Zac de Vries

The short answer to whether there are easy to cut or delay board directed initiatives is no.

Most budget increases come from the cost of core service delivery.

See the breakdown on the projected requisition increase for your community in Column D

An area of concern, and future budget pressure, is the drawing down on CRD reserve funds.

It is wise that there are annual transfers to reserves and the CRD has used debt strategically to smooth out costs for taxpayers.

Transfers to reserves need to be increased going forward.

CRD staff, based on board direction, looked to reduce the increase this year from potential double digits down to 6.3%, 4.7% if you exclude municipal debt (which is owned by each individual local government but flows through the CRD).

This is why delaying necessary projects is not fiscally responsible.

This graph shows CRD budget projections from 2026-2030.

Every year, based on board direction staff work hard to reduce expenditures where possible while continuing to deliver the services residents expect.

This is a great move by the City of Victoria to operate the YMCA/YWCA pool during the Crystal Pool construction.

This helps take pressure off Saanich’s pools and other public pools in the region.

That said the closure of pools over the years across the region is very concerning.

Saanich is making progress on our housing targets, but we need to do more.

Families are growing, existing residents circumstance and needs are changing, people are looking to settling in our region, meeting housing needs is a good thing for everyone.

More work to be done to get there!

Why! So disappointed in Colwood for denying 66 homes.

Colwood Corners is designated for high-density development according to the 2018 Official Community Plan.

What is the point of a community plan if everyone ignores it?

#yyjpoli #yyjpolitics #colwood #hfl #homesforliving #housingcrisis

Transportation is also a large line item, but is most often number 2. There’s some exceptions to this, especially if someone Rents a single room in a shared house.

Transportation is also a significant opportunity to address coat of living!

Housing is the largest line item in most people's budgets.

Housing is the foundation of affordability for individuals and families.

Building more homes of all types is the most effective way to tackle the cost of living!

Valid point here!

Interesting ideas! I will pass them onto staff.

Something to note is nothing is changing any time soon; changes will be made in response to traffic and congestion issues as they get worse in order to offer some relief for people and it will be tied to transit improvement and community and growth

Most likely it would begin as HOV but it is dependant on a lot of factors. First plug I’ve heard to add motorcycles to that, interesting!

The only way to move more people through McKenzie Avenue faster is with bus lanes paired with cycling and pedestrian infrastructure.

It would be paired with community and regional growth as well as rapid transit from BC Transit!

This is part of building back better!

About Us - BC Rent Bank BC Rent Bank provides funding to the provincial rent bank network and supports our partners with technology, resources, and training.

The link above is for Greater Victoria, there is a broader network of the BC Rent Bank Across the province: bcrentbank.ca/about-us/

Are you on strike and struggling to pay your rent on your strike pay?

Please consider applying to the BC Rent Bank, which exists to support renters through short-term crisis.

More information here: communitycouncil.ca/rentbank/

Saanich rezones district-owned land in Royal Oak for 'special' proposal The 2.7-acre parcel on West Saanich Road has been rezoned for mixed use, allowing buildings up to 12 storeys

#Saanich - Saanich rezones district-owned land in Royal Oak for 'special' proposal www.vicnews.com/local-news/s...

Saanich is helping non-profit housing providers build the homes our community needs by funding the pre-development costs for nearly 400 new affordable homes.

The funding comes from contributions made by new market housing. It’s a great example of growth helping meet community needs!

About 400 new units of non-market housing are closer to becoming a reality in #Saanich, with help from the Saanich Affordable Housing Reserve Fund (SAHRF):

www.saanich.ca/EN/main/news...

That does make a difference! Im grateful to live near the Goose and Uptown exchange. Lots of transport options!

Agree, theres more than enough room too! Hope something is in the works there!

When a single car crash can gridlock Greater Victoria, it shows the fragility of autocentricity.

Walkable neighborhoods, safe cycling routes, and rapid & reliable transit aren’t just nice-to-haves—they’re resilience. They give people options, cut congestion, and keep the city moving!

Where are SSMUH applications located in Saanich?

100% are within the Urban Containment Boundary.

Most are within or proximate to primary growth areas.

Others are close to parks and schools, perfect for families!

Huge opportunity for families here!

The connections between Langford and Saanich has really "Evolved" thanks to the Evolve e-bike share expanding into Saanich!

Check it out!

Where is SSMUH implementation at in Saanich?

Since the bylaw was approved June 2024 are shown in the chart below.

56% of applications are to build duplexes.

9.5% are for triplexes

Without 3 & 4 bedroom units, it’s game over for families in Saanich.

Small Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) is the best option we have to build homes where families can live, grow, and stay in our community.

Undermining SSMUH = undermining the future of families in Saanich.

I am grateful for the commitment of BC Housing to support the Victoria Natiuve Friendship Centre’s efforts in expanding the avaialbility of shelter beds in Saanich.

These new shelter beds will offer immediate relief for people in need and help keep people safe.

www.saanich.ca/EN/main/news...

Highlights the need to review these rules!