District of Saanich-Official Community Plan

Community Values••••••••••••Effective measures for addressing climate change.Protection, conservation, and rehabilitation of ecologically sensitive areas.Environmental stewardship, public education, awareness, and participation.Efficient sustainable management of growth.A well-designed built environment protecting the natural environment and utilizinggreen building practices.Strong and vibrant neighbourhoods, each with their own unique character andidentity, having convenient services and access to parks and open space withineasy and safe walking and cycling distance and opportunities for social interactionand involvement.A balanced, convenient, accessible, and efficient mobility network that integratesland use and mobility planning for all travel modes.Enhanced opportunities for cycling, walking, and transit as alternatives toautomobile use.Coordinated sustainable infrastructure.Energy and resource conservation, including the use and reuse of renewable andalternative resources.Protection and restoration of watersheds.Enhanced connection with nature.4.1 Natural EnvironmentSaanich’s natural setting is characterized by marine shoreline, numerous freshwater lakes, streams,and creeks, undulating topography, abundant natural vegetation, and varied wildlife. Much of theMunicipality’s natural setting is adjacent to or part of built-up areas where natural systems have beenaltered. The challenge now and in the future will be to continuously restore and protect the naturalenvironment, minimize the impacts of the built environment, and manage the effects of climate changeto ensure a similar or better quality of life for future generations.4-3