Protecting Our Wild Coast
Our wilderness areas are under constant assault from development proposals. Even Federal Migratory Bird sanctuaries like the Esquimalt Lagoon, which enjoy legal protection on paper, are in practice not adequately protected from disturbance such as boating. Sierra Victoria leads Outings to wilderness areas around the city to help CRD residents connect with nature in our back yard. We also collaborate with other groups on campaigns to protect wild places that are a crucial piece in the mosaic of a sustainable Capital Region.
Residents of the Victoria region enjoy many opportunities to access wilderness on their doorstep. Scenic beauty, spectacular hiking, marine and wildlife viewing can be reached by less than a two hours' drive or even by city bus. The Sooke Hills watershed, owned and protected by the city as a water supply area, provides pure drinking water that is among the best of any Canadian city. Large tracts of forest between Sooke and Port Renfrew, and in the Malahat area, are key to wildlife survival on southern Vancouver Island.
This natural bounty is protected by the Regional Growth Strategy - a long-term vision for the Capital Regional District (CRD) that guides decisions about development and land use. The Regional Growth Strategy is built on the principles of liveable, compact communities, ecological health and sustainable livelihoods. It restricts most development within the Core Areas of the city and preserves the rural character of outlying forests and farmlands. Sierra Victoria suports the RGS as a key piece of regional governance. We wish to see it further strengthened to ensure compliance by all municipalities in matters of regional importance.
In 2012, the CRD is looking to replace the RGS with a more comprehensive Regional Sustainability Strategy. This is our opportunity, as citizens, to ensure that the new document includes strong mechanisms that will make it effective and enforceable. Sierra Victoria is working to educate and empower citizens to play a key role in local governance and decision-making. We also collaborate with other groups on campaigns to protect wild places that are a crucial piece in the mosaic of a sustainable Capital Region.
- Pintails at Esquimalt Lagoon, a federal Migratory Bird Sanctuary. Unfortunately, local government has failed to take action to enforce the federal protection so boating and other disturbances continue to affect nesting waterfowl and other birds at the Lagoon. Photo: Caspar Davis
Support Sierra Victoria and Sierra Club BC by purchasing high-quality greeting cards with original photography by Caspar Davis. Price $3.50 per card or three for $10. Sierra Club BC will receive $0.50 from every purchase. 