In the 3 years the EDPA has been in effect, it has worked in protecting environmentally significant areas.
We encourage homeowners with EDPA areas within their property to consider the benefits of a bylaw that places reasonable constraints on development, and helps to create a more ecological future for Saanich.
Single family home
This home was built in 1959 when few environmental regulations existed. Solid rock was blasted for the foundation and crawl space and debris was pushed to rear lot line and covered with lawn. The EDPA area in Cedar Hill Park is now behind the home and the buffer extends across the lawn. EDPA and other bylaw would now regulate this kind of construction to preserve the original Garry Oak ecosystem destroyed 57 years ago. The home owner appreciate the protection by EDPA for the area behind their home in the park.
Stream side restoration of Bowker Creek in Cedar Hill Park
This is a stream side SPEA regulated area in a park. Almost half of this tributary in CHP has been restored through collaboration of Saanich Parks and volunteer groups. More restoration is planned. SPEA is similar EDPA to EDPA. Significant restoration in Parks is taking place.
Ocean side single family lot
This recently cleared lot is on Cadboro Bay behind Mystic Pond. As Hobbs Creek flows through the property to the sea. EDPA and SPEA bylaw protect the marine back shore for 15 meters and the riparian area of the creek. The preexisting building would provide the owner greater latitude in planning and construction.
New construction on EDPA subdivision
All natural vegetation and soil were stripped from the front half of two lots, and bedrock was blasted to created building sites To the relief of neighbours on all sides, the natural area at the back of these lots is within the EDPA boundary for Peacock Hill Park. The effective size of the Park is expanded through the creation of covenants that protect from further development. The EDPA boundary also restricts construction impacts.
Lots adjacent to Playfair Park
These older homes backing onto Playfair Park illustrate EDPA zones where much of the original ecosystem has been replaced with lawn. However the soil is comparatively undisturbed and restoration could be undertaken. In the event that application was made to subdivide the lots for new homes, the EDPA application process would ensure consideration of the Garry Oaks and restoration of the ecosystem for the area abutting the Park.