Sustainable Steps
Towards a Greener Saanich

1985 - First Energy Conservation Policy by Saanich Council Adopted

This policy set the groundwork for subsequent initiatives on clean air and energy efficiency. (more information... PDF 12KB)

1989 - Galloping Goose / Lochside Regional Trails Established

These trails form the backbone of the most extensive metropolitan mixed-use trail system in North America.  They have been a strong catalyst in promoting cycle and walking commuting within the Capital Regional District (CRD). (Lochside North map PDF 107KB)   (Lochside South map PDF 123KB)

1992 - CRD Task Group on Atmospheric Change

This plan contains many initiatives that are valid today.  For instance, the Task Group flagged the landfill gas recapture project as a significant priority.  The project was completed and represents the single most effective single greenhouse gas reduction action undertaken within the CRD.
(executive summary... PDF 1.1MB)

1993 - Saanich Tree Preservation Bylaw Adopted

One of the first in the region, the Tree Preservation Bylaw mitigates the loss of carbon absorbing tree cover in Saanich. (more information...)

1993 - Municipal Buildings Converted from Oil to Natural Gas Heating

Although still a fossil fuel and a net contributor of extra Co2 to the atmosphere, gas has been a more efficient method of heating. (more information...)

1996 - Bicycle Parking Requirements and Guidelines Incorporated in Zoning and Official Community Plan

This requirement promotes the use of cycling as an alternative to the automobile and incrementally helps reduce Co2 emissions. (more information...)

1998 - Saanich joined the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) 20% Club Aimed at Reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by 20%

Saanich was one of the first Vancouver Island municipalities to join the 20% Club, (the precursor to the Partners in Climate Protection Program). The 20% Club set out milestones for climate change and GHG reduction activities.
(more information...)

2001 - Outdoor Burning Ban Introduced

This bylaw improves the health and aesthetic experience of Saanich residents while reducing the production of air-borne particulate and greenhouse gases. (more information...)

2002 - LED (light emitting diode) Traffic Signals Introduced

From 2002 – 2005, seventy-seven traffic signals were converted to LED technology saving 90% of the electricity used in conventional lights.
(more information...)

2002- Solar Powered Pedestrian Beacons Installed

Partnering with the manufacturer, Saanich was the first municipality in the region to install solar powered pedestrian beacons. Using an integrated photovoltaic panel, forty-four pedestrian beacons now operate in Saanich entirely “off the grid” even in the dark winter months. (information/partner website...) (information/partner website...)

2004 - Energy Audit and Retrofit of Municipal Buildings Initiated

The resulting energy savings in ten buildings funded the physical improvements. (more information...)

2005 - Green Building Policy Adopted Requiring LEED Silver or Better for New Municipal Buildings

Council set a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver as the minimum standard for all new municipal buildings and additions over 500 square metres. (more information... PDF 26KB)

2005 - Low Energy Use Asphalt Introduced on Saanich Streets

Low energy use or “micro-surfacing” asphalt uses 80% less raw materials and produces 75% less greenhouse gases as compared to conventional Hot Mix Asphalt paving.  (more information...)

2005 - Province Selects Saanich as Pilot Community under Community Action on Energy Efficiency Program (CAEE)

The Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources granted $10,000 to undertake energy efficiency promotion. As a result, increased energy saving grants were available to Saanich businesses and residents. (more information...)

2005 - Car Sharing Co-ops and Transit Passes Incorporated into Development Permits

This travel management technique, involving new developments requiring off-street parking variances, has helped the resurgence of car sharing as a viable alternative in Greater Victoria. (more information...)

2006 - Bio-diesel Fuel Introduced for Fleet Use

Bio-diesel use means up to 5% of the fuel is GHG-friendly in eighty-seven municipal fleet vehicles. (more information...)

2006 - Fleet Anti-Idling Program Launched

Fleet anti-idling promoted eliminating non-essential idling of all municipal fleet vehicles and equipment. Saanich will extend the Anti-Idling program within the community in 2007.

2006 - Private Sector Green Building Policy Initiated

The CAEE Program selected Saanich for an additional $25,000 grant to promote energy efficiency in new construction. The first phase will develop and implement incentives and assistance for new single family construction in 2007 under the Canadian Homebuilders’ Built Green Program. In Alberta a similar program offers builders a 30% rebate on permit fees.  (more information... 33KB)

2006 - Sustainable Saanich Lecture Series Launched (Green Buildings/Energy)

This educational series is an extension of the highly successful storm water series and focuses on energy and green buildings. Over 160 persons attended the most recent session on Alternative Energy on February 9, 2007.
(more information...)

