Have your say! Participate in Saanich’s budget engagement process

Information Bulletin
For immediate release

Saanich, BC – If you’re a Saanich resident who’s always wondered how the municipal budget is put together – and who is keen to share your opinions on how funds should be prioritized – then you won’t want to miss participating in the District’s annual budget engagement.

The District is making some enhancements to the process to better capture the sentiments of residents who care deeply about the future of their community. The HelloSaanich survey features some new questions this year, as well as some modifications to existing questions – both made in response to citizen feedback.

A new video is also being launched to help build understanding of the many different and important priorities that are weighed as budget decisions are made. More educational resources are also being offered within the online survey, to provide respondents with more information and context before answering questions.

The draft Financial Plan includes the annual budget for the municipality as well as the proposed 2026 Saanich Police and Greater Victoria Public Library budgets, all for Council’s consideration.

How can I take part in Saanich’s budget survey?

From now until February 9, 2026, residents can visit HelloSaanich to participate in the survey.

While visitors to the site are not required to register to view information on the budget process, they will need to set up an account to provide their opinions. This will help us gather the best local input to make informed strategic financial planning decisions.

How will public input be used?

Comments submitted by residents in the survey will be provided to Council as citizen feedback.

More ways to share your input

Saanich will hold special budget meetings. At these Committee of the Whole meetings, Saanich residents are welcome to share their feedback with Council.

• Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
• Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. (only if required)
• Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. (only if required)
• Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. 

All Council meetings are available via live webcast, and the webcasts are recorded and include presentation materials which can be viewed at your convenience.

You are encouraged to share your input by:

• Emailing budget@saanich.ca or council@saanich.ca by noon on the day of the meeting;
• Mailing or dropping off written feedback at the Municipal Hall drop box by noon on the day of the meeting; or
• Registering to call in and speak at the meeting. Registration details are available on the meeting agenda.

In-person attendance in the Council Chambers is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. It’s recommended that those who wish to attend the meeting in person have an alternate plan for electronic participation in case space is not available.

Next steps

Council deliberates on the draft Financial Plan over the next couple of months. Council will adopt the Financial Plan and Tax Rate Bylaws by May 11, 2026.

Learn more

Access the budget survey, budget meeting schedule, new video and other educational resources at saanich.ca/budget.

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Media contact:
Saanich Communications
media@saanich.ca