around healthcare as a shared responsibility. The upcoming fundraising campaign is an opportunity for residents to invest in a model that has proven its value and necessity. The Shoreline Medical team, including Dr. Andrea Lewis, Dr. Christopher Dowler, Dr. Sienna Borden, and fundraiser Karen Morgan, are enthusiastic about the future, hopeful that with continued support, they can turn their vision of comprehensive community health into a reality for all.

Navigating the Waters of British Columbia's Marine Industries

Sun, 09 Mar 2025 23:18:56 GMT

Excerpt from Radio Sidney's Show Peninsula Affairs

Exploring the Association of BC Marine Industries

In the vast and dynamic marine industries sector, the Association of BC Marine Industries (ABCMI) emerges as a pivotal entity. Peninsula Affairs had the opportunity to chat with Alex Ruben, the Executive Director of ABCMI. Here's a closer look at ABCMI, its strategies, and how it steers the sector toward growth and innovation.

What is ABCMI?

The Association of British Columbia Marine Industries, or ABCMI, is an independent, not-for-profit society representing businesses' interests within British Columbia's industrial marine sector. The group acts independently from governmental and private sector influences, providing a platform to voice collective concerns and sustain business growth across six defined subsectors: shipbuilding, small craft marine, marine products, marine infrastructure and industrial services, marine professional services, and ocean sciences and technology.

Breaking Down the Sub Sectors

ABCMI focuses on six distinct sub sectors that encompass the breadth of marine industries in BC:

Shipbuilding, Refit, and Repair : Known for its heavy industry and shipyards, with notable names like C-SPAN’s Vancouver Yards.
Small Craft Marine : Catering more to the builders and repair of small craft, distinct from the sale-oriented BC Boating Association.
Marine Products : As the supply chain for the first two sectors, providing necessary products and services.
Marine Infrastructure and Industrial Services : This catch-all category includes renewable energy projects, underwater surveys, and dredging, among other things.
Marine Professional Services : This category includes naval architects, engineers, lawyers, and consultants who operate within the marine space.
Ocean Sciences and Technology : This fast-growing sector focuses on technologies such as autonomous underwater vehicles and remote sensing systems.

Bridging Past and Present

Originating from a voluntary forum that aimed to address employment strategies in 2006, ABCMI solidified its presence in 2015 as a membership-based society following governmental advice. While it avoids contentious areas like fisheries and aquaculture, it works tirelessly within its defined boundaries to foster growth and innovation.

Government Engagement and Strategic Growth

In 2021, ABCMI partnered with the BC government to develop a BC Marine Industry Strategy. This marked a crucial step away from what they termed "maritime blindness" and toward recognizing maritime commerce as vital to BC's economy. The strategy broadened from merely focusing on shipbuilding to embracing a broader maritime view.

Key to this strategy is a $25 million grant program aimed at modernizing small shipyards and marine infrastructure, facilitating the expansion and increased competitiveness of BC maritime businesses. These efforts align with national shipbuilding objectives, ensuring that projects like the Coast Guard's vessel constructions remain balanced across Canada's provinces.

Local Impact and Future Potential

For those within the Sidney and broader Saanich Peninsula, an ongoing initiative exists to create synergy among local marine industries. The possibility of converting the ferry terminal into a testing and innovation hub stands as an opportunity for startups and established companies alike. With the potential involvement of organizations like COAST (Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies), Sidney is set up to become a central node in marine innovation activities.

Conclusion

ABCMI's trajectories indicate a promising future for British Columbia's marine sectors. With ongoing engagements and strategic alignments, the association diligently fosters competitiveness and innovation. For businesses considering membership or looking for industry developments, subscribing to ABCMI's newsletter provides valuable insights and opportunities.

For more information and to stay connected with industry updates, visit abcmi.ca . Whether you seek collaboration or want to stay informed, engaging with ABCMI could be the anchor your business needs in the dynamic seas of the marine industry.

