Protecting biodiversity in Saanich needs to be a shared responsibility across the municipality, rather than addressed primarily through the Parks Department. Decisions about developments, roads, drainage, public works, and municipal landscaping all affect habitat. Nature should be treated as essential infrastructure, supporting physical and mental health, reducing heat, storing carbon, and helping manage stormwater.

Our approach must be rooted in the ecology of southeastern Vancouver Island, with the goal of maintaining and restoring healthy, functioning native ecosystems. These ecosystems support native species and provide important ecological functions and services, including pollination. Restoring damaged landscapes can also support reconciliation by recognizing and respecting the longstanding relationships, knowledge, and stewardship of the W̱SÁNEĆ peoples.

Saanich should prioritize the protection of remaining high-value natural areas, mature tree canopy, wetlands, streams, and ecological corridors. Because biodiversity needs sufficient space and connectivity to persist, the municipality should embrace the principle that “nature needs half” and protect and restore at least 50% of its land and waters for nature.

Municipal landscaping, boulevards, parks, and other public spaces must prioritize locally appropriate native plants that provide habitat for pollinators and other wildlife. Saanich needs to incentivize residents and businesses to use native plants and protect habitat on private land.

Success should be measured by ecological outcomes rather than simply by the number of species planted. Saanich should track the amount and condition of protected and restored habitat, changes in tree canopy, the health and connectivity of ecological corridors, the extent of native plantings and pollinator habitat, and the presence of key native species. Together, these actions can create a connected network of functioning natural areas that allows biodiversity to persist throughout the community rather than being confined to isolated parks.