A Measured Response to Fort Rodd Hill Urban Park Status
The Federal Government is exploring National Urban Park status for Fort Rodd Hill and area. What seemingly appears like a great news story on the surface may result in the destruction of the surrounding natural habitat of Fort Rodd Hill and area:... Read more
Guide to Public Comments on Proposed Regulations to Protect Southern Resident Killer Whales
The Government of Canada is seeking public feedback on proposed amendments to the Marine Mammal Regulations that would strengthen protections for endangered Southern Resident killer whales. To address the underwater noise and disturbance from boats, the federal... Read more
Take Action: Stop Canada Post’s Sweeping Service Cuts
Canada Post has been given the green light by the Federal Government to move forward with sweeping service cuts to the public post office. Proposed cuts include: Ending door-to-door delivery in favour of community mailboxes; Closing rural post offices; Changing... Read more
What Does It Mean That ‘Environmentalists Have Lost, Big Time’?
In a recent interview marking his approaching 90th birthday, David Suzuki said: “We’ve lost, environmentalists have lost, big time.” But what does it mean that environmentalists have lost? Who is we? What have we lost? And if we have lost, who has won, and what does winning mean?
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Threat to East Sooke Park
If you love East Sooke Park, please take a look at this application for a commercial venture and submit a comment expressing your opposition to the proposed plan. The proposed plan indicates intention to build a multi-use site revolving around outdoor education,... Read more
Seeking Input on Saanich’s Draft Zero Waste Strategy
The District of Saanich is inviting residents to read the newly drafted Zero Waste Strategy and share feedback before the final plan goes to Council. Find the draft Strategy and survey: Saanich Draft Zero Waste Strategy Survey Developed through research, data... Read more
Destruction of Esquimalt’s Natural Assets
It appears that due to approved development, the Township of Esquimalt and the Department of National Defence continue to add to the senseless destruction of natural habitat for birds, pollinators, urban wildlife and humans to enjoy. Numerous healthy, mature trees... Read more
Petition: Demand More Garry Oaks and Their Ecosystem are Saved on this Admirals Road Development
Support preserving as much of a rare patch of Garry oak and Douglas-fir ecosystem on an Esquimalt private property earmarked for development as possible, whilst still allowing appropriate development of the site.
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When Housing Debates Erase Ecology: The Story of 4015 Braefoot Rd. and the Garry Oak Ecosystem
In spring 2025, a piece of land in Saanich, BC—two acres of former hobby farm at 4015 Braefoot Rd.—became the flashpoint for a wider conflict. It supports a functioning Garry oak meadow and woodland, including approximately 120 mature Garry oak trees.
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BC Could Use This Leading Example
The UK has introduced legislation requiring all new homes to be net zero carbon. This is a leading example of what we need in BC. Original article by Esme Stallard,Climate and science reporter and Justin Rowlatt,Climate Editor, from the BBC. Heat pumps for all new... Read more
CRD Heat Map Shows Remarkable Difference in Temperature Between Natural and Built Environments
The results have major consequences. The CRD’s Regional Heat Map shows a stark difference in temperature between natural and built environments. A closer look: The first thing that becomes very apparent is high density in terms of built environment and low nature, not... Read more
How Understanding Wind-Driven Pollen Dispersal Can Improve Urban Green Space Planning
In response to extended pollination seasons driven by climate change, researchers from the United States and France have developed an advanced computational model to examine how tree geometry influences the dispersion of airborne pollen grains.
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The Infill Shock Doctrine on Arbutus Road: A Photographic Essay
Government in order to sell the idea, typically euphemizes “infill” as “gentle density”, but when applied as it is without protections for the natural environment and habitat, it is nothing other than another manifestation of the ‘Shock... Read more
Will You Help Put Comfortable, Affordable Homes Within Reach for More Canadians?
A House of Commons petition is calling on the government to make energy efficiency a nation-building priority. We’re asking the federal government to set double the rate at which we improve energy productivity, and to end energy poverty. The benefits of... Read more
New Westminster Joins Sue Big Oil
In February, the New Westminster City Council became the 12th BC community to support a proposed class-action lawsuit seeking to recover a share of climate-related costs from global fossil fuel companies. Local residents and young people played a pivotal role in... Read more
Is This the Way the World Ends?