Navigating the New Housing and Development Legislation

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 22:53:44 GMT

Essay Commentary

A Look at the Challenges Facing Sidney in 2025

In December 2024, Corey Newcomb, Sidney’s Manager of Community Planning, updated the Council on the Town's responsibilities under Bills 44 and 16, revealing a need for significant financial and human resources to meet these demands.

Understanding the Legislation

Bill 44: Zoning and Housing Needs

Sidney is tasked with updating its Official Community Plan (OCP) and zoning bylaw by December 31st, 2025 to accommodate 20 years of housing supply (2,991 net new units), as outlined in an Interim Housing Needs Report. This proactive approach is meant to streamline future housing developments. However, the scope of these updates depends on a detailed analysis of current housing stock and zoning laws, a process already underway by staff.

Bill 46: Development Financing Evolved

Amendments under Bill 46 enhance development funding options through Development Cost Charges (DCCs) and introduce Amenity Cost Charges (ACCs). These tools provide flexibility in financing community amenities and infrastructure, pivotal for towns like Sidney that are balancing growth with preserving community character. An update to Sidney’s DCC bylaw is currently underway and will include a review of potential ACC projects.

Bill 47: Potential Impacts of Transit-Oriented Development

While Bill 47 currently doesn't impact Sidney, it introduces Transit Oriented Areas (TOAs) aimed at increasing density around major transportation hubs. Though more relevant to larger municipalities, it's a signal for Sidney to monitor, especially with discussions around transit exchanges that could potentially bring TOA considerations into play.

Bill 16: Extending Support to Tenants and Affordable Housing

Arguably transformative, Bill 16 empowers local governments with tools like Tenant Protection Bylaws (TPBs), enhancing tenant rights during redevelopment. Most notable, TPBs do not rely on a discretionary approval process by Council and may require adherence to a TPB as a condition of receiving a permit. But, Bill 16 mandates financial analysis to ensure housing affordability within new zoning bylaws.

The staff report notes that at the present time there are currently insufficient staff resources to develop a TPB in 2025; the Planning Department is currently shorthanded and other priorities need to be completed first (i.e., updates to the OCP and Zoning Bylaws, the Off-Street Parking and Loading Bylaw, as well as ongoing projects like the DCC bylaw update). Sidney faces the challenge of integrating these mandates with their existing density bonus and inclusionary zoning policies without overwhelming their planning capacity.

Council's Response and Strategic Planning

Throughout the Council meeting, discussions emphasized the strain these legislative pressures could place on Sidney’s planning staff. The need to spend $125,000 on consultants underscores the scale of this undertaking. Council directed staff to incorporate these requirements into budget discussions for 2025, with a focus on the minimum needed to comply with the legislation.

 Conclusion: A Balancing Act for Growth and Community Needs

The introduction of Tenant Protection Bylaws was referred to strategic planning, acknowledging staff concerns over resource constraints. Balancing the work mandated by the Province and community needs requires careful planning, strategic resource allocation, and sometimes, difficult choices. This will be the work of the strategic planning and budget meetings. As the Town navigates these complexities, keeping an eye on both legislative requirements and community values will be crucial for fostering a sustainable and inclusive future.

Life-Saving Missions: The Brentwood Bay Search and Rescue Team

Sat, 11 Jan 2025 23:08:09 GMT

Video Article

Michael Short goes to sea with members of the Royal Canadian Search and Rescue Station 31 out of Brentwood Bay.

Join us in Brentwood Bay as we delve into the vital work of search and rescue volunteers who are always prepared to respond to emergencies. Meet Suzanne Pettigrew, a former 787 captain, as she shares her experiences and the extensive training required to ensure safety on the water. Learn about the challenges they encounter, the significance of proper preparation, and how they make a difference in critical situations. Discover how you can volunteer and contribute to their life-saving missions.

This article showcases the vital efforts of search and rescue volunteers in Brentwood Bay. These dedicated individuals, such as former 787 captain Suzanne Pettigrew, focus on saving lives and reducing property damage. Pettigrew highlights the extensive training and qualifications needed for volunteers, stressing the importance of risk management, effective communication, and adaptability to various emergencies. The segment also emphasizes the necessity of safety precautions, including having contingency plans, carrying appropriate gear, and consistently wearing a personal flotation device (PFD). The commitment of these volunteers enhances the safety of Brentwood Bay's waters for all boaters.

