About a dozen Saanich residents have created a lobby group against an environmental protection bylaw they say might reduce property values for no reason.
The Environmental Development Permit Area bylaw intends to protect sensitive natural areas by requiring homeowners to obtain permits for everything from disturbing soil to building a deck.
The goal is to protect areas of high biodiversity, as well as require restoration to damaged and degraded ecosystems during development.
But Saanich Citizens for a Responsible EDPA, as the newly formed lobby group is called, says the process for identifying land was flawed. Areas with little ecological value are protected, while others might not have been flagged, they say.
“The goal is to have the bylaw changed — not eliminated, but improved,” said member Anita Bull.
The group is knocking on 1,600 doors to alert affected homeowners. It has launched an online petition at petitions24.com/saanichedpa.
The group will also hold an information meeting Apr. 28 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Salvation Army Victoria Citadel, 4030 Douglas St.
The district’s environmental committee has recommended public consultation on the bylaw, but no date has been set.
The district has posted Frequently Asked Questions on Saanich.ca.
— Times Colonist
