Protecting the Environment

Our natural environment is important. It makes our community beautiful and enhances our wellbeing. In urban areas, it cleans our air and water, attracts birds and wildlife and moderates our climate. 

For more information, read Protecting the Environment in Saanich [PDF - 566 KB].

The environment and your property

Before you start any work on your property, find out more about:
Find out if you need a permit to:
  • cut down a tree.
  • place fill.
  • clear vegetation.
  • stabilize creek banks.
  • other activities that affect the natural environment.

Get involved!

There are many ways to help protect our natural areas:

Saanich Stewardship

In 2003, Saanich adopted a new protocol for working in and around environmentally sensitive areas. 

The guidelines ensure

  • Interdepartmental communication
  • Increased environmental protection
  • Improved public communication
  • Mandatory training for staff working in the natural environment
  • The right and responsibility of all staff to make sure everyone follows the protocol and to stop work if they have any concerns