The District of Saanich will be hosting a drop-in open house about the Environmental Development Permit Area (EDPA) on Wednesday, June 17 at the Garry Oak Gymnasium at Saanich Commonwealth Place (4636 Elk Lake Dr.)..
The EDPA restricts homeowners from building in EDPA-affected areas and around a mandated buffer zone on their properties. Several homeowners affected by the EDPA have contacted Saanich News in recent months to express their frustration towards these restrictions, which they say are unreasonable.
At the open house, residents will have the opportunity to learn about the EDPA and ask questions, while affected property owners will be able to sit at a consultation station, review their property with staff and receive a customized map. Ideas and comments will be collected and used to inform staff in reporting to council later this year.
The open house runs from 3 to 8 p.m.
Anyone unable to attend can still submit questions and comments to District staff, and a virtual open house on the Saanich website will open June 24. Residents are also advised to contact staff by phone, email or by making an appointment.
Feedback forms are also available on the saanich.ca website or at any of the EDPA displays located at all Saanich recreation centres and Municipal Hall.
The EDPA was adopted by Saanich Council in 2012 and aims to protect biodiversity, mitigate development impacts and restore degraded ecosystems. More information can be found saanich.ca/edpa.
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