June 2, 2008


Mayor Frank Leonard and Council
District of Saanich
770 Vernon Avenue
Saanich, BC  
V8X 2W7

Re:  Response to Hazard – Campus View Elementary School 
         3900 Block Gordon Head Road

Dear Mayor Leonard and Council:

This letter requests that the District of Saanich act to reduce the hazard around Campus View School, caused by the over-spill of the out-of-control rabbit population at the University of Victoria. 

The Mount Tolmie community is concerned because the number of rabbits migrating west from the UVic grounds is increasing, and the number of problems caused by rabbits in the neighbourhood is multiplying. Specifically, in the last few weeks our members have observed:

1.	Children chasing rabbits at and near Campus View School and Gordon Head Road.
2.	Dogs breaking free from leashes and chasing rabbits across Gordon Head Road from Campus View School, nearly causing motor vehicle accidents.
3.	Rabbits chewing through building siding and residing under portable buildings at Campus View School.
4.	Residential gardens and lawns being damaged by rabbits.

In the current, charged atmosphere that exists when children, rabbits, and other animals are in close contact, combined with steady traffic on Gordon Head Road passing Campus View Elementary School, we are concerned about the increased risk of motor vehicle crashes or even worse accidents.

Since September 9, 2007, the Mt. Tolmie Community Association has been communicating with the University of Victoria regarding the rabbit problems.  The university’s actions thus far seem to be limited to creating a task force to study the issue (September 2007); informing the press of a planned “Review of Domestic Rabbits” (October 2007); inviting representatives of neighbouring community associations to attend an information meeting (April 2008); and informing the associations that a report will be produced in June of 2008. While the university is investigating the range of problems and issues associated with the rabbits, the rabbit problems in our neighbourhood remain, and may become worse in the future.

As the university continues to deliberate, our Association requests that the District of Saanich deal with the worst hazard in the present situation.  We respectfully request that the District of Saanich install “Rabbit Crossing” signs on Gordon Head Road in both directions in advance of Campus View School.  We also request that the current 30 km/h school zone (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on school days) be replaced with a 30 km/h playground zone (dawn to dusk 7 days a week).  We suggest that these measures remain in place until such time as the risks of rabbit and community interaction near Gordon Head Road are minimized.

If you would like more information about the problem, please contact me or one of my colleagues on the executive of the Mount Tolmie Community Association, Mark Adams.  Mr. Adams can be reached by telephone at 477-1815.


Sincerely,  



Patty Mack, President
Mount Tolmie Community Association