The Future of Sidney’s Ferry Terminal

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 21:01:06 GMT

News Feature

Sister Cities' Maritime Link in Limbo: WSF's $4 Billion Green Fleet Plan Leaves Sidney Route in Question

Background

The historic Anacortes-Sidney ferry route, operating since 1922, faces prolonged uncertainty as Washington State Ferries (WSF) navigates complex challenges of fleet modernization, environmental mandates, and staffing constraints. Initially departing from Beacon Wharf before relocating to its current terminal near Tulista Park in 1959, the route has been suspended since international travel restrictions began during the pandemic.

The Town of Sidney leases the terminal facilities to WSF for approximately $190,000 annually plus taxes. The lease terms stipulate that these funds must be reserved for terminal capital projects. During summer, the route traditionally provides two daily sailings, serving as a vital transportation link between Vancouver Island and Washington State.

In February 2023, WSF announced that service suspension would extend until at least 2030, prompting swift opposition from affected communities and First Nations. In response, the Washington State Legislature mandated that WSF search for alternative foreign or domestic vessels for purchase or lease. Marcon International searched on WSF's behalf but failed to locate a suitable vessel.

When asked about the route's future, WSF Communications Director Dana Warr stated, "There is no current Washington State Ferries vessel available for the international ferry route until approximately 2030. At that time, Washington State Ferries will have constructed new hybrid electric ferries for its fleet that should enable the allocation of a ferry to the international ferry route, subject to Safety of Life At Sea (SOLAS) certification, a U.S. Coast Guard requirement for vessels in international route service."

Recent operational data from Warr reveals some improvement but challenges continue: "In the first nine of months of 2024 Washington State Ferries has canceled 1.9% of scheduled sailings, or 509 fewer sailings missed than the same time frame last year. Here's is last week's data... For the week of November 11-17, we completed 98.89% of our 2,787 scheduled sailings. Of our 33 cancellations, 49% (16) were due to crewing, 42% (14) were due to tidal currents, and 9% (3) were due to schedule resets (when a boat is significantly behind schedule, we cancel a sailing to restore the schedule and provide more predictability for customers). There were no cancellations due to vessels being out of service."

Challenges to Restarting the Route

The situation is further complicated by WSF's legislative mandate to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70% by 2040 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050. To meet these ambitious environmental targets, WSF developed a 2040 Long Range Plan encompassing 16 new hybrid ferries, retrofitting 6 existing vessels, retiring 13 diesel vessels, and installing charging infrastructure at 16 terminals. The estimated cost approaches 4 billion US dollars, and it would expand the fleet by three vessels.

Vessel availability presents another hurdle. The MV Chelan, previously SOLAS-certified and currently the only vessel in WSF's fleet previously qualified for international routes, is scheduled for retirement in 2036. At 43 years old, the vessel's reliability cannot guarantee consistent service. WSF's fleet now comprises 21 vessels ranging from five to 64 years old, with the hybrid retrofitting program reportedly running a year behind schedule.

According to WSF's 2020 System Electrification Plan, the Anacortes-Sidney route presents unique challenges for hybridization due to the additional weight of SOLAS requirements and the extended crossing distance. This technical limitation conflicts with the legislative mandate for net zero emissions, raising questions about the route's long-term sustainability within WSF's environmental goals.

In January 2024, WSF released a Service Contingency Plan for the next five years, prioritizing domestic routes while working to restore service to pre-pandemic levels. The plan explicitly states that full restoration of domestic services isn't expected until new vessels enter the fleet in 2028, with international service to Sidney projected for 2030.

What’s Happening With the Ferry Terminal

Sidney's Director of Finance, Andrew Hicik, provided insight into terminal preparations: "We'd need at least two years' lead time [to make the terminal ready to restart the route]. It would require Washington State Ferries' participation." The town's Financial Plan identifies $1.3 million in necessary capital projects for the terminal in 2026, though Hicik notes these improvements won't proceed without reasonable assurance of route resumption.

