Community Services fulfills a unique role within the Municipality of Saanich. Through the development of neighborhood initiatives and youth services, we strive to facilitate access to recreation and leisure opportunities for all citizens of Saanich. This basic premise of inclusion leads Community Services to develop programs which are affordable and accessible for all people.
Community Services also endeavours to develop partnerships with social serving agencies, local businesses, and individuals, in order to maximize resources in the community. We work with schools, neighbourhood committees, special interest groups and others to assist in developing high quality leisure programs of interest.
Saanich Volunteer Services Society is a one-to-one direct volunteer service for those who need help to live independently. We provide drives, friendly visiting, companion walking and a host of other services. Our volunteers are available to help Saanich residents improve their quality of life. Want help? Want to volunteer? Call 595-8008 today. Neighbours helping neighbours.
Neighbourhood Services
Does your group have an idea for a program or special event but not sure where to start? We can help by sharing some of our experience and resources. We are particularly interested in working with groups on the development of free and low-cost neighbourhood based programs and youth involvement in Community Groups.
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Community Services staff have a broad range of experience in program and organizational development. For example, if your group needs help with grant information & proposal writing, volunteer recruitment or strategic planning give us a call.
Saanich is home to approximately 20 Community Associations working together to make Saanich a better place to live. The Saanich Community Association Network (S.C.A.N.) meets on the first Wednesday of every month at 7:15 p.m., at the Saanich Police Station.
A free program by the Saanich Police, Block Watch offers training, education and communication aimed to build safer communities and reduce the opportunity for property offences. For more information, call the Saanich Block Watch Office at 475-4365 or email blockwatch@saanichpolice.ca.
Grants & Funding
Community Matching Funds may be granted to community-based, non-profit groups and associations for projects that will enhance the neighbourhoods of Saanich. Projects could include, but are not limited to, park improvements; tree planting projects; improvements to the natural environment; art enhancement projects and, neighbourhood features such as benches or murals.
Community Association Operating Grants are granted to new and established non-profit, neighbourhood community groups that represent a particular geographic region and have been recognized by Council either through the local area planning process, through historical precedent, or through special resolution of Council.
Community groups that represent a particular geographic region and have been recognized by Council either through the local area planning process, through historical precedent or through special resolution of Council are eligible to apply for a Community Association Operating Grant.
Community Associations are eligible for up to a maximum of $1,100 annually. A supplemental grant of $550 is available for those Associations whose geographic population is greater than 10,000.
How to Apply
- Complete and return the application form
 including a recent financial statement, to the Municipal Clerk's Office by February 28th.
- Approvals will be received no later than May 30th of that year, with 50% of the funding advanced by May, and the balance paid by December 31st upon receipt of a year-end financial statement.
The Community Event Assistance Program is available to Community Groups who wish to develop a community organization, create neighbourhood-based recreation opportunities and events, or increase information sharing in a neighbourhood.
Criteria for funding should include:
- Programs which are new to the community
- Promotes community development and participation
- Creates low cost or free of charge recreational opportunities (L.I.F.E. programs)
- Increases community awareness
- Not attached to a business or for-profit organization
For example, assistance may be available for:
- Organizational Development (volunteer recruitment, proposal writing, strategic planning)
- Neighbourhood-based recreation (programming, special events, equipment loans, tents, staff)
- Information Sharing (material for and distribution of community newsletters, lending library, Saanich website, Active Living Guide)
- Target groups (increase youth involvement, development of free or low-cost programs L.I.F.E.)
Download Community Event Assistance Program Application Form 
Support may be through consultative services or financial. Maximum amount available is $250.
Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis. For more information, contact Julie Wallace, Community Services at 475-5408.
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