News release 

For immediate release 

Housing task force makes recommendations, Saanich invites feedback

Saanich, BC – The District of Saanich is one step closer to developing its housing strategy and is looking for input from the public on the recent recommendations from the task force.

“There is an urgent need to address our housing challenges, especially for low and moderate income households” said Mayor Fred Haynes. “Working towards diverse and affordable housing options is essential to responding to the needs of all our residents. We look forward to hearing feedback from the public on the task force recommendations.”

The Housing Strategy will guide how Saanich will move forward to achieve greater housing, affordability and diversity now and into the future.

Task force recommendations

The Task Force identified top priorities for immediate action and a series of supporting principles, strategies and actions based on a 10-year time horizon. The Task Force recommendations are organized under seven key themes: 

• Increasing affordable and supportive housing;
• Promoting and protecting rental housing;
• Supporting housing diversity and increasing supply;
• Reducing barriers to housing development;
• Strengthening partnerships;
• Enhancing community engagement of housing needs and initiatives; and
• Understanding housing demand and addressing land speculation.

Take the survey

We’re looking for feedback from you! Share your thoughts on the task force’s recommendations on housing and affordability in Saanich via our short survey.

Stay informed

Want to stay in the loop? Visit the project webpage at saanich.ca/housing and register here to sign up for our email notification list for the latest news, updates, and opportunities to participate in the housing strategy.

Quick facts:

• On June 22, 2020, Council endorsed the housing strategy terms of reference and the creation of a task force to assist with building the strategy.
• The main purpose of the task force was to provide Council with recommendations for action-oriented strategies designed to achieve greater housing supply, affordability and diversity and accommodate a broad range of community housing needs now and in the future.
• The Task Force met 13 times between September 2020 and February 2021 and was comprised of 18 individuals with a range of expertise and qualifications.
• The final Housing Strategy will be drafted once feedback is gathered from the public on the task force’s recommendations. A proposed Housing Strategy would then be presented to Council for consideration.
• The Task Force recommendations were informed by the District’s recent Housing Needs Report;
• The Housing Strategy will be focused on Saanich’s role in addressing housing challenges with actions that aim to improve housing outcomes through policies, plans, incentives and regulations; updates to development approval processes; municipal resources; partnership opportunities, and community capacity building;
• More information is available at saanich.ca/housing.

 

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Media contacts:
Adam Flint
Saanich Communications
adam.flint@saanich.ca
250- 475-7640