Regarding lease arrangements, Hicik clarified that potential third-party use isn't straightforward: "It's not quite that simple. The agreement calls for revenue sharing with Washington State Ferries on any third-party revenues. The magnitude of those revenues may impact whether or not Washington State Ferries asks for any lease or tax relief. And that's only looking at it from the Town's and Washington State Ferries' perspective; the real barrier is to the potential third party, who would need time to recoup the value of any investment they may make at the terminal, in order to make it useful for their purposes."

The current lease agreement presents additional complexities. While it expires in 2031, WSF maintains renewal rights for an additional 15 years with 18 months' notice. However, WSF can terminate the lease without penalty if the State Legislature ceases operational funding for the route. When asked about the possibility of early termination, Hicik noted that while such a scenario has always been possible, "Everything we've been hearing from Washington State Ferries is that they are fully committed to the return of the route."

Is the Route Likely to Resume?

The route's economic significance remains substantial, with a 2020 study estimating $40 million in annual benefits to San Juan County and support for 400 jobs. However, analysts suggest that additional domestic sailings between Anacortes and the San Juan Islands could provide comparable economic benefits, potentially mitigating the impact of a permanent route closure.

The route's resilience is shown by its historical context. Previous attempts to end the Anacortes-Sidney service in 1977, 1997, 2002, and 2009 faced strong community opposition, particularly from Washington residents whose voices carried significant weight with state decision-makers. A 2021 Washington State Legislature study explored privatization options, concluding that they were feasible but had minimal impact on WSF's long-term funding requirements.

The terminal has remained largely inactive since 2019, except for brief use during movie filming. Both WSF and Sidney face crucial infrastructure decisions in the coming years, including adaptation for sea level rise and integration with broader waterfront development plans. Any significant investment in terminal improvements would require certainty about the route's future and coordination between both parties.

The complexities of international maritime regulations add another layer of challenge. WSF confirmed that staffing international routes require additional training and certifications beyond those needed for domestic service, potentially impacting crew availability and operational costs.

When Will a Decision Be Made

With the terminal requiring significant preparation work before reopening and the lease expiring in 2031, decisions about the route's future may need to be made well before the projected 2030 restart date. The restoration of this international maritime link now hinges on WSF's ability to balance environmental mandates, fleet modernization, and operational priorities while addressing the complex requirements of international ferry service.

As both communities await concrete developments, the future of this historic transportation link remains uncertain. The next few years will likely prove crucial in determining whether the Anacortes-Sidney route can successfully navigate the challenging waters of environmental regulations, infrastructure requirements, and financial considerations to resume its role in connecting these sister cities across international waters.

*This article was updated with minor editorial changes from the original.

Status of North Saanich Official Community Plan

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 21:01:03 GMT

News Feature

North Saanich Faces Six-Month Sprint to Complete Community Plan Under Provincial Housing Mandate

Started by the Previous Mayor and Council

North Saanich's Official Community Plan (OCP), adopted as Bylaw No. 1130 on May 23, 2007, entered an update phase in 2020 under then-Mayor Geoff Orr's council. The process began with adopting a new Regional Context Statement in February 2020, followed by selecting MODUS Planning, Design, and Engagement Inc. as consultants in July.

By the October 2022 municipal election, the process had generated substantial documentation, including a 600-page public engagement report. While neighbouring Sidney had completed its OCP, North Saanich's draft remained incomplete when work paused for the election.

The New Mayor and Council Change Direction

The election brought significant changes to the process. During the campaign, mayoral candidate Peter Jones stated: "They've spent over 500,000 on consultants. I'm not saying get rid of that, but pick the best parts out of it and simply add it to the existing OCP, which would then give it more clarity, easier to understand. And it's being done behind closed doors. My view is, you don't do things behind closed doors at a municipal level. You have to let the public know what's going on."

