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 The Streamside Development Permit Area (SDPA) was adopted by the District of Saanich in 2006 to comply with the Riparian Areas Regulation (RAR) of the provincial Fish Protection Act. The RAR directs local governments to protect the land adjacent to streams that directly or indirectly support fish. The two main purposes of the SPDA are:
- To protect the land adjacent to streams from new development.
- To direct the restoration of streamside areas so that they support fish and provide biologically diverse wildlife habitat and corridors for wildlife movement.
When is a Streamside Development Permit needed?
The alteration of land, subdivision and construction are prohibited within an environmental development permit area unless an exemption applies or a development permit is issued. If there is a creek, stream or wetland on your property, you will likely need to apply for a Streamside Development Permit in order to develop. The Streamside Development Permit Areas Atlas is available for viewing at the Planning Department counter. The atlas indicates the watercourses and wetlands where a streamside development permit area exists.
These documents help explain and guide the process:
Streamside Development Permit Application Forms
Where can I get more information?
Please contact Environmental Services at the District of Saanich Planning Department to discuss site specific circumstances and to determine if a Streamside Development Permit is required.
What is a Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP)?
For most applications a Qualified Environmental Professional may be required to provide a report and/or recommendations to enhance or protect the stream. Simply put, a QEP is an individual who is a member in good standing of a British Columbia professional association (such as, but not limited to; a Biologist, Engineer, Agrologist, Technologist or Forester), and has the knowledge and work experience to complete a scientific review of the site conditions in and about a water body that may support fish resources.
Additional information can be found at the Ministry of Environment, Environmental Stewardship Division website.
A list of QEPs currently registered with the BC government and working on Vancouver Island can be found at the following link to the Vancouver Island University website:
Qualified Environmental Professionals
What should I plant near a stream?
Restoration is often a requirement for developing within a Streamside Development Permit Area. There are many beautiful native plants suitable for planting along a streambank or wetland area in Saanich.
Native vegetation provides habitat and food for wildlife, holds soil in place, prevents erosion, and filters out pollution that could contaminate waterways. Native plants are also adapted to our climate and environment, are naturally resistant to local pests and diseases and, once established, require no watering and little maintenance.
Learn more about the benefits of riparian (streamside) vegetation, and plant species that are suitable for the Saanich area:
- Native Riparian Plant List for Saanich: List of native trees, shrubs, ferns and perennials suitable for planting along streamsides.
- Saanich Native Plant Salvage Program: Learn more about this popular program, and sign up for membership. Members have the opportunity to salvage native plants from sites where they would otherwise be lost due to development.
- Living by Water: This nationwide project promotes healthy shorelines for people and wildlife, and offers many resources for streamside stewardship.
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