Urban Forest Strategy

Our Urban Forest Strategy [PDF - 1.2 MB] offers a long-term plan to achieve a sustainable urban forest.

Large Urban Tree in Saanich

Our urban forest includes all trees and their ecosystems within Saanich.

  • In parks and private lands.
  • On commercial and institutional lands.
  • Along highways, roads and trails.
  • Throughout open spaces in the community.

The Vision

“The urban forest in Saanich is a highly valued asset comprised of a rich and diverse forest that is widely recognized and appreciated for the contribution that it makes to our community and to our sustainable environment.”

Our Strategies

  • Grow the urban forest canopy.
  • Amend the Tree Preservation Bylaw [PDF - 116 KB [PDF - 214 KB] – Completed in 2014.
  • Develop urban forest guidelines.
  • Integrate the strategy with other Saanich and regional initiatives.
  • Inventory the urban forest – land cover mapping completed in 2012.
  • Develop an urban forest operations program
  • Engage the community.

 

We will implement the Urban Forest Strategy over time through Strategic and Departmental Plans and through the budget review process.