Saanich councillor pushes to recognize the rights of trees as living beings

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…