TOWNSHIP OF ESQUIMALT STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: May 25, 2026 Report No. DEV-26-020
TO: Council
FROM: Jakub Lisowski, Planner and Bill Brown, Director of Development Services
SUBJECT: Bylaw to amend "Zoning Bylaw, 1992, No. 2050" to incorporate regulations for Deer Fencing
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council give first and second readings to "Zoning Bylaw, 1992, No. 2050, Amendment Bylaw, 2026, No. 3183" to incorporate regulations for Deer Fencing and authorize staff to hold a Public Hearing at a later Council date.
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
In June 2025, Council shifted "Front Yard Deer Fencing" from the Future Projects list to its active projects list in 2023-2026 Council 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 proposed amendments to the Esquimalt Zoning Bylaw to regulate deer fencing. The Advisory Planning Commission recommended approval of the bylaw amendment on April 21, 2026.
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 tre...
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