North Pender raptor nest review moves toward draft bylaw

The Local Trust Committee plans further mapping checks and engagement before considering proposed changes that could expand development permit buffers around nest sites.

The North Pender Firestarter · Governance · 2024-10-26 · updated 2026-10-13 · North Pender Island

The proposed changes would add newly identified raptor nest sites to North Pender’s development permit area and increase buffer distances; staff said the next steps include further mapping checks, continued engagement and a draft bylaw for the committee to consider.^[1]

Island Planner Brad Smith told the October 26 meeting that a consultant’s study identified 23 new nests and recommended species-specific buffers ranging from 60 to 500 metres, compared with existing buffers generally set at 30 metres.^[1]

Smith said the larger buffers could capture more of some properties, and that the committee could consider different buffer sizes for different areas. He also said development in the area would require a permit and would need to meet the applicable guidelines.^[1]

Members of the public raised concerns about effects on property use and the lack of a cost-benefit study, while others spoke in favour of protecting nest habitat. Chair David Maude said the cost-benefit question was new to him and that the committee would take it away.^[1]

The minutes say staff planned continued engagement with property owners and First Nations, site visits to reaffirm assessments, proposed bylaw amendments and a public hearing.^[1]

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