North Pender trustees advance raptor-nest bylaw changes to public hearing

The committee amended the draft rules, including buffer areas and an exemption for some small accessory structures, and scheduled a public hearing for November 21.

The Denman Firestarter · Governance · 2025-10-03 · updated 2026-10-09 · North Pender Island

The proposed changes would add a 200-metre non-nesting buffer for Peregrine Falcons and 100-metre seasonal nesting buffers for Osprey and Peregrine Falcons, and allow an exemption for certain small accessory structures within a seasonal buffer. The North Pender Local Trust Committee gave the amended bylaw first reading and directed staff to schedule a public hearing for November 21, 2025.^[1]

The committee also added guidance for applications to build a primary residence on a previously undeveloped residential parcel where a significant portion or all of the developable area falls within a raptor or heron development permit area. The motion says development is permitted and should, where feasible, follow the added guidance.^[1]

At the meeting, a member of the public said the proposed buffers would cover their entire undeveloped property and raised concerns about future building, the reasons for the amendments and unanswered correspondence. The minutes record those comments without naming the speaker.^[1]

Staff told the committee the amendments were consistent with recommendations in a qualified professionals’ report and provincial best practices, and that nest locations had been checked through two field seasons. Staff recommended a public hearing; the committee also said development in a buffer area is allowed with a permit.^[1]

The minutes say the committee directed staff to advertise the November 21 public hearing in the Pender Post.^[1]

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