Housing That Fits Saanich

I support a carefully managed increase in housing density across all of Saanich that respects neighbourhood character, community plans, green space and available infrastructure.

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Saanich needs more housing choices for young people, families, seniors, renters and people who want to remain in their community as their needs change. This includes townhouses, secondary suites, smaller homes, apartments, supportive housing and purpose-built rentals, not simply more costly development.

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Put Growth in the Right Places

Higher density should be directed primarily toward centres, villages, major corridors and locations well served by transit, shops and essential services. In established neighbourhoods, new housing should fit the scale and character of its surroundings, provide reasonable transitions and protect privacy, trees and public space.

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Gentle densification should also be possible in Rural Saanich through the approval of secondary suites and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) that will allow rural homeowners to age in place and support multi-generational families.

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Community plans should remain meaningful. When they require updating, residents should be involved early and able to see how their input influenced the outcome.

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Match Housing with Infrastructure

Approving housing is only part of responsible growth. New density must be coordinated with water, sewer and drainage capacity, roads and transportation, off-road parking, parks and recreation, schools, emergency access, and other public services.

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In Rural Saanich, increases in secondary suites and ADUs must be matched by adequate well and septic systems that protect the water table and off-road parking. Any densification in rural areas must not come at the cost of greenspace, tree canopy or natural ecosystems.

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Before significant development proceeds, Council should understand the infrastructure required, its cost, who will pay and when improvements will be delivered. Growth should help strengthen communities, not leave existing residents carrying new pressures without corresponding benefits.

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Protect What Makes Saanich Special

Housing policy must also protect parks, natural areas, watersheds, tree canopy, agricultural land and the distinct character of rural Saanich. Climate resilience and energy efficiency should be incorporated into both new construction and infrastructure planning.

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Deliver Housing Responsibly

I will support clear rules, timely decisions and predictable approval processes. I will also advocate for affordable and non-market housing partnerships, tenant protections and transparent reporting on housing approvals, construction, infrastructure capacity and community impacts.

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Saanich can welcome more neighbours while remaining safe, green, liveable and recognizably Saanich.