ChatGPT has been all over the media, and none of the news is good. The mother of a Tumbler Ridge shooting victim is suing OpenAI (the mother company) for culpability in the mass killing. And a recent article in The Guardian expressed the deep concern of academics who... Read more
War in Middle East Fueled by Oil Industry
“The world is caught again in the bloody tangle of war, fossil fuels and climate change,” writes Chris Hatch in a recommended piece this week in Canada’s National Observer. The unintended dominoes are falling. As in the past, it appears this war will last much longer... Read more
Valhalla Wilderness Society Seeks Support for Parks
Valhalla Wilderness Society (VWS) is campaigning in support of three proposed parks for the Inland Temperate Rainforest—the result of 25 years of research: the Rainbow-Jordan Wilderness, the Selkirk Mountains Ancient Forest and Quesnel Lake Wilderness. The aim is to... Read moreBC’s Timber Numbers Don’t Add Up
New Video from Jennifer Houghton Jennifer’s videos are always worth the watch. She simplifies, clarifies and takes a scalpel to the policies and words of the Ministry of “Forests and Corporate Logging”. In this latest 12-minute video she cuts to the chase:... Read more
Camosun College’s Devastating Clear-cutting Last Week
It’s been an ongoing theme on CRD Watch, and in my writings that Post-Secondary Institutions on Southern Vancouver Island, shackled to the unsustainability of ecology destroying growth-based capitalism and a government also under its shackles, in particular to the... Read more
Request Your Participation in Supporting CRD Biochar Incinerator Facility
We are requesting your support to encourage the (CRD) Capital Regional District, to move ahead with plans for purchase of a thermal conversion biochar facility. It would be incredibly useful to have Nanaimo and the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) send letters of... Read more
It’s Not Just the Ecosystem; Our Economy is Socially Unfit, Too
Last week, I discussed a couple of recent global-level reports that identify serious problems with our current economic system. In particular, the UN Environment Programme, in its 2026 report…
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The World’s 280 Million Electric Bikes & Mopeds Are Cutting Demand for Oil Far More Than Electric Cars
We hop in the car to get groceries or drop kids at school. But while the car is convenient, these short trips add up in terms of emissions, pollution and petrol cost. Close to half (44%) of all Australian commuter trips are by car – and under 10km. Of Perth’s 4.2... Read more
Environment Groups Condemn Mining Permits Violating First Nation’s Consent in Clayoquot Sound
Environment groups comprising the Clayoquot Sound Conservation Alliance (CSCA) condemn the recent permits issued by the BC NDP provincial government to clear forest and build exploratory drill pads…
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BC Parks Foundation Creates New Bird Sanctuary Near Victoria
METCHOSIN, BC (Mar 3, 2026) – Along the Pacific Flyway, where millions of birds travel north and south each year, a 21-hectare property in Metchosin has now been permanently protected by BC Parks Foundation. The acquisition was made possible by support from the Wilson... Read more
Yes, There is a Problem With Our Economic System
In a recent article in the Hill Times, I noted that while Prime Minister Mark Carney was right to identify a rupture in the world in his Davos speech, he focused on the wrong rupture. The rupture he focused on — the geopolitical state of the world — is a minor inconvenience compared to the drastic impact…
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How Contemporary Art Is Reimagining the Climate Crisis
Vancouver Art Gallery’s upcoming exhibition “Future Geographies: Art in the Century of Climate Change”, is set to unveil the visual, and often misconceived, reality of global warming through contemporary art.
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Biosolids Update and Important Time Sensitive Survey
Thanks to the efforts of the Peninsula Biosolids Coalition, a non-profit citizen’s group, plus numerous individuals, businesses and other proponents for integrated resource management (including Creatively United for the Planet Society), the CRD is now... Read moreMaking Sense of BC Budget 2026
Lots of people are analyzing BC’s Budget Speech. I just watched this webinar – BC Policy Solutions – Making Sense of the BC Budget 2026 (text also at https://bcpolicy.ca/2026/02/17/bc-budget-2026/). The first two speakers from BC Policy Solutions were... Read more
The Rights of Trees, Woodlands and Forests Toolkit
The University of Sussex, UK has created a comprehensive guide to delivering rights-based protection for trees, woodlands and forests. Read more here Read more
Sustainable Living in Seniors Homes
One Planet Saanich and OneEarth Living, in partnership with the District of Saanich presents the Sustainable Living in Seniors Homes Action Guide – created specifically for 55+ stratas, independent living, and care homes – provides achievable ideas to... Read more
Volunteers Monitor Coastal Water Quality
The Blue Water Task Force (BWTF), Surfrider South Vancouver Island’s volunteer-run water testing education and advocacy program, aims to promote environmental stewardship and ensure safe and healthy access to coastal habitats. We sample water from more than 15... Read more
City of Victoria Updates Construction Standards to Prevent PVC Pollution
Last year, Surfrider SVI identified PVC pollution near Victoria beaches and storm drains caused by the outdoor dry cutting of PVC pipes during construction. PVC is one of the most toxic forms of plastics, comprising up to 60% known carcinogens and endocrine... Read more
Volunteers Needed for Wild Animal Care
If you are passionate about wild animals and their welfare, want to invest 2-4 hours a week from April to September, and don’t mind cleaning up the odd animal mess, you may be exactly what the BC SPCA’s Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre (Wild ARC) in Metchosin, BC... Read more
Save 100 Majestic Oaks
The majestic Garry oaks at 4015 Braefoot Rd. in Saanich, British Columbia, are at critical risk. Over 100 of these magnificent trees, stand on the property; many have done so for centuries These trees are not just flora; they are vital keystone components of the... Read more
Petition to save the Mighty Braefoot Oaks!
