Housing Strategy
The 2021 Housing Strategy is a comprehensive plan that provides clear direction to improve housing opportunities and address the urgent need for housing affordability, diversity, and supply.
The Housing Division reports annually on progress related to Housing Strategy actions and goals, as well as broad trends in the housing market.
Learn more about the Housing Strategy and priority actions.
Provincial Housing Targets
The Province has provided the District of Saanich with mandated housing targets, including tripling the volume of permits over the next five years to 4,610 units. This is the total minimum number of net new completed housing units required to comply with this Provincial Housing Target Order.
The District is committed to improving housing supply and affordability in our community through achieving the mandated targets laid out by the Province.
These targets will see Saanich improve upon the positive actions already underway in our 10-year Housing Strategy, which include:
- Planning for infill housing through the Neighbourhood Homes Study and intensification on major corridors through the Quadra Mackenzie Study
- Updates to the development process, with the goal of making it more efficient and faster.
- Exploring affordable housing opportunities on municipally-owned lands
Learn more about the Housing Target Order in relation to Saanich.
On October 28, 2024, Saanich Council received the Housing Target Progress Report for Reporting Period 1.2, which includes Oct 1, 2023 - Sep 30, 2024. The report has been submitted to the Ministry of Housing.
- Housing Target Progress Report Period 1.2 [PDF - 288 KB]
- Housing Target Progress Report Period 1.1 [PDF - 235 KB]
Figure 1: Provincial housing targets for Saanich until 2028
Figure 2: Housing development process in Saanich
Figure 3: Provincial housing guidelines for Saanich
Priority Actions Underway
2024 Housing Needs Report
A comprehensive update to the Saanich Housing Needs Report (HNR) has been undertaken, to provide a current assessment of existing and anticipated future housing needs within the District. The 2024 HNR fulfills the Local Government Act requirements for Interim Housing Needs Reports (as per recent amendments to the Act). It identifies the number of housing units needed for 5 and 20 years following the 2021 Census, and additionally presents updated population and dwelling statistics; population and household projections; actions taken by the District since the last HNR; and statements regarding key areas of housing need. The 2024 HNR was received by Council on November 18, 2024.
During 2025, work will be undertaken to ensure alignment between the findings in the 2024 HNR and the Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw.
- 2024 Saanich Housing Needs Report [PDF - 3 MB]
- Council Report (see item I.1)
Neighbourhood Homes (Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing)
Saanich is implementing policy and regulatory changes that will make it easier to build infill housing in Saanich neighbourhoods. This includes zoning changes that permit the construction of infill housing forms including duplexes, townhouses, and houseplexes.
In November 2023, the Province introduced legislation requiring local governments to allow 3, 4 or 6 units per lot in all single-detached zones, depending on lot size and location. Effective June 30th, 2024, the District of Saanich Zoning Bylaw has been amended to meet these requirements.
For more information, visit the Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (formerly Neighbourhood Homes) webpage.
Rapid Deployment of Non-Market Housing
Recently Completed Actions
Fast-tracking Approval of Non-Market Housing
A new Non-Market Housing Policy was adopted by Council on March 18, 2024, which prioritizes applications from non-market and co-operative housing providers throughout the entire development review process. More information, including the adopted Council Policy, can be found in this Council report.
Permissive Tax Exemptions for Affordable Rental Housing
In June 2023 Council endorsed the Permissive Tax Exemption Policy for Supportive and Affordable Rental Housing. The purpose of the policy is to incent the development of new non-market housing supply, and to support the viability of existing non-market housing. In 2024, seventeen affordable rental housing properties will receive tax exemptions under the new policy, supporting the provision of critical housing in our community. Inquiries can be directed to PermissiveExemptions@saanich.ca.
Small Apartment Infill Zone and Policy
Council endorsed a new RA-1A Small Apartment Zone and Small Apartment Infill Policy on May 1, 2023. The Council report provides information on how the new zone is intended to be used and in what locations. Those with specific development inquiries should contact the Planning Department at planning@saanich.ca or 250-475-5471.
Definition of Affordability
On May 15, 2023 Council endorsed a new Definition of Affordability for the District of Saanich. The definition is customized to the Saanich context, but also aligns with regional and provincial guidelines that address affordable housing. It will be updated annually and used in several housing policy contexts, including the Community Amenity Contribution and Inclusionary Housing Policy. Developing a “definition of affordability” is a Phase 1 priority action in the Saanich Housing Strategy (Action 4.4 C).
Tenant Assistance Policy
On May 1, 2023, Saanich Council adopted a new Tenant Assistance Policy. The policy comes into effect on June 12, 2023, and requires that rezoning applicants provide support to tenants who are being evicted as a result of redevelopment or major renovation. More information can be found here.