TOWNSHIP OF ESQUIMALT STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: January 26, 2026 Report No. DEV-26-001
TO: Council
FROM: Jakub Lisowski, Planner II Policy, Development Services
SUBJECT: Deer Fencing Policy Development
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council direct staff to prepare a report and Zoning Bylaw amendment bylaw to regulate deer fencing for Council's consideration based on feedback received and that Staff Report No. DEV-26-001 be received for information.
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
In 2021, Council directed staff to prepare a report on deer fencing (Appendix "A"). The report (Staff Report DEV-21-070) was presented to the Committee of Whole on October 18, 2021. Following the Committee's discussion, no clear guidance was given to staff related to next steps. Consequently, this matter was set aside as other priorities took precedence. Council has subsequently added "front yard deer fencing" to its 2023 - 2026 Priorities Plan. In response, staff have updated the 2021 staff report on deer fencing
BACKGROUND:
On June 28, 2021, Council passed a motion directing staff to draft a report on the regulation of fence heights and design that "should briefly explore ways to increase fence heights along with guidelines to allow for esthetics of the neighbourhood" (Appendix "A"). On October 18, 2021, the Committee of the Whole received a report for information outlining the potential changes to the Zoning Bylaw regarding deer fencing. As staff did not receive clear direction about the Committee's desired next steps, the issue was set aside given that there were more pressing priorities. Recently, Council has expressed a desire to reexamine the issue. This report updates the 2021 report with the latest research and information.
The deer feeding in Esquimalt gardens are Columbia Black Tailed Deer (Odecoileous hemionus columbianus). They are native to Vancouver Island and are very adaptable to human dominated environments. They are considered a mid-sized deer w...
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