Support for Non-Market Housing

Increasing the supply of affordable and supportive housing in Saanich is a priority in the Housing Strategy. The District will accomplish this by actively supporting and working in partnership with non-market housing providers, and prioritizing intiatives that benefit this sector. Read more below about how we are making it easier for non-profit organizations to build and operate affordable housing in Saanich. 

Rapid Deployment of Non-Market Housing Program (RDP)

The Rapid Deployment Program aims to make it easier to build non-market housing in Saanich. It consists of two key components:

  • Eligible non-market housing providers are permitted to build to the upper limits in the Official Community Plan without the need for rezoning.
  • Staff has authority to approve Development Permits for RDP projects.

For background information on RDP, see:

Saanich Affordable Housing Reserve Fund (SAHRF)

Saanich has formally established a Reserve Fund that is solely dedicated to supporting the development of affordable housing, with clearly defined eligibility criteria and funding amounts. Two grant streams, Pre-Development and Capital, provide municipal funding both early in the development process and during construction of new supply.

Non-market housing providers are now invited to apply. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

How to apply:
  1. Review the SAHRF Policy and Capital Grant Distribution Process. The policy includes important information about eligibility, funding streams, grant conditions, and approval processes.
  2. Contact the Planning Department at planning@saanich.ca to inform us of your intent to apply and discuss your application.
  3. Submit a completed application form for one of the two grant streams:

For more information about the SAHRF, see the staff report in the July 15, 2024, Council Agenda (item E3).

Permissive Tax Exemptions

Non-profit organizations who provide affordable rental or supportive housing in Saanich can apply for a Permissive Tax Exemption. 

How to apply:

Community Amenity Contribution (CAC) Waiver

CACs are amenities provided by developers through a rezoning process that seeks to provide direct benefit to residents in a community. As affordable housing is a valued public amenity, not-for-profit rental and affordable ownership housing units are exempt from providing CACs.

Non-market housing providers indicate their eligibility for a CAC waiver in their Development Permit application.

Development Cost Charge (DCC) Reduction

DCCs are fees collected from land developers to help fund the cost of growth-related infrastructure and parks. Non-market housing providers may be eligible for a reduction in DCCs.

How to receive a DCC reduction:

  1. Complete a Development Cost Charges (DCC) Reduction Application form.
  2. Submit an application form and proof of an executed legal agreement that secures affordability and rental tenure to Development Services by email at development@saanich.ca or in person at 3500 Blanshard Street.
  3. If approved, a refund for the reduction amount will be issued 30 days of receiving an occupancy permit for the project.

For more information contact Development Services at (250) 475-5570.

Fast-tracking Approval of Non-Market Housing  

 The Non-Market Housing Policy ensures that applications from non-market and co-operative housing providers are prioritized throughout the entire development review process. Prioritization begins in the pre-application phase, continues through to occupancy permit and involves all relevant Saanich departments.

CRD Regional Housing Trust Fund (RHTF)

The RHTF offers capital grants for the acquisition, development and retention of housing within the CRD that is affordable to households with low or moderate incomes. The District of Saanich contributes to the RHTF annually.

For more information on how to apply, visit CRD Regional Housing Trust Fund.