Things are going according to plan for Saanich on projects dealing with biodiversity, urban forests and housing.
The District of Saanich claimed medals in two of six categories at this year's Planning Institute of British Columbia (PIBC) Awards for Excellence in Planning.
The PIBC Awards recognize the professional work and accomplishments of members across B.C. and the Yukon.
Along with Diamond Head Consulting, the District of Saanich was awarded the Gold Excellence in Policy Planning: Cities and Urban Areas for the Biodiversity Conservation Strategy and Urban Forest Strategy. It also won Silver Excellence in Planning Practice: Cities and Urban Areas for its Strategic Support for Non-Market Housing.
“Achieving two medals really speaks to the dedication and skill of Saanich staff, who care deeply about our community,” says Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock.
“Whether it’s improving access to more affordable and supportive housing options, or enhancing Saanich’s biodiversity and urban forest – the award-winning work they are doing today will shape our future and improve people’s lives.”
Both the Biodiversity Conservation Strategy (BCS) and the updated Urban Forest Strategy (UFS) were recently approved by the district, which together aim to enhance Saanich's natural environment over the next 40 years.
The Urban Forest Strategy will guide Saanich towards a tree canopy cover of 44 per cent by 2064 – a one per cent increase from today's. Approximately 100,000 trees will need to be planted to achieve the canopy cover target, according to the strategy.
In the UFS, tree canopy is considered a key part of future land use planning as the district's urban density continues to grow. As of today, only about 20 per cent of the canopy is on district-owned land, but more trees will fall under municipal care as the area densifies, the strategy says.
Saanich's urban forest delivers an estimated service value of $14.3 million annually, the district notes, and stores an estimated $88 million worth of carbon; it also aids in stormwater management and heat reduction.
Other benefits noted in the UFS that are hard to put a dollar value on include wildlife habitat, enhanced biodiversity and the cultural significance of mature trees.
Apart from work in conservation and urban forest strategies, the district was also awarded silver for the Strategic Support for Non-Market Housing.
Through the Rapid Deployment of Non-Market Housing Program (RDP), the district aims to simplify building non-market housing in Saanich. The program has two key components: eligible non-market housing providers are permitted to build to the upper limits in the Official Community Plan without the need for rezoning, and staff have the authority to approve development permits for RDP projects.
Saanich has also formally established a Reserve Fund solely dedicated to supporting the development of affordable housing.
"The jury appreciated the district taking a very focused approach to non-market housing. By listening to non-profits, they solved a long-standing problem, which resulted in clear, measurable outcomes," said Cindy Cheung, senior communications and marketing specialist of PIBC.
"Accepting the funder's Housing Agreement, rather than requiring a second one, is a game changer, as is the dedicated non-market housing current planner," she added, referring to the fact that Saanich has assigned a specific planner to work exclusively on current non-market housing files.
Both award-winning strategies were informed through engagement with Saanich’s community and the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council, developed by Diamond Head Consulting with the support of the district’s Parks staff.
The Biodiversity Conservation Strategy was developed with advice from the Resilient Saanich Technical Committee, a council-appointed group of local technical experts.
