Squirrel for Mayor is a research-creation project that combines arts-based methodologies and community engagement to examine the increasing concerns for urban forest and tree health, and the role of public participation in successful urban forest governance.
Practical ideas for a greener, more resilient Victoria.
Squirrel for Mayor explores how housing, climate resilience, urban forests, transportation, biodiversity, public spaces, and local government can work together to create a healthier city for everyone.
Through research, policy analysis, community engagement, and a touch of humour, the project examines the decisions shaping Victoria’s future—from neighbourhood planning and infrastructure to nature conservation and fiscal responsibility.
Rather than treating environmental protection and housing as competing priorities, Squirrel for Mayor looks for practical solutions that achieve both. The goal is to encourage informed discussion, evidence-based decision-making, and long-term thinking that benefits residents, businesses, and the natural systems that support our city.
Whether you’re interested in local politics, urban planning, development, ecology, or simply curious why a squirrel is weighing in on municipal affairs, you’re in the right place.
The best cities think in acorns, not election cycles.
Urban Forest Governance
British Columbia currently has no legislation specifically protecting urban forests. Recent provincial housing legislation—including Bills 44, 46 and 47 (2023), Bill 18 (2024), and Bills 13, 14 and 15 (2025)—has significantly changed local land-use planning by limiting public hearings and reducing opportunities for community input on many development decisions. In many cases, decisions that affect mature trees and neighbourhood character are now made administratively, while municipalities often lack the environmental inventories and ecological mapping needed to fully assess cumulative impacts.
Urban forests are essential infrastructure. Mature trees intercept stormwater, reduce flooding, cool neighbourhoods, improve air quality, and provide habitat for wildlife. These benefits cannot be quickly replaced, as newly planted trees require decades to develop equivalent canopy and ecological value. Protecting urban forests therefore requires planning that considers soil volume, root space, setbacks, and long-term canopy retention—not simply tree replacement.
Most urban forests are located on private land, making development policy especially important. For example, approximately 75% of the City of Victoria’s urban forest, 72% of Saanich’s urban forest, and 42% of Oak Bay’s 33% city-wide tree canopy occur on private property. As land-use regulations continue to evolve, there is a growing need for transparent governance, evidence-based planning, and stronger consideration of urban forests as critical natural infrastructure.
Where is this project located?
This website shares content related to urban forest management of Čaŋēɫč (lək̓ʷəŋən) or ĆEṈ¸IȽĆ (SENĆOŦEN) or p’hwulhp (HUL’Q’UMI’NUM’) also known as Garry oak (scientific name: Quercus garryana) and the associated ecosystem (Kwetlal or ḰȽO,EL). This includes native and non native species as outlined in municipal urban forest master plans.
Starting with data from the lək̓ʷəŋən territory, known today as the Songhees and Kosapsom Nations and we will soon add data from the W̱ SÁNEĆ region encompassing the five local communities: BO,ḰE,ĆEN (Pauquachin), MÁLEXEȽ (Malahat), W̱ JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip), W̱ ,SIKEM (Tseycum), and S,ȾAUTW̱ (Tsawout).
