March 2026 Update
Spring has officially arrived, following the fifth warmest winter on record at the Victoria International Airport. Gardens are bursting into life, and in natural areas native plants such as fawn lilies and flowering shrubs are making a welcome show.
In This Update
- March 28 Bird Walk and Tea
- Friends of Sidney Parks
- Environmental Coalition Community Meeting
- Forage Fish News
- New Neighbour Information
March 28th Spring Bird Walk and Tea
Our annual bird walk is timed to observe winter birds before migration as well as year-round residents. This year’s location along Marina Drive offers an opportunity to observe a large Great Blue Heron rookery, where herons that fish in Roberts Bay roost and raise their young. There is also an osprey nest nearby.
This location also highlights restoration work being carried out by Peninsula Streams in collaboration with the District of North Saanich and the Sidney/North Saanich Yacht Club on a productive spawning beach.
This is a free event. No experience necessary. No registration required—just show up.
Friends of Sidney Parks
The Town of Sidney has announced a new volunteer group focused on ecological stewardship of Sidney’s parks. The Friends of Sidney Parks Society will work to remove invasive plants and support restoration efforts in local parks.
Council has approved a one-year trial, with volunteers aiming to hold three work sessions each month. Parks staff will provide oversight for safety and coordination.
Around Roberts Bay, potential sites include the Third Street beach access and Mermaid Park.
If you are interested in supporting or volunteering, email friendsofsidneyparks@gmail.com to be notified when work begins.
Saanich Peninsula Environmental Coalition Community Meeting March 7th
- What is working well?
- What are the current challenges?
- Suggestions for improving jurisdictional collaboration among municipalities.
- What should be the priorities for improvement leading up to the October municipal elections?
Forage Fish Update
New signs have been installed at beach access points in Sidney and North Saanich to inform the public about forage fish spawning beaches. These will soon appear throughout the region.
Peninsula Streams staff recently observed surf smelt actively spawning at Tryon Beach on Curteis Point.
New Neighbour Information
We have created a brief information sheet to introduce new neighbours to Roberts Bay, its ecosystems, and ways to help protect this fragile environment.
If you know someone who might be interested, we would be happy to deliver a copy along with a Sidney Parks map. You are also welcome to share the information yourself.
The link below is to the information sheet as a downloadable PDF.
