Information Bulletin
For immediate release

Saanich, BC – Trees are vital to a good quality of life, and we want to know what residents value and prefer when it comes to tree regulation and bylaw options in our community.

Residents are invited to share their ideas to help inform the Tree Protection Bylaw Updates Project. This feedback will help us understand what’s most important to residents as we explore potential Bylaw updates.

The engagement period runs until mid-December with the goals of aligning the Bylaw with Saanich’s Urban Forest Strategy and Official Community Plan; simplifying and clarifying Bylaw administration; sustaining the urban forest and retaining high-value trees; and addressing gaps not covered by current regulations.

While British Columbia municipalities have the right to regulate trees through employing Bylaws, the Community Charter also grants property owners the right to develop their land in accordance with existing zoning. As a result, Tree Bylaws have limitations in what they can regulate, and the Tree Protection Bylaw is just one tool that the District uses to manage the urban forest.  

Since the Bylaw’s last update in 2020, housing mandates and community priorities have evolved, meaning the District must also balance new housing requirements with the need to protect and grow the urban forest.

Updating the current Tree Protection Bylaw will help the Parks Division strengthen urban forest management working towards achieving 44% canopy cover by 2064.

A draft Bylaw update is anticipated to be presented to Council in the first quarter of 2026.

Residents are encouraged to take part in the District’s virtual open house and online questionnaire to learn more about the project and share their ideas for an updated Bylaw that will support a healthy, resilient urban forest.  

Engagement Details

• Fill out the HelloSaanich questionnaire (open now through December 15, 2025)
• Attend the Virtual Open House (online)
  • Date/Time: November 26, 2025, 5:00pm to 6:00pm
  • Location: Online, register in advance via Zoom
  • Participants will learn about the current bylaw and why we’re changing it, followed by a Q&A.
• Send input via email to treepermit@saanich.ca (with ‘Tree Bylaw’ in the subject)

Learn More
To read more about the District’s current Tree Protection Bylaw, please visit our website and follow the project on HelloSaanich for engagement opportunities and project updates.

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Media contact:
Saanich Communications
media@saanich.ca