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Have your say! Saanich Climate Action
Created on 11/18/2009 - 19:14 by Dean Murdock

Saanich’s draft Climate Action Plan is available for Saanich residents to look at and provide their feedback. This is an important opportunity for everyone to think and talk about how our future growth and how we can take action to cut greenhouse gases.

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Sending a strong message: Copenhagen Climate Conference
Created on 12/02/2009 - 23:07 by Dean Murdock

On Monday, December 7, Saanich Council will consider a resolution regarding the international climate conference in Copenhagen (the text of the resolution is below).

The resolution is timely for two reasons: 1) The conference begins on December 7; 2) Saanich will adopt its Climate Action Plan in the coming weeks.

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Donate to Save Madrona Farm!
Created on 11/13/2009 - 20:23 by Dean Murdock

The Friends of Madrona Society has entered into an agreement with The Land Conservancy of BC (TLC) to purchase Madrona Farm. Friends of Madrona Society must raise $2,500,000; of which a substantial amount will be donated by the landowner. TLC’s mission is to ensure that the agricultural productivity and ecological values of Madrona Farm are protected forever. This fundraising campaign for the purchase of the farm by the community it serves, and the placement of the farm in the hands of a land trust, will be the first of its kind in BC, and part of the solution for local food security.

One of TLC’s mandates is to protect farmland for farming – a big step toward local food security and agricultural land preservation.

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The Climate Challenge: The importance of Canada's role
Created on 12/04/2009 - 22:47 by Dean Murdock

Ottawa should step up, Councillor says
By Keith Vass - Saanich News

Saanich council will consider a motion asking the federal government to commit to a new binding international carbon emissions treaty.

The recommendation from the Environmental Advisory Committee will come to council Monday, the same day the United Nations Climate Change Conference opens in Copenhagen.

The draft motion calls for Saanich to tell Ottawa that "the Government of Canada should take a pivotal role in meeting the Global Climate Challenge" and sign a new binding international agreement.

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Banning Pesticides in Saanich
Created on 12/16/2009 - 22:39 by Dean Murdock

Popular pesticides restricted from Saanich next spring
By Keith Vass - Saanich News

If you’re still using pesticides on your property be warned. Your neighbours wil be able to do more than cast disparaging looks at you next spring.

Saanich council has passed a bylaw severely restricting the use of chemical pesticides.

Under the new rules, which will come into effect May 1, 2010, residential property owners will need a permit to use most chemical pesticides.

The bylaw is based on a model put forward by the Capital Regional District's Roundtable on the Environment in 2004.

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Non-essential pesticides banned
Created on 12/16/2009 - 22:42 by Dean Murdock

Saanich bans pesticides
By Kim Westad, Times Colonist

Saanich gardeners won't be allowed to use non-essential pesticides this spring.

The municipality has banned the use of so-called cosmetic pesticides because of their negative effect on the environment.

The ban was initially scheduled to go into effect January 2011, but when Coun. Dean Murdock suggested it start earlier, council unanimously agreed. It will come into effect May 1.

"We want to enact the bylaw for the spring gardening season," Murdock said yesterday. "We don't want to miss another season."

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Happy Holidays!!
Created on 12/17/2009 - 23:03 by Dean Murdock

As we approach the end of 2009, I want to take a moment to to wish you a happy holiday season, with best wishes for 2010.

I also want to reflect on some of the successes and priorities of the past year:

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Supporting Parks Acquisition
Created on 01/11/2010 - 23:57 by Dean Murdock

SAANICH COUNCIL THROWS SUPPORT BEHIND PARKS ACQUISITION LEVY INCREASE

Jan 11, 2010 - CFAX

SAANICH COUNCIL HAS UNANIMOULSY SUPPORTED A CRD PARKS LEVY INCREASE ----THIS AT A COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY NIGHT

THE RECOMMENDATION FROM THE CRD IS AN INCREASE IN THE AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD LEVY FOR THE PARKS ACQUISITION FUND FROM $10 TO $20

SAANICH COUNCILLOR DEAN MURDOCK SAYS THE PROGRAMS SUCCESS ATTESTS FOR IT'S SUPPORT

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Pesticides ban becomes bylaw
Created on 01/27/2010 - 22:46 by Dean Murdock

SAANICH BANS COSMETIC PESTICIDE USE
CFAX1070

SAANICH COUNCIL HAS GIVEN FINAL READING TO A BY-LAW THAT EFFECTIVELY BANS THE USE OF COSMETIC PESTICIDES ON RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES.

DEAN MURDOCK WAS ONE OF THE LEADING VOICES ON COUNCIL CALLING FOR THE LEGISLATION...

"It makes a change in favour of protecting the environment, and mitigating some of the unintended environmental consequences of the use of pesticides...so I think that it's a positive change and one that's been a long time coming"

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Mobility Action Plan: Freedom to Move
Created on 02/27/2010 - 23:43 by Dean Murdock

Traffic in our region is a problem. And, without a thoughtful action plan, it’s only going to get worse. During peak travel times, our major corridors are heavily congested. As we continue to grow, traffic is going to get worse – a lot worse. According to CRD forecasting, congestion will increase by 300 percent in the next 20 years. We must take action now to avoid a traffic nightmare that reduces everyone’s mobility.

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