2006 - Sustainability Checklist Applied to New Development

The checklist prompts and reminds applicants to incorporate environmentally-friendly, energy-efficient and green technologies in their projects.
(more information... PDF 504KB)

2006 - Consumption-Based Sewer User Charges Introduced

Saanich is phasing in a billing approach that uses a factored water consumption record to ensure that sewer charges are more fairly based on the level of discharge to the sewer system. This user-pay formula will assist in self-regulating wasteful practices while promoting long-term conservation of water and electricity.  (more information...)

2006 - Partners for Climate Protection Milestone 1 Reached

This milestone was achieved through the CRD Greenhouse Gas and Energy Inventory in November 2006. Municipalities now have 2004 baseline data for GHG and energy use. This information is essential before proceeding to Milestone 2 – setting targets through a municipal Energy Plan. When national or provincial carbon credits are available to municipalities for GHG education efforts, Milestone 1 will apply.  (more information...)

2006 - Centennial Trails Phase 1 Completed

This multi-year project is aimed at both mixed-use and commuter cycling thereby increasing resident health and incrementally reducing GHG emissions. There are currently 80 kilometres of trail in Saanich, and Centennial Trails Phases 1 and 2 will improve 26 kilometres of trail and add eight kilometres. (more information...)

2006 - Two Sewer Lift Stations Replaced with Gravity Lines

By decommissioning sewage lift stations, Saanich eliminated both the daily power and emergency power needs.

2007 - CRD Community Energy Plan Completed

The Capital Region Community Energy Plan (CEP) is a guide for regional climate change initiatives. The energy inventory and CEP reports were completed in 2006. The CEP sets six goals for energy savings and greenhouse gas reduction and outlines actions to achieve them. The plan indicates that Saanich has the potential to achieve a GHG reduction of up to 13.5% below 1995 levels.
(more information...)

2007 - E-Fleet Program Initiated

Saanich became a member of E3-Fleet, a program initiative of the Fraser Basin Council. E3 is a national green fleet rating system for commercial vehicle fleets. The program review will help Saanich right size its fleet, increase fuel efficiency, reduce emissions and lower costs.  (more information...)

For further information, you should contact the Saanich Planning Department at 475-5472.

2007 - Saanich joins BC Hydro Community Challenge

The Province's BC Energy Plan calls for self-sufficiency in electricity by 2016.  With a growing province and a growing economy, the demand for electricity keeps growing every year. The BC Hydro Community Challenge outlines an approach to more deeply engage British Columbians by targeting them at a local community level and a partnership with communities and Local Governments of BC. (more information...)

For further information, you should contact the Saanich Planning Department at 475-5472.

2007 - Carbon Neutral Plan Adopted

On September 17, 2007 Saanich Council approved the Carbon Neutral Plan for implementation in 2008.

The plan contains two key strategies:

1) Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reductions Reduce corporate GHG emissions by implementing building, fleet and other operational efficiencies, aiming for a 10% reduction by 2010

2) Establishment of a Municipal Carbon-Neutral Reserve Fund In order to ensure that carbon offset funds stay within the municipality, a municipal carbon-neutral reserve fund is proposed to be established that would off-set the annual GHG emissions resulting from all municipal (corporate) operations.

The Carbon-Neutral Reserve Fund is proposed to be used only for new GHG-reducing initiatives within Saanich, such as solar hot water, geo-exchange, photo-voltaic systems or other forms of electrical generation, fleet conversion, transportation demand management, building energy retrofits, urban forestry and other operational improvements that reduce GHG emissions. (more information...)

2007 - Funding for Climate Action Coordinator and Community Energy Manager

Federal Gas Tax and BC Hydro Funding allowed to Saanich to initiate 2 positions to make climate action a reality. Our Climate Action Coordinator can be reached at 250-475-5494 ext 3466 for any inquiries you may have.

2008 - Partners for Climate Protection Milestone 2 Reached

This milestone was achieved by setting a corporate target of 10% reduction in GHG emissions by 2010. Using our 2004 baseline data, our efforts will focus on buildings, fleets, lighting and pumping systems at the municipality. This goal will be achieved through the programs such as the E-Fleet Program and the energy audit and retrofit of municipal buildings.

2008 - Saanich Carbon Neutral Donation Calculator Launched

The District of Saanich has developed an on-line Carbon Neutral Donation Calculator that allows Saanich residents to calculate their household carbon footprint. The user-friendly calculator asks you to list vehicle travel data, air trips, hydro bills, gas and heating oil usage, and then calculates how many metric Tonnes of greenhouse gases your household has emitted in a year.

Once calculated, your carbon footprint can be “neutralized” by donating to Saanich’s Carbon Neutral Reserve Fund. A tax-deductable receipt will be issued.

Try our Carbon Neutral Calculator for yourself!