Will Moore

I have significantly reduced my carbon footprint along with our family's carbon footprint. We are avid recyclers of course, but are particular about buying products that are wasteful. We recycle the obvious blue bin items, but also soft plastics, batteries (we have rechargeable cords when accessible), styrofoam, and other hard plastics. Furthermore, my family walks most places (we live in a very walkable community) or cycles. Myself, I ride my bike to school everyday. Finally, we just purchased an EV hybrid vehicle, which is perfect for around the city. I will most definitely view policy/policy change through a climate/environmentally-friendly lens.

Over the next 4 years, Oak Bay needs to ensure that decisions that impact the environment are viewed through a climate/environmentally-friendly lens, which is supported in the Official Community Plan. Any new construction must follow the Zero Carbon Step Code which targets lower greenhouse gas emissions and energy efficiency. Naturally, supporting the Bowker Creek Blue Print Goals (a one hundred year action plan) as a community, collaboratively with the CRD, is vital to the health of this complex and multiple municipal jewel; it's generational. Rainwater initiatives are strategies to mitigate runoff. One such idea is through low impact development, which encompasses ideas like: rain gardens, bioswales, permeable surface cover; rainwater infiltration is critical to our watersheds. Less runoff near delicate ecosystems, like Bowker Creek, will be mitigated.

As our climate changes, in some cases drastically, ensuring the health of our urban forest has to be front of mind. Our tree canopy is vital to our community's health as our climate continues warm. Such tree cover will keep our communities cooler along with being important carbon sinks. Garry oak ecosystems, whether on public or private lands, MUST be protected.

I am highly supportive of the Coolkit initiative. The work to restore and rejuvenate local ecosystems allows for the extremely fragile and complex interconnectedness of various ecosystems to thrive, throughout the community. While the initiative works to increase tree canopy, pollinator opportunities, and reclamation of lands for native plants, it brings neighbourhoods together in collaboration with the municipality.

Ensuring that we keep our natural assets such as our mature trees and ecosystem corridors on both public and private lands intact, MUST be front of mind when considering any sort of development, be it on public or private lands, especially near Bowker Creek, a jewel of Oak Bay. Continued stewardship and education, which Oak Bay volunteer groups have been incredible at, alongside the staff of Oak Bay, will ensure that these critical systems thrive. Furthermore, looking at it through a policy/bylaw lens, stronger language is needed with regard to development, which will further protect our mature tree canopy and ecosystem corridors. Going one step further, Council could consider a moratorium on cutting down mature trees, especially Garry oaks on both public and private lands, unless deemed to be dangerous or dead. Developers will be legally bound to consider their development within the boundaries of a 'Garry oak' or mature tree canopy construction envelope. Finally, Council can amend the zoning bylaw with strong, clear language outlining the protection of Garry oaks, other mature tree canopy, and the watershed.

The underground systems (specifically the watershed) absolutely need to be considered when development permits are issued. The symbiotic relationship between the watershed and mature tree canopy/ecosystem corridors is undeniable. As a part of the development permit application process, before any ground is broken, developers could be directed to conduct topographical and hydrological surveys. Such consideration will protect areas like Bowker Creek and other highly sensitive environments.

Wow, I'm glad the Feds are finally giving us some cash!!!

All kidding aside, the health and safety of our community is as healthy as the greenery and tree canopy around it, and only as resilient as much as we care for it, in the right way. Oak Bay, while already shrouded in natural beauty-the Garry oak trees/meadows, and other significant tree canopy-has another jewel that needs attention: Bowker Creek. Due to the increased construction over time, the decrease in permeable surfaces, and other man-made structures, when heavy rain hits, and cannot infiltrate into the ground naturally (due to the many, many impermeable surfaces), the level of the creek rises and the water has nowhere to go. The results of this can be costly and devastating on multiple levels. Assessing whether Bowker Creek could be widened (behind the turf field at Oak Bay High School and near the parking lot of the Oak Bay Recreation Centre) is a direction the municipality could go. Engineering-wise, permeable paving stones could be considered for construction of a new parking lot. Also, it would be imperative for the municipality to hear from the groups that are already active in this important work in our community, so that the decisions about where the funds could best be allocated for the greatest impact would be informed by their experience, expertise and knowledge. All in all, the process needs to be transparent, especially with the expenditures involved.