Saanich Peninsula Enviromental Coalition

A Bioregional Framework for the Saanich Peninsula

What is a bioregion?

A bioregion is defined by uniformity in environmental characteristics (such as plants, animals and climate). Instead of viewing the world as divided into political or administrative regions, we can think of it as composed of many distinct, yet interacting, bioregions.

What is a bioregional framework?

A bioregional framework outlines an overall approach to preserving, restoring and caring for a bioregion. The framework encourages political jurisdictions, companies, organizations and community members within a bioregion to collaborate to support the overall health of the environment and, by extension, the diversity of human cultures and interests in that bioregion.

Why is a bioregional framework the right approach for the Saanich Peninsula?

The Saanich Peninsula is home to the distinct jurisdictions of Tsartlip/W̱JOȽEȽP, Tseycum/WSIḴEM, Tsawout/SȾÁUTW, and Pauquachin/BOḰEĆEN First Nations, as well as Central Saanich, North Saanich, and Sidney.

Each jurisdiction has unique characteristics, however, they all exist within the same bioregion. Precious and essential watersheds, forests and species interact across the entire peninsula – they are not confined by our jurisdictional boundaries. In acknowledging and embracing the interconnectivity of the natural world on the peninsula, including our human communities, a bioregional framework supports the health and integrity of all jurisdictions within the entire peninsula community. Alignment between the municipalities on bylaws and environmental efforts (such as forest, watershed, and shoreline protection) is essential to success.

Get Involved

What can I do to support the implementation of a bioregional framework?

Each municipality on the peninsula is undergoing a revision of its Official Community Plan (OCP). Integrating the principles and strategies of the bioregional framework into these three OCPs will help ensure a collaborative approach into the future.

Please voice your support for the framework:

Learn more, register, and join the discussion: placespeak.com/bioregionalframework
Sign up to receive news from us: saanichpeninsulacoalition@gmail.com
Write to your mayor and council, telling them to adopt the bioregional framework.
Take part in your municipality's official community planning revision process.
Vote for council members that support a bioregional approach in the Fall 2022 elections.

The Saanich Peninsula Environmental Coalition

Our Vision

Coalition Member Groups

Our Acknowledgment

In respectful collaboration with the W̱SÁNEĆ Nation, the municipalities of Central Saanich, North Saanich and Sidney, we recognize the rich and interconnected ecology of the Saanich Peninsula bioregion and commit to work together to foster a healthy and sustaining environment for the future.

Our Acknowledgment

Coalition Member Groups

Our Acknowledgment

Acknowledging W̱SÁNEĆ territory, people and history is acknowledging W̱SÁNEĆ people as caretakers of the forests, streams, meadows, beaches, mountains, springs and wetlands. Taking action on the ideas laid out in this Bioregional Framework is an opportunity to support and respect W̱SÁNEC peoples, history, values and future.

Coalition Member Groups

W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council, Friends of Shoal Harbour, SeaChange Marine Conservation Society, Peninsula Streams Society, WWF Canada, Roberts Bay Residents, Tsehum Harbour Task Force, Friends of North Saanich Parks, North Saanich Property Responsibility On the Waterfront (PROW) Association, Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea, Climate Justice Ad

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