Natural Environment in Saanich:
Environmentally Significant Areas Inventory

The Environmentally Significant Areas Atlas and Inventory is currently being reproduced in partnership with Saanich Engineering Services to a more friendly system.  The new atlas will be at the same scale as our base maps and will have the cadestral information.  A new marine layer is to be added based on data collected in 2000 with the Veins of Life Watershed Society.  A contract with the Conservation Data Centre was completed to provide more accurate rare element data.

The ESA atlas and inventory provides environmental information for new of revised bylaws and ecological data for the development of new planning strategies.  The resource is a valuable tool for planers, developers, homeowners and anyone thinking of undertaking projects that may affect natural areas no matter how large or small.  The Environmentally Significant Areas Atlas is available at the Planning Department for $65.00 plus tax or available to borrow from Saanich branch libraries.

In 2000, Saanich and Camosun College (with sponsors) teamed up to produce an educational brochure and 15 minute video on Saanich's Environmentally Significant Areas.  Brochures are available at the Municipal Hall and at public venues throughout Saanich.  Copies of the video are available for lending from the Saanich branches of the Victoria Public Library, Saanich Recreation Centres and from Saanich Environmental Services.