Tree bylaw gets council support
Saanich council on Monday gave the OK to tightening its tree preservation bylaw, in an attempt to prevent the loss of urban tree canopy in the municipality.
The unanimous decision didn’t come without opposition.
“(The development community thinks) that this will add costs to homeowners – which it does,” acknowledged Coun. Paul Gerrard. “But at the same time, our general theme is we need to replace trees that are being taken out because we are losing our tree canopy.”
Council sent the updated bylaw to public hearing, but also directed staff to have further discussion with opponents to see where things can be reworked.
•••••
Designation for old Saanich home
A 104-year-old home is on the path to heritage designation, after Saanich council supported a subdivision application for 1245 Burnside Rd. W., which included seeking heritage protection for the existing home.
Two new homes are also proposed for the site. They will be built using heritage features to fit in with the area.
Council on Monday sent the application to public hearing.
editor@saanichnews.com