A motion to scrap a controversial bylaw affecting more than 2,000 Saanich homeowners was voted down last night.
Critics say the research behind the bylaw, which is intended to protect sensitive natural areas, is flawed and homeowners like Chris Phillips will unfairly pay the price.
Phillips has spent the past three years fighting to build an extension to his home only to be told his land is part of the Environmental Development Permit Area (EDPA), which is meant to protect the rare ecosystems and vital habitat in Saanich.
The bylaw, enacted in 2012, prevents any alteration to the land.
“In other words, on 65,000 square feet, we now have 4,000 or so square feet of which to work with,” he said.
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Phillips is not alone. There are more than 2,000 properties affected from Gordon Head to Portage Inlet.
Phillips says the restrictions have seriously damaged the value of his property.
“Some of the professionals that we’ve spoken to have indicated that the properties would be reduced by 25 per cent or more,” said Anita Bull of Saanich Citizens for a Responsible EDPA.
It’s a burden many are now taking to City Hall.
On Tuesday, Mayor Richard Atwell tried to have the bylaw repealed only to be outvoted.
While no councillors were available for comment Wednesday, Atwell confirms the city is moving ahead with a public meeting.
“I think we really need to bring an end to it soon and then craft a bylaw that makes sense,” he said. “But holding people’s properties hostage isn’t making much sense.”
For now, the scotch broom and blackberries on Phillips’ property will take priority over any kind of alteration of land, subdivision or construction, meaning his dream home will remain a dream.
“This is absolutely wrong,” he said. “The property has become our enemy.”
-With files from Kylie Stanton
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