Following his election, Mayor Jones led a 4:3 council vote to restart the OCP process and established the Mayor's Official Community Plan Advisory Committee (MOCPAC). In February 2023, Jones expressed optimism: "I feel the OCP is going well. I was anticipating doing, some aspects of the OCP on the council meeting just before Christmas, but it was cancelled, so that kind of put me three weeks behind. But we've got lots of opportunity to catch up and, very shortly, the public is going to see, how we're moving forward on the OCP. And, once we start moving, it'll go fast. Not fast to the sense of we're going to rush things. We will take our time to get it right."

Multiple challenges followed. MODUS requested early termination of their contract, key staff departed including CAO Tim Tanton, and a council vacancy required a by-election. Felice Mazzoni was hired as the new Director of Planning, and completion targets shifted to November.

Bill 44 Changes the Rules for Housing Development and OCPs

The provincial government's Housing Supply Act introduced new requirements for municipalities in May 2023. Subsequently, Bill 44 was adopted, imposing specific deadlines on North Saanich. However, crucial details about the Housing Needs Report methodology remained pending until July 2024.

In November 2023, Mayor Jones addressed the timeline: "...looking for perhaps completion of it [the OCP] or starting the bylaws and everything else that go with the OCP. I'm not here to give dates, but our aspiration is June."

By July 2024, MOCPAC completed its work and presented its final report. The province's Housing Needs Report methodology, released July 17th, required North Saanich to plan for 2,493 additional residential units over 20 years. Public engagement concluded in August with a "What We Heard" summary, and the Council adopted an Interim Housing Needs Report in October 2024.

Three Months Behind Schedule and the Provincial Deadline Looming

At the December 16, 2024, council meeting, staff presented a draft outline of the OCP's vision, goals, and objectives. The new schedule targeted the release of the first draft in early March, followed by public and committee review. A second draft is expected in late April, leading to OCP Bylaw readings in May, a Public Hearing in June, and final adoption on July 14.

Director of Planning Felice Mazzoni emphasized public participation: "So we have to get that draft in front of the public so they can start reading through, giving us comments, both positive and negative, so we can take that back to council and get their input."

The compressed timeline allows three months for public review before the OCP Bylaw Public Hearing. The municipality must then update its Zoning Bylaw by December 31, 2025, paralleling challenges faced by Sidney, where residents sought additional time to review Bill 44-related zoning changes.

* minor editorial changes were made to the version originally published on Jan 9, 2025

The Future of Roberts Bay

Sun, 15 Dec 2024 19:29:15 GMT

News Feature

An in-depth look at the environmental crisis facing one of Sidney's most important ecological areas and the complex challenges in protecting it.

Roberts Bay, nestled within the traditional territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ people, is one of Sidney's ecological treasures. This semi-enclosed bay on the Saanich Peninsula is part of the Shoal Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary and the Sidney Channel Important Bird Area, representing a crucial intersection of natural and urban environments. Its shoreline, characterized by rocky outcrops and diverse beach materials, supports remnants of the rare Coastal Douglas-fir ecosystem, including Garry oak and arbutus trees.

A Rich Ecological Heritage

Despite ongoing urban development and frequent boat traffic, Roberts Bay continues to support an extraordinary diversity of wildlife. The area serves as a critical habitat for a remarkable array of bird species, highlighted by the presence of Pacific Great Blue Herons, which hold special status as a Species at Risk. The Bay's waters and surrounding regions teem with over 40 species of marine birds, while the upland areas host an equally impressive collection of more than 40 species of passerine birds, noted for their perching behaviour. The waterfront attracts a diverse range of waterfowl, including the distinctive Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, and three Merganser species. Enhancing this rich tapestry of avian life, various shorebirds inhabit the edges of the Bay, including Black Oystercatchers, Black-bellied Plovers, and Black Turnstones, while both common and rare gull species can be observed, particularly the less frequently seen Heermann's and Bonaparte's Gulls.

The Bay's nearshore reefs provide essential roosting sites for these birds, while its mudflats, exposed at low tide, support a productive marine ecosystem of clams, worms, sea lettuce, and eelgrass.

