Zac de Vries

Not sure why people think trolling will advance their cause. Especially when they troll people who seek the same outcomes they do.

Trolling undermines productive, meaningful, and inclusive discourse!

Hoping that we can keep Bluesky free of trolling

Housing crisis fuelling largest B.C. exodus in decades, says analysis Negative net interprovincial migration could be ‘canary in coal mine,’ according to Business Council of British Columbia

British Columbians, especially young families, are being priced out.

This isn’t just a housing crisis—it’s a sign that we’re losing the very people who make our communities & economy strong.

We need the next generation to thrive just as much as they do!

www.biv.com/news/real-es...

You’ve chosen to deflect rather than discuss the nuances of the matter.

I’m more than happy to discuss in good faith if you’d like to.

Housing is a multifaceted issue. Restrictive zoning is the foundation of any kind of asset crisis.

Speculation and vacancy taxes, foreign buyer taxes and restrictions, flipping tax, and other measures have been important to reduce toxic demand. More can be done, but a balanced market is helpful

While we are all worried about the economy, interest rates, and what the future holds. I’m grateful that we have avoided a recession so far. We need to keep working at all levels of government on the issues that matter most!

Prices are stable, hopefully this gives incomes a chance to catch up a bit!

While some housing markets have become (slightly) buyers markets the CRD appears to be balanced.

In times of a housing shortage, with many residents waiting for the chance to move out and form their own households we need applications for housing of all kinds to consider!

Great to see non-market housing included here as well!

Saanich unveils draft Shelbourne Valley Plan update ahead of public engagement The project seeks to create 1,700 new housing units to meet provincial housing targets

#Saanich - Saanich unveils draft Shelbourne Valley Plan update ahead of public engagement www.vicnews.com/local-news/s...

Lindsay Chase, Director of Planning for the District of Saanich and longtime planning educator, has been named a Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Planners: Canada’s highest honour in the field.

Congrats Lindsay!

‘We will try to be back’: Overnight fire closes Crooked Goose Bistro in Saanich Restaurant owners in Saanich are reeling after an overnight fire damaged the Crooked Goose Bistro.

Restaurant owners in Saanich are reeling after an overnight fire damaged the Crooked Goose Bistro.

Open to ideas on how to move forward with a plan that delivers the infrastructure needed to deliver the core services that make our community function

The time value of money and the opportunity cost of saving would make a cash driven redevelopment of the SOC a very painful and unpractical approach due to the large tax increases that would have been required and that the reserves do not gain a lot of interest.

Saanich backs 68-unit rental project with long-term housing agreement The 6-storey building will include a mix of units ranging from studios to three-bedroom apartments

#Saanich - Saanich backs 68-unit rental project with long-term housing agreement www.goldstreamgazette.com/local-news/s...

Grass Lake wildfire north of Sooke now being held The fire in the Sea to Sea Regional Park was first discovered July 14

ICYMI: “Grass Lake wildfire north of Sooke now being held” www.saanichnews.com/local-news/g... via Saanich News

#BCWildfire #Sooke #Wildfires #YYJ

Break and enter call changes to mental health barricade: Saanich police After nearly four hours on site, Saanich police apprehended two individuals under the Mental Health Act following an initial break and enter response.

After nearly four hours on site, Saanich police apprehended two individuals under the Mental Health Act following an initial break and enter response.

Composite picture showing cargo bike next to a sandy beach, a bigger view of the beach, sun shelter with towel and backpack, and a view of two Natives sandal shoes

Beat the summer heat at the beach! Fit our stuff and a little sun shelter in our cargo bike and parked at a rack steps from the sand. Love shoes like Natives for pedaling and beach walking #cargobikelife #yyj #saanich

After 33+ years of city planning, one thing I long ago lost tolerance for is the deliberate spreading of lies about planning processes to scare people, especially seniors, ESL etc.

It’s a reasonable question to ask “why are you spreading lies & scaring your neighbours about what’s being proposed?”

$50 million, 95-unit affordable housing project breaks ground in Saanich With $15.6 million from the province and $198,000 from the District of Saanich, the building is anticipated to open in August 2027

Is your province building affordable homes? $50 million, 95-unit affordable housing project breaks ground in Saanich - Greater Victoria News share.google/VZaP8HyAiBGX...

Saanich's Galey Farms reboots summer train after 10-year pause Starting on Aug. 1, the farm will begin offering trips on its famed locomotive

I hear from a lot of people they want to see trains back in the CRD.

Not sure this is what they meant, but hey, it's a start!
www.vicnews.com/local-news/s...

I appreciate your kind words. That said I see it as prerequisite of the job. I think you’ve done well and from what I read respectfully shared your views too! So thank you!

We don’t allow any reaction to comments period. No cheers or heckling, because it isn’t fair to residents who may not share the same viewpoint and want to be heard as well

Chamber needs to be safe & welcoming for all people and perspectives. We are consistent in this expectation of all participants

I welcome, listen to, and consider all viewpoints. I have no problem with disagreement or dissent; these are essential to democracy

I do not tolerate disrespect or dehumanizing behaviour, especially towards fellow residents

Everyone has the right to participate and share there views without abuse

Agreed. One I’ve heard repeated the most is that Saanich will demolish your home or force you to build to the plan maximum. Neither are remotely true.

Agreed! These behaviours certainly silence many others.

We all have a responsibility for creating a safe environment for engagement and to ask ourselves which voices are missing, why, and how can we better include them!

There was unacceptable behavior at Saanich Council last night during the public meeting on the Quadra McKenzie Plan.

Respectful disagreement and open debate are part of democracy. Harassment is not. Every resident — regardless of their view — has the right to be heard without fear or intimidation!

Quadra McKenzie Plan Update:

The draft plan has been revised with major changes based on your input in Phase 3.

Your voice matters — Phase 4 engagement is coming this fall.

Let’s keep shaping this plan together. #Saanich #QuadraMcKenziePlan

Nothing says summer quite like Saanich’s Strawberry Festival! 🍓

I love seeing the smiling faces as people line up for their signature ice cream and strawberries—it’s a tradition I’m always excited to help serve.

The updated Quadra McKenzie Draft Plan is on the next Saanich Council agenda — for info only, not adoption.

Why? Because another round of public engagement is coming. That’s your chance to shape the plan.

Read more: saanichca.primegov.com/Portal/Meeti...

Building homes is harder and more expensive than ever.

These changes make it easier to deliver the housing our communities need—while still investing in the infrastructure that supports both new and existing residents.

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