Saanich Inlet Protection Society (SIPS), in co-operation with Surfrider Foundation’s Blue Water Task Force, started testing water quality in Brentwood Bay in January 2026. The program is designed to detect potential sewage contamination by testing for bacteria. Sampling takes place monthly with some exceptions.Continue reading
The Glass Sponge reefs we are focusing on are in the waters of Saanich Inlet near Senanus Island. Senanus island is part of the Tsartlip reserve, and encompasses sacred burial sites as well as being central to the ancestral history of the Tsartlip Nation.Continue reading
Brentwood Bay Marine Community Society ,fall 2026 Beach and Boat Cleanup. Saturday, September 12th . Volunteers are asked to meet at the Municipal Wharf on Marchand Street in Brentwood Bay at 10 am.Continue reading
The next Roundtable will be held from 2 to 4:30 PM on May 14. The topic will be Water Quality in Brentwood Bay. We will hear (and see) presentations from various speakers who have been taking samples from various parts of the Inlet.Continue reading
On March 7th 2026 SPEC conducted a public meeting to report on their findings and to make recommendations to the three Peninsula local governments. Read the report and take the Check-Up! Survey 2 which closes May 1, 2026.Continue reading
The next Roundtable will be held from 2 to 4:30 PM on March 19. The topic will be Water Quality in the Inlet. We will hear (and see) presentations from scientists and volunteers who have been taking samples from various parts of the Inlet.Continue reading
Saanich Inlet Protection Society (SIPS), in co-operation with Surfrider Foundation’s Blue Water Task Force, has started a water quality testing program in Brentwood Bay. The program detects potential sewage contamination by testing for bacteria.Continue reading
The Saanich Peninsula Environmental Coalition is planning a Public Meeting on March 7. This is designed to be a positive event to promote the bioregional planning approach and how it relates to the work of the 3 municipalities and their OCPs.Continue reading
Join Conservancy Hornby Island March 5 through 7 in celebrating 10 years of advocacy for Pacific herring and healthy coastal ecosystems. 3 days and nights of art, education and inspiration, culminating in the one and only Herring Ball.Continue reading
Wonders of the Salish Sea (WSS) are presenting a new 2026 Webinar series. The Salish Sea is one of the largest inland seas in the world. Discover the wonders of this uniquely biodiverse, yet fragile, ecosystem with the guidance of scientists, naturalists, and environmentalists.Continue reading
Saanich Inlet Protection Society (SIPS), in co-operation with Surfrider Foundation’s Blue Water Task Force, has started a water quality testing program in Brentwood Bay. The program detects potential sewage contamination by testing for bacteria.Continue reading
The plan to improve the safety and reliability of the Malahat corridor is now on hold with serious environmental concerns being recognized. The need for greater review puts the project on hold.Continue reading
The Saanich Peninsula Environmental Coalition is planning a Public Meeting on March 7. This is designed to be a positive event to promote the bioregional planning approach and how it relates to the work of the 3 municipalities and their OCPs.Continue reading
Brentwood Bay Marine Community Society (BBMCS) is hosting a shoreline and marine debris cleanup on January 31 at 10:00 am at the Municipal Wharf (end of Marchant Road). Volunteers are needed to help load marine debris onto a dump truck and assist with shoreline cleanup. The same day, anyone may responsibly dispose of unwanted runabout boats 16’ and under. BBMCS will assist with transport and logistics; disposal fees are the responsibility of the owner.Continue reading
HCRS and David Suzuki are going to be gathering outside the Department of Fisheries in Vancouver on Monday, November 17th to hand deliver our response to the draft herring fishery management plan.Continue reading
Please read the SIPS response to the latest from the Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) regarding the herring situation below. We recently heard the phrase "the herring are being managed to extinction" and find it ironically appropriate.Continue reading
SIPS is considering how we might participate with Surfrider Foundation’s Victoria marine water quality sampling program for Saanich Inlet. The program is known as the Blue Water Task Force.Continue reading
Despite having an owner, a weathered vessel has sat for months, highlighting frustrations with Canada’s fragmented system. Continue reading
To improve the safety and reliability of the Malahat corridor the province proposes widening 1.7 kilometres of the highway near the provincial park, plus the installation of over 1.5 kilometres of a median barrier. The highway however would remain one lane in each direction. A 2024 environmental assessment report says the ‘improvements’ will not be without environmental circumstance. Continue reading
To improve the safety and reliability of the Malahat corridor the province proposes widening 1.7 kilometres of the highway near the provincial park, plus the installation of over 1.5 kilometres of a median barrier. The highway however would remain one lane in each direction. A 2024 environmental assessment report says the ‘improvements’ will not be without environmental circumstance. Continue reading
SIPS organized the fall Round Table for last month on September 11th and invited speakers to present on the theme of Water Quality in Saanich Inlet. The event was hosted by the Willis Point Residents Association. Continue reading
SIPS will be hosting another roundtable this year with the topic being clean water, examining the state of water in the Inlet and the various sources of water entering it.Continue reading
At the District of Central Saanich Council on Monday July 28 a motion to request staff to develop options for a Pump Out service was passed unanimously by Council. A background and Resolution is posted below as well as a letter from SIPS in support of the motion. Continue reading
The Brentwood Bay Marine Community Society (BBMCS) organised a clean up on July 6th using the same successful approach used previously.Continue reading
Puget Sound Institute continues the Science of Puget Sound Water Quality workshop series, which explores emerging science and insights to help protect water quality in Puget Sound. Register for the event!Continue reading
As previously advertised on our social media, here’s a follow up notice for helping support the Saanich Peninsula Environment Coalition (SPEC) to publicize their public Check-Up! questionnaire. The survey is designed to assess how well our communities are planning together for environmental sustainability and resilience.Continue reading
Sir David Attenborough at 99 says: "After almost 100 years on the planet, I now understand the most important place on Earth is not on land, but at sea." This resounding statement is part of the message in the new cinema-length film "Ocean" which he believes could play a decisive role in saving biodiversity and protecting the planet from climate change.Continue reading
Malahat Nation will be upgrading their wastewater treatment facilities through loans acquired from the CIB's Indigenous Community initiative. This will result in better water protection for the inlet.Continue reading
Volunteers needed! The BBMCS has organized another cleanup using the same successful approach used for the previous two clean ups this year. Meet at 10.00 am at the Marchant Street wharf. BBMCS will bring boats with marine and shoreline debris to the wharf.Continue reading
The Marine Community has organised a clean up of marine debris and is looking for volunteers to assist. Continue reading
With this month's Round Table focus being on biosolids (toxic sludge) we are sharing a few resources for information on the subject. Every day 10 tons of "biosolids" are spread...Continue reading
The next Roundtable is October 17th with the topic of Watersheds & Saanich Inlet, with presentations by various groups and individuals interested in and knowledgeable about the topic including politicians representing various levels of government.Continue reading
The CRD in Victoria, BC, Canada has a long-standing and popular ban on the land application of biosolids. This is a crucial regulation that protects our local drinking water, environment and public health. Biosolids contain PFAS, microplastics, pharmaceuticals, heavy metals and other toxic contaminants that pose risks to our forests, farms, watersources, and human and environmental health when applied to land. Continue reading
Informative article and video from the Creatively United website. Take a moment to visit their site and watch the video on this important issue.Continue reading
If we are to believe the Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, Nathan Cullen, British Columbia is about to enter an ecological renaissance. His Draft BC Biodiversity and Ecosystem...Continue reading