Environmental Awards

Since 1997, this group has been working to create a natural rehabilitation area in Glendale Gardens in the area known as the Western Woods. In 1999 they began the creation of a native plant demonstration garden. Since then they have stripped invasive species, created paths and plantings of native plants, dug a bog, removed lawns, installed mason bee boxes and nest boxes and created a meadow for camas wildflowers. The group is committed to demonstrating the beauty of and uses for native plants. They have the long-term in mind, finesse innovation on a limited budget and are not adverse to change. The Native Plant Garden will provide a place to teach others about the richness and diversity of our own ‘homegrown’ plant varieties and their uses in the garden.

EY Properties is undertaking an environmentally sensitive subdivision (Oceanwood) in Saanich at 4705 Cordova Bay Rd. Ernie Yakimovich paid constant personal attention to all planning aspects and to the careful execution of the subdivision servicing and road work. Density was sacrificed to preserve natural areas and important trees on site. Large nature-scape areas and wildlife corridors were protected. In addition, the builder Citta Construction is committed to building all 17 homes on the site to Built Green Platinum standard, which will make it the first subdivision in Saanich to meet such a high level of energy, water and materials efficiency. Four homes have now been completed with one more under construction and all have achieved Built Green Platinum ratings.

In 2008, Royal Oak Middle School, a school of 600 students and 60 staff, set the goal of zero waste production. Now one year into the project, the school has replaced almost all of its garbage cans with composters and plastic recycling. Every student in the school is involved with waste collection and sorting. Garbage pickups have been reduced by one half and the school is determined to reduce it again to once every three weeks. Congratulations to these young people and their teachers for providing an excellent waste reduction model for all schools and institutions in Saanich.

The Native Plant Study Group has met once a month since 1993 to raise awareness about the beauty and values of native plants.  The participants include gardeners, horticulturalists, botanists and others, all share a passion and curiosity for native plants. Their sessions are open to the public and they regularly schedule tours of gardens, field trips and social events. They also coordinate a volunteer native plant salvage program in the CRD and participate in restoration projects around the CRD and in Saanich. The many educational and ‘in the ground’ activities of the group help to protect and restore regional biodiversity and ecosystems.

Rob Hagel, who works during the day at the Pacific Forestry Research Centre, also volunteers with many native plant groups and community efforts. He is the Chair of the Native Plant Propagation Steering Committee, with the Garry Oak Ecosystem Restoration Team, where he assists with raising rare Garry oak plants for recovery efforts. He is an expert plant propagator, and has done research to find techniques that are easy and accessible to others. Rob has published a CD with the information and made it available to community groups and agencies. Rob encourages members of the community to collect Garry oak acorns in the fall to increase genetic diversity of this regionally significant tree. The trees he raises are given back to community events such as Tree Appreciation Day.

The Royal Oak Burial Park has established the first Natural or 'Green' Burial site at its Saanich Cemetery. Natural burial is an environmentally sensitive and sustainable alternative to conventional burials. Natural or ‘green’ burials will be the only type of burial available in Royal Oak Burial Park’s wooded areas in the future. These areas, which will have no headstones or markers, will be restored with native trees, shrubs and flowers grown without pesticides. Community reception and support for this concept has been tremendous and Royal Oak Burial Park is leading the way in offering this service in Saanich.



HONOURABLE MENTIONS

The Colquitz Environmental Renaissance is a group of committed group of 24 students and their teacher-sponsor from Colquitz Middle School, who have set a goal of making their school more environmentally friendly. These passionate students have approached their task through activities which engage their peers on an every day basis. Waste reduction, alternative transportation, energy savings, and habitat stewardship are all issues they have tackled. There is no doubt that these young people will make a big difference to the future of their school and our community. Well done.

2008 Environmental Award Winners

Questions? Contact: tricia.demacedo@saanich.ca
Phone: 250-475-5494 Local 3408, Environmental Planning Officer