News release

For immediate release

Saanich Council adopts new Strategic Plan

Saanich, BC – Saanich Council has adopted the 2019-2023 Strategic Plan to guide the next four years. The plan includes new goals to move the community toward the Saanich vision.

“Council is proud to share the Strategic Plan for our term and beyond,” said Mayor Fred Haynes. “We developed the plan through months of collaborative working sessions. We will make steady progress toward the Saanich vision with the initiatives and actions in the plan while remaining responsive to the needs and interests of our citizens.”

The Strategic Plan acts as a road map that tells residents, Council and staff where Saanich is going and what kind of community it could become. It defines Saanich’s priorities, processes, and short and long-term work plans.

The plan includes 40 major initiatives and actions under the newly created five goal areas:

• Community well-being
• Affordable housing, land use and infrastructure management
• Organizational excellence
• Economic diversification
• Climate action and environmental leadership

The Strategic Plan is closely tied to the five-year Financial Plan, also known as the budget. The priorities in the Strategic Plan help inform Council’s decision-making during annual budget deliberations. The funded initiatives and actions in the Strategic Plan are implemented through departmental work plans. 

"During our annual budget deliberations, Council will carefully consider how we can move forward with the new, currently unfunded or partially funded initiatives and actions in the plan," said Mayor Haynes. "We must prioritize how we allocate the funds and resources needed to achieve our goals."

The plan is a living document and Council will adjust as needed due to emerging issues and changing priorities. Council and staff will hold three plan check-ins throughout the year to update progress on initiatives and to reassess priorities.

Saanich vision

The Official Community Plan describes the Saanich vision:

Saanich is a sustainable community where a health natural environment is recognized as paramount for ensuring social well-being and economic vibrancy for current and future generations.

Learn more

Read the full 2019-2023 Strategic Plan, including detailed goals, initiatives and actions, at Saanich.ca/strategicplan. Saanich welcomes public input on the Strategic Plan at any time. Send your feedback to strategicplan@saanich.ca. 

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Media contact:
Megan Catalano
Communications Manager
250-475-7639
megan.catalano@saanich.ca