The Critical State of Mermaid Creek Salt Marsh

At the heart of this ecosystem lies the Mermaid Creek Salt Marsh, a specialized habitat designated by the Town of Sidney as an Environmentally Sensitive Area. This compact yet vital ecosystem, dominated by pickleweed and saltgrass, serves as a natural powerhouse, fulfilling four key environmental functions: capturing and storing carbon from the atmosphere, filtering water as it flows through the marsh, providing essential living space for local fish and wildlife, and acting as a natural barrier that protects the shoreline from erosion and storm damage.

However, the marsh faces a severe crisis. Studies reveal that over 70% of its area has been lost to erosion in the past 60 years, with losses accelerating dramatically since 2005. Current data shows approximately 30% of the remaining marsh area is eroding annually, most probably due to:

Historical modifications of natural sediment delivery systems
Increased erosion forces driven by climate change
The incorporation of Mermaid Creek into Sidney's stormwater system and
Coastal squeeze from hardened shorelines

The Failed Restoration Attempt

In response to this crisis, the Peninsula Streams Society (PSS) initiated a restoration initiative supported by various organizations including the World Wildlife Fund. Their comprehensive plan addresses the challenge directly with four major components: they propose constructing protective rock crescent headlands standing one meter tall to guard against wave damage, importing 4,000 tons of carefully selected marsh and beach materials to restore the habitat, replanting the area with native vegetation including pickleweed and saltgrass, and maintaining vigilant oversight through continuous monitoring to refine their approach as needed.

Despite securing approval from Transport Canada under the Navigable Waters Protection Act, the project faced an unexpected obstacle. One or more upland property owners objected to the project's potential infringement on their right to unimpeded access to navigable waters. Unable to obtain consent from five property owners within the funding deadline, project partners were forced to cancel the initiative.

The Looming Threat of Climate Change

Climate change and rising sea levels present increasing threats to Roberts Bay's future, as highlighted in the Capital Regional District's 2021 flood mapping report. The study reveals a concerning outlook: existing salt marshes will confront deeper waters, while many properties are located squarely within projected flood zones. Many homes are already positioned too close to the natural boundary, with grandfathered setbacks, complicating preservation efforts. This situation necessitates careful planning, as future developments will require significant elevation increases to meet Flood Construction Level requirements. Perhaps most alarming is the risk of "coastal squeeze," where marsh habitat is trapped between encroaching seas and fixed shoreline development leaving it no place to survive.

Regulatory Complexity

The effort to protect Roberts Bay is entangled in a maze of overlapping jurisdictions with gaps in authority. The federal environmental agency lacks direct power to act despite Canada's commitment to international wetland protection through the Ramsar Convention—a global accord on the conservation of wetlands to which Canada has been a signatory since 1992. British Columbia's approach to wetland conservation is fragmented, with protection measures scattered across various laws instead of under a single, comprehensive framework. There is a key gap in protection of coastal salt marshes even where the Province owns the foreshore they are on. Local officials have a clear planning mandate but have limited ability to implement solutions without senior government as a partner. At the same time, private property rights can sometimes conflict with efforts to preserve this vital ecosystem. This regulatory patchwork renders Roberts Bay vulnerable, underscoring the challenges of protecting important coastal habitats in urban areas.

Path Forward

While local government cannot solve this problem independently, that doesn’t mean there is nothing local government can do. Some examples of potential actions include:

Development of a sea level rise adaptation plan
Creation of a local area plan for the Roberts Bay ESA
Internal workshops with multiple stakeholders to identify options

Updating the Official Community Plan to strengthen environmental protections
Seeking provincial legislation changes to support local government adaptation plans
Requesting dedicated funding for conservation efforts

Engaging with federal and provincial agencies
Working with conservation organizations
Building consensus among property owners

The future of Roberts Bay depends on coordinated action by government bodies, property owners, and conservation groups. The Town of Sidney's support in recognizing this as a priority will be crucial in achieving a solution.

Sidney Council has referred this topic to its Strategic Planning Workshop to be held in late January, 2025.

This article is based on a discussion paper by Peter Wainwright, Peninsula Affairs, Radio Sidney. For more information about conservation efforts in Roberts Bay, contact the Peninsula Streams Society or SeaChange Marine Conservation Society.