Saanich celebrates Economic Development Week

News Release
For immediate release

Saanich, BC – The District of Saanich is acknowledging Economic Development Week from May 4 to 8, as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting the economic prosperity of the region.

Economic Development Week is a global initiative, organized by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), which highlights the programs, professionals, and strategies that create jobs and improve the quality of life for local residents. Economic Development Week presents an opportunity to examine the evolution of economic development, celebrate successes, and lay the groundwork for the next era of prosperity for our community.

“Economic Development Week is a great opportunity to celebrate the businesses and community connectors who help make Saanich such a vibrant and prosperous community,” says District of Saanich Economic Development Manager Mitchell Edgar. “From long-standing local shops to innovative new companies, Saanich businesses create jobs, support neighbourhoods and strengthen our local economy every day.”

Building sustainable growth

In 2025, Saanich Council approved the Economic Development Strategy with a five-year horizon that began in 2023. The goal is to shape local policy, inform investment, and support a wide range of programs and partnerships that strengthen local sectors of the economy.

 

Over the course of 2025, the District’s Economic Development team has had over 2,000 engagements with Saanich businesses as part of its BusinessCare program. Designed to gain insights and feedback from business owners, this initiative will inform future policy changes targeted towards driving economic growth.

Along with the BusinessCare program, the team partnered with the Saanich Sustainability Division and the Synergy Foundation, a local non-profit, to provide Saanich businesses with the opportunity to engage in the Circular Economy Accelerator program.

This program, aimed at helping businesses achieve operational efficiencies, reduce waste and emissions, and develop innovative practices, was a smash success and was able to help more than a dozen Saanich businesses. First of its kind in Canada, the program helps position businesses as industry leaders, increasing revenue, attracting talent and investment, and paving the way to a sustainable and resilient future for our community.  

“We are proud of the contributions Saanich businesses make to our community, and we remain committed to fostering a strong, resilient economy where businesses can thrive,” says Edgar. “This week, and all year long, we encourage residents to shop local and support the amazing businesses that help make Saanich a great place to live, work and invest.”

Learn more and engage with us

Ready to connect? Contact the Economic Development Office at ecdev@saanich.ca or click here to book your 30-minute one on one BusinessCare meeting. 

For additional information about how Saanich is supporting local economic growth through initiatives such as hotel investments, film promotion, sports tourism, and intelligent community projects, please contact Manager of Economic Development Mitchell Edgar at ecdev@saanich.ca.

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Media contact:
Saanich Communications
media@saanich.ca