Saanich Councillor Proposes Motion to Adopt Tree Rights for Future Developments
The motion would direct staff to fold tree rights into planning and bylaw updates as Saanich responds to Bill 44 housing-density rules.
- On Monday, July 20, 2026, Saanich Council defeated a motion by Councillor Nathalie Chambers to adopt the Universal Declaration of the Rights of the Tree, which would recognize trees as living beings with inherent rights.
- Chambers championed the proposal to address rapid urban growth and provincial housing density mandates under Bill 44, arguing that recognizing trees as living beings supports climate resilience and sustainable development.
- Opponents, including Councillor Judy Brownoff, raised concerns about the motion's broad scope and the legal definition of "rights," while others argued the district already maintains sufficient policies, such as the Tree Protection Bylaw.
- Following debate, the proposal was defeated 8-1, with Chambers casting the lone vote in favor; Mayor Dean Murdock had seconded the motion but proposed deferring it to the next council.
- Despite the defeat, Chambers expressed determination to bring the issue forward again if re-elected this fall, highlighting ongoing tensions in Saanich between rapid housing development and preservation of the Coastal Douglas-fir biogeoclimatic zone.
6 Articles
6 Articles
B.C. municipality considers recognizing legal rights for trees
Subhead:The new proposal is intended to protect urban forests and highlight the ecological importance of trees.# A councillor in Saanich, B.C., is asking the municipality to recognize what supporters describe as the "rights of trees" by endorsing the Universal Declaration of the Rights of the Tree. The motion, introduced this week, would have Saanich formally implement the declaration, which sets out three core principles. It states that trees…
Saanich councillor proposes motion to adopt tree rights for future developments
A motion to be introduced into Saanich’s council meeting proposes that the municipality adopt the Universal Declaration of the Rights of the Tree. The declaration recognizes trees as having ecological, cultural, and community value, and that they have the right to natural growth, life, and regeneration. If the motion is adopted, Saanich would view trees as living beings worthy of protection in their own right. Watch below: Loading the player.…
Goldstream News Gazette
Saanich councillor pushes to recognize the rights of trees as living beings
A Saanich councillor wants the municipality to formally recognize the rights of trees as living beings, saying the move would strengthen environmental protections and help guide future planning. If approved, the motion would direct staff to incorporate those principles into several municipal policies currently under review, including Saanich’s Tree Protection Bylaw update, Urban Forest Strategy, Official Community Plan and Environmental Developm…
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