REQUEST FOR DECISION
MEETING DATE: April 21, 2026 Report No. APC-26-010
TO: Advisory Planning Commission
FROM: Jakub Lisowski, Planner II and Bill Brown, Director of Development Services
SUBJECT: Bylaw to amend "Zoning Bylaw, 1992, No. 2050" concerning Deer Fencing
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That the Commission recommend that Council give first, second, and third readings to "Zoning Bylaw, 1992, No. 2050, Amendment Bylaw, 2026, No. 3183" to incorporate Deer Fencing.
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Council added "front yard deer fencing" to its 2023 - 2026 Priorities Plan. On January 19, 2026, staff presented Council with a report including the most recent research and regulations from area municipalities. Council directed staff to use the District of Saanich Zoning Bylaw as a model, with changes to allow deer fencing and deer fencing extensions in front yards. This report outlines the potential changes to the Esquimalt Zoning Bylaw to regulate deer fencing.
BACKGROUND:
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 with the ability to jump up to 2 metres and occasionally a little higher.
Deer are creatures of habit and will return to the same areas regularly. Acting early to discourage their browsing of valued vegetation will reduce damage. There are various ways of lessening the impact of feeding, including protective structures (including fencing), habitat modification (providing more native vegetation for feeding), repellents, and planting deer resistant plants. In mid to late summer bucks (male deer) will also rub their antlers on tree trucks, which is not a problem for larger trees but can cause severe damage to young trees. As shown in Appendix "B", Esquimalt residents have employed various creative ways to use protective material to protect their favored pla...
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