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Letter: Saanich abusing authority by expanding environmental bylaw

Re: Biologist blasts District over environmental bylaw confusion, News (Feb. 13)

Re: Biologist blasts District over environmental bylaw confusion, News (Feb. 13)

In order to protect Sensitive ecosystems, the provncial government gave Saanich the authority to put restrictions on certain properties when these sensitive ecosystems exist.

Saanich is abusing their authority by including properties in the Environmental Development Permit Area (EDPA) where there is no sensitive ecosystem.

A Saanich biologist reviewed my property and could not find any sensitive ecosystem here.

However, she would not remove my property – including my house – from the EDPA.

I am restricted from the removal, deposit or disturbance of soil, so I can’t put a shovel in the ground or construct a small structure that normally doesn’t require a building permit.

I am not allowed to build a sidewalk, trail or install a lawn sprinkling system and I’m restricted from the maintenance of sewer and water services.

I have hired a registered biologist that has confirmed that no sensitive ecosystem exists on my property. Saanich still refuses to exclude my property from the EDPA.

They are abusing the authority given them.

Norman Webb

Saanich