Oak Bay Green Committee

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The Oak Bay Green Committee (OBGC), a community grassroots' volunteer organization, located in the municipality of Oak Bay, British Columbia, was formed in early 2005, when a developer cut down a venerable Beech tree in South Oak Bay. Neighbors were so upset by the loss of the tree and the lack of comprehensive tree protection bylaws in the municipality that they lobbied Oak Bay Mayor and Council members to create better tree protection bylaws.

The OBGC’s initial activism stemmed from the belief that mature trees of all species, on public and private land, need better stewardship from the community. After almost two years of community groups, concerned individuals and a supportive Mayor and Council working together, Oak Bay Municipality successfully adopted Tree Protection Bylaw 4326 on August 21, 2006. We continue to promote awareness around the importance of having an urban forest in our community.

Although the OBGC originally formed as an ad hoc committee working for better tree protection bylaws, the OBGC decided to continue on as a local environmental group and work on other community-based environmental initiatives.

Other OBGC projects include community school visits, Oak Bay Library environmental displays, supporting the sewage treatment alliance, organizing in conjunction with St. Philip’s Anglican Church and Pacific Mobile Depots, Oak Bay’s first soft plastic recycling depot, supporting community Climate Change awareness and implementing a No Engine Idling Campaign.