Saanich is home to several important ecosystems, including wetland, riparian, coastal bluff, Coastal Douglas-fir, and Garry Oak. Each of these has unique features and challenges, and many contain rare and at-risk ecological communities, including nineteen federally listed species-at-risk (SAR).
Scientists estimate we’re losing species at 1,000 to 10,000 times the 'background’ rate over Earth’s evolutionary history. Poorly controlled urban development in the past has endangered rare species, wetlands, stream-side areas, trees and habitat through poor subdivision planning that fragmented the remaining ecosystems.
In Saanich, Garry Oak ecosystems now cover less than 5 percent of their original extent due to development and other human activity. Between 1986 and 2005, Saanich's tree coverage density declined by 12.6% and impervious surfaces (buildings, infrastructure, etc.) increased by 12.3%. Environmental decline and loss of biodiversity is a continuing problem.
Saanich Municipal bylaws have protected streamside, wetland, lakes, coastal areas and significant trees on privately-owned properties for many years with broad community support and significant benefits to the local environment. Saanich's Environmental Development Permit Area (EDPA) bylaw has these objectives: To protect biodiversity; Mitigate damage during development; and Restore degraded ecosystems.This applies to areas mapped by Saanich as Ecologically Significant Areas (ESA) that include ecosystems, habitat for species-at-risk, wildlife trees for Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle nesting, isolated wetlands and watercourses, and coastal marine backshores.