CARA Panama Flats Workshop Follow-up

Thanks to you 30-plus people who participated in CARA’s Panama Flats workshop back on May 3!! You submitted 170-plus “sticky notes” comments saying what was important to you about Panama Flats. Your comments are valuable!!

CARA entered your comments on a spreadsheet and graphed some broad themes below: (1) trails; (2) access to trails; (3) biodiversity; (4) dogs (and their humans); (5) community (allotment) gardens; (6) hydrology, i.e. water management; (7) other recreational activities; and (8) other, which incorporates things such as values. Some comments addressed more than one theme (“mult” - the orange portion of each bar in the chart).

CARA has shared a summary with Saanich Parks as part the consultation process. Most comments addressed trails (especially the desire for a year-round perimeter-loop trail around the Flats) and biodiversity protection. Biodiversity protection emphasized protecting and restoring wetland and Garry oak habitat (especially for birds and fish) and managing invasive species. Other comments addressed the need for better access to trail(s), how dogs should be managed and why, floodplain management, potential allotment gardens, and activities important to the community.

Note: The current DRAFT Panama Flats Concept Plan Council presentation date is scheduled for September 15th.