The majestic Garry oaks at 4015 Braefoot Rd. in Saanich, British Columbia, are at critical risk. Over 100 of these magnificent trees, stand on the property; many have done so for centuries. These trees are not just flora, they are vital keystone components of the... Read more
Like Wooden Tombstones: The Latest Tree Decimation in Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park
In the morning hours of Feb 19, 2026, tree cutting trucks towing wood chippers behind them made their way into the vicinity of Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park, which is managed by the CRD. In the evening, I approached what looked like a funeral.... Read more
Open Letter to David Eby
Dear Premier Eby, Ordinarily I would be classified as a natural strong supporter of an NDP government, given the claim of the party to represent the interests of the working classes and those disadvantaged by the prevailing economic system and cultural biases. I had a... Read moreLessons from History on Tyranny, and Another Way to Promote Electoral Reform
This 10-minute video with actor John Lithgow is extremely timely and well-worth sharing: On a similar note, Peter MacLeod and Richard Johnson, the authors of Democracy’s Second Act: Why Politics Needs The Public, argue that the first act of democracy – anchored in... Read more
Situation Critical: Please help save The Tongass National Forest in Alaska, from Clear Cutting
The Tongass National Forest in Alaska is the largest National Forest in North America. It covers nearly 17 million acres and makes up a significant part of the world’s temperate forests. I’m reaching out to share a documentary project that needs support. The... Read more
Old Growth Logging Near Fairy Creek Ridgeline
Teal Cedar is seeking approval for Cut Block 56684 8027 in Pacheedaht territory, an old growth clearcut just 30 metres from the Fairy Creek ridgeline, along with the construction of a new logging road into ancient forests. This proposal threatens to log millennia-old... Read more
Protesters Thwart Plans for Goldstream Park Highway Expansion
A big shout out to Carl Olsen and all the people who have come out in support of protecting and preserving Goldstream Park and for the Vic News for sharing this “good news” story. Read more
We are a Part of Nature
Secret #1: Humans are a cooperative species Secret #2: Self-Importance is the Enemy of Kindness Secret #3: We are a Part of Nature Every breath we take, every thing we feel, Every hope we hold, every wound that heals. Every birth that starts, every death that ends, We... Read more
Dear MPs, Don’t Give My Tax $ to American Billionaires
The Wall Street sickos who bankrolled Jeffrey Epstein and Donald Trump are hoping for a special gift: billions of dollars from Canada’s Liberal government. The Ksi Lisims LNG project would be 100 per cent American-owned and built in Korea, then floated over and hooked... Read more
Speak Up For Wildlife!
It may still be chilly outside, but February is heating up with several opportunities to voice your support for wild lives and wild places. Below, we list 7 ways you can take action: from submitting public comments on wolf, bear, and caribou hunting, to signing... Read more
We Are in This Together: Shifting from Me to We
One of the most beloved teachings of the Vietnamese monk and Buddhist teacher, Thich Nhat Hanh, is his reflection on a simple piece of paper. If we look deeply, he says, we can see the clouds in the paper. Without clouds, there would be no rain; without rain, there... Read more
144 Names for a New Economy
Compiled by Guy Dauncey, author of The Economics of Kindness: The End of Capitalism, the Birth of a New Ecological Civilization Palgrave/Macmillan, Spring 2026 This list illustrates the deep, persistent desire by so many people to create a new kind of economy, one in... Read more
What is The Finkelstein Formula? – And How is it Destroying Democracy
Worth reading if you care about democracy! This info helps us see where politicians may be coming from. Good to know, and good to share with others. “You’ve noticed the pattern: politicians who never discuss their own policies but spend every breath demonizing... Read more12 Powers Meditation – Meditation for Health
Meditation for Health – meditation reduces stress by lowering cortisol levels and physically shrinking the amygdala, the brain’s fight-or-flight centre. It consistently improves focus, emotional regulation and sleep quality while lowering blood pressure.
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