News Release
For immediate release

Saanich, BC - The Planning Institute of British Columbia (PIBC) has recognized the District of Saanich for its planning excellence in two District initiatives.  

The District of Saanich received the Gold Excellence in Policy Planning – City and Urban Areas award for its Biodiversity Conservation Strategy (BCS) & Urban Forest Strategy (UFS), along with a Silver Excellence in Planning Practice: Cities and Urban Areas for its Strategic Support for Non-Market Housing.

“Achieving two medals really speaks to the dedication and skill of Saanich staff, who care deeply about our community,” says Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock. “Whether it’s improving access to more affordable and supportive housing options, or enhancing Saanich’s biodiversity and urban forest — the award-winning work they are doing today will shape our future and improve people’s lives.”

About the District’s Biodiversity Conservation Strategy and Urban Forest Strategy

The BCS and UFS are two strategies that align with the District’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing biodiversity in Saanich, promoting sustainable land use, and highlighting the importance of community stewardship.

Both strategies were informed through engagement with Saanich’s community and the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council. They were developed by Diamond Head Consulting with support of the District’s Parks staff. The Biodiversity Conservation Strategy was developed with advice from the Resilient Saanich Technical Committee, a Council appointed group of local technical experts.

“We are thrilled to see further recognition of Saanich’s efforts to maintain and enhance biodiversity in this special place we call home,” says Eva Riccius, Senior Manager of Parks. “Protecting our urban forest is another key focus for the District, as we work towards a tree canopy cover of 44 per cent over the next 40 years. This will support community health and well-being, as well as climate resilience.”

About the District’s Strategic Support for Non-Market Housing

A key priority in the Housing Strategy is increasing support for and supply of affordable, adequate, supportive, and accessible housing for low to moderate income households and vulnerable residents. The Strategic Supports recognize the crucial role that non-profit housing providers play in providing much-needed affordable housing in Saanich, and provide significant supports to accelerate the delivery of new non-market housing supply.  

The District also launched a Rapid Deployment of Non-Market Housing Program to make the development approval process faster for non-market housing in Saanich, along with the Saanich Affordable Housing Reserve Fund to provide grants for new affordable housing.

“Increasing the supply of affordable and supportive housing is a priority for the District. We are proud to be recognized for our efforts to make it easier for non-profit organizations to build and operate this type of housing in Saanich,” says Lindsay Chase, Director of Planning. “These strategic supports are aimed at reducing project approval times and other barriers, to help get more projects built in a timely manner and meet the needs of our community.”

About PIBC:

The PIBC Awards for Excellence in Planning recognizes the professional work and accomplishments of members across B.C. and the Yukon. Learn more about the PIBC Awards.

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Media Contact:
Saanich Communications
media@saanich.ca