A step forward for waterfront owners!
Dear Waterfront Neighbours,
Since 2008 PROW has been recognized by North Saanich Council and Staff as the legitimate voice of North Saanich residential waterfront owners. The District has been working on a new OCP for over 6 years and PROW’s ongoing participation at every stage of the process has resulted in a more favorable outcome for waterfront owners:
- The language and tone of the OCP have been improved to acknowledge waterfront residents as environmental stewards.
- Existing waterfront structures will be allowed to continue as “legal non-conforming,” enabling repair and maintenance.
- The exemption section has been expanded to permit more activities, including the use of hand-held gardening tools; the removal of invasive species or noxious weeds no longer requires replacement solely with native species but also other species which aid in embankment stabilization.
- Guidelines have been provided that allow for permit-approved seawalls and hard landscaping.
- The 15-meter shoreline boundary will continue to be defined by the current high tide mark, not an arbitrary boundary estimated in the future (2100).
- New language improves the ability of property owners to care for their property that falls in the DPA1.
The OCP has been adopted, however that doesn’t mean our job is done. Development Permit Area (DPA) bylaws will now be introduced which are meant to bring current bylaws into line with the new OCP. Continued advocacy during the development and adoption of the zoning bylaw will be required to:
- Address the current blanket M-6 waterfront zone which is unnecessarily restrictive, and make M-5 the default zone.
- Transfer cost responsibility for archaeological investigations from private property owners to the public domain.
- Address uses and exemptions in the DPA1 zone to allow for greater flexibility for landscaping and hardscaping, including fixed tables, benches, gazebos etc.
- Ensure that there is clarity regarding the language that addresses and supports the riparian/littoral rights of waterfront owners.
- Pursue FireSmart guidelines and measures that specifically address the unique topography of the waterfront.
We appreciate the support you’ve shown PROW over the last years. Your attendance at our AGMs and special meetings has strengthened our position with Council and Staff, your financial contributions have made our work possible, and every positive email and phone call has bolstered our spirits. Thank you!
Several directors are now thinking of stepping down, so we are looking to new volunteers to keep PROW’s momentum going strong. It isn’t a huge commitment of time, typically just a few hours a month from September through June. It’s a great way to get to know the community – and to make a difference to the lives of your waterfront neighbours.
Sincerely,
Your PROW Executive