Support for Non-Market Housing

Increasing the supply of affordable and supportive housing in Saanich is a priority in the Housing Strategy. The District will accomplish this by actively supporting and working in partnership with non-market housing providers, and prioritizing intiatives that benefit this sector. Read more below about how we are making it easier for non-profit organizations to build and operate affordable housing in Saanich. 

Rapid Deployment of Non-Market Housing

In September, 2023, Council directed staff to prepare proposed regulatory and policy changes to allow non-market housing providers to build to the upper limit in Saanich's Official Community Plan without having to apply for a rezoning. Staff were also directed to draft bylaw changes to delegate Development Permit approval for non-market housing projects to staff. These efforts are intended to support non-market housing providers by simplifying and expediting the process of obtaining development approvals. 

  • On July 15, 2024, Council endorsed staff's proposed bylaw amendments to allow non-market housing providers to build to the upper limits in the Official Community Plan (within the Urban Containment Boundary) without the need for rezoning, and to delegate Development Permit approvals for non-market housing to staff.
  • The bylaws received first, second, and third reading at the August 12, 2024 Council meeting, and final reading and adoption is expected on September 9th. For details, see the July 15, 2024 staff report on Rapid Deployment of Non-Market Housing.
  • For more background, see the September 25, 2023 staff report.

Saanich Affordable Housing Reserve Fund (SAHRF)

Council voted to support a new Saanich Affordable Housing Reserve Fund Policy on July 15, 2024, along with a new Bylaw No, 10015 To Establish a Reserve Fund for Affordable Housing. The bylaw will establish a separate Reserve Fund solely dedicated to affordable housing, with clearly defined eligibility criteria and funding amounts. Two grant streams, Pre-Development and Capital, will provide municipal funding both early in the development process and during construction of new supply.

  • The SAHRF Policy and Bylaw received final reading and adoption on August 12, 2024.
  • To read the staff report and review the proposed new policy, see the July 15, 2024, Council Agenda (item E3).

Fast-tracking Approval of Non-Market Housing  

Since March, 2024, the Non-Market Housing Policy ensures that applications from non-market and co-operative housing providers are prioritized throughout the entire development review process. The prioritization begins in the pre-application phase and continues through to occupancy permit, and involves all relevant Saanich departments.

Permissive Tax Exemptions for Affordable Rental Housing

Non-profit organizations who are providing affordable rental or supportive housing in Saanich can apply for a Permissive Tax Exemption. In 2024, seventeen affordable rental housing properties will receive tax exemptions under the new policy, supporting the provision of critical housing in our community.