Resilient Saanich: Environmental Policy Framework

Saanich is currently developing an Environmental Policy Framework that is referred to as Resilient Saanich. Resilient Saanich includes considering existing and potential future policies, plans, and programs to address gaps and integrate sustainability and the natural environment.

Resilient Saanich Process

The Resilient Saanich Technical Committee Terms of Reference that guide this process were updated through a report to Council on August 22, 2022. The Terms of Reference include a work plan for Milestone Three of the initiative. 

Here is where we are at in the process and opportunities to participate:

The Resilient Saanich development process will take place until late 2023. If you would like to be involved and kept informed, please subscribe to Resilient Saanich e-Bulletins. As a subscriber, you will receive an email whenever there are project updates and opportunities to participate. See the Resilient Saanich Updates page for past e-Bulletins and other information.

Resilient Saanich Technical Committee (RSTC)

Find out more about the Resilient Saanich Technical Committee and their work.

Where Are We Now?

There are three Milestone phases of Resilient Saanich.  Currently we are moving from Milestone Two into Milestone Three. The draft State of Biodiversity Report is expected in March and the Biodiversity Conservation Strategy engagement process will begin this spring. These two initiatives are being developed by Diamond Head Consulting with support from the Resilient Saanich Technical Committee (RSTC), staff and public feedback. 

Completed So far:

Milestone One included public engagement to guide Resilient Saanich.  Council has endorsed the Resilient Saanich Principles and Goals developed by the RSTC with public feedback.  A Public Engagement Report [PDF - 17 MB] was included in the Milestone One progress report that went to Council August 9, 2021. You can still view the information from the Milestone One public engagement: Resilient Saanich Virtual Open House. If you would like to see the whole progress report with appendices that went to Council, please see the Council minutes for August 9, 2021. Recent Resilient Saanich updates went to Council in August 2022 and January 2023 .

Resilient Saanich Elements 

As planned, the Resilient Saanich Environmental Policy Framework will provide overall guidance for several plans and areas of activity, including the three areas below. Find out more about current areas of activity (below) and subscribe to the Resilient Saanich e-Bulletins.

Resilient Saanich Factsheets

Factsheet #1: FAQs [PDF - 887 KB]
Factsheet #2: Biodiversity Conservation Strategy Examples [PDF - 867 KB] 
Factsheet #3: Biodiversity Targets [PDF - 509 KB]
Factsheet #4: Biodiversity Conservation Resources [PDF - 540 KB]
Factsheet #5: Biodiversity Related Saanich Reports [PDF - 2 MB]
Factsheet #6: Biodiversity and Protected Areas in Saanich [PDF - 535 KB]
Factsheet #7: Environmental Stewardship Examples [PDF